Arlene Donaire
Photographer
Arlene Pasaol Donaire is a Cebuana creative whose journey into photography began in 2009, shaped by earlier years in college photojournalism and documentary work as a development economist and program manager. What started as curiosity evolved into a calling—photography became both mirror and map of her travels, capturing stories through light, color, and form. Her lens has explored the spirit of the Philippines, the diversity of Asia, and parts of Europe, rendering fleeting moments of wonder, culture, and humanity into compelling visual narratives.
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In 2015, Arlene gained national recognition as Photographer of the Week by Manila Bulletin’s Picture Perfect, where she later became a resident writer, profiling over 35 Filipino photographers. From 2013 to 2018, she authored more than 40 travel essays for the Tokyo-based Filipino-Japanese Journal. Her photographs have been showcased in camera club shows, art fairs, and international venues, including the 2024 exhibit Anyo at the Philippine Center in New York. She has received multiple accolades, including 1st Prize in the 2022 Vietnam Crossing Bridges Photo Contest, the Jury’s Award in Viewbug’s Monochrome in Nature (2023), and a Gold Medal at the 2024 Photographic Society of America’s 1st Philippine Circuit. As a photographer, she was honored as Outstanding Citizen of Danao City in 2023 and featured in Women’s Month tributes by Muntinlupa City (2024) and Born in Film (2025).
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A leading figure in Philippine photography circles, Arlene was Photographer of the Year (2024) of the Pinoy Photography Organization (PIPHO) and Top Photographer of the Year (2023) of the Zone V Camera Club. She also serves on the Photo World Cup committee under the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF), and frequently judges local competitions. Arlene is a respected educator and speaker, known for her signature talk on Visual Storytelling. She has spoken internationally, including as the first Filipino guest lecturer of the National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka in 2023 and at the 2024 Philippine Graphic Expo. Her creative vision has led to brand partnerships with Fujifilm, Benro, Asus Zenfone, Radiant Photo, and Lumix.
Outside photography, Arlene is a summa cum laude Economics graduate of Cebu City’s University of San Carlos, with advanced degrees from UP Diliman (MA/Phd Econ), Auburn University, and Harvard Kennedy School (MPA). She continues her work as development economist specializing in governance and regulatory reforms, public policy and administration.
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