Advocacy lies at the heart of photography, where photos are able to capture stories that stand the test of time. In this year’s 2025 Earth+Lens photo exhibit, entries showed glimpses of the world “Through the Filipino Eyes.”
Organized by Manila Bulletin, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Huawei, the 2025 Earth+Lens exhibit was held this August at the Manila Hotel’s Maynila Ballroom, capturing how Filipinos see and celebrate the country. In an effort to preserve natural and cultural landmarks in the overgrowing contemporary world, the exhibit aims to highlight responsible local tourism.
The photos were taken using smartphones by selected photographers, including Gab Mejia, Jim De Ramos, Manila Bulletin content producers, John Louie Abrina, Jaime Misalucha Jr., and Santi San Juan, and world-renowned artist Kublai Millan.
Photographer and multimedia artist Gab Mejia | Photo by Manila Bulletin
Gab Mejia, a multimedia artist and National Geographic Explorer, shared his experience as he reflected on his trip to Zamboanga del Sur and Rizal province where he took his photos. “I always remember how lucky I am to be a Filipino who realizes how rich our natural and cultural heritage is right here, that there are just so many stories that we can discover,” Gab shared in his talk during the night.
Other photographers shared the same sentiments, raising awareness about the country’s natural and cultural landmarks through their own photos that reflected the Philippines through our eyes.
Earth+Lens was created in 2018 by Manila Bulletin and Huawei to showcase the beauty of the Philippines, with the Department of Tourism being a longtime partner since 2019. As it celebrates its 7th year, the exhibit invites Filipinos to take a look at our country’s treasures and to treat them with respect so that they may be preserved for generations to come.