Often we hear about certain people being a jack of all trades. But a master of none, too. The problem lies in the inability of one to focus on the work at hand.

Multi-faceted talent Robster Evangelista has long figured out the way to handle his creative activities. Small wonder he is described in different ways by people needing to classify him. This guy’s a radio personality, songwriter, author, and speaker all in one.

That’s no joke as he is seriously into all categories. He just have to channel himself each time a challenge comes.

Robster explained, “It takes discipline and time management. Thus, my principle is one thing at a time or when I set out to do one thing, I focus on it entirely.”

Primarily known around the music industry as radio guy for iFM Manila, he recently signed up as singer-songwriter under the care of RJA Productions. Initially he was merely tapped for his songwriting services, but ended up being asked to sing one of his submissions, “Sino Ba Sa Atin” as RJA insiders thought he did a good job on his demo for the track.

The highly achiever shared, “‘Sino Ba Sa Atin’ is a concept song, meaning, I wanted to put into a song a very emotional situation wherein two lovers have started to notice the romantic feeling fading away. I think most, if not some, go to a phase like when you doubt the relationship. But personally, I learned that love is not just a romantic feeling but also a commitment. That is why love takes action and constant nourishment for it to grow and last.”

It’s a big break for someone who has had big breaks owing to his professionalism and prolificness. For him there’s more to bragging rights of being able to sing what you have written. He stressed, “As with most songwriters, it is always an achievement if you are the one to sing your own song because you know the emotion so well that you can put justice to its creation by singing it yourself.”

It helped that he was in a way mentored by his idol Rey Valera. He recalled being led to a level where “you can come up with a song when asked to, and of course you are paid for it.” He related, “I consider myself very blessed to reach that level especially when I'm asked to write a jingle or a theme song. I just scribble all the important messages the client wants to convey. Or if it is a song for an artist, I asked for the artist's profile, target audience, style, and repertoire that oftentimes I would fill up three pages in my notebook.”

Back in the day, Robster was a vocalist and guitarist for Haranya band and was the voice behind the theme tune of a movie starring then-screen couple Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa.

Last year’s RJA releases “Stuck” and soon to be released “Patawad Sinta” were both his compositions, both sung by the fast-rising Myko Mañago. In the past he wrote for ace alternative rock act Parokya ni Edgar (“Amats") and TV host-dancer-singer Vhong Navarro (“Mr. Papabol").

Going through his list of compositions given life by various acts is a testament to his passion for the craft. For a man whose long career in FM radio puts him vocally out there, it must have provided him so much fulfillment doing a creative act out of spotlight. When asked to go in front, his versatility provides him the right of amount of confidence and talent to never back down from the challenge.

Robster won at the PMPC Star Awards for Music I’m 2012 for his novelty song “Blind Item.”

He argued, “I always felt that when we believe we can do something, with God's grace, we can do it. As a child, I was fascinated with performers and the positive feeling and impact they give their audiences. I wanted to feel the same.”

On the radio front, he was a DJ for iFM for seven years and became the station’s manager since 2010. He created and produced “Mga Kuwento ni Lolo Barbers” and several times handled interviews of big-name local and international acts.

A few years back he authored inspiring books to guide people on how to walk through life. The titles say much: “How to Tame the Butterflies in your Stomach” and “How to Talk to Anyone Easily.”

Fans of basketball league PBA have surely encountered him barking loud and likable since he’s been doing the gig since 2006.

Robster could say from within, “I prefer to consider myself more as a storyteller. And I do it either through my music or my words of encouragement.”

1) What kept you busy during the pandemic?
"During the early part of the lockdown it was more of checking on my staff and DJs since I manage a radio station, 93.9 iFM. I also ensure that we continue our operations since music and entertainment gave people a semblance of 'normality'."

"When we are allowed to go back to the office, I did office work. But I had a lot of time to work on my health, I made sure that I exercise regularly because aside from the obvious benefit to my body, it also helped in easing out stress about the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic."

2) What were your realizations during the pandemic?
"That one, our relationships are our real treasure and source of happiness. We can live without material excesses, but without the presence of our loved ones, we really would expire easily and lose our sanity."

Two, it is very important to take good care of our physical and mental health. I also regularly talk to my family members about their feelings so that they have emotional outlet.

3) Were you able to compose a song or write a book during lockdown?

"Yes! I was able to write a song about frontliners, it's in my page, Robster's Jingles and Singles, called "Nasa Unahan", another song about looking forward to better things and a love song about people in long distance relationships :)

"I am still in the process of writing my 3rd book about Effective Communication and lessening stress : )"

4)What are your plans/goals in 2021?

"To record launch those 2 songs and hopefully publish my 3rd book
To hopefully go on a trip abroad (I miss travelling via plane)."

5) What can fans expect from you in 2021?
"That I will release more songs next year and give more time to music production which is my first love.

"I will also be more visible online via my facebook pages and youtube account."

6) Who are your dream music collaborations and why?
"Ever since I started writing songs at the age of 17, I've always wanted to write a song for Mr. Martin Nievera and Mr. Gary Valenciano, my 2 biggest idols. Singing those songs with them is a plus :)

"I also dreamt of writing songs together with Mr. Louie Ocampo, Rey Valera, Ryan Cayabyab, Vehnee Saturno, my favorite songwriters.

"International? Maybe with Bruno Mars, I consider him a "hook" genius-- the choruses of his songs are very catchy and easy to remember."