Since I set out on my pursuit in photojournalism, I have never looked back and vowed to realize my dream of making it among the top guns.

It seemed like a natural path to take, specializing in sport since I grew up loving it. Eventually I got better at it, but there was a catch. Anyone from the industry here in Asia can tell you that focusing on one genre isn't going to work out, because there isn't really a market for certain photography genres, especially sport. I moved to other options, and explored other genres.

Naturally, when you feel that you're at a certain level, the bar increases. And when your work doesn't make the cut, you grow dejected. But it's all part and parcel of the process. To me, I choose to see it in a way where I'm lacking behind, and I need to improve. I didn't fail yet. I merely underperformed. To me, I fail when I give up.

It's okay to not perform well, especially so when you're starting out on a journey. In the last quarter of 2016 and through 2017, I'm photographing subjects and trying techniques that I've never done, taking on more video assignments and picking up video editing.

There is a steep learning curve, but like I mentioned earlier, because we're in Asia, you have to do more. I choose to get out of my comfort zone. I can underperform today, but maybe a few weeks and months down the road, I'll be better. Because that's how we grow up.

GOALS for 2017

Take on more video assignments
Complete 3 photo stories
See better, shoot better