Matthew Israel Manes ／ Philippines
Age/ 26 years old
Occupation/ Aquascaper
Aquarium Experience/ 10 years
Past Achievements/
IAPLC2017　728^th place
IAPLC2018　303^rd place
IAPLC2019　561^st place
IAPLC2020　161^st place
IAPLC2021　5^th place

World Ranking 1
Ascend
Aquarium Size W120×D45×H45（cm）

The concept of the work is my own experience overcoming fear of the sea.

AJ　Please tell us your thoughts on receiving the award?
As an aquascape artist, this is my best year yet. I said I would not watch the live video on the announcement day. Why? Just like last year, I was anxious, and my heart trembled.
I do not like that feeling. I was at church that evening. I requested my best friend Nico to watch the video for me. He agreed to tell me the outcome later. Results came out. “Are you ready to see your rank?” he asked. “Yes”, I replied. When he handed me his phone, the word GRAND PRIZE flashed across the screen. There are no words to describe how I felt that night. My tears suddenly burst out because I remembered this was just my dream. I put a lot of effort into this. I had made a pledge to myself before the announcement day that I would bring triumph to my nation. It will be recognizable on a global scale. The grand championship will be won by a Filipino for the first time ever. We know IAPLC is one of the world’s most prestigious aquascaping contests. If you win the grand championship, it’s a remarkable history in the world of aquascaping.

AJ　Please tell us about the theme, motif, idea, etc. of this work.
You’re in a cave under the water. And to get some air, you’re swimming your way to the surface. Thus, the name Ascend. This concept represents my success in conquering my sea phobia.

AJ　Please tell us about difficulties you encountered in creating and maintaining the work.
Doing the hardscape on the lower, top, and vanishing points was challenging for me. To link your job with the vision you wished to carry out, you must be innovative in executing them. As with others, the tank is simple to maintain, no problem there.

AJ　Please tell us the key points in selecting aquatic plant and fish species.
For choosing plants, choosing the one that won’t cover my hardscape, is connected in all areas. Shadow is also crucial. While choosing the right fish. I need to keep the fish in place, like a surfacing diver or a bat flying across the cave tunnel.

AJ　What is it about planted aquariums that appeal to you?
For me, aquascaping is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to show my artistic genius. It has assisted me in constructing more facets of nature in the aquarium that contains living organisms. That truly amazes me.

AJ　Do you have any tips on how to win a prize in the contest?
My humble advice is to always look for inspiration in nature that suits your taste and to always be willing to explore the idea you decide on.

AJ　Please tell us about layouts and dreams that you want to create in the future.
I sought to produce a theme with a big impact. Something, you have never seen. My ultimate goal is for another Filipino aquascaper to take home the GRAND PRIZE.

AJ　If you belong to an aquarium club, please tell us about its activities.
I joined a lot of clubs in my country. Through seminars, workshops, and local and regional contests, we help our fellow aquascapers improve for worldwide aquascaping competitions.

AJ　What do you think about the IAPLC?
IAPLC is more than just a prestigious international competition to me. Instead, a contest that benefits a community speaks of solidarity; that which communicates to make this hobby known around the world.