PhotoHunt: STEEL

In areas of the country where public utility vehicles are few and far between, passengers in a hurry to get home or have their produce brought to the market resort to "top loading" or riding on the roofs of vehicles, such as these men sitting atop this jeepney in the photo above. Some local government units have issued ordinances making top loading illegal due to obvious health and safety reasons but the practice still persists.

I've traveled via the method in one trip between two municipalities in Mountain Province north of Manila. I must say I understand why people opt for this unconventional seating arrangement: it was relatively less cramped on top, with a 360-degree view of the surrounding vistas, fresh air, cool breeze, plus an unwitting affirmation of one's masculinity as I have 'endured' the perils of top loading. And at the end of the day, it sure beats walking dozens of kilometers or waiting for hours for the next jeepney that will take me from Point A to Point B.

Have nerves of steel. Will travel.

Cagayan De Oro City, 2012, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: UPPER

One of the roads I drive on en route to the office runs parallel to the approach of our international airport. I was (un)fortunate enough to get this photo because of the intermittent standstill of the morning rush.

I wonder what it would be like to fly to the office everyday...

West Service Road of the South Superhighway, Taguig City, October 2012, using a phone camera.

PhotoHunt: MINISCULE

While standing beneath the Eiffel Tower, with its rich history, massive structure, and dazzling persona, I was cloaked with sheer awe. It is such a blessing to be beside a world icon, immortalized by artists, dissected by scientists, loved by many.

Paris, January 2013, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: STELLAR

The Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines is decked with star-shaped lanterns, all ready to celebrate Christmas. At the center of the plaza in front of the main administration building is the Oblation, symbol of the university, and ultimate aim and aspiration of the institution for its graduates, who number in the thousands yearly.

Quezon Hall, UP Diliman, November 2012 using a phone cam.

PhotoHunt: SEASONAL

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day give us the timely, and not often ignored, reminder of our own mortality, death's inevitability, and the importance of living life to the fullest. Until we reach our final destination.

Heritage Park, Taguig City, November 2012, using a phonecam.