MANILA, Philippines – Ifugao photography enthusiasts got a rare treat when several of the country’s top lensmen travelled all the way to Banaue to give them a workshop.

The two-day “Canon PhotoSkwela” aimed to provide the Ifugaos with an opportunity to learn from professional photographers and equip them with skills they can use to earn a living.

The participants were also introduced to the different kinds of photography ranging from travel and landscape photography to photojournalism.

The Banaue workshop turned out to be one of the biggest among the various PhotoSkwela events in Manila and neighboring provinces, drawing over 400 photography enthusiasts.

It was held last February 4 to 5 at the Immaculate Conception School.

The series of photography, videography, and scrapbooking workshops was launched by imaging giant Canon to reach out to budding photographers and hobbyists alike.

“The opportunity to bring this project to Banaue was just once a dream,” Canon vice president and imaging communications product director Bong Serevo said.

“But now that we have successfully brought photography to the Ifugaos, we are inspired to bring it to even farther places. At the end of the day, more than just taking photos, I think we have also given the Ifugaos a different perspective of the vast and breathtaking landscape they live in,” he added.

The Canon PhotoSkwela in Banaue workshops were headed by Canon brand ambassadors John Chua, Jay Jallorina, Edwin Martinez, Ernie Sarmiento, Albert Garcia, Per-Andre Hoffmann and professors from the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation, George Cabig, Juan Rodriguez, Jiggie Alejandrino, Amir Alba, Chris Malinao, Meo Remalante and Roy Van Morales.

Rehabilitating the rice terraces

But more than the workshop, it was also an opportunity for Canon volunteer employees and photographers to help restore the beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces, which have suffered damages due to years of erosion and the recent typhoons that visited the country.

The volunteers were able to meet and interact with the local residents and work together to help rebuild the terraces.

“We usually get caught up with our daily routine -- our work -- that we tend to neglect what’s happening around us,” Canon president and chief executive Alan Chng said. “It is definitely within our reach to do something big to help save this wonder. Only if we work together will it be possible.”

(Photos taken by the Canon Advocacy Team of volunteer photographers: Sarita Zafra, Pet Salvador, Johans Lucena, Earl Choa, PJ Enriquez and Ryan Karl Rojero.)