Filipino tops in ‘SeeMyDoha’ contest

The third and final edition of ‘SeeMyDoha’ photography competitionawarded the winners yesterday during an exhibition at W Doha’s Art29.Richard Limbo, a Filipino living in Doha for 12 years, bested 12 otherfinalists to win the top prize, which was presented by Jaidah Groupexecutive director Mohamed Jaidah and “SeeMyCity” founder Marianne Hope.He received a two-night trip to Oman for two, with stay in a five-starhotel.Haya al-Thani won the second place while Iman Heaphy bagged the thirdplace, with each receiving a cash voucher of QR5,000 at the ceremony. “I didn’t expect to win this competition because all the entries werereally good,” Limbo told Gulf Times. Using an iPhone 5 given by hisfiance, he said he preferred the Museum of Islamic Art (in black andwhite) 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 onsymmetry. He said he does not have any formal training in photography but learnedit through self-study by watching videos on Youtube, reading books andmagazines.‘SeeMyDoha’ is an offshoot of ‘SeeMyCity’ and has been adopted by JaidahAutomotive, Chevrolet’s exclusive dealer in Qatar, as the way forwardto 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, andbecame one of the most anticipated events every year for photographyenthusiasts in Doha.“SeeMyDoha started back in 2014, an initiative to promote Qatar all overthe world and the idea was to take your car, go around and takepictures, and show the world what Doha is all about,” Jaidah said,noting that the competition received tens of thousands of pictures inthe 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 theyears” as it discovered not only new places all around town and thecountry but also increased the opportunity of discovering new talents.He added that the result achieved by the contest is a collection of someof the most amazing images showcasing Qatar to the whole world itsbeauty and uniqueness in an outstanding way.“This year is also special given that it is the last edition, but alsoat a time where we are really proving and showing the world that westand tall and great, and who we are, reflecting not only our culturebut also our heritage,” he said.“The current crisis in the region has made me confident that the peopleof Qatar and its residents are not only capable of maintaining unity buthave been showing time after time their love for this country,” Jaidahstressed. “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, isshowcasing 12 photos from this year’s competition. It includes thewinning photos: five have been chosen from entrants and displayed asphoto of the day, as well as the winners from the previous “SeeMyDoha”competition in 2015 and 2014 and select jury photos.