Why Not by Leah Puyat: May 2015

I find it always amazing when an annual event outdoes its predecessor. I mean, how can it still be better than the last, which was already unbelievably creative and innovative? That’s what I ask myself whenever I watch Mensweek and Style Origin by Ayala Malls, done in partnership with The Philippine Star.

This year’s Mensweek was launched last May 7, at the Greenbelt 5 Fashion Walk. As usual, the producers, directors, and of course the designers – Joey Samson, Rhett Eala, and Gian Romano – did a superb job! The clothes, the staging, the lights – everything was perfect. I’m really glad there’s this yearly series of fashion shows where our local designers can showcase their flair for men’s apparel. Kudos to the entire Mensweek and Style Origin team for a great job! And for those of you who missed the launch, catch Style Origin and Mensweek through selected Ayala Malls nationwide.

Team Toast: Ayala Center Makati General Manager AC Legarda, Ayala Land Vice President Rowena Tomeldan, Philippine Star Senior Vice President for Sales and Marketing Lucien Dy Tioco, Ayala Land Assistant Vice President Myrna Fernandez & Alabang Town Center and TriNoma General Manager Mark Sablan

Host Joey Mead-King

The featured designers of the night: Rhett Eala, Gian Romano & Joey Samson

Philip Cu-Unjieng

Michael Carandang

Rima Ostwani

Carlo Gonzales

Jo Ann Bitagcol

Raul Manzano & Karen Davila

As summer goes full blown, we find ourselves day-dreaming about white beaches and cobalt blue ocean, with waves crashing down the shore and palm trees swaying with the wind. There is one spot on Earth (aside from the islands of the Philippines) that makes the vibe of summer an everyday reality. It is a paradise in the middle of the Pacific – aloha Hawaii!

Thanks to the world’s leading flip-flop brand Havaianas, we can experience Hawaii right smack in the center of Makati as Make Your Own Havaianas turns 10!

Why Hawaii, you ask? Havaianas, which means “Hawaiians” in Portuguese, was born out of the tropical islands’ hang loose culture. Hawaiians live most of their lives outdoors, enjoying the many gifts of Mother Nature, and thus cannot live without their so-called rubbah slippahs – or in our case, flip-flops! Hawaii’s breezy way of life and exuberant colors have been inspiring every Havaianas style since 1962.

This year, Havaianas kicked off the 10th year of MYOH with an exclusive vintage Hawaiian luau to pay homage to its inspiration. On May 5, 2015, stars as bright as those of Hawaii’s night sky graced the event to celebrate a decade of flip-flops customization. They got first picks from this year’s limited edition pins such as hibiscus, sea grubs, and ukulele, which look really good with the commemorative vintage Hawaiian pair!

“It was in 2006 when this concept was introduced to the local market. And while Make Your Own Havaianas is being experienced in different countries around the globe, it is only in the Philippines that it has grown so big that we needed to do it nationwide --- simultaneously to accommodate the Havaianaticos in the country,” says Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Havaianas Philippines. She added, “Havaianas occupies a special place in the hearts (and feet) of our Filipino customers --- hence, we are bringing this special personalization treat to them.”

Since then, Make Your Own Havaianas became a much-awaited annual tradition that the brand’s customers look forward to and line up for every year. But this time around, more Filipinos will be able to experience this exciting and engaging family affair as we hold MYOH in Glorietta Activity Center and key cities around the country, all at the same time from May 7 to 10! For the first time in a decade, MYOH will be open in select All Flip-Flops branches and pop-ups nationwide.

Check out the following stores in Metro Manila: AFF Bonifacio High Street, AFF SM Manila, AFF SM Megamall, AFF SM Mall of Asia, AFF TriNoma. In the provinces you can visit: AFF Abreeza Davao, AFF SM Bacolod, AFF SM Bacoor, AFF SM Cagayan de Oro, AFF SM Iloilo, AFF SM Lipa, AFF SM Pampanga, AFF SM Tarlac, and our MYOH pop-up stores in Robinson's Ilocos Norte and SM City Cebu (from May 7 to 17).

Start the fun now by registering online via http://myoh.havaianasphilippines.com/ and try out the different possibilities in customizing your flip-flops!

Put on your most festive Hawaiian outfits and visit the MYOH venues listed above! Make Your Own Havaianas will be open during mall hours. Entrance is free. You only need yourselves, your creative hats, and maybe a few hula dance moves to get that Hawaiian vibe going! E komo mai!

Feel free to share your own Make Your Own Havaianas experience with #MYOH2015 on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook!