Art Gap 2019: Kapuso in motion

A teacher crossing the sea, people bringing relief, a camera man in action were among the entries that won top prizes at GMA Network’s 2019 Art Gap. 

Starting as an exhibit of paintings by the network’s employees and talents in 2001, Art Gap has now become an annual, much-awaited event, showcasing and celebrating works in various media such as painting, photography and caricature drawing.

At GMA, one of our core values is the pursuit of creativity and innovation. Art Gap is an opportunity for our employees to showcase their diverse talents.

For this year’s competition, photography was the chosen medium of artistic expression. GMA has invited two of the field’s most accomplished and experienced photographers the pioneering master lens man Wig Tysmans and sought-after commercial photographer Shaira Luna. Alongside the two masters in the photo industry, Paul Ticzon, GMA’s first VP for post production and also expert photographer, determined the winners.

What makes a winning photo?

“The photos must reflect the theme,” Tysmans said. The theme, Kapuso in Motion, shines the spotlight on the network’s employees, viewers, partners and “unsung heroes” that propelled the network to its success. He then looks at the technical details next. “The colors, patterns and texture they all add to the impact.” 

For Luna, the photos must show visual stories and unique moments that highlight the values in action. “I am looking for photos that show movement, of Kapuso in action. I especially love seeing the stories that happen behind the scenes,” Luna said. 

“All the photos were winners in my eyes,” Ticzon said. “However, I was drawn more to the photos which echoed the theme of Kapuso in Motion and the values of what a Kapuso is. The storytelling was primary and the technical aspects like composition, exposure, colors, etc., though contributory to the overall impact of the photos, were secondary for me.”

The top prize went to John Eumer Yanga of News and Public Affairs for his photo Chasing Dreams.

“Through our lenses, it has always been an honor for me to speak for the people who can’t speak for themselves,” John said. “We were doing a documentary at Dolores, Eastern Samar. It was about a teacher who helps her kindergarten students to cross a strait in order to go to school every day. We followed teacher Annie and the kids that day, expecting that the walking would be just full of fun and laughter. The two-kilometer journey to school turned out to be not easy for the team. But the kids seemed to be enjoying their way as they wade through the water. Here, we have also seen the passion and dedication of teacher Annie in her work…” 

The second prize went to Danilo Fausto of GMA Kapuso Foundation for his photo, Daluyong na Tulong. 

“Ang gusto kong pong ipahayag duon ay ang pagtutulungan o bayanihan hindi lamang sa oras ng kalamidad. Maging mataas na tao ka man, sundalo, o ordinaryong tao, ang maganda lahat nagkakatulungan,” Fausto said.

The third prize went to Benedicto Mendoza of Post Production for his photo Faceless Champions and Orland Figueroa of News and Public Affairs for his photo The Daily Grind.

“The inspiration behind my photo was the everyday heroes that don’t like that glittering limelight. They are the men and women of our company that gives that extra hour to make something out of the ordinary. They are the tireless people driven by passion,” Mendoza said. 

Figueroa said, “In my work, I get to know different people and see different kinds of life. It is not just the storytelling but the voice and visual language to bring about the needs of the subject. It is important for the visual language to be a voice for people who do not hear and reflect on our country’s situations.”

GMA is home to some of the finest and most creative thinkers and doers in the industry. It is the leading broadcasting company in the Philippines which produces the most innovative, most trusted and top-rating TV programs.