MIES (Switzerland) – 2023 FIBA Photo Contest 1st place winner, Christopher G. Andres, shares the story behind his powerful winning shot and his unforgettable experience at the iconic House of Basketball.
Christopher G. Andres, a celebrated photographer and layout artist from Metro Manila, Philippines, has made his mark in the world of photography both locally and internationally.
As a Course Specialist at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Open University System, and a layout artist at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, his creative endeavors have earned him recognition, including the prestigious Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the Philippines.
Christopher first heard about the FIBA Photo Contest through social media, a platform where he avidly follows basketball-related events. As both a photography enthusiast and a basketball fan, he saw the contest as an opportunity to merge his two passions.
His goal was not merely to capture a game but to express how basketball fosters human connections. He was driven to participate by his desire to showcase how this sport transcends mere competition and brings people together, regardless of their backgrounds.
His winning photograph, titled Building Bridges through Basketball, was taken in Rizal, Philippines. It features a young girl confidently taking a basketball shot, surrounded by her friends and family, who enthusiastically cheer her on. This heartwarming scene encapsulates the joy of togetherness and camaraderie.
Christopher's creative process focused on conveying the powerful message of gender equality, showing that girls can excel in sports traditionally dominated by boys, and that they deserve equal support and encouragement. He hopes that viewers of his photograph are moved by the joy and unity in the scene, recognizing the importance of lifting each other up.
Winning the first prize in the FIBA Photo Contest also granted Christopher the opportunity to travel to Switzerland for the FIBA Open, an unforgettable experience for him. The highlight of his trip was connecting with other photographers and basketball fans from around the world.
He was struck by how basketball serves as a universal language that fosters connection among diverse people. This experience deepened his passion for storytelling through photography, influencing both his professional career and personal growth.
Christopher encourages people to use their talents for good and to bring attention to important social issues, like gender equality.
He believes photography is a powerful tool to inspire change and invites everyone to celebrate the everyday moments that unite us.
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FIBA’s cultural heritage is the heart of the FIBA Foundation’s cultural and historical activities. It is one of the driving forces behind the promotion and dissemination of FIBA’s values. We preserve, research, promote and educate on the sport by managing and growing the FIBA collections, supporting National Federations to preserve their history, raising the profile of the FIBA Hall of Fame, and increasing and sharing the legacy of basketball.