A photograph is more than just a snapshot in time; it is a visual anchor for our nation’s collective memory. Beyond the carefully curated speeches and the grandeur of state ceremonies, it is the photojournalist who freezes the raw, unscripted moments of history as they unfold.

This month, three of the DAILY TRIBUNE ’s finest visual storytellers — Yummie Dingding, Toto Lozano and Aram Lascano — are stepping out from behind the camera to have their own work celebrated in two major photography exhibitions.

Here is a closer look at the people behind the lenses, their demanding beats and the distinct perspectives they bring to the world of news photography.

In Focus: Documenting the Marcos presidency

The Presidential Photojournalists’ Association (PPA), in partnership with the Office of the Social Secretary, is set to launch “In Focus: Marcos Presidency.” This exhibition presents a powerful visual narrative of the first four years of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., covering diplomatic meetings, state ceremonies, relief operations and community engagements.

Beyond recording official occasions, the exhibit highlights the crucial role photojournalism plays in governance, public accountability and nation-building. The exhibit formally opens on 13 August at 5 p.m. at Likhang Pilipino in Pasay City, and will be open to the public from 14 to 30 August. Representing the DAILY TRIBUNE at this prestigious event are two stalwarts of the Palace beat.

Yummie Dingding: Resilient chief

As the Chief Photographer of DAILY TRIBUNE, Dingding is no stranger to the relentless pace of Malacañang. Joining the publication in 2018 after stints as a freelance photojournalist and in government media, she has consistently documented the presidency from the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the current administration.

The Palace beat is notoriously one of the most demanding assignments in news photography. For Dingding, it means early call times, sudden schedule changes, endless hours of waiting and extensive travel. Over the years, covering Cabinet meetings, foreign leaders’ visits and disaster-response operations has taught her that the beat is a compelling mix of being exhausting, frustrating and even unexpectedly humorous.

Behind every shot, Dingding carries a profound responsibility: to look beyond political loyalties and personalities, providing the public with nothing but the truth. Her leadership in the field is well-recognized; she served as the president of the PPA for the 2024–2025 term and currently acts as the association’s secretary.

Toto Lozano: Empathy in action

Joining DAILY TRIBUNE in 2024, Deputy Chief Photographer Toto Lozano brings a deeply layered perspective to his craft. A veteran photojournalist, his resume boasts experience as a multimedia staff member of the Bangkok Post, a staff photographer for MindaNews and as official presidential photographer during the Duterte administration.

This unique background gives Lozano a rare dual lens on presidential coverage — he understands the demands of documenting the highest office from inside the institution, as well as from the perspective of the independent press.

But it is Lozano’s sharp instincts and profound empathy that truly set him apart on the field. He doesn’t just capture stories; sometimes, he steps into them. During a 21 September protest, Lozano made headlines when he put down his camera to administer CPR to a collapsed police officer, and was later seen guiding minors away from a dangerous demonstration.

More recently, his viral photograph of a firefighter attempting to revive a rescued dog reflected the immense compassion that often shines through in moments of tragedy. Lozano is living proof that photojournalism demands more than technical prowess — it requires awareness, quick judgment and heart.

Together at the In Focus exhibit, Dingding’s seasoned tenure in the Malacañang press corps and Lozano’s hybrid experience seamlessly complement each other, embodying DAILY TRIBUNE’s commitment to skill, discipline and professionalism.

The grit of the Senate beat

While Dingding and Lozano tackle the Palace, another DAILY TRIBUNE talent is making waves in a different arena. Aram Lascano, who joined the publication in 2024, showcased his gripping documentary and news photography at the Photojournalism Center of the Philippines (PCP) Exhibit, held during the 29th Graphic Expo.

For Lascano, covering the Philippine Senate is the realization of a college dream. Having interned at the Senate, he always envisioned returning to its hallowed — and highly unpredictable — halls.

The Senate beat is a pressure cooker of political tension. When legislative gridlocks occur, or when sudden bombshells drop — like the unexpected appearance of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa or the dramatic arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada — Lascano has proven he can more than handle the heat.

His assignment demands grueling hours, little sleep and a state of constant alertness. In an environment where the atmosphere can shift in a heartbeat, Lascano has mastered the art of waiting, watching and moving precisely when the story moves. His featured work at the Graphic Expo is a testament to the immense patience, stamina and sharp eye required to survive — and thrive — on the Senate floor.