See the Photos That Defined 2020 in the Philippines
As 2020 draws to a close, we remember the photos that defined the year.
The First Strike
A lightning bolt strikes the plume of ash rising above Taal Volcano. It was a foreboding welcome to the rest of 2020. (January 2020)
Face Masks
Two girls from Batad, not having masks, are covering their mouth on their own, safeguarding against pandemic COVID-19 (07 March 2020)
Faith
A woman prays outside the Quiapo Church in Manila while observing physical distancing. (April 2020)
I Still Do
Not even the pandemic could stop love. This couple got married amid the crisis, proving love is stronger than Covid. (July 2020)
A Rare Sighting
A rare view of the Sierra Madre mountain range was snapped by Johair Siscar Addang after the government imposed nationwide lockdowns. The absence of vehicular traffic significantly cleared the air of smog. (March 2020)
Empty Beaches
For the first time in decades, Boracay was empty of tourists. Jack Jarilla posted these photos of Boracay, showing what its true beauty is without the crowds. (April 2020)
Distance Learning
As the pandemic closed physical classes, teachers and students resorted to the use of millions of modules, like these being prepared by school staff in Manila. (August 2020)
Empty Churches
A church in Molino town has opened its doors after being shut for three months but can only admit 10 percent of its usual capacity. (11 July 2020)
Kobeee
The Philippines was heartbroken when news of Kobe Bryant's tragic death woke them up on the morning of January 26. Eight months on, Filipinos were still mourning his death. This Kobe mural appeared on EDSA. (28 August 2020)
Photographed for the First Time
Birder Miguel David De Leon made history when he photographed for the very first time an ultra-rare fledgling of the South Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher. The little bird became an instant international celebrity. (March 2020)
Saklolo
Esquire Philippines' photographer Jerome Ascano captured the look of despair on this woman after the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses. It was the strongest typhoon to hit Metro Manila since Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. (November 2020)
Shutdown
Filipinos lit candles outside the Broadcasting Center of ABS-CBN after the government refused to renew its franchise, effectively shutting down the network. (09 July 2020)
Stay At Home
A Grim Reaper and a coffin served as warnings to people to stay at home or die of the pandemic. These photos were taken in Manila. (April 2020)
It's Not That Pink
Filipinos rushed to capture the full moon of April, which was also called "Pink Moon". It was the largest full moon of the year. (April 2020)
Looking for a Way Back Home
Thousands of locally stranded individuals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila had no way back home to their provinces after government lockdowns banned public transportation. Jerome Ascano captured this moment as the people await instructions from the government. (July 2020)
Quiapo by Lockdown
This rare photo of a crowdless street in Quiapo, Manila, was taken three weeks into the lockdown. (April 2020)
