Arlene Donaire is a Cebuana photographer and writer whose creative journey bridges visual storytelling and public service. A summa cum laude graduate in Economics from the University of San Carlos, she holds advanced degrees from UP Diliman, Auburn University, and Harvard Kennedy School. Her professional life spans over 30 years in governance and regulatory reform, but it’s through photography that she found a second calling—one that captures the soul of places and people with clarity and compassion.
Donaire began exploring photography in 2009, building on earlier experiences in college photojournalism and documentary work. Her lens has traveled across the Philippines, Asia, and Europe, rendering fleeting moments into visual narratives rich with color, texture, and meaning. Her work has been featured in camera club shows, international exhibits, and publications such as Picture Perfect (Manila Bulletin), where she profiled over 35 Filipino photographers as a resident writer.
She has earned multiple accolades, including:
Photographer of the Year (Pinoy Photography Organization, 2024)
Top Photographer of the Year (Zone V Camera Club, 2023)
Gold Medalist at the Photographic Society of America’s 1st Philippine Circuit (2024)
Outstanding Citizen of Danao City (2023)
Her images were showcased in the 2024 Anyo exhibit at the Philippine Center in New York, and she continues to speak on visual storytelling at events like Photo World Asia and the Philippine Graphic Expo. Donaire also serves on the Photo World Cup committee under the Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF), and collaborates with brands such as Fujifilm, Lumix, Benro, and Radiant Photo.
Whether mentoring emerging photographers or capturing golden hour landscapes, Arlene Donaire’s work reflects a deep commitment to beauty, truth, and the stories that connect us.
