Pope Francis' Hug

“I am Here” 12” x 18” Acrylic on Canvass by Sem. Kervin Roldan, of the Diocese of Kalibo from the UST Central Seminary. Pope Francis is a constant companion for all people, especially the youth. He is a figure of assurance and confidence even in the midst of sorrow. He speaks to all people through his lingering gesture that says, “I am here. I am your companion.”

An architecture graduate from the University of Santo Tomas, Mr. Quiambao is the former chief photography editor of The Varsitarian, the official student publication of UST. 

In January 2011, he was appointed by the Office of the Secretary General of UST as the official photographer for its Quadricentennial celebration.

Even without any formal training in taking photographs, he has reaped awards for excellence in photography, biggest of which are the Art Petron Hall of Fame Award (2009), UST Quadricentennial Photography Competition (2010) and Benavides Award for Outstanding Achievement (2008-2012). 

In November 2011, he was chosen by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as the photojournalist delegate to represent the Philippines for the 2011 ASEAN Cultural Youth Camp in Borobudur, Indonesia.

To date, he remains to be the youngest photographer to have been included in “Digital Photographer Philippines-On Assignment” an annual photography challenge for a select group of photographers. Paul was 17 years old then.

In January 20, 2012, Paul opened his first solo exhibition in line with the Neo-Centennial celebration of UST. The title of the exhibit is “400 Shots to Immortality”.