UAP MCC 1st Online Photo Contest

September was a very hectic but fruitful month both for the UAP District B2 and Manila Corinthian Chapter.

Just two weeks after the Heritage Tour of Pampanga and Bataan, members of the board joined other officers under the district for the Corporate Planning and Team Building last September 14-15, 2013.  Three days after, the Chapter held its first Corinthian KKK, with wealth coach Chinkee Tan as Resource Speaker last September 18, 2013.  Afterwards, we were all set to celebrate our 24th Chapter Anniversary at Liquid Pool and Lounge at Manila Ocean Park last September 25.

October started with the celebration for World Architecture day with a theme "Philippine Architecture as a Living Culture".  The district under the leadership of Corinthian's very own Ar. Patrick Rodriguez with the help of the District Council organized a series of lectures from the following respected Architects:

Ar. Joel V. Rico, fpia
"Evolution of Filipino Housing in the Context of Culture and Heritage"
Ar. Ernesto R. Zarate, fpia
"Filipino Cultural Beliefs in Housing: Bane or Boon for Filipino Architects"
Ar. Walter Ocampo, uap
"Mutation: The Survival of Architecture Tradition in the Age of Vulgar Pluralism"

Since, the district event is limited to 15 members, and not all can take time off from work to join the National Activities at Market, Market, I decided to come up with an Online Photo Contest based on the 2nd GMM Heritage Tour.  This gives all the attendees an opportunity to join and other members and friends to celebrate by interacting and liking their favorites.  The District is also organizing a Photography Contest and Workshop for the Nationwide Architecture Week this December, and something online is convenient in order not to pre-empt the upcoming activity.

With less than 1 week to prepare, I was uncertain of the turn-out of entries.  I tried to simplify the mechanics to encourage enthusiasts and professionals to join.  I for one can't find  a decent photo that does not include my face.  My initial objective is to boost interaction to our social media sites through the Photographs, and get as many people involve with the WDA celebration, but was given an advice to get a third party judge, to balance the value of images with the social media popularity which became the task of the District Council and Ar. Joel Rico of Las Casas.

I was really worried, since I only have 1 entry 3 days before the deadline, and 7 in the morning of October 4.  Fortunately, entries started coming towards the afternoon up to the set deadline.  I was overwhelmed with the 47 digital photographs sent.  I really appreciate the efforts of those who joined.

For the 1st Online Photo Contest, only 1 winner will be chosen.

Congratulations to Ar. Ronjay Manila for the winning entry.  He is now entitled to a free pass to all Chapter Events and 2,000 pesos cash.

The Winning Entry from Ar. RJ Manila

The Finalists

Should there be special awards, this would have been the Most Popular with more than 100 likes.

In Hindsight, I admittedly under estimated the reception of the members to the contest.  I totally agree with the feedback sent as to the areas for improvement.  An established Category should have been set (as to colored or black and white, raw or enhanced, mobile cams, digital or professional cameras) and criteria's clear.  But I felt that for this time that would be limiting.

As an insight, I realized the gift of talent from the members especially in this medium.  I am excited for the turn-out of entries of the future Photo Contests.