Filipino photographer Jed Llamas Bacason has been recognized with the prestigious Ani Ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) Award by the Office of the President of the Philippines, through the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). The award, which celebrates Filipino artists excelling in international competitions, was presented during a ceremony in Manila on March 5.
Bacason, who is based in Dubai, is known for his photography projects that explore themes inspired by natural history and human connection. He was among 39 individuals honored this year across various creative fields, including architecture, cinema, dance, and visual arts.
“I feel honored and proud to have been recognized by the state for my humble achievements in 2024,” Bacason said. “I am also humbled to be placed alongside my fellow awardees who are true artists in their respective fields.”
Bacason’s work has gained international recognition, notably when he was one of the ten winners out of more than 2,000 participants in a global photography competition organized by MAGNUM Photos and Polaroid in September 2023. Representing the Philippines, he showcased his Polaroid series titled Love, Mom at the Paris Photo Fair in France. The project, which focused on the deep emotional connections of Dubai-based Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) mothers with their children, was widely praised and featured in publications in both the UAE and the Philippines.
Aside from his achievements in photography, Bacason also reflected on the significance of receiving the Ani Ng Dangal trophy at the historic Manila Metropolitan Theater, which he had previously visited in 2012 when it was in a state of disrepair. “Seeing it now back in full glory is one of the highlights of this experience. I have nothing but praise for the efforts to revive and rehabilitate this important piece of Philippine history and culture,” he shared.
Bacason believes that the recognition will open new opportunities for his future projects, further fueling his passion for storytelling through photography. “This award tells me I am on the right path. It inspires me to continue telling the stories of those people close to my heart,” he said.
Encouraging fellow Filipino artists aiming for international recognition, Bacason emphasized the importance of authenticity and storytelling in creative work. “With good, inspiring, and authentic work, international recognition naturally follows. My focus is to tell stories and have them be heard and seen as far and wide as possible.”
Currently, Bacason serves as lecturer for the Creative Media Department at Bath Spa University in Ras Al Khaimah. His photography, which often highlights the natural world and human emotions, continues to gain attention globally, including a previous shortlist selection for the Sony World Photography Awards. He actively shares his work on Instagram under the handle @jedxb.
