Filipino Photographers Shine at HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2025 in Paris

Paris became even more vibrant this month as HUAWEI celebrated the 2025 XMAGE Awards Ceremony and the “The World, You and Me” Annual Imaging Exhibition at the historic Grand Palais on November 12. This year’s gathering proudly put Filipino talent on the world stage, with local photographers Rhon Velarde and Mark Padecio capturing international attention for their powerful storytelling.

Held alongside Paris Photo, one of the world’s most respected photography showcases, the event drew creators, media, tastemakers, and photography lovers from all over the world. As attendees walked through the halls of Grand Palais, they were greeted by artistic perspectives that felt both intimate and expansive, proof of the growing influence of mobile photography in global culture.

Kevin Ho, CEO of HUAWEI Consumer Business Group, shared how XMAGE continues to reshape the way we see the world. “Through XMAGE, we harness the power of technology and imagery to better understand the world, and, more importantly, to see one another with greater empathy,” he said. This vision has helped the annual showcase attract more than 100,000 visitors each year, marking this third collaboration between HUAWEI and Paris Photo after 2018 and 2019.

This year’s exhibition was built around the theme “The World, You and Me,” featuring three immersive zones: “I Capture, Therefore I Am,” “The Constructed, The Perceived,” and “In Their Own Words.” Each section offered a deeper look into how creators observe the world and express their ever-evolving relationship with it. Beyond the visuals, the event also sparked meaningful dialogue among global photography leaders, strengthening XMAGE’s mission to be a platform for artistic exchange.

Origin of Skiing - China

The 2025 XMAGE Awards drew an incredible 743,000 submissions from 78 countries, ultimately recognizing the top 100 standout works under its prestigious “XMAGE 100.” Three Grand Prize winners were honored for their exceptional pieces, including Gheorghe Popa’s “Ethereal Lines” shot on the HUAWEI Pura 80 Ultra, Mehmet Emin Corus’ “New Life” captured with the HUAWEI Mate 10 Pro, and Chen Guanhong’s “Origin of Skiing” taken with the HUAWEI Mate 70 Pro+.

Ethereal Lines - Romania

Filipino 2025 XMAGE 100 Awardees Rhon Velarde & Mark Padecio

But it was also a proud moment for the Philippines. Filipino photographers Rhon Velarde and Mark Padecio were chosen among the XMAGE 100 for their emotionally rich imagery rooted in Filipino culture and everyday life.

Mark Padecio’s “Muddy But Happy,” shot with the HUAWEI nova 10, captured children playing by a muddy riverside after the first rainfall following a drought, a spontaneous moment that reflected pure joy and resilience. “The photo is more than an image; it is a visual story that captures who we are as a nation: resilient, hopeful, and deeply rooted in our sense of community,” he shared.

Glimmer of Hope - Philippines

Meanwhile, Rhon Velarde’s “Glimmer of Hope,” shot using the HUAWEI P40 Pro, showcased dramatic light and color that brought out the emotions behind the scene. “Winning the XMAGE Award is deeply meaningful, it’s a statement that Filipino creativity can stand proudly on the world stage,” Velarde said.

Both artists expressed how photography allows them to carry stories of Filipino life into the global arena, proving that connection, empathy, and artistry can transcend borders.

As XMAGE continues evolving from technology into cultural storytelling, HUAWEI pushes the belief that photos are no longer just images, they are windows to the world, capturing the beauty, complexity, and fleeting moments that shape our lives.