Ayala Center Cebu opened once again their Amazing Shopping Race Challenge to all BPO employees and office workers last August 31, Monday at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. On its 2nd year, this game was open to 20-40 years old male and female. Eight teams of four members were carefully evaluated and picked out from the hundreds of applications who applied.

The Blue, Red, Black, White, Mocha, Pink, Green, and Yellow teams made up the Amazing Shopping Challenge of Ayala Center Cebu. Our team was Pink - StyleCebu.

Rules:

1. Take off your accessories.
2. No bringing of bags.
3. No cellphones.
4. No stopping for drinks.
5. Shop clothes and accessories worth 6,000.
6. Team must have one model for the complete makeover.
7. After 2 hours is up, proceed immediately to the activity center for the fashion show.

So how would anyone know if you’re cheating?

A team Marshall was assigned to each group. He made certain that he was carrying our brand.Whenever we walked into a store, he would be proactive enough to show the staff our stamp.

Ayala Center gave the following as prizes:

1st place - Horseback Riding and Ziplining Adventure in Tagaytay inclusive of airfare, hotel and breakfast
2nd place - Water Rafting Adventure in Cagayan de Oro
3rd Place - Island Hopping Adventure in Mactan

Criteria for Judging:

Overall Style and Appearance        40%
Fashion Sense                                      40%
Teamwork                                               10%
Audience Impact                                 10%
TOTAL 100%

The panel of judges were:

Yves Camingue -  Stylist and Fashion Designer
Phillip Tampus -  Fashion Designer
Dianne Uy -        What A Girl Wants proprietor
Clint Potestas - Sunstar Cebu Writer

The mechanics:

Each team was given a budget of P6000 that they must consume through shopping at participating outlets all over the mall in two hours. After that, they must present their model in the runway. Our model was Sylvette, this tall slim woman whose character exudes in that wild hair of hers.

Since the theme was BOHO CHIC/K, we immediately discussed the style that we are going to be aiming for. A maxi dress and flowing curly locks came to mind but when you are pressed for time, you have to grab the most available resources you have. The first store we went to was Cocoon, the perfect store that houses everything boho from dresses to hats to accessories. Unfortunately, we didn’t find the look that we wanted. Nevertheless, we’ve never been around Ayala so much!

Most workout I have this month. The salesladies were even helping out but we had to do all the work or else we’d be out of the game before we can say Promod.

Say hello to the Amazing Shopping Challenge’s host, Eden Villarba.

Our overall look:

Dress: What a Girl Wants
Denim miniskirt: Regatta
Boots: Janylin

Accessories: Promod/Maze
Hair mousse: Beauty Bar
Makeup: Smashbox

Guess who won second place?

I am sure you know who stood out

Pink Team StyleCebu [from L-R]:

Cherry Lou Jimenez
Sylvette Senados
Jon Enriquez
Kristine Roa

The first placer, Team HSBC who won THE grand prize - the trip to Tagaytay - approached us and traded off their prize because they just got back from a recent Tagaytay trip and would love to go to Cagayan de Oro instead. Having recently just been from Cagayan de Oro the weekend before the race, I couldn’t help but thank the Gods for sheer luck!

Thank you to the sponsors and Mimik Corvera from Ayala Center Cebu. Congratulations also to the other teams who participated in the game. I bet everyone never had so much fun looting all those stores guilt-free! Till next year!