I’ve always been a wahine baby for as long as I can remember. Growing up, much of my photos look like this:

maillot and sunnies, 1985

Fast forward to the mid-90s, the beach bum in me learned about Roxy from Seventeen and NYLON. I always saved up for Thanksgiving and Christmas since back then, that’s the only time of the year I can afford sweet finds from the brand. :) When I went to college, I met lots of friends who were into surfing and the beach life. L (below) and I had LOTS of projects together where we fused in tiki, hibiscus, and ocean elements. She’s my favourite Roxy and Quiksilver shopping buddy too!

Hellooooo tan lines
With L, in my favourite XS all-American Roxy studded tank, 2003

After more than 10 years into this love affair and countless bikinis, rashguards, room decor, and linen, Roxy has finally arrived in MNL. 2012 is going to be very big because Roxy Philippines has a lot of surprises for us fan girls. :) For starters, a handful femmes from print and new media were whisked off to Quiksilver Nuvali for an afternoon of fun and frolic the Roxy way.

Minutes before we arrived in Nuvali, we were handed cans of Rockstar Energy Drink (which I’ve been drinking for a while by the way cause I get perked up sans jitters). I’m glad I chugged on mine because boy did we need a lot of energy!

A snap of calm before the storm: delish lunch at Sumosam with Shen, Earth, and Lace.

Chef May and Roi (pictured below) taught us how to make two of their best sellers: Dynamite Roll and Crunchy Tuna Roll. They also served some of my Sumosam faves like the Salmon with Wasabi Cream and Ebi Tempura. Everything was so good (and fine, I ate quite a lot) I kept on praying that we won’t wear bikinis along the way.

After lunch, we found ourselves in my kind of heaven on Earth.

Roxy is the go-to lifestyle brand for the fun and active girl with a pulse on the best trends. Naturally beautiful, the Roxy girl is all about following your heart and where it will lead you. The brand offers a vast array of clothing and accessories that go from fashionably sweet to shredder-worthy when you want it to.

While waiting for everyone to settle in, we had ORLY manicures from Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa.

Hello, Tara!

wet N wild cosmetics (trivia: the brand’s born at the beach inspired by surfing!) through Make-Up Designory also showed us some tips and tricks on how to achieve a natural, fuss-free yet made-up look. Checkout this vid on how to complete the sunkissed look by primpin your tresses the easy breezy, beach seductress way:

After our tips were sealed and dry, our friends from Roxy Philippines made the big reveal — we’re in for a styling challenge! We drew lots and I was team mates with Style Bible & The Mall’s Nikki, Earth, and Vern. Our theme: WILD AT HEART.

We raided the racks for 20 seconds and here’s what we worked with:

We had 10 Polaroids to shoot up and choose from:

If the photo below came out the exact same way in the ‘droids, this would’ve been my fave. :)

We are Roxy: fun and alive, naturally beautiful, daring and confident.

While we didn’t win the challenge (Endless Summer did!), I had heaps of fun. It’s not everyday that you wake up in surreality. :) I also got to shop my heart out. I finally got a new backpack for work and light travel, my 8th Roxy rashguard, a hat, and a small purse. :)

Hi my name is Phoebe and I’m a Roxyholic.

Do visit and LIKE Roxy Philippines’ Facebook page for swell updates and exclusive contests. Shop your heart out at Roxy Robinsons Place Ermita, Quiksilver (Nuvali, SM City Cebu, Abreeza, SM Annex, Alabang Town Center), Res|Toe|Run (Sandals/Slippers Only), R.O.X. (Bonifacio High Street, Marquee Mall Pampanga, SM Cebu), Bratpack Stores, Urban Athletics, Stokedinc., and The Travel Club (Bag & Travel Goods Only).