A Cebuano photographer wins big in a prestigious international photo walk contest besting around 6,000 entries from 46 countries.

Salvador Toong III, called fondly as “Butch," took a photograph of the façade of Cebu City Hall Building.

The photograph was picked as grand prize winner for its perfect timing in capturing a person in rainbow umbrella ambling on the sidewalk with lights and shadows on a yellow wall for a backdrop, which is no wonder why it has caught the attention and approval of the jurors in the 2024 edition of Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk Contest. 

The photo walk is said to be one of the biggest photography competitions worldwide.

Butch said that the theme represents events in the City of Cebu. Despite the shadows, there is a rainbow amid circumstances. 

Butch said he himself could not believe that his photograph won the hearts of judges.

The feat of making it among 6,000 entries did not sink in immediately.

He said that the desire to win in a prestigious global competition was just a dream. He kept joining the said contest in a decade to prove his mettle repeatedly.

But Butch is already a seasoned photographer. He has carved a name in various photo tilts such as in the Sinulog Festival photo contest by copping first place, aside from his plums - Hall of Fame Award in 2019 and Photographer of the Year, also in 2019.

Aside from photography, Butch said he is much into collecting toys.

The toy collection is displayed neatly in his home just like his masterpieces.