Show your fighting spirit color with Havaianas + UAAP 2016 Collection!

University life can be quite the challenge when you’re juggling your academics and your social life and at the same time shedding from your teenage cocoon and spreading your wings to adulthood.

It sounds mad enough but even in the midst of all this chaos, university life can be quite fun and it can the best time for you to step out of your comfort zone and be a part of life’s endless opportunities. Take it from someone with experience; because in this stage, there are more ways to spread your wings and let your spirit soar.

This September, the world’s favorite flip-flop brand, Havaianas, helps lifts up the school spirit in you as it launches its new UAAP 2016 collection in time for the 79th season of University Athletic Association of the Philippines or as we all simply know as the UAAP games!

The Havaianas + UAAP collection features colorful and iconic designs based on each of the participating UAAP schools’ mascots-- ‘The King’ Blue Eagle head of Ateneo de Manila, the Green Archers’ bow and arrow of De LaSalle University, the growling Tiger’s Black-gold, black-white stripes of University of Sto. Tomas, the soaring Falcon wings of Adamson University, the strapping Tamarraw horns of Far Eastern University, the firm clenched fists of the Fighting Maroons of UP Diliman, the fierce Bulldog of National University and last but definitely not the least is the symbol of the mighty Red Warrior of the University of the East.

Each pair of the Havaianas + UAAP 2016 collection is at P1,195 and is available at selected Havaianas retailers nationwide. From September 1-18, you can get 2 complimentary baller bands with a single-receipt purchase of 2 regular-priced pairs, inclusive of at least 1 Havaianas + UAAP 2016 pair too!

With all these fun new designs from the collection, it’s time to show what your fighting spirit is made of and shout out who you’ll be routing for in the upcoming excitement of this year’s UAAP season.
 

For more details about Havaianas + UAAP 2016 collection, you can like the official Havaianas Philippines Facebook page or follow @havaianasphils on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat. If you want to shop online, visit http://shophavaianas.ph/.

Havaianas + UAAP UE with the iconic figure of the Red Warrior

Havaianas + UAAP NU with the loyal yet ferocious Bulldog

Havaianas + UAAP FEU pair with the fierce Tamarraw horns

Havaianas + UAAP DLSU with its symbolic green archers

Havaianas + UAAP ADU flip-flops with the soaring falcon wings in the soles

Havaianas + UAAP ADMU pair with its 'King' Blue Eagle heads

Havaianas + UAAP UP flip-flops with the firm and strong fists of the Fighting Maroons

Havaianas +UAAP UST pair with the menacing claw marks of the Growling Tiger

It's LA All-Day in today's issue of Style Weekend Magazine

In this modern age, the rise of social media has become a powerful tool of communication especially for today's youth. A simple post on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (the top social media sites) can make an impact to society as the need to be connected and stay connected has become a way of life; a part of an everyday routine for many, not to mention some of the public's favorite celebrities and idols like the rising Insta-star LA Aguinaldo.

As one the many fans of this strapping young lad who has been recognized for his modelling contributions for SM Youth, the winner of Axe Gold Man and the awardee for Asia's favorite model star last year in South Korea, it really is quite unbelievable that he was once among the wallflowers. And now, as he shares his story in today's Manila Bullletin Style Weekend Magazine (August 26, 2016), we get to learn how the It Boy came to be a social media sensation.

In his cover story for Style Weekend, LA mentioned that his presence in the social media community is his way of heartily expressing his love and appreciation for his fans, or of which he refers to as his 'fam'. "They really are the best." he says, "I can see the difference it makes. If one of them tweets that they have an exam, I wish them good luck. It's a very small thing that can actually mean a lot."

LA's passion to stay connected through social media earned him over 122,000 followers on his Instagram and has also earned him the unofficial title of 'social media king' by this generation. He even recently created his own Youtube channel.

But while with his social media fame and his all-around attitude that helps him blend well with everyone he meets, LA admitted that used to be this shy chubby kid in school who couldn't get a prom date!

"In highschool, I wasn't the popular guy or anything like that. I didn't really belong to any one group because I was friends with everyone.... But actually, not being boxed in is good because you learn to relate to different people." LA said.

Starting out as a Candy Cutie by Candy magazine back in 2011 opened many doors for LA as he soon started to realize that confidence was key to reaching his dreams. Despite having great talent in modelling, he strove harder until he was truly recognized and that gave him many opportunities. He has worked with renowned photographers such as BJ Pascual, Shaira Luna, Joseph Pascual and Clyde Gabriel for fashion shoots and was even granted ambassadorship for big digital companies like Globe Telecom and Lazada.

Now, LA is working on his next project involving the release of his new bookazine called LA: An All-Day Date on Paper, which gives some info of himself from his favorite workout routines to his insights on his career path.

With all this action happening in LA's life, who's to say what he'll do next? But whatever the It Boy LA is going to do, it's pretty certain he has his heart set for his dreams and I don't think there is any stopping for this handsome young boy wonder.

For more information on LA Aguinaldo, you can grab a copy of his cover story on Manila Bulletin's Style Weekend magazine issued today (August 26, 2016) or you can catch him online through his social media accounts on Instagram, Twitter and Youtube to see what he's up to next!

The Insta-star LA Aguinaldo on the cover of Style Weekend Magazine (issue of August 26, 2016)

Sit back and relax with LA All Day!

"Style is my way of expressing myself", LA says in his cover story

LA takes time to greet and talk to his fans online

With or without glasses, it's not hard to see that LA has got the flair for modelling

Rise like champions with Havaianas Rio 2016 Collection

As the Rio 2016 Olympic games are happening in the vibrant city of Rio de Janiero in Brazil this month, Brazilian flip-flop brand, Havaianas, celebrates its successful launch with the release of its new Havaianas Rio 2016 collection!

The Rio 2016 Committee has collaborated with the brand's new product range with the colors and designs inspired by the various brightly colors of the landscapes of beautiful Rio and the game's mascot Vinicius! 

The highlight of the collection is the Rio 2016 model with the Top shape of the flip-flop designed with a thick unisex figure and has two-tone straps. The 2 main designs are the Sugar Loaf and the other, Christ the Redeemer, printed on top of the foot soles. These are also available in slim versions, with thinner and more delicate straps for the feminine preference.

The Top Esportes was inspired by the Olympic modalities. With 3 different printed pictograms available in lively Brazilians colors of blue, green and white that just make you feel the action and energy of the games.

Slim Carioca puts a more ambient feel of Rio de Janeiro's scenic beauty. This model features 3 landscape designs in vibrant shades of blue, green, yellow and orange with translucent straps to match! 

The mascot model, on the otherhand, is a bigger hit among kids as the flip-flops are available in various Brazilian colors and imprinted with Rio's Olympic mascot Vinicius printed on the sole alongside the official Rio 2016 symbol.

'Higher. Faster. Stronger!' I yell as I put on my own Havaianas Rio pair and watch the mighty take their places in the tournament. What can I say? With all these fun new designs, it's hard not to get into all the excitement with the Rio 2016 Olympics!

The Rio 2016 collection is available in select Havaianas retailers nationwide. For more updates, check Havaianas Philippines on Facebook and follow @havaianasphils on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.

Havaianas Top Rio 2016 model in white and blue

Havaianas Slim Rio  2016 model in white and green

Havaianas Slim Rio  2016 model in white and orange

Havaianas Slim Carioca  model in Citrus orange

Havaianas Slim Carioca  model in Lemon green

Havaianas Slim Carioca  model in Turquoise blue

Celebrate the rain and sunshine in colors with new Havaianas umbrellas!

I think I've already mentioned it before, but I never get to stress how much I looove fashion! I just adore seeing the mix of colors and the play of patterns on clothes and accessories, creating different styles and looks on people that they become like canvasses for moving pieces of art. So whether or nor it's a gloomy day outside, there's nothing like the lovely splash of colors of my jacket, bag, jewelry or even my umbrella to brighten up my day as I walk the busy streets.

And so, with the wet season comes storming in, the world's favorite Brazilian flip-flop brand, Havainas, recently released its new line of color changing umbrellas. Yes. They can change colors!

While these new umbrellas are designed to be foldable and easy to carry, they also have these cute little white flip-flop prints around them that have the ability to change into multiple colors whenever they make contact with water. So whether it rains or shines, these handy umbrellas make one heck of a fashion statement as well.

What's even more exciting is that from July 29 to August 31, 2016, to celebrate the 11th anniversary of All Flip-Flops, Havaianas is giving out the umbrellas for only P220 for every single-receipt purchase of 2 pairs of Havaianas flip-flops or at least a P1,500 worth of regular-priced Havaianas merchandise. (I'd love to see what colors they have available that could match most of my outfits.)

The offer is available in various participating Havaianas retailers nationwide. To know more information about this promo, check out the Havaianas Philippines official Facebook page or follow @havaianasphils on Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat.

I'd love to go out  the sunshine and rain  with these fashionable umbrellas!

I'd love to have that perfect 'kilig' moment under that umbrella, too!

Her back may be turned but she's definitely singing in the rain with that vibrant navy blue umbrella. Wait till more colors start popping out!

I looove this light blue shade! Reminds me of the sky with soon to be rainbow colors once the flip-flops start to change color

Coca-Cola reveals LeBron's new mix for Sprite

I may not have a huge talent for sports but when it comes to watching all the action, I am sooo game! Especially when it's basketball. I mean watching all the excitement while sitting on a bleacher with a snack and Sprite in hand, and then you suddenly feel the urge to jump up and shout as a favorite team makes that winning shot. C'mon. Who doesn't enjoy that, right?

And speaking of winning shots, last July 26, I was able to attend an exclusive media debut of the new Sprite LeBron's Mix at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City. It's the first-ever limited edition Sprite drink in the Philippines made with collaboration from the champion NBA superstar and King of Diskarte, LeBron James! 

It's a whole new and electrifying experience for me as the taste has that certain twist of natural cherry and orange flavors combined with the signature crisp and refreshing lemon-lime taste of Sprite. Its packaging is also done very handsomely as the cans and PET bottles for this product are made with LeBron's initials and of course, King James' iconic crown.

During the launch, media guests like me, Coca-Cola partners and some of our favorite personalities like heartthrob UAAP basketball player Jeron Teng, PBA players Sudan Daniel, LA Revilla and his girlfriend Denden Lazaro, actors and sports fanatics Young JV and Carlo Guevara were the firsts to experience this whole new level of diskarte as we got to join in the fun of playing basketball inspired games like the Doble Diskarte and Spot your Diskarte Shot. As exciting as these were, I was not able to win a prize like the others did but I'm still glad I was still able to take home Sprite premium and limited edition items, ha! 

Familiar faces from the Philippine sports world added more excitement to the air as PBA courtside reporter Mara Aquino and UAAP sports commentator Boom Gonzalez energetically hosted the event, as well.

Though, what's truly amazing is how Sprite is deeply connected with street culture including sports in the Philippines and in other countries as well. It has become a popular favorite among sports fans and innovators like LeBron himself especially when he started his relationship the brand, beginning collaborations with it back in 2003 before this NBA superstar started his first professional game. 13 years later, his relationship with Sprite still seems strong, especially now with the success of this new collaboration.  Like what Coca-Cola Philippines VP for Marketing Stephan Czypionka said, “Sprite is deeply rooted in its intense refreshment. Drinking an ice-cold Sprite clears your mind and helps you make your diskarte. In addition, the brand has always been grounded in the country’s street culture – and there is no better way to bring street culture to life here in the Philippines that with the sport that everyone loves, basketball.”

And with the continuation of the NBA starplayer's partnership with Sprite, its legacy strengthens like a king or queen's indisputable empire.  

Thank you Coca-Cola for this whole new feeling with Sprite LeBron’s Mix. 

Sprite LeBron's Mix's big reveal!

This calls for a celebratory toast for Sprite with Coca-Cola FEMSA Phils. VisMin Commercial Director Manrique Cerdas; Coca-Cola FEMSA Marketing Director Juan Pablo Rodriguez; Coca-Cola FEMSA Franchise Director Carlos Alfredo Gonzales, Coca-Cola FEMSA National Key Accounts Director Patricia Gamboa; Coca-Cola Philippines Strategic Planning Director Steve Bonz; Coca-Cola Philippines Commercial Director Bruce Burnett, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice-President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka and Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Diego Granizo

Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Diego Granizo

Coca-Cola Philippines Vice-President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka

UAAP Sports caster and host Mara Aquino

UAAP Sports commentator and host Boom Gonzalez

Me with my girl friends Tola Orendain (left) and Donna Cuna-Pita (middle)

Green Archers football player (and Tola's hunky boyfriend) Gregory Yang

Actor and Sports fanatic Carlo Guevara

Actor and basketball fan Young JV

This is exciting! It's the doble diskarte game!

PBA player Sudan Daniel making his diskarte shot for Around the World!

He won so many prizes!

UAAP women's volleyball player Denden Lazaro with boyfriend PBA player LA Revilla

PBA player Norbert Torres

PBA player Aljon Mariano

DJ Jessica Milner

Had so much fun with Sprite LeBron's Mix launch! Waiting here for my personalized Sprite shirt.

Coca-Cola brings Taste the Feeling Festival to Cebu

Last February, I was able to experience a momentous beginning as Coca-Cola entered a new chapter with one big global campaign, Taste the Feeling. Oh yes, I can still remember the special moments created during Taste the Feeling Festival Launch in Circuit Makati.

Now, in just a span of a few months, memories came rushing back to me as last June 23, Coca-Cola brought Taste the Feeling Festival in the Queen City of the South – Cebu!

 With over 5, 000 teens and teens-at-heart gathered at Cebu IT Park, Coca-Cola shared feelings of excitement and happiness as it launched its Coca-Cola Emoticon Bottles!

It’s amazing how Coca-Cola gave everyone a cool and creative way to express their feelings through these adorable Coke emoticons! Just like me, guests got to personalize the looks of their chosen emoticons on Coke bottles via the Share a Feeling booth available at the venue.  Different feelings were also treasured through many other interactive booths that evoked fun, kilig, cool, gigil, and many more!

I couldn’t contain the thrill I felt when I tried the digital interactive photo booth where I was able to choose different “feel-ters” to edit my shots. I even  had an “artsy-artsy” moment at the coloring wall and felt young and free with the temporary tattoos and face paints.

As for the highlight of the evening, kilig was all over the place when Coca-Cola Ambassadors Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza joined the crowd in celebrating the festival.

Later on, everyone sang to the music of today’s well-loved bands – Itchyworms and Rocksteddy plus non-stop fun all night with DJ Tom Taus.

Undeniably, Taste the Feeling Festival has once again made a perfect avenue for making moments with couples, friends and families more special by helping them create and share new memories, and express their feelings in a really fun way.

Thanks to Coca-Cola, it was another memorable night. A night to savor and #TastetheFeeling, #SharetheFeeling with Coke.

Tasting the Feeling with Coca-Cola here at Cebu IT Park! Woohoo!

Sharing some love from Cebu with these cute Coca-Cola Emoticons

Wonder what Coke tattoo will I get?

I super love these fringed tees! Just perfect for the festive feel for the music fest later.

Thinking of what emoticon I will get. Maybe, the feeling cool one?

Coca-Cola FEMSA Phils. VisMin Commercial Director Manrique Cerdas and Coca-Cola FEMSA Phils. Visayas Commercial Unit Associate Director Agustin Gatuslao sharing a friendly gesture

Coca-Cola Phils. Franchise Director for Sparkling Manish Chaturvedi and Coca-Cola Phils. General Manager & President Diego Granizo are all smiles for the camera

Coca-Cola ambassador Maine Mendoza dancing a number for the music night. She is just full of energy!

Coca-Cola ambassador Alden Richards singing a sweet tune. All the girls seem to be swooning! Ha ha!

Rocksteddy lead vocalist Teddy Corpuz rocking the night

Itchyworms lead vocalist Jugs Jugueta can really carry a tune with his voice and guitar

Totally felt the vibes on DJ Tom Taus' techno beats!

Lazada announces free Metro Manila shipping in time for Super Brands Sale

It looks like online shopping is getting much more convenient than ever as the country's top one stop shopping and selling destination (www.lazada.com.ph) is unveiling its latest version of its mobile app and free shipping services for Metro Manila deliveries! And it's just in time for its Super Brands Sale happening on July 5 to 11.

With the new and improved Lazada Mobile App, customers can get access to special app-only deals, flash sales, new arrivals and product recommendations from top brands. The app has upgraded with a more organized expanded menu and tabs (including its product detail page) so that customers can navigate and shop with ease.

Plus, Lazada is treating all its customers to great discounts up to 80% off on its upcoming Super Brands Sale this July. To give you a gist of what the top deals are for this sale, you can eye on some of these goodies -- Samsung Home Theater System, Nescafe Dolce Gusto machine with free box of Cappuccino capsules and BCBGeneration shoes.

SM Store's home must-haves are also available during the sale such as Casio watches, Pampers baby diapers, Tresemme hair products and many more.  

Can't wait to see what I can catch on this Super Brands Sale!

More good reasons to click away is, along with the upcoming sale, Lazada now opens its new free shipping policy within Metro Manila! I'm pretty sure shoppers there as they can now experience purchasing affordable and quality items without having to pay extra for the shipping costs.

Brand ambassadors LA Aguinaldo and Kelsey Merritt look as excited for this news as I am!

Thanks to Lazada, its new mobile app updates, sales and free shipping here in Metro Manila has definitely made online shopping better than ever!