Filipino tops in ‘SeeMyDoha’ contest

The third and final edition of ‘SeeMyDoha’ photography competition awarded the winners yesterday during an exhibition at W Doha’s Art29.
Richard Limbo, a Filipino living in Doha for 12 years, bested 12 other finalists to win the top prize, which was presented by Jaidah Group executive director Mohamed Jaidah and “SeeMyCity” founder Marianne Hope. He received a two-night trip to Oman for two, with stay in a five-star hotel.
Haya al-Thani won the second place while Iman Heaphy bagged the third place, with each receiving a cash voucher of QR5,000 at the ceremony.
“I didn’t expect to win this competition because all the entries were really good,” Limbo told Gulf Times. Using an iPhone 5 given by his fiance, he said he preferred the Museum of Islamic Art (in black and white) as his main subject for his entry.
A street photographer but a first time participant in the competition, Limbo noted that he likes to photograph subjects that put emphasis on symmetry.
He said he does not have any formal training in photography but learned it through self-study by watching videos on Youtube, reading books and magazines.
‘SeeMyDoha’ is an offshoot of ‘SeeMyCity’ and has been adopted by Jaidah Automotive, Chevrolet’s exclusive dealer in Qatar, as the way forward to its annual photography contest.
Participants are required to use camera-enabled smartphones in taking pictures, which are then posted on Instagram.
The competition gained popularity since its foundation in 2013-2014, and became one of the most anticipated events every year for photography enthusiasts in Doha.
“SeeMyDoha started back in 2014, an initiative to promote Qatar all over the world and the idea was to take your car, go around and take pictures, and show the world what Doha is all about,” Jaidah said, noting that the competition received tens of thousands of pictures in the last three years.
“SeeMyDoha” aims to portray Doha in a new and inspirational way, reflecting people’s unique experiences. 
Jaidah stressed that “SeeMyDoha” “witnessed great success over the years” as it discovered not only new places all around town and the country but also increased the opportunity of discovering new talents.
He added that the result achieved by the contest is a collection of some of the most amazing images showcasing Qatar to the whole world its beauty and uniqueness in an outstanding way.
“This year is also special given that it is the last edition, but also at a time where we are really proving and showing the world that we stand tall and great, and who we are, reflecting not only our culture but also our heritage,” he said.
“The current crisis in the region has made me confident that the people of Qatar and its residents are not only capable of maintaining unity but have been showing time after time their love for this country,” Jaidah stressed.
“It is making us a stronger nation, and there is no better way to show solidarity than through art.”
Meanwhile, the exhibition, which will run until October 18, is showcasing 12 photos from this year’s competition. It includes the winning photos: five have been chosen from entrants and displayed as photo of the day, as well as the winners from the previous “SeeMyDoha” competition in 2015 and 2014 and select jury photos.