The Mud People Festival: Jophel Botero Ybiosa’s Photojournalistic Tribute to Faith and Humility

At the World Grand Prix Photography Awards 2025 Winter Season, Mr. Jophel Botero Ybiosa was awarded the Platinum Award and Best Photo of the Season in Documentary & People Photography – Photojournalism for his powerful work “The Mud People Festival in Nueva Ecija.”

Captured during one of the Philippines’ most distinctive religious traditions, the photograph documents the annual Mud People Festival (Pagsa-San Juan / Taong Putik) in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija. Rooted in humility, devotion, and collective memory, the image reflects Ybiosa’s long-standing commitment to visual storytelling that honors culture, history, and lived human experience. Through careful research, patience, and an ethical documentary approach, the work transforms ritual into a universal narrative of faith, resilience, and gratitude.

Q: What inspired you to take this award-winning photo? Is there a story behind the piece you’d like to share?

Jophel: My profound curiosity about Philippine culture and tradition inspired me to capture this award-winning photo. The Mud People Festival locally known as Pagsa-San Juan or Taong Putik is a unique religious tradition in Aliaga, Nueva Ecija, Philippines every 24th of June. The ritual resonates the essence of humility and penance as devotees cover their bodies with mud and wear dried banana leaves to emulate the austere life of their patron, Saint John the Baptist. Devotees also offer prayers and attend a Holy Mass as a part of their devotion.

According to a local legend, the Mud People Festival traces its history from World War II. Japanese soldiers were about to execute the villagers but a sudden heavy downpour occurred. Then Japanese soldiers changed their decision and set the villagers free. Afterwards, survivors rolled in the mud in exultation and believed that a miracle happened from Saint John the Baptist.

Q: Were there any challenges during the process of creating this series or image? How did you navigate them?

Jophel:The timing and weather condition are important considerations during the process to be able to create effective images. I did a research about the event for the purpose of creating a framework in producing a visual story. I also familiarized myself and explored around the area to find the best spots for variety of angles and perspectives.

Q: How do you approach the balance between technical skill and emotional/artistic expression in your photography?

Jophel:Understanding the subject, applying proper lighting and creative compositional techniques including fine-tuning the image through appropriate post-processing are essential to strike a balance between technical skill and artistic expression. It also involves a creative fusion of authenticity and aesthetics in my photography.

Q: What message or feeling do you hope your photography conveys to viewers?

Jophel:As a photographer, I´m passionate in capturing authentic moments of life, distinct culture and tradition and meaningful stories to inspire people. My goal is to share with the world the relevant images that evoke narratives, symbolism and meanings to raise awareness and understanding.

Q: In your view, what role does photography play in today’s world?

Jophel:Photography plays a significant role in documenting stories, moments and realities. Photographs reflect history, identities and memories. Photography is also a powerful universal language that bridges socio-cultural disparity and serves as a visual catalyst to awaken the consciousness and amplify advocacy in the modern world.

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Mr. Jophel Botero Ybiosa is a world-class and multi-award winning Filipino visual artist with more than 500 local and international honors. He is an 11-time Ani ng Dangal Awardee for Visual Arts (National Commission for Culture and the Arts), Bagong Bayani Awardee for Culture and the Arts, Go Negosyo Inspiring Balik-bayan Creative Artist, Outstanding Alumnus for Arts and Culture (Culiat High School), and Notable Alumni Awardee for Visual Arts (Polytechnic University of the Philippines – College of Communication).

He is the Founder of the award-winning arts and advocacy group Team Juan Makasining (2017 Asia-Pacific Excellence Awardee for Outstanding Arts and Advocacy Organization) and works as a Master Photographer at Princess Cruise Lines. He has served as a Special Lecturer at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, a Global Photo Show Program Host, Captain of the World Photographic Cup Philippine Team, and an international photography judge. His work has been exhibited and recognized globally, reflecting a career dedicated to culture, advocacy, and the power of visual storytelling.