Celebrating the Beauty of Baguio Through the Eyes of MONOL Students and Staff
Baguio City is known for its cool weather, beautiful scenery, rich culture, and unique charm. Through the MONOL Photo Contest: “This is BAGUIO!”, MONOL students, teachers, and employees were given the opportunity to capture and share what makes Baguio special.
The contest was not only about photography—it was also a chance for participants to showcase their creativity and photography skills while discovering the beauty of Baguio City.
A total of 15 participants joined the contest, each sharing their own perspective of Baguio through their photographs.
How Did the Contest Work?
The contest ran from July 22 to August 7, 2026:
- Submission of entries: July 22 – 29, 2026
- Voting: July 30 – August 6, 2026
- Announcement of winners: August 7, 2026
All photo entries were uploaded to MONOL’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
Participants then encouraged their friends and followers to vote for their favorite photos with Like or Heart reactions.
The photos with the most reactions made it to the top, and 5 winners received special prizes.
The Prizes: 1st to 5th Place
Each winner received a voucher from Aqua Garden Café to enjoy their favorite food and drinks:
- 1st Place: ₱500 voucher
- 2nd Place: ₱400 voucher
- 3rd Place: ₱300 voucher
- 4th Place: Any drink of their choice
- 5th Place: Any cookie of their choice
And now, let’s meet our 5 winners!
1st Place – Sheila Mae
Meet Sheila Mae, our 1st Place Winner, as she shares the inspiration behind her winning entry!
The Inspiration Behind the Lens
When asked about the inspiration for her photo—a striking shot featuring a bee hovering over a vibrant purple flower—the winner shared her thoughtful motivation:
“I want to showcase the beauty of Baguio, but also to let people see and appreciate the warmth and the culture, strength, and resilience of its people through the picture of the flower and a bee.”
By using nature as a metaphor, her image represents the delicate harmony and resilient spirit of the Baguio community.
A Surprising & Grateful Journey
Entering a contest can be intimidating, but taking the leap often brings unexpected rewards.
“I was challenged to share the picture, and I was shocked when people were voting for my entry,” she recalled. “I’m totally grateful for the support, and I’m happy for the prize that I’ve won from Aqua Garden… Well, thank you so much!”
Beyond taking home the 1st place title and a gift certificate from Aqua Garden, her entry inspired everyone who viewed and voted for her work.
2nd Place – Jerick Rubin
Meet Jerick Rubin, our 2nd Place Winner, as he reflects on his journey and what’s next for his photography!
Surprised by the Competition
Entering a public competition always comes with anticipation, especially when lined up against talented creators. For Jerick, seeing the sheer volume and quality of entries made the award win an exciting surprise:
“I was surprised because there were so many… a lot of competitors, and the reactions to the other pictures…”
Despite facing strong entries across the board, Jerick’s photograph stood out to voters, earning him 2nd place and a voucher from Aqua Garden Café.
Fueled for the Next Challenge
Rather than resting on his laurels, Jerick is already looking ahead to the next opportunity to hone his craft. The experience has only sharpened his competitive edge and passion for photography:
“Looking forward to more! And I will be more competitive to others to compete my photo. Thank you very much!”
3rd Place – Jolina Eta-et
Meet Jolina Eta-et, our 3rd Place Winner, as she shares the inspiration behind her winning entry!
Finding Calm in the View
Jolina’s entry, titled “Breathe Baguio,” showcases the sweeping hillsides of Baguio City, where vibrant houses blend into the rolling mountains.
When asked about what drew her to take the photo, Jolina shared how deeply the scenery moved her:
“I was inspired to take this photo because of the view. The view was very beautiful—it was breathtaking and really calming.”
Her photo encapsulates the exact feeling many people seek when visiting Baguio: a quiet moment to pause, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and take in the natural surroundings.
The Experience: Friendly Competition & Fun
Participating in a contest always brings a mix of excitement and nervous energy, and Jolina felt every bit of it during the event.
“The photo contest was amazing,” she reflected with a smile. “I admit it was fun, and I felt a little pressure because I had to compete with the other competitors. But overall, it was a great experience!”
Despite the friendly pressure, Jolina celebrated her victory enthusiastically, giving a warm shout-out to Aqua Garden and thanking everyone who supported her throughout the competition.
4th Place – Sev Batne
Meet Sev Batne, our 4th Place Winner, as he shares the inspiration behind his winning sunset shot!
Capturing the Warmth of Baguio
For Sev, taking his winning entry was all about sharing a quiet yet powerful moment: the golden Baguio sunset.
“I wanted to share the sunset moment of Baguio City. It gives warmth for the cold weather and warmth to the hearts of the people.”
Through his lens, Sev captured the perfect balance between Baguio’s crisp evening air and the glowing sunset hues that make the city feel like home.
A Two-Time Winner at MONOL
Winning a campus contest is always an exciting achievement, but for Sev, this victory marks a remarkable streak: this is his second time winning a prize in a MONOL challenge!
Sev expressed his gratitude for the continued support from the MONOL community and for the chance to take part in creative events that bring students and staff together.
5th Place – Wael Abdulaziz A. Bajahzar
Meet Wael Abdulaziz A. Bajahzar, our 5th Place Winner, as he talks about his spontaneous winning shot, his experience in the contest, and his prize!
A Casual Day Out Turned Award-Winning Shot
For Wael, capturing his winning entry wasn’t a heavily planned endeavor—it was all about enjoying the moment and having a keen eye for great lighting.
“Honestly, I was just going out with my friends riding horses in Camp John Hay,” Wael shared. “I saw a white horse with a very good view and sunlight, so I just took the photo. I had my camera with me, so I thought, why not?”
His candid capture caught the essence of outdoor adventures in Baguio, earning him a top spot in the competition.
Playful Disappointment & Easy Participation
When asked how he felt about placing 5th, Wael shared a laugh about his competitive spirit:
“I thought I’d be 1st or at least 2nd, so I’m kind of disappointed, actually! If I had shared it with my friends, it could have been higher… but it’s still great!”
Despite the playful rivalry, Wael praised how effortless and fun the participation process was for students:
“It was pretty easy. You just pick a photo from your gallery, post it, and then forget about it until someone comes up to you with a gift! It’s really easy to participate.”
Wael took home his official certificate along with an Aqua Garden Café voucher for a sweet prize—cookies!
THIS IS BAGUIO!
From beautiful mountain views and colorful streets to quiet corners and everyday moments, each participant captured Baguio in their own unique way.
Congratulations to all 5 winners, and thank you to everyone who participated and shared your love for Baguio through photography!
Here are more beautiful photos of Baguio City, Philippines, captured through the eyes of our talented MONOL participants.
Study • Fun • Travel — Experience It All at MONOL Main Campus
At MONOL Main Campus, learning English is not just about studying inside the classroom.
Students can also enjoy the beauty of Baguio, explore the city, make memories, and experience new things along the way.