MR. JOPHEL YBIOSA

“Art is a product of imagination, passion and inspiration…” This quotation embodies the artistic soul of Jophel Botero Ybiosa. Born and raised in Culiat, Quezon City to a simple family, Jophel is an inspiring internationally-awarded Filipino visual artist and youth advocate. He won numerous global awards and his primary mission is to showcase to the world the inherent beauty and meaningful story of the Philippines through artistic works. He finished his secondary studies in Culiat High School with a Youth Leadership Excellence Award from Philippine Jaycees and Department of Education (DepEd) and graduated as Most Outstanding Student of Polytechnic University of the Philippines – College of Communication in 2007. He wrote and directed documentaries for the Liwanag ng Kapayapaan Foundation and Robin C. Padilla Productions. He also taught Art Appreciation among the scholars of LKF. As an artist, he shares his talent in photography, abstract painting and performance art. His abstract painting entitled, “Flying High the Filipino Dreams” won the Excellent Prize in the 2011 Global Youth Artistic Competition in Los Angles, U.S.A. He presented his performance art depicting socially-relevant issues in some significant venues like Cultural Center of the Philippines, Art Association of the Philippines – Kanlungan ng Sining, Quirino Grandstand, GSIS Museum, Rizal Park, Conspiracy Bar and Art Center – SM Megamall.

Known for his keen eye for composition and visually – arresting images; freedom, style and passion are best known qualities that reflect on Ybiosa’s bodies of work. One of his famous techniques in Photography is the creative use of the mirror in reflecting and framing a subject. He represented the Philippines and emerged victorious in international competitions:

• Deeper Perspective Photographer of the Year – 2016 International Photography Awards (Philippines)
• Gold Award in Deeper Perspective and Fine Art Portrait – 2016 International Photography Awards (Philippines)
• Silver Award in People and Event Category – 2016 International Photography Awards (Philippines)
• Bronze Award in Deeper Perspective, Editorial, Wildlife and Portrait Category – 2016 International Photography Awards (Philippines)
• Honorable Mention in Nature, People, Travel and Deeper Perspective Category – 2016 International Photography Awards (Philippines)
• Silver and Bronze Prize Winner, 2016 MILSET International Science Photo Contest (Belgium)
• Highly Commended Award in Media and Documentary Category, The Societies International Image Competition 2016 (United Kingdom)
• Grand Prize Winner, 2015 Generations United International Photo Contest (U.S.A.)
• Grand Prize Winner, 2015 Earth Charter International Photo Contest (Costa Rica)
• Highly Commended Award in Travel, Landscape, Fashion, Events and Environmental Portrait Category, The Societies International Image Competition 2015 (United Kingdom)
• Honorable Mention, The ASC Art Showdown 2015 (U.S.A.)
• Finalist, Baltic Biennale of Photography 2015 (Russia)
• Finalist, The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Awards 2015 (U.A.E.)
• Bronze Prize Winner, 2015 MILSET International Science Photo Contest (Belgium)
• Grand Prize Winner, Photocrowd International Photo Contest 2014 (United Kingdom)
• Grand Prize Winner, Living with Environmental Change International Photo Contest 2014 (United Kingdom)
• 3rd Prize Winner, Culture International Photographic Competition 2014 (United Kingdom)
• 3rd Prize and Selected Prize Winner, China-ASEAN Youth Artwork Creativity Contest 2014 (China)
• Highly Commended, The Photographic Angle International Photo Contest 2014 (United Kingdom)
• Honorable Mention and Finalist, ASC International Photography Challenge 2014 (U.S.A.)
• Consolation Prize Winner and Finalist, ASEAN Festival of Photos, Reportage and Documentary Film 2014 (Vietnam)
• Finalist, Freedom House’s 3rd Annual Photography Competition 2013 (USA)
• Finalist, Popular Photography Magazine International Photo Contest 2013 (USA)
• Ace Photographer – Axlepin Publishing International Awards 2013
• Performance Award-Humanity Photography Awards 2013 (China)
• 1st Prize Winner – The Photographic Angle Photography Competition 2012 (United Kingdom)
• Best Photograph – Global Festival International Photography Competition 2012 (Indonesia)
• Excellence Prize Winner – Global Artistic Competition 2011(U.S.A.)
• Best Photograph – Global Festival International Photography Contest 2011 (Indonesia)
• 1st Prize Winner – The Print Space Photography Contest 2011 (United Kingdom)
• Excellent Prize Winner, China – ASEAN Artwork Creativity Contest 2010 (China)
• Grand Prize Winner in Photography, ASEAN – Korea Multimedia Competition 2009 (South Korea)
• Highly Commended – The Photographic Angle Photography Competition 2014 (United Kingdom)
• Honorable Mention – International Photographic Salon of Japan 2013 (Japan)
• Honorable Mention – International Photographic Salon of Japan 2012 (Japan)
• Voyage-EL Travel Photography Contest 2013 (Malaysia)
• Finalist – International Photographic Contest 2012 (Thailand)
• Finalist – European Union Centre Photography Contest 2012 (Singapore)
• Finalist – The Print Space Photography Contest 2012 (United Kingdom)
• Finalist – International Photographic Contest 2011(Thailand)
• Finalist – Click for Clean Air International Photo Contest 2010 (Singapore)
• Finalist – International Photographic Contest 2010 (Thailand)
• Finalist – Bangkok International Print and Drawing Competition 2009 (Thailand)

Some of his prestigious local/national awards are as follows:

• NCCA Ani ng Dangal Award for Visual Arts (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016) – for achieving the highest levels of artistic excellence and bringing honor to the country.
• Outstanding Pinoy Achiever for Arts and Culture: Who’s Who in the Philippines Awards 2012 – in recognition of outstanding achievements of one’s chosen field of endeavor serving as emulation of the rest of the Filipino citizenry towards nation-building.
• United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) Outstanding Youth Leader Award 2010 – for his exemplary contribution as a young leader and model for the Filipino youth; for his immeasurable commitment and dedication to the achievement of the ideals of the UNAP and the United Nations ; for being an insignia of volunteerism, service and excellence; and for serving as torch of light for the poor, the underprivileged; hence, radiating the qualities of a responsible citizen to the country and the world.
• Outstanding Alumnus (Culiat High School) – in full recognition of his excellent achievements and exemplary performance in the field of Culture and the Arts which made him a great pride of his alma mater.
• United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) Outstanding Youth Service Award 2006 – for his consistent and high level performance in communication and the arts depicting social consciousness and dedication to the promotion of community service, his exemplary leadership, his persistence and dedication to achieving excellence in his endeavors thereby setting an example to his peers.

Aside from the above-mentioned recognitions, he’s also listed as one of the Top 10 Filipino Visual Artists for 2010 in WikiPilipinas: Philippine Encyclopedia, Outstanding Pinoy Achiever for Arts and Culture and Dangal ng Bayan People’s Choice Award for Arts and Culture Advocacy 2012 by the Consumer Affairs Foundation of the Philippines, Award of Merit in Photography – AAP Annual Art Competition 2009, Winner and People’s Choice Awardee of 2011 Snapshots Asia Canon Photo Contest, Grand Prize Winner of Captured Smiles Photography Competition and Gold Awardee in Photography Category and Sculpture Category of World Art Experience 2006. He’s a recipient of 2013 SEAMEO SPAFA Full Scholarship in Thailand and Scholarship and Youth Development Program of Quezon City Government in 2003 – 2007. He was also a Philippine Delegate to Film Expo Asia 2010 (Bangkok, Thailand), ASEAN Youth Camp 2010 in (Hanoi, Vietnam) and ASEAN Art Fusion 2010.

His critically-acclaimed works were published in different publications:

• 8th Ani ng Dangal Awards Catalogue 2016
• Earth Charter International Annual Report
• Axlepin Publishing International Calendar 2014
• 73rd International Photographic Salon of Japan Catalogue 2013
• 5th Ani ng Dangal Awards Catalogue 2013
• Park Art Magazine – Portugal (April 2012)
• Manila Bulletin – Picture Perfect Photographer of the Week (December, 2012)
• Frame One Magazine – Official Publication of FPPF Inc. (Volume 5, Issue 2, 2012)
• 72nd International Photographic Salon of Japan Catalogue 2012
• 4th Ani ng Dangal Awards Catalogue 2012
• FullFrame Photography Magazine – Middle East (Issue 2, December 2011)
• Adarna House Desk Calendar 2011
• 6th International Photographic Exhibition Catalogue 2010
• World Bank Desk Calendar 2010
• GSIS Painting Competition Catalogue 2010
• 2nd Ani ng Dangal Awards Catalogue 2010
• Frame One Magazine – Official Publication of FPPF Inc. (Volume 3, Issue 1, 2010)
• ASEAN – Korea Multimedia Competition and Exhibition Catalogue 2009
• 2nd Bangkok Triennale International Print and Drawing Exhibition Catalogue 2009
• Petron Planner 2009
• Art Petron Folio (Volume 2, 2009)
• GSIS Painting Competition Catalogue 2009
• Art Petron Folio (Volume 2, 2008)
• GSIS Painting Competition Catalogue 2008
• 60th AAP Annual Art Competition Catalogue 2007
• Petron Planner 2007
• 200 Best Images – Epson Photo Imaging Exposition Catalogue (2006)
• Art Petron Folio (Volume 1, 2006)
• 59th AAP Annual Art Competition Catalogue 2006
• Petron Planner 2005
• 200 Best Images – Epson Photo Imaging Exposition Catalogue (2005)
• 100 Best Entries – National Student Art Competition Catalogue 2004
• 57th AAP Annual Art Competition Catalogue 2004

His visual exploration and artistic creations are greatly influenced by personal observation, socio-cultural conditions and daily life experiences. His works conveying nationalistic sentiments, Filipino way of life and struggles, political and historical aspect and socio-cultural identities were showcased in worldwide exhibitions:

• Alfred Fried Photography Awards Exhibition 2016 – Paris, France
• Explore the World International Exhibition 2016 – Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Venice Arts Gallery International Juried Exhibition 2015 – California, U.S.A.
• Baltic Biennale of Photography 2015 – Kaliningrad, Russia
• Picturing Asia Exhibition 2015 – Leiden, Netherlands
• Streetscapes International Exhibition 2014 – London, United Kingdom
• Freedom House Exhibition 2014 – Washington, U.S.A.
• China – ASEAN Youth Artwork Exhibition 2014 – Beijing, China
• Festival of Photos, Reportage and Documentary Film 2014 – Hanoi, Vietnam
• International Photographic Salon of Japan 2013 – Tokyo, Japan
• Our Stories Documentary Photography Exhibition 2012 – United Kingdom
• European Union Centre International Photography Exhibition 2012 – Singapore
• International Photographic Exhibition 2012 – Bangkok, Thailand
• International Photographic Salon of Japan 2012 – Tokyo, Japan
• The Print Space Photography Exhibition 2011 – London, United Kingdom
• Greenvoice Environmental Photography Exhibition 2011 – Geneva, Switzerland
• Horizons Photography Exhibition 2011 – Trieste, Italy
• International Photographic Exhibition 2011 – Bangkok, Thailand
• China – ASEAN Youth Artwork Exhibition 2010 – National Museum of Guangxi, China
• ASEAN Youth Camp Exhibition 2010 – ThangLoi Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
• International Photographic Exhibition 2011 – Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
• Film Expo Asia 2010 – Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand
• Bangkok International Print and Drawing Exhibition 2009
• ASEAN-Korea Multimedia Exhibition 2009 – Seoul Art Space, South Korea

In the Philippines, he was a part of various exhibitions:

• Ani ng Dangal Exhibition – National Museum
• Project Phoenix Exhibition 2013 – PUP Tahanan ng Alumni, Manila
• Ani ng Dangal Exhibition 2013 – NCCA Gallery
• AAP Annual Art Exhibition 2012 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines
• I Can Photography Exhibition 2012 – The Podium Mall, Pasig City, Philippines
• Earth Hour Photography Exhibition 2012 – SM North, Quezon City, Philippines
• Ali Art Exhibition 2011 – Ali Mall, Quezon City Philippines
• Metrobank Art and Design Excellence National Exhibition 2010 – Le Pavillon, Pasay City, Philippines
• GSIS National Painting Exhibition 2010 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines
• Seeing Beauty 2010 – Quezon City Hall, Philippines
• Paskuhan sa Katribu 2010 – The Fort Strip, Taguig City, Philippines
• Christmas BazzArt 2010 – Galerie One Workshop, Makati, Philippines
• Uncensored Bodies, WIFIBODY Independent Contemporary Dance Festival 2010 – Cultural Center of the Philippines
• GSIS National Painting Exhibition 2009 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines
• Shell NSAC 100 Best Entries and Winners 2009 – Ayala Museum, Makati City, Philippines
• Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Exhibition 2009 – KanlunganngSining, Manila, Philippines
• GSIS National Painting Exhibition 2008 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines
• Petron National Student Art Exhibition 2008 – Petron Mega Plaza, Makati City, Philippines
• Maynila Sa Aking Mata 2008 – Manila City Hall, Philippines
• Maningning Miclat Painting Exhibition 2008 – Shangri-la Mall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
• Faber-Castell Sining Award 2008 – GSIS Museum, Pasay city, Philippines
• Quezon City Founding Anniversary Exhibition 2008 – Quezon City Hall, Philippines
• Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Exhibition 2008 – Kanlungan ng Sining, Manila, Philippines
• Panasonic Art of Life Exhibition 2007 – Trinoma Mall, Quezon City, Philippines
• Ateneo Video Open 2007 – Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
• Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Exhibition 2007 – Kanlungan ng Sining, Manila, Philippines
• Petron National Student Art Exhibition 2006 – Petron Mega Plaza, Makati City, Philippines
• Metrobank Art and Design Excellence National Exhibition 2006 – Le Pavillon, Pasay City, Philippines,
• Shell NSAC 100 Best Entries and Winners – SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
• Epson Photo Imaging Exposition 2006 – One Workshop Gallery, Makati City, Philippines
• Piling Obrang Vidyo 2006 – U.P. Film Center, Quezon City, Philippines
• Between the Lines, Behind the Lens 2006 – Ateneo De Manila University, Philippines
• Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Exhibition 2006 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines
• Epson Photo Imaging Exposition 2005, Shangri – la Mall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
• Shell NSAC 100 Best Entries and Winners 2005 – SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
• Cocolife Student Visual Art Exhibition 2005 – Cocolife Bldg., Makati City, Philippines
• Likhang – Arki Art Exhibition 2005 – PUP College of Architecture and Fine Arts
• Between the Lines, Behind the Lens 2005 – Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
• Cuatro Cantos 2005 – PUP College of Communication
• GSIS National Painting Exhibition 2005 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines
• Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Exhibition 2005 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines
• Petron National Student Art Exhibition 2004 – Petron Mega Plaza, Makati City, Philippines
• Shell NSAC 100 Best entries and Winners 2004 – SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines
• Art Association of the Philippines’ Annual Art Exhibition 2004 – GSIS Museum, Pasay City, Philippines

He has touched the lives of people with his inspiring story when he was featured in various radio and television programs:

• Radio Kabataan (DZXL 558 kHz AM) 2016
• Bandila (ABS-CBN) 2015
• Kabataan Radio (DWDD 1134 kHz AM) 2015
• Personage (PTV – 4) 2013
• Solar Daybreak (Solar News Channel) 2013
• Generation K (Sonshine Radio, DZAR 1026)
• Global Pinoy T.V. Commercial – The Filipino Channel (ABS-CBN Global) 2011
• Homepage (Net-25) January 2011
• Special Edition of Office of the Ombudsman’s T.V. Program (NBN-4) December 2010
• Unang – Hirit T.V. Show (GMA – 7) June, 2010
• Sining – Gising T.V. Show (NBN – 4) Jan. 2009 & May 2010
• DOKYU (TV-5/ABC-5) July, 2007

He has selflessly shared his talent and philosophy in art talks, seminars and workshops:

• Art Talk on Inspirational Photography 2015 – Rizal Park, Manila
• Inspirational Photography Workshop 2015 – De La Salle Araneta University, Malabon City
• Inspirational Photography Workshop (Art Fiesta 2014) – Rizal Park and National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Manila
• Inspirational Photography Workshop 2013 – Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila
• Inspirational Photography Workshop 2013 –Culiat High School, Quezon City
• Multi-media Seminar 2013 – CIIT Colleges, Rizal Province
• Seminar on Nationalism – Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila
• Career Seminar 2011 – San Rafael Parochial School, Manila
• Photojournalism Seminar 2010 – Calauan, Laguna
• Seminar on Art Entrepreneurship 2009 – Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila
• Division Press Conference 2006 – Malolos, Bulacan

A staunch advocate of Philippine arts and culture, Ybiosa brings his vision and fulfills his mission through projects and volunteer works. Currently, he’s the Director of Juan Makasining Youth Artist Network, the flagship project of Team Juan Makasining (Awarded as Dangal ng Bayan, Best Art Group and Outstanding Youth Group for Arts and Culture by the Consumer Affairs Foundation of the Philippines and Area Finalist for 2012 Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations).