Wherever I am, the world comes after me.
It offers me its busyness. It does not believe that I do not want it.
Now I understand 
why the old poets of China went so far
and high 
into the mountains, then crept into the pale mist.
"The Old Poets of China" by Mary Oliver

The UP Asian Center is now accepting photo entries to the photo contest, "Flavors of Friendship: Food Across the ASEAN" co-organized with DFA - Office of Cultural Diplomacy and the Asian Center Student Organization. The deadline for applications is 6 November 2025. The call is open to the public.

  

ABOUT THE PHOTO CONTEST

This online-to-onsite exhibition invites students, hobbyists, and food lovers to submit photographs that capture the rich and diverse culinary culture across the ASEAN region. Entries may feature markets, street food scenes, home-cooked meals, or festive dishes that reflect the everyday and celebratory food practices of ASEAN communities.

The photo contest is envisioned as a creative platform to foster deeper engagement with the ASEAN community, particularly among younger audiences. By showcasing food as a shared yet diverse cultural element, the contest aims to spark conversations about identity, heritage, and regional solidarity. Winning entries will be printed and displayed during the food fair to complement the live gastronomic experience with visual narratives from across Southeast Asia.


SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

    1. Open to the general public.
    2. Each participant may submit up to two (2) entries (in JPEG format, 300 dpi).
    3. Photos must be original and taken by the participant. AI-generated photos will automatically be disqualified.
    4. All entries must include a title and a 50-word caption describing the dish and its context (e.g., origin, personal memory, cultural relevance).
    5. Submit your entries via this Google Form. 
    6. The deadline for submissions is 6 November 2025.

  


 CRITERIA FOR JUDGING 

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ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS

The photo contest is organized by the UP Asian Center in collaboration with the Office of Cultural Diplomacy, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Asian Center Student Organization. 

For inquiries, please contact us at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 891-8500 loc. 3586.