Story by Mdpn. Rayle Navigar
Pubmat by Mdpn. Wiency Andrei Mondejar
Joining this yearโs roster of photographers, photojournalists, and photography enthusiasts, Mdpn. Lee Harvey Gumban emerged as one of the eight grand winners in the Conventional Photography category of the PAGCOR Photography Contest 2026, with results officially announced last September 15, 2026 at the PAGCOR Corporate Office, Pasay City, Metro Manila.
Anchored to the theme "Kids @ Play,โ over 3,500 entries were submitted across the categories for Mobile Photography, Drone Photography and Conventional Photography.
The photographs went through a grueling judging process, with judges composed of veteran photographers, photojournalists, and media professionals.
They eventually selected 16 grand finalists per category, and narrowed down the field to the top submissions who were later declared as the grand winners.
Midshipman Gumbanโs winning shot, โGravity Can Wait,โ was taken along the shores of Sto. Niรฑo Sur, Arevalo, depicting children frolicking in the sand amid the backdrop of the sky and sea.
He was also recognized as the youngest photojournalist who joined the nationwide competition. He currently serves as the senior photojournalist for The Dolphin.
The annual PAGCOR Photography Contest serves as a premier national platform organized by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to celebrate local artistic talent and compelling visual storytelling.