Canon Creates A Friendship Bridge In Asia

More than 80 children across the country celebrated cultural diversity by building friendships with those of different nationalities across Asia.

With the aim to bridge cultures despite differences, Canon Marketing (Philippines), Inc. (CMPI) launched their second year of promoting Canon Image Bridge. This project is an Asia-wide initiative of Canon and is aimed for young students to engage with other children from regions across the continent such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. Through exchanging photos that tell the stories of their respective lives and culture, the children can become ambassadors of their culture, as well as form new relationships with students from other parts of Asia. To represent different parts of the country, Canon Image Bridge Philippines was conducted in Davao, Pampanga, Batanes and Bohol.

Young participants in Pampanga take photos of old churches to be shared with their future friends across Asia. (Photo by PJ Enriquez)

“We believe that we need to engage the youth in promoting friendship across the globe. One good way to let people understand the beauty of each culture is through images and photography. We hope that through this initiative, Canon is able to help bridge friendships among the different children in Asia.” said Lim Kok Hin, president and CEO of CMPI.

Sought-after photographers PJ Enriquez and Mon Corpuz gave an interactive workshop about the basics of photography and photojournalism. Volunteer photographers were also present to serve as mentors to the students and share their knowledge of and passion for the craft.

13-year-old Chancy Eiesterio from Sabtang Central School, Batanes, takes a photo of her chosen subject – the famous volcano, Mt. Iraya (Photo by PJ Enriquez)

One of the participants from San Vicente Elementary School in Pampanga, Howard Miclathas a message for his future friend who will be receiving the photo he took. “I wish you learn all about our country, and I hope I could also learn from yours.”

All photos from Davao, Pampanga, Batanes and Bohol have already been sent to students in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan to complete the first part of the photo exchange.

The Canon Image Bridge project is one of the various efforts Canon has made to use photography as a tool for positive social change.

Students in Davao capture the beauty of their surroundings in different angles (Photo by PJ Enriquez)

“Young people are just like the pure sunlight in the morning. By Canon Image Bridge, they can know each other and share their lives, which will help enhance their understanding of different cultures and build friendships in Asia.” said Canon China president and CEO, Hideki Ozawa.

A volunteer and his assigned student working together to take a perfect shot at the Chocolate Hills Adventure Park, Bohol.

Canon Image Bridge Philippines was done with the support of Panabo Central Elementary School, San Vicente Elementary School, Mahatao Elementary School, Guiwanon Elementary School, Rotary Club of Pampanga, Rotary Club of Davao, Camera Club of Davao, Focus Bulacan, Bulacan Camera Club, Mr. NoliGabilo, Black Pencil Project, Amorita Resort, Mahatao Vice Governor William Agsunod and Baclayon Vice Mayor Jodel Theodore Cabahug.

Sought-after photographer PJ Enriquez shares his knowledge and experience in photography to the students of Guiwanon Elementary School, Bohol.

To learn more about CMPI’s corporate social responsibility projects, visit www.canon.com.ph/aboutus/csr

Photo above: Photographer Mon Corpuz passes on his knowledge to the young aspiring photographers in Davao who participated in Canon Image Bridge.

(Contributed Photos)