Why Not by Leah Puyat: March 2015

Friday, March 27, 2015

Merci beaucoup, Bensimon!

Whoever said nobody’s perfect was wrong. Well, sort of. See, we are all imperfect. We all have flaws – in both our physical appearances and attitudes. But it is in knowing our faults and accepting the things we can’t change that make us perfect. I mean, perfectly imperfect.

That’s why I love this Parisian sneakers brand that brought to our country the French lifestyle, which is anchored not on perfection but on simplicity and elegance. And because Bensimon puts great value on our individuality, it hosted a DIY workshop, for the second year, yesterday, March 26!

I had so much fun designing my own sneakers. But favorite design was made by my close friend JC Buendia. It was very simple yet elegant and classic. Cherry blossoms bloomed from his white canvas sneakers – and just in time for the sakura season in Japan too! I wish I had his talent. Good thing the Bensimon DIY is more about showing your personality rather than artistic prowess!

The workshop goes with the tagline, ‘Dream-it-yourself, do-it-yourself.’ I believe that there is a designer in every individual. We don’t all get the chance to design something for other people but we like being able to design and customize for ourselves. With Bensimon, I was able to do a sneaker design that before I thought would only be just a dream. And I really love the fact that now I have a pair I could totally call my own! You know what the best thing is? You could do that too!

For every purchase of Bensimon sneakers from March 24 to April 25, you will be entitled to a free DIY workshop session. Make sure to get your pair from any of the following participating stores – CommonThread (Greenbelt and Power Plant), Rustan's (Gateway, Makati, Alabang Town Center and Shangrila), SM Aura and SM Makati – for you to get a workshop invite. This promo will culminate with two workshops simultaneously happening on April 25^th at Common Thread Greenbelt and Power Plant Mall.

Don’t miss your chance to personalize your sneakers! Grab a Bensimon pair now! Allons-y!

Philippine Daily Inquirer Beauty Columnist Ria Prieto

Preview Magazine Editor-in-Chief Pauline Juan

Manila Bulletin Columnist Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Model Tola Orendain

Model Miko Raval

Model LA Aguinaldo

Actress & sports enthusiast Maricel Pangilinan with her kids

Fashion designer Rajo Laurel

Fashion designer JC Buendia

Garage Magazine Editor-in-Chief Rey Ilagan

Chalk Magazine Editor-in-Chief Elaine Carag

Chalk Magazine Fashion Editor Kate Paras

Chalk Magazine Lifestyle Editor Barry Viloria

Metro Magazine Managing Editor Katrina Angco

Metro Magazine Fashion Associate Ria Gamboa

MEG Magazine Fashion Editor Rainier Dagala

MEG Magazine Fashion Assistant Portia Ladrido

Philippine Daily Inquirer 2BU Fashion Stylist RJ Roque

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Someone please help Joseph cool down!

It’s not only the weather that’s getting hot this summer, KFC’s new crispy fire chicken could drench you in sweat even with the AC set on high.

Joseph Marco had the privilege of trying it for the first time and he had this tricky problem of how to cool down. Ladies were more than willing to help him decide. But he still ended up trying out every way possible, including of course, taking a gulp of refreshing Coca-Cola!

Check an extended version of his sizzling video below!

Boracay is always a good idea!

In the Philippines, the island of Boracay is the very definition of summer. From the legendary powder white sand, the aquamarine calm waters, the rainbow of resorts on its wide expanse of beach, Boracay is all about choice. If you want to lay on the best stretch of sand, with a private and old school island vibe, Fridays is for you. If you want to feel more of a scene, Station 2 is party central. And if you really want to get away from it all, Asya Premier and Friday's are on opposite ends of the island, but they epitomize the idea of an isolated enclave. Food tripping is another essential part of the Boracay experience. Everyone’s first stop is Jonah’s for a cold fruit shake and a hot choriburger. I've gone to Boracay for splashy product launches, marathon birthday celebrations, and quick getaways with friends, and I always leave with the same sentiment: “I can’t wait to get back.”

Truly looking forward to the Nation Flip-flops Day which is just 3 days away!

The pristine white sand of Boracay.

Who wouldn't fall in love with this haven?

Carlo, Miko & LA enjoying under the sun!

To get my summer started, I joined a great group of friends for a super quick getaway. We wasted no time in posting our photos of our new Havaianas featuring the Naif art of Brazilian artist Helena Coelho. Naif art is made by artists who have no formal training or academic background and so they sparkle with childlike simplicity and a refreshing lack of perspective. Coelho painted quintessential summer seaside scenes. Its title is Sabado Na Praia Vermelha, or Saturday on Vermelha Beach. Fashion and beauty and lifestyle blogger describes the design as such: "She (Coelho) is known for painting pictures that convey her rich inner world. She focuses on everyday themes with singular poetry . . . "

Every time I looked down at the bright and bold colors on my Havaianas, I could feel the carefree spirit of summer seep into my soul. And though this is a limited edition, everyone with a pair of Havaianas can get into this glorious summer feeling on March 27, National Flip Flops day! Post your selfeet, and you could win flip flops, and just to add to the fun, get your whole school or office into the act and make it the more the merrier.

All Flip Flops shops will also have fun treats such as bag painting and free ice cream to beat the heat. Summer is full of holidays, and National Flip Flops Day is one day that should be part of your summer!