Kim Myeong-jin, director of the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines, head of the Korea Visa Application Center and Kim Hyung-joon, manager of the Manila office of the Korea Tourism Organization, stand with the winners of the "I Was Here: Mga Kuha sa Korea" photo contest at the KCC in Taguig, Metro Manila. The winners included Mark Kevin Paul Cee (second from left), Ariadne Arlene Denzon (third from left), and Arman Carinan (fourth from left). (KCC's official Facebook account)

In a collaboration between the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines and Manila branch of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the winning travel photos of the contest "I Was Here: Mga Kuha sa Korea" was opened to the public on Aug. 17. 

That day, the KCC hosted this event packed with a captivating collection of photographs of Korea. Invited to the awards ceremony on the same day, the winners described the inspiration behind their award-winning photos. I interviewed them via social media to gain insight into their works.  

Mark Kevin Paul Cee wears a Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. (Cee's official Facebook account)

Surprise champion

Mark Kevin Paul Cee expressed astonishment after being crowned the grand prize winner, saying, "I wasn't expecting my entry to win the contest. I was genuinely surprised when my sister and friends messaged me with the news of my victory."

Arman Carinan poses for the camera at the photo exhibition of the contest winners. (Arman Carinan)

Newcomer's triumph 

Arman Carinan, the first runner-up, said "I'm truly grateful. This was my first time participating in a photo contest here in the Philippines, and I was fortunate to secure a spot. This victory serves as a testament that great things can happen when you passionately pursue your interests."

Ariadne Arlene Denzon speaks in a media interview at the exhibition. (Ariadne Arlene Denzon)

Surreal recognition 

Ariadne Arlene Denzon said, "Even days after the exhibition's opening, it still feels surreal. I've entered numerous photo contests before but this is the first time for my work to be recognized. I feel so grateful and overjoyed that my photograph is displayed in an exhibit where visitors can be inspired and learn about Korea, a country I absolutely love."

This photo is from the Facebook account of Nolygene Joyce Sepagan.

Unexpected victory

Nolygene Joyce Sepagan shared a brief but meaningful story of her experience. "It still feels surreal since I didn't expect to win, especially since I submitted the photos just 10 minutes before the deadline," she said. "I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for this rare opportunity to showcase the beauty of Korea through my photos."