TOBACCO FESTIVAL PHOTOS EXHIBITED AT CANDON ARENA

March 30, 2025 Community Billboard

Baguio award-winning photojournalists stage the first-ever photo exhibit at the lobby of Candon Arena during the Tobacco Festival. Andy Zapata of Philippine Star and Mau Victa of Business Mirror and Rappler brought out 20 photos from the 19 years of Tobacco Festival, which was created to pay homage to the cash crop that propelled Candon into a full-fledged city. Other photos included tobacco farmers and workers as Candon is recognized as the biggest producer of Virginia tobacco in the country. Included are the photos of Zapata and Victa which made them win the Brightleaf Agricultural Awards five times, making them win the Hall of Fame Award as well.

Frank Cimatu, the curator of the show, said that the photos show the evolution of the festival as well as the evolution of the city into a city
of dynamism and creativity. The two faithfully documented the festival since its inception, he said. Former Ilocos Sur Rep. Owen Singson, a photography hobbyist, said that he is amazed at the color and the intensity of the works. The photos will be exhibited for more than a month at the Candon Arena. Sponsors of the event include Japan Tobacco International, Philip Morris International, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. and the City of Candon. Media partners are Amianan Balita, Balitang Northern Luzon, Mountain Beacon, Northern Luzon Post and Baguio Chronicle.