Age: 28

How long have you been a shooter: 10 years professionally 

How long an ­underwater shooter: Two years 

How long diving: Three years 

Day job: Entrepreneur and investment ­manager 

Favorite underwater camera: Nikon D850

Favorite place to be underwater with a camera: If you check my dive log, it would be easy to tell that I really like Anilao and Romblon, both in the Philippines, because they boast a wide range of biodiversity and are among the best spots for macro photography.

Next underwater photography trip: Tromso, Norway, for orcas

Most unforgettable moment underwater with a camera: Shooting the (winning]blanket octopus in Anilao was a really unforgettable moment. The wonder that swept me is hard to put into words; all I can say is that it was truly a ­beautiful ­experience.

No. 1 bucket-list dive destination: Svalbard!

Underwater shooter you most admire: Paul Nicklen. Aside from being passionate in what he does, ­Nicklen is ­really a master of his art — ­looking at his ­photographs brings me to the very scene where he took it. And that’s the kind of photographer I want to be.

Advice for shooters entering their first photo contest: Be creative. It’s one thing to have a beautiful subject — adding creativity takes the image to greater heights. While it’s good to have a mentor, it’s also imperative to keep that flair of uniqueness, even in pursuit of a certain norm.