The 2025 Mastercup Awards has unveiled a trophy that is as much a work of art as the photographs it honors. Commissioned by President Annabelle Chavez, local artist Charmaine Baldemor has created “Regalo ng Liwanag” (Gift of Light)—a stunning tribute to the heritage of the Camera Club of the Philippines (CCP).
Crafted to represent the top three honors of the competition, this piece fuses traditional Filipino symbolism with the technical essence of photography.
A Design Steeped in History
The CCP is no stranger to prestige. Founded in 1928, it stands as the oldest continuing photographic society in the Philippines. From its pre-war origins to its recent 95th-anniversary exhibit in Athens, the club has weathered decades of change.
Baldemor’s design pays homage to this storied timeline through a figure that feels both timeless and modern.
The Artistry Behind the Form
Crafted from solid acacia wood and finished with a sophisticated bronze coating, the trophy utilizes a mix of brushed and sprayed techniques to achieve its metallic glow. The silhouette is a “faceless” Filipina dressed in the iconic baro’t saya.
Key Design Elements:
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The Silhouette: Butterfly sleeves and a disciplined frame reference traditional Filipiniana heritage.
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The Engravings: Restrained vine and floral patterns, inspired by traditional embroidery, add finesse without creating visual clutter.
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The Faceless Visage: By omitting facial features, Baldemor invites every member—past and present—to see themselves in the silhouette, emphasizing that merit and craft transcend individual identity.
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Symbols of Vision and Leadership
Every curve of “Regalo ng Liwanag” tells a specific story about the state of the CCP today:
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A Nod to Leadership: The central female figure is a direct recognition of President Annabelle C. Chavez, honoring her role in leading the club through its modern era.
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The Offering: The figure’s arms are raised, offering a circular plaque featuring the CCP logo. This plaque represents both a camera lens and an aperture.
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The Upward Gaze: The figure’s head is tilted toward the plaque, suggesting a lifelong dedication to the craft and the tradition of presenting one’s best work to the world.
“The raised plaque symbolizes the very heart of the club—the lens through which we see the world.”
Why “Regalo ng Liwanag”?
The name itself speaks to the essence of photography: light. In this trophy, the light isn’t just a physical requirement for a photo; it is a gift passed from the artist to the public. For the winners of the 2025 Mastercup, this trophy serves as a reminder that their work is a contribution to a legacy that has spanned nearly a century.
About the Artist: Charmaine Baldemor
Hailing from the woodcarving capital of Paete, Laguna, Charmaine Baldemor is a contemporary sculptor renowned for blending traditional Filipino craftsmanship with modern elegance. A member of the legendary Baldemor artistic lineage, she has carved a distinct niche by transforming solid wood into intricate works of “wearable art” and soulful sculptures that celebrate heritage and nature. Her work on the “Regalo ng Liwanag” trophies reflects her signature style—fusing the disciplined silhouettes of Filipiniana with the fluid, organic textures of local acacia, ensuring that each piece tells a story of both historical pride and artistic innovation.
* Featured photo is President Annabelle Chavez with the top three Mastercup placers for 2025 holding their trophies led by Mastercup winner Boyet Mesuga, Javi Flores and Chito Vinas for second and third place respectively.