2022: Year In Pictures
This page highlights some of the best images captured or published by Basilio Sepe in 2022.
A woman prays in front of the Quiapo Church during the feast day of the Black Nazarene in Manila, Philippines. January 9, 2022. Authorities suspended physical masses and the annual procession of the Black Nazarene following the surge of COVID-19 cases and the increasing local transmissions of the omicron variant in the Philippine capital.
A drone image shows motorists lining up to receive COVID-19 vaccines at a drive-thru vaccination site in Manila, Philippines. January 14, 2022. Coronavirus infections continue to soar amid the government’s strict enforcement of health protocols. Today, more than 37,000 cases were recorded; the highest since the pandemic started.
A woman walks past a disinfection machine before praying to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Seng Guan temple in Manila's Chinatown, in the Philippines. February 1, 2022. The 2022 Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese zodiac calendar, representing bravery, courage and strength.
Supporters of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno wave and carry signs as they watch his motorcade promoting his presidential bid in the 2022 national elections in Manila, Philippines. February 8, 2022. Campaigning in the Philippines' presidential election kicked off Tuesday with a diverse cast of candidates led by a late dictator’s son and the pro-democracy current vice president, who both vowed to bail out a country driven deeper into poverty by the pandemic and plagued by gaping inequalities and decades-long insurgencies.
Supporters of Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, celebrate during a proclamation rally promoting his presidential bid in the 2022 national elections at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan province, north of Manila, Philippines. February 8, 2022.
Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., center left, and his running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte wave Philippine flags during a proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena, Bulacan province, north of Manila, Philippines. February 8, 2022.
A foreign passenger wearing a protective mask as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus disease arrives at Manila's International Airport, Philippines. February 10, 2022. The Philippines lifted a nearly 2-year ban on foreign travelers Thursday in a lifesaving boost for its tourism and related industries as an omicron-fueled surge eases.
Vice-presidential aspirant senator Francis Pangilinan, gestures as he speaks during a promotional rally in Quezon City, Philippines. February 13, 2022. Colorful and boisterous rallies officially kicked off the race for the Philippine presidential election as candidates fanned out nationwide Tuesday to court votes to replace outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte.
Firemen work along a street as they control a fire that burned a house in Quezon City, Philippines. February 20, 2022.
Confetti falls as various groups commemorate the 36th anniversary of the People Power revolution in Quezon City, Philippines. February 25, 2022. The activity was followed by a protest calling for justice of numerous human rights violations in the country and to not vote for another Marcos in the coming May 2022 national elections, as they celebrate the EDSA People Power revolution, an uprising that toppled the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos from a 20-year-rule in 1986.
Supporters of incumbent Vice-President and presidential hopeful Leni Robredo and activists light candles during a protest to mark the 36th anniversary of the People Power revolution in Quezon City, Philippines. February 25, 2022.
People cross a street as traffic builds up along a major road in Quezon City, Philippines. March 1, 2022. The Philippine government on March 1 eased COVID-19 restrictions in Metro Manila, allowing establishments and public transportation services to operate in full capacity, as coronavirus cases descend.
The flag of Ukraine is projected on the UST Main Building as a show of support for the country at the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. March 2, 2022. Other countries in Southeast Asia like Singapore and Indonesia have condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while the Philippines has called for a peaceful resolution on the conflict and have expressed concerns over the safety of Filipinos fleeing from the war-stricken eastern European country.
Members of Greenpeace Philippines wearing hazmat suits carry placards as they mark the 11th anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster caused by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan during a protest at the Department of Energy - Renewable Energy Management Bureau in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. March 11, 2022. Greenpeace Philippines called on the government to stop promoting nuclear as an alternative energy source in the country and demanded the revocation of the Executive Order No. 164, which promulgates the use of nuclear power.
A member of Greenpeace Philippines carries a sea turtle made of plastic waste during a protest at the Nestle headquarters in Rockwell Center, Makati, Philippines. The groups called on Nestle to shift to genuine sustainable solutions and stop producing single-use plastics, which are harmful to people’s health and livelihood, and the environment.
Smoke billows as American and Filipino soldiers bombard their target during the 'Balikatan' military exercises at Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila, Philippines. March 31, 2022. The Philippines and the United States began one of their largest joint combat exercises in years under the annual Balikatan or “Shoulder to Shoulder”, which will focus on maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban operations, aviation operations, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
American soldiers coordinate firing locations to launch airstrikes and artillery on their target during the 'Balikatan' military exercises at Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila, Philippines. March 31, 2022.
A Morion wearing a protective mask joins a parade during the Moriones festival in Boac, Marinduque south of Manila, Philippines. The Moriones is an annual religious festival in the island of Marinduque wherein men and women in costumes and masks replicate biblical Roman soldiers in observance of Holy Week.
Devotees wearing Roman soldier costumes parade during the Moriones festival in Boac, Marinduque south of Manila, Philippines. April 13, 2022. The Moriones is an annual religious festival in the island of Marinduque wherein men and women in costumes and masks replicate biblical Roman soldiers in observance of Holy Week.
Supporters of Vice-President and presidential hopeful Leni Robredo raise signs and mobile phones during her campaign rally in Pasay City, Philippines. April 23, 2022. Thousands of supporters gathered for Robredo’s campaign rally as the national election nears, with former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos still leading in the 2022 presidential race.
Incumbent Vice-President and presidential hopeful Leni Robredo greets the crowd during her campaign rally in Pasay City, Philippines on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Thousands of supporters gathered for Robredo’s campaign rally as the national election nears, with former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos still leading in the 2022 presidential race.
A drone image shows a huge crowd during a campaign rally of Vice President and presidential candidate Leni Robredo in Dasmariñas, Cavite province south of Manila, Philippines. May 1, 2022. Around 100,000 people gathered to support Robredo in just over a week before the May 9 2022 national elections.
Supporters of Vice President and presidential candidate Leni Robredo flash the "L" sign meaning "Fight!" during a Labor Day activity in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. May 1, 2022. Various labor groups called for labor rights and improved benefits as part of their support for Leni Robredo who is running for president in the May 2022 national elections.
Vice President and presidential candidate Leni Robredo wears a crown as she speaks to supporters during her campaign rally in Dasmariñas, Cavite province south of Manila, Philippines. May 1, 2022. Around 100,000 people gathered to support Robredo in just over a week before the May 9 2022 national elections.
Supporters of Vice President and presidential hopeful Leni Robredo carry signs and wave flags during her final campaign rally in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. May 7, 2022. Millions of Filipino voters are expected to select a new president for outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte on May 9, with Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, son and namesake of the ousted dictator leading pre-election surveys.
Vice President and presidential hopeful Leni Robredo, center, greets her supporters during her final campaign rally in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. May 7, 2022. Millions of Filipino voters are expected to select a new president for outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte on May 9, with Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, son and namesake of the ousted dictator leading pre-election surveys.
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray speaks as she makes a surprise appearce during the final campaign rally of Vice President and presidential hopeful Leni Robredo in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines. May 7, 2022. Millions of Filipino voters are expected to select a new president for outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte on May 9, with Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, son and namesake of the ousted dictator leading pre-election surveys.
People queue to vote outside a school turned into a polling center during the opening of elections in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. May 9, 2022. About 67 million Filipinos are expected to select their new leader, replacing outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.
A woman casts her ballot inside a school used as a polling precinct during the opening of elections in Quezon City, Manila, Philippines. May 9, 2022. About 67 million Filipino voters are expected to select a new leader, replacing outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.
Supporters flash peace signs as they wait at the headquarters of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines. May 10, 2022. Marcos, the son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is set to win the presidential elections after securing more than 30 million votes.
housands of supporters of presidential aspirant and incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo raise their mobile phones as they gather during a thanksgiving rally in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. May 13, 2022. Robredo urged her supporters to join a volunteer campaign against disinformation and historical revisionism after accepting that she lost the election to Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of ousted Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
Policemen detain a group of protesters as they rally near the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines. May 21, 2022. The group protested against the visit of U.S. President Joe Biden in Asia, his first visit to the region since he took office, to demonstrate America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific amid the Ukrainian war and an increasingly assertive China.
Policemen disperse activists protesting against presidential frontrunner Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos and running mate Sara Duterte, daughter of the current president, during a rally at the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines on Wednesday. May 25, 2022.
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard stand in formation as they welcome the arrival of the BRP Melchora Aquino at Manila’s port area, Philippines. June 1, 2022. The brand new multi-role vessel built by Japan was ordered by the coast guard to strengthen its maritime security, safety and marine environmental protection capabilities in the country’s waters, especially in the disputed South China Sea where the Philippines continues to have tense territorial standoffs with China.
Residents paddle their boats on stagnant floodwaters inside the Artex Compound in Malabon, Metro Manila, Philippines. June 8, 2022. The village has been flooded by stagnant waters for several years. The inhabitants, who are mostly poor, have to use boats for their daily mode of transportation, that even visiting their neighbors has become a tedious effort. In order to get access to basic necessities like groceries, residents need to transport to other parts of the city that are not flooded. One of the biggest problems for the residents living in the area is getting clean water for day-to-day life.
A customer smells samples of marijuana inside a cannabis shop at Chatuchak park in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday. Thailand further legalized the cultivation and use of marijuana for non-recreational purposes to encourage the production of medicines and foods made with cannabis extracts.
A woman walks on a pathway with rainbow colors in front of Siam Center in Bangkok, Thailand. June 20, 2022. Lawmakers in Thailand gave initial approval to legalizing same-sex unions, a step closer towards becoming the second territory in Asia to legalize same-gender marriages.
People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk on the Mahanakhon Skywalk, Thailand's highest rooftop and observation deck at the King Power Mahanakhon building in Bangkok, Thailand. June 20, 2022. Thailand continues to ease restrictions to boost its tourism despite the a global pandemic and new waves of coronavirus cases.
A monk walks inside a temple at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand. June 22, 2022. Thailand continues to ease restrictions to boost its tourism despite the a global pandemic and new waves of coronavirus cases.
Activists hold placards against the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during a protest in Manila, Philippines. June 30, 2022. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the namesake son of an ousted dictator, was sworn in as Philippine president Thursday in one of history’s greatest political comebacks but which opponents say was pulled off by whitewashing his family’s image.
A supporter of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. fixes her protective mask as they gather for his inauguration ceremony in Manila, Philippines on Thursday. June 30, 2022. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the namesake son of an ousted dictator, was sworn in as Philippine president Thursday in one of history’s greatest political comebacks but which opponents say was pulled off by whitewashing his family’s image.
Filipino Muslims pray to mark Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. July 9, 2022. Muslims around the world observed the major Islamic holiday amid a global pandemic and new waves of coronavirus cases.
Angelo Hadraque carries a piece of lumber inside a furniture shop in Villaba town in the province of Leyte, south of Manila, Philippines. July 28, 2022. In the town of Villaba, Leyte province local artists make furnitures out of various indigenous materials. One of those furnitures is the ‘amakan’ or woven split-bamboo mats that are commonly used as wall paneling for traditional houses in some parts of rural Philippines.
A small boat passes by a construction of a new coal-fired power plant along the coastal area in the province of Batangas, south of Manila, Philippines. August 12, 2022. Residents, mostly fishermen, have been struggling with industrial development in the area affecting their rights to health, livelihood, and a clean and safe environment.
Coal and LNG are seen by big business as cheap sources of energy, sufficiently cost-effective at supplying a constant stream of power to meet the minimum demand for electricity in many cities throughout the day. There are 28 coal-fired power plants currently operating throughout the Philippines.
The Philippines remains on the path of burning coal in Southeast Asia, exposing many communities to toxic pollution and endangering marine resources in the country, while other nations are already relying on modern, renewable energy sources for their additional power needs.
Audience cheer at Nieves Rosento, one of the casts of Delikado, an enviro-thriller documentary about land defenders trying to save an island paradise in the Philippines, during its premiere at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Manila.
A man sweeps out water from a flooded gas station in Bulakan, Bulacan province, north of Manila, Philippines. August 16, 2022.
Parents and guardians watch as students gather inside a public school on the first day of reopening of classes in Quezon City, Philippines. August 22, 2022. Millions of students went back to in-person classes after two years of online learning at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Loss Carlson, right, and Captain Willie Charmichael of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Midgett vessel stand at Manila’s port area, Philippines. August 30, 2022. Filipino and American coast guards are expected to conduct joint search and rescue exercises, enhancing law enforcement, fisheries control, and other aspects relating maritime security between the two allied countries.
A worker removes plastic garbage collected by floating waste barriers along a creek in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines. September 15, 2022.
A woman enters a British pub in Makati City, Philippines with a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II in time for her state funeral in London, England. September 19, 2022. Queen Elizabeth II, Britain's longest-reigning monarch, died on September 8, 2022, after 70 years on the throne. She was 96.
A worker collects trash and debris swept by strong winds brought by Typhoon Karding (international name Typhoon Noru) along the Baywalk area in Manila, Philippines. September 26, 2022. The typhoon slammed into the northeastern Philippines on Sunday and barreled across the main Luzon island prompting forced evacuations in several provinces including Metro Manila.
Catholic priest Fr. Flaviano "Flavie" Villanueva speaks to family members and relatives of victims of the war on drugs during a memorial service inside a Catholic church in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. September 28, 2022. The remains were exhumed from their graves after the lease on the tombs at a public cemetery they were buried expired and relatives could not afford to continue with it.
A woman lights a candle as members of various media organizations and human rights activists condemn the murder of broadcast journalist Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid, during an indignation rally in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. October 4, 2022. Percival, who was a staunch critic of the Duterte and Marcos administration, was killed on Monday by two assailants riding on a motorcycle, according to reports.
US marines make a beach landing during a joint US-Philippine military exercise dubbed “Kamandag” meaning “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea.” in Zambales province, northwest of Manila, Philippines. October 7, 2022. Filipino and U.S. Marines, participated by Japanese and South Korean military personnel, kicked off large-scale military drills on Monday in and around Philippine islands amid tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
Farmers hold signs calling for the local government to act on the climate crisis in the wake of Super Typhoon Karding (international name Noru) in the town of Gerona, Tarlac province north of Manila, Philippines. October 8, 2022. The groups of farmers are calling on nations who are historic emitters to pay for the political, social, and financial costs of the climate harm they created to heavily impacted nations.
A launch truck fires the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at its intended target during a US-Philippines joint military exercise dubbed “Kamandag” meaning “Cooperation of the Warriors of the Sea” in Capas, Tarlac province north of Manila, Philippines. October 13, 2022. The war games, participated by Japanese and South Korean military personnel, involved combined live-fire exercises as well as aircraft and amphibious operations in and around Philippine islands amid tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
A woman wears a mask during a Halloween street party in Poblacion, Makati City, Metro Manila. October 31, 2022. The annual Halloween event dubbed ‘Ready Poblacion One’ was the first after two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The shadow of the earth covers the moon as it rises behind Christmas lights during a total lunar eclipse at an astronomical observatory in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. November 8, 2022.
Dayana Damangca, 17, inside a classroom in the town of Ganassi, Lanao del Sur, southern Philippines. November 14, 2022. Dayana is a volunteer for Oxfam Philippines' Sexual Health Empowerment (SHE) program and is a peer educator who uses her voice to influence young people and schoolmates in raising awareness on adolescent reproductive health and prevention of child, early, and forced marriage.
A woman carries her baby outside a rural health clinic in the town of Ganassi, Lanao del Sur, southern Philippines. November 15, 2022.
People watch a Christmas lights and sounds show at the Ayala Triangle Garden in Makati City, Philippines. December 14, 2022. The annual lighting ceremony returned to the city after two years due to coronavirus restrictions.