What started off as a simple conversation about travelling and sightseeing in the Philippines, actually escalated into an actual out of town trip to Vigan two days later. The biggest thanks goes out to Chelsey Singson for being able to make it all happen. I have been dying to get out of town for months now since arriving back to Manila from Australia, and when this trip was set in stone, I lost my shit! It’s such a dreamlike voyage to have the opportunity to just go out of town whenever you like, or even leave the country as you wish when you have your own private jet(s). What’s cool about Chelsey is that she doesn’t boast about anything at all like what I have actually witnessed from big-noters in the past. She’s a very humble breed haha.

As a young child, I would travel to Vigan often with my family to digest the picturesque, Spanish orientated town. From what I remembered at the age of 12 compared to now, I can actually say that it’s such a beautiful destination to escape to. Now that I’m a little older and more visually inspired, I’m really able to now appreciate the surreal feeling of travelling and sightseeing compared to back in the day when I’d find any form of travelling to be boring haha. You only live once, so absorb as much as you can before time runs out.

Stay tuned for more pics!

 This was one of Chelsey's two private planes which I was totally blown away by. The plane we took catered to a larger group whereas her father's other plane is a legit Learjet!

Enjoy the slideshow!

It was 8:30am when I received a phone call from Coleen, waking me up saying “Rowb, come na lang with me to ABS kasama ni Krissy & Erika. They’re going to watch Showtime and you should come with!” I wasn’t really sure how to respond seeing as I was caught by surprise – not sure whether I should have been excited or a little anxious. Seeing as I was pumped for a busy week ahead, I talked myself into starting the week with a little backstage photography so people can get an idea what it's like behind the set.  

After cooking an awesome breakfast (scrambled eggs on toast with chilli sauce and pepper), I quickly got change in preparation, ready to be picked up by Coleen and the rest of her entourage - all set for what would be a day in the life of my little sis Coleen Garcia.

Walking through the backstage vicinity of ABS-CBN television station, it was really overwhelming for me to discover how colossal the networks location really is. Having lived close by for nearly a year now, I never really paid attention to the architecture and size of its location, so it was all so new to me.  For a TV station that's been situated for decades, I have to give it to ABS-CBN for being very well maintained, taking in mind that tens of thousands of people walk in and out each day.

Catching up with small chit-chat and discussing plans ahead, a lady shortly after barges into the Coleen’s dressing room screaming “Miss Coleen, we are live in 40 seconds!” Coleen drops everything, unravels her tightly curled-up hairdo and bolts down the corridor running at full pace in her neon green high heels! Everybody makes way for her. “Holy shit!” I thought, “now that's Filipino timing!” what a transition that was from make-up, shortly followed by live on air! Believe it or not, that's just a regular day in the office for these guys.

Shortly following Coleen to the set, the guards escorted Krissy, Ericka and I to the main seating area where we finally caught our first glimpse of Showtime, live on air. It was amazing. I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. Everyone was dancing, jumping up and down with excitement as the show kicks off with its introduction spiel.  The feeling was very surreal, definitely a feeling I could get use to.

I love this guy. He's a stage operator and at the same time a part of the act. You can just tell he's loving life. Happydayze. 

There was definitely some strange and interesting acts performed but nonetheless, everyone including myself were all in laughter.  

Towards the end of the show, I thought to myself - for a TV show that airs live for roughly 2 hours, Showtime is definitely packed with a variety of mystery and surprises. Taking the time to exhibit everything first hand is also an adventure of its own and for sure it won’t be my last time to visit. I highly recommend it if you ever have the opportunity to catch any of their live shows at ABS-CBN. Even just witnessing everything happen is a whole different experience of its own.

Not often would I share my personal side on my blog but lucky for  my good friend Ralph Mendoza of Philippine Star and I, we took  the opportunity to capture the moment on film.

It all started via text when I messaged Ralph about meeting up to take some photos for my blog as I really admire his photography. So to be honest, we hadn't even met prior to shooting, upon meeting Ralph for the first time we both decided to eat at Rustan's in Katipunan as it was the most convenient location. We realised we are sharing the same interests and creativity. It was merely a coincidence that we came up with the idea of shooting in the grocery store because everybody knows food and fashion is a great combination. 

A big thank you to my newest sponsors Original Penguin. Throughout my life I have been wearing Original Penguin clothes, simply because they never fail with quality and consistency. Literally not only were these clothes designed for the fashion trends but from personal experience my Original Penguin polos have lasted for years!

SM Accessories backpack worth only Php899.00 - Get in quick because I know they're selling fast.

Some of you may wonder, how was I able to get away with shooting in the mall?. Well the trick is easy, either be a foreigner like me and smile and pretend like you have no idea what's going on in life or carry a film camera with you so it doesn't look like a legitimate photo shoot is occurring. The thing with security guards in the Philippines these days is that they think that even if you carry a DSLR camera around, we are automatically dubbed as professional photographers taking advantage of a location without permission. I understand that they are doing their jobs, but sometimes I feel that security guards escalate situations unnecessarily because really we are not threatening anyone with our cameras or doing reconnaissance, we're just trying to be creative.

Shirt and hat from Original Penguin, Zara pants, Ray Ban wafers, Sm Accessories backpack, Converse All-Star shoes. 

For a rather chilled week, I've managed to find myself on an adventure throughout the most odd places with the most odd people - that being my close mates Kit Thompson and Roy Requejo. From random trips to Pampanga and Laguna, this week has been nothing but "spontaneous" with the boys. But for those who follow my blog on a daily basis, would already know thats my persona, hence why I'm spontaneously back on the rooftops doing my thing. Actually for me, seeing myself back on the rooftop again means I'm back in business.

Boxfresh Shoes, backpack and button-down, New Era black cap, Cheap Monday skinny jeans, SM Accessories watch.

If anyone ever tells you to go to an event on time, don't listen too them! You'll be setting yourself up for a cringe moment here in the Philippines haha... Last night was a real experience for me when attended the Ben Sherman, Robinsons Magnolia store opening earlier than expected haha. Not to worry though, I was pretty distracted by all the clothes Ben Sherman had newly on display. Nothing could be more perfected with the attention to detail Ben Sherman's consistently recognized for, thus making one of my favorite brands. Unlike generic clothing brands, Ben Sherman really make the effort to tailor their clothes to fit perfectly like a glove, hence why they're so successful world wide. From preppie to indie-folk, you won't go wrong if you're looking to dress for the occasion. Located on first level of Robinson Magnolia (opposite Cotton On), be sure to check them out!

Young genius' of Preview Magazine and Philippine Star Ana Canlas & David Milan 

Ely Buendia did a great job putting on a live show for the media and other guests, especially when he nailed it with the Rolling Stone covers. I was pretty overwhelmed by his performance, especially how quick he was to fled the scene right after his show. Haha. 

Caught up with Victor Basa! He's gonna kill me if he sees this candid of him!

Unstoppable

When you have photos like these, no matter what you are wearing the content is straight-up legit! Location and lighting is definitely the key. Even a standard camera can take photos like these when held in the proper hands. Haha it makes me cringe when I see someone who goes out of their way to spend so much money on an awesome camera and yet produce poor photos. No matter what camera you have, trust me you can do it!

I really enjoy shooting with my mate Khai because we have an awesome bond when it comes to photography aside from being good mates as it is. Enthusiasts we are!! If we are not learning from each other then we are always learning something new by taking things to the next level.

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Robbie Becroft

Rooftop access is not permitted for all people, so at one stage we had to keep a low-down from the security guards to avoid getting caught.

The face of Cheap Monday. I have previewed this shirt a few times and by looking how gnarly they logo is, it's well aware I can't get enough of it.

I miss these shoes so much. They're always hiding at the back of my wardrobe so I never see them when I pick out shoes to wear. It's cool that I brought and wore them out because this pic Khai took pretty much looks like billboard material.

H&M Pants, Boxfresh shoes, Topman hat + socks, Cheap Monday tee and KOMONO sunglasses