It's been weeks since I put an entry on this blog, i literally misses http://confessionsofalvin.blogspot.com. But for now I am still figuring it out on how I can transfer all my entries on this blog to http://aquarianadventure.blogspot.com. The new blog with the same title "ANYTHING GOES" entails my adventure on this earth as an aquarian-born lad/lass hahahaha!!! The other blog is so "girly" as they say because I based in from the famous book I read years ago entitled "Confessions of Shopoholic" by Sophie Kinselli, though I'm a bit of a shopper but not like the well-loved fiction character- Rebecca Bloomwood. And if I can't find a way to transfer all my blog entries here in confessionsofalvin to aquarianadventure that would be tragic. But for now please be posted by reading http://aquarianadventure.blogspot.com if you want to see a piece or pieces of what I did for a day and where I have been. See you all and please feel free to leave all your comments!!!

As promised, I will blog what's my normal day alike, what I garbed and where did I go for my work-related stuff.
Here's what I wore last April 27, 2011 for the final alignment/meeting with DMCI's Cedar Crest Homes Launch:


Fashion details: Forever21 Men gingham top, Giordano skinny trousers and perfect that hot day is my Zara espadrilles


My carry all from the multiply site: tiramisu.multiply.com


The function hall of Cedar Crest where we held the launch:



Some of the guests during the event were PBA players, but this guy in blue Lacoste caught my eyes: He is very Piolo-ish:

The Day 2 of STYLE ORIGINS FASHION SHOW showcased international retail brands like Charriol, Mango, Zara, Topshop, Accessorize, Gap, 7 for All Mankind and much much more! Goodness, I wasn't working that day and I was one of the guests who seated- first row. Again, I'd like to credit it to my dear friend Ace Burwell. Please see this link in the cocktail area: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150166632757350&set=t.1354098232&type=1&theater

SAGA Events headed by fashion show director extraordinaire Robbie Carmona was over all in charge of the production from the PMAP models, pool of stylists down to the production staff. Singer Niko Maca performed that night and passersby and crowd who were just watching from the side went wild when Pupil band of Ely Buendia started striking the strings of his electronic guitar. Refreshments and cocktail foods were served by CIBO. I am personally inlove with their crostini and spinach dip, it's to die for (apparently no photos of the performers and the food).

Below are the photos taken from my BB and as early as now I apologize for the not so clear pics:















One of my many fashion resolutions is to wear an all white ensemble which is especially tailored for me like this one in Zara

Fashion show or any event won't be complete if there are no loot bags or freebies! Yey, invited guests ( I'm one of them) took home Metro magazines, free eau de parfum from Penshoppe (ha!ha!ha!) and discount vouchers from all participating merchants on this much talked STYLE ORIGINS! Thank you Trinoma, thank you Ayala Malls! Much, much love!

One of Ayala Mall's prime shopping and leisure destination in northern Manila recently held a cool and chic retail fashion show last April 7, 2011 entitled " STYLE ORIGINS". So what am I doing there? As always, it's WORK (but I'm not complaining, I sooooo love my job). This fashion show was so much fun especially my assignment given by Ace-my dear friend who happened to be the Senior Project Coordinator for Special Events of Trinoma Malls. I pulled out clothes from the participating merchants on the day one of the STYLE ORIGINS FASHION SHOW! Retail brands like Bayo, Team Manila, Collezione, Wrangler, Lacoste, Adidas and many many more showcased their uber fashionably apparel. Last minute changes always happens like the size of the models who will wear this particular shirts or blazers, so I had to run back to the store to get the size that fits the model. The day one show was directed by Mr. Jackie C. Aquino of JCA events. Towering models from PMAP and celebrities like Grace Lee, Christine Bersola, Marc Nelson and Dyan Castillejo we're all part of the show. Too sad I don't have photos of them for I was busy backstage. Rico Blanco and his band entertained the audience and I guess models as well. Here's the quick look of what happened on the STYLE ORIGINS FASHION SHOW:
Please forgive my Blackberry Curve, photos are not super clear:




Dyan Castillejo and son Thomas modelled for Lacoste


An unprepared shot of one of the stylists, proves that working in fashion department is not all about glitz and glamor


Beauty queen turned model Justin Gambionza on a white sheath dress


Metro magazine, the official media partner in print


Lifestyle Network, official media partner in TV broadcast

Five models wearing an ensemble courtesy of "The Ramp" which I personally styled for the Ayala Trinoma Style Origins Fashion Show





Outfit details: double breasted navy blue blazer, V-neck nautical stripes, khaki pants and hi-cut sneakers (not shown)




Outfit details: Fedora hat, orange and brown knit shirt, royal blue skinny tie (used as belt), white trousers and camel and brown slip-ons with shoelaces


It was a whole day of shoot going to different Quezon City landmarks like UP Diliman, QC Circle, Katipunan Avenue, Welcome Rotonda (yes, Welcome-Rotonda) and MRT North Edsa-Trinoma station. Working with these models was a breeze because some of them I have already worked with in my previous events and styling jobs! If you think that styling a shoot is easy, think it many, many times, it's not all about glamour, working behind the scenes can be so very tedious. I am not a professional stylist but from the countless styling jobs I attended an experience is always the best teacher.

Here's a piece of advise: You have to work with the model's body type, it doesn't mean that if a wardrobe looks fabulous it doesn't follow that it will look good on the model, you have to know with your subject's body or facial asset and you will work on that plus in my case I always ask the model if they'll be comfortable on what they will wear so can they can project and communicate well with the camera. For example if a model has a prominent collar bone let the model wear a strapless gown and a bold chandelier earrings, rest assured she will stand out.

Last Friday, I had a late lunch with my dear friend Gian. I came from a meeting in Meralco Compound in Ortigas and he came from his work. We dined out in Billy Rock in Shangri-La EDSA, we had chicken pesto and pepperroni quesadillas, real fries and they're to die for pesto and creamy garlic dips, so stuffed! The food was a bit oily but I'd like to believe they used olive oil at least it's healthy. It's a late lunch full of funny stories, exchanging thoughts on work, next restos to dine in-we're thinking of Charlie's in Pasig and one of the quaint restaurants in Ayala Triangle Park (I haven't tried it yet) and the best part we talked about boys and not just ordinary boy toys but boy hunks on-line, hahaha, now, that's "real" meal with desserts! Billy Rock during mid-afternoon is so relaxed, not crowded yet considering it's a Friday and next to perfect place for chit-chatting without a super loud voices on the next table. We will have our next visit very soon and will try other dishes like pasta, burgers among others.

Here's the sneak peek:

The yummiest quesadillas in town


Chicken pesto and Pepperonni quesadillas in a better angle


Gian and I dining a la chic

Marrionnaud, Essences, Beauty Bar, Watson's and how I wish I can go to Sephora! What do they have in common? They're all beauty mecca. Everytime I'm in Essences or any other beauty hubs, it feels so fresh and you feel that you are beautiful and you have this milky, glowy skin like A-listers celebs have. Aside fgrom the basic cleanser, toner and moisturizer, choosing the right powder for your skin is also one secret.

So I found this:



Physicians Formula Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder

Many mineral make ups have been mushrooming and yes they're good on what they promised. Now, let me do my beauty product review:

I have an oily skin and thank God it's not sensitive and prone to break-outs. Everytime I put on this mineral loose powder, it glides easily and like any other mineral-based make-up, it's light and doesn't cake on your skin. Another thing I love about this mineral product is it stays longer on the skin and unnecessary touch ups are not required. So I highly recommend this loose powder to those who have sensitive skin and still wants to achieve a natural look. My next quest is to look for a pressed powder or another mineral loose powder which has a darker color so it can contour my "chubby" face. Any suggestions?

I hate waking up in the morning especially when you did something late the night before. Never the less, I always look forward to daily mornings for freshly brewed coffee, taking a bath and my morning ritual which consists of a cleanser, toner, moisturizer, my fave hair iron and my new love-an eau de toilette, Charriol perfume!

Here's a peek:


L'Oreal Derma genesis clay mask and a scrub in one, L'Oreal Derma Genesis Pore Minimising Toner, The Body Shop's Moringa Milk Body Lotion Spray and Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer

I swear by L'Oreal's cleanser, its a clay mask and a scrub in one and I noticed that I have less black and whiteheads even if I don't visit my derma regularly.

My pores are a bit bigger so when I tried L'Oreal Derma Genesis Pore Minimising Toner, there is a gradual change from my skin's texture and pores and this wonder toner really helps in removing all traces of dirts and grimes that your regular cleanser can't.

Since I was in grade school, it's a must for me not to leave the house without applying body lotion especially to toes, elbows and legs. But this habit was gone for a meantime because I am a sweaty type of person plus the scorching heat of Manila and since we are sporting a colder weather lately, I decided to apply The Body Shop's Moringa Milk Body Lotion Spray- yes it's a spray so you can control it.

When I hit 22, part of my daily life is putting on a daily moisturizer, my first was Olay Total Effects, I was happy with the results everytime I finished a bottle but when my dear cousin Jasper from the US, gave me this Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30, I found my new baby, it's not so thick and very light on the skin which is more appropriate on our weather.

There are times that I switched my toner to this:


Nivea Sparkling White Toner

A quote from a magazine editor: "If you can't buy a designer bag, then go for a designer perfume." Very true indeed. I so love perfumes, it gives me a ceratin feeling that I can't explain, needless to say, I am under a spell of every perfume I encounter. Like body lotion or body butter, a perfume for me is a closet and a bag staple, it's an instant pick me up especially during "blaaahhh" days. I'm so into Charriol perfume now a days, the bottle is so sleek, it spells sassy and classy and the scent is so divine, very lady-like and will last longer.



That's my morning beauty regimen, basic and nothing fussy, Ooopppsss, I don't have a photo of my Vidal Sassoon hair iron, please wait for it on my next post. And now I want to know what's your morning beauty regimen, please post your comments;-)

I simply missed blogging, the last time I blogged was a month ago-it was my 26th birthday. Work have been eating my time for the past few weeks, been working on weekends and having less or no time at all with family and friends. But for the mean time, I will give you a heads up on what you will see and enjoy on the coming weeks here in my blog:

- my morning ritual, i.e. what cleanser, toner, moisturizer and even a hair iron I'm using in the morning
-what I will wear on the upcoming meetings, brunch and late afternoon coffee meeting with clients
-what i'm currently enjoying now (still thinking of what are those)


So, for now, just enjoy reading my previous blogs.

You are never too old to celebrate your special day, and that’s just what I did! Recently, I had an intimate “fashion packed” birthday party with my closest friends and my new found friends held at Dillinger’s in Greenbelt 3.
The night was filled with lots of alcohol, “super chikahan” and too many photo ops! Surprise things happened that night and my super friend Jairo, my darling friend Mac and my dear friend Vanessa can attest to that (it needs not to be mentioned here). Nevertheless, we all had a great time!





The highlight of the night was “who wearing this and what are you wearing”. To get a glimpse of the fashion details of my dear friends, please see below photos:


Fred Perry’s pique polo shirt, The Ramp pinstriped coat, Swedish brand Cheap Monday jeans from Adora and Aldo black sneakers



Jairo on a nude top and Roberto Cavalli white jeans with gold prints and Vanessa donning a lace dress from Forever21, Zara chain bag,Topshop heels and accessories from Parfois


Van showing her see-through back from her Forever 21's lace dress


Jairo flaunting the gold prints on his Cavalli jeans with Paula wearing an ensemble from Qatar and Carla on a vintage polka dot dress



Gian on a white baloony top from The Ramp, jeggings from Dorothy Perkins, brogues from The Ramp and his/her “Chanelesque”-inspired pearl necklaces


Mac wearing a top and jeans from H&M, bag from French label Louis Vuitton(not seen), Technomarine watch and his newly fashion find-Gucci belt

Too bad Mother Opalyn and my sweetest “candy” friend Aimee didn’t make it that night for some invalid reasons! To those who remembered thank you so much and it will be treasured for the rest of my life. Xoxo:-)

P.S. For more pics, pls visit my facebook account:www.facebook.com/alvinmontinola and follow me on twitter: www.twitter.com/@alvinlove

The long wait is over! Long time couple Jayzel Ado and Choy Lagac just engaged and will tie the knot on January 6, 2012, a day before they hit their 10th anniversary as "boyfriend and girlfriend". Romance is really in the air for they are made for each other.



Newly engaged Jay and Choy, what a stunning couple

Choy and Jay's engagement reminded me of love will conquer all and not just love but "mature love", you know why? Jay and Choy knew each other since they we're teens-immature and trying to wander different places and adventures but as year passes by, they practically grew up together, become supportive for each other, Choy being the "strict" boyfriend (which has good and valid purposes) and Jayzel the strong woman who would always back up his man and later on became mature individuals, and look where they are heading now, to a place called "forever" so big and cheesy.

The engagement party was held in BLUFROG in Silver City, it was like a mini-reunion with our college friends. Night of chit-chatting, exchanging stories and other things transpired that night. Thinking of it, we're all grown ups, because some of our friends are settling down, wanting to have children,some are already raising their own families and for gays and single gals in "BAMBAROO GAYS" we are busy with our careers! What a surprise that we're now thinking of our future and not just what to wear tomorrow and where to drink during weekends. I am so proud of my friends because even if we rarely see each other for the past few years, the love and concern-you can still feel it. FRIENDSFORKEEPS mga BECKIES!!!

Aside from the amazing news of Jay and Choy, another reason for celebration that night was our dear Mother Opalyn is now 6 weeks preggy with her boyfriend Emerson. Wow Mother you are really a certified woman! Take care always especially the young jelly inside your tummy!

Opalyn with the newly engaged couple

I may not have a gazillion friends but I have few quality and trusted friends. One of them is my my darling and stylish friend Vanessa. We went out one Wednesday night to check this quaint mini bar along the busy street of Ortigas. As usual goes, what do you expect we had a few drinks and tasted that bar's specialty PASSBOOM- it's made of green chili (sans the seed) and there's cheese inside and the whole thing is wrapped in a lumpia wrapper, its yummy and very extra-ordinary, too bad I was not able to take a photo of it. Then later on Vanessa spoke to the owner because her High School reunion will be held in that quaint bar (details to be blogged after the party). On a lighter note here's what she wore that night.


black trapeze top from a thrift shop, Viviene Westwood handbag, Michael Antonio royal blue w/black details heels and the show-stopper lace tights from Baguio