New favorite song! So inspiring.

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.

Thursday.

“The party’s starting at 11:30pm, so don’t be late otherwise the doors are closing.“ After reading the text message from Ria, I checked my iPhone and it was already 11:20pm. I knew it was going to be a close call so I immediately told the driver to make it double-time.  He didn’t give a shit, so I was obliged to give the driver the rest of my smokes to sweeten the deal. Ahh!! finally, I was seeing some results as we blitzed through Edsa at 120km/h.

With no time to lose, I entered the suburban village and arrived at Ria’s casa-mansion dead on time. Making my way straight to the elevator, I pressed the down button to go to the basement. I took a deep breath as I descended below and asked myself, “What am I getting into? This is all so spontaneous and I have no idea what’s happening. Who is even at this gathering?” – Eventually I resisted the urge hesitate as I was about to reach the basement floor. Now that I’m closer than ever, the noises start to become louder and louder.

 

With no surprise, my friends welcomed me with 2 shots of Patron followed by an unusual Jaeger Bomb chaser. The first thing I noticed upon arrival was that everyone was already wild for the night so I had a lot of catching up to do.

So here I was, caught in the midst of the action. Everyone partying like crazy, running around with no lights on aside from the projector screen, which just so happened to be playing Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. An eventful mind-trip it was at the time and I made the right move by not turning back.

 KC Del Rosario

 Coleen Garcia

 Kit Thompson

 Landon Leoncio and Jolo Estrada

 Krissy Villongco

 Callum David

 Alex Diaz James McDermott

Erika Villongco

What happened after these photos – I wouldn't know, nor would I think would be appropriate to share haha. But let me say this, that basement is one hell of a mystery.