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.

PhotoHunt: EMPTY

The Surigao Strait and the rising sun painted a fantastic visual treat, devoid of human intervention and interference, so beautiful that even a non-morning person like myself couldn't help but get out of the bed to be privy to such majesty.

off Almont Beach Resort, Surigao City, April 2011.

PhotoHunt: DANCE

Love her or hate her, Lady Gaga surely knows how to make a 10,000-plus-strong crowd sing and sway with her.

SM Mall of Asia Arena, May 2012, using a digicam.

PhotoHunt: HOT

In order to beat the hordes of madding tourist, and take advantage of the "first-buyer discount," we were in this pearl market at around 7am. These necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are proud products of communities in and around the Sulu Sea, engaged in the trade for decades. The market is located at the wharf behind a landmark hotel which has changed hands through the years; but the pearl sellers, like the beauty of their wares, have consistently endured life's scrapes and scuffles.

back of Lantaka Hotel, Zamboanga City, January 2012, using a digicam.