CEBU, Philippines - There was so much furor and hype online and offline. Everyone was losing sleep because a highly anticipated annual event finally hit Cebu shores on the first week of August. As each and every Havaianatico look forward to Make Your Own Havaianas Cebu every year, this season was extra special because it was the brand's 50th Year anniversary.
As we devoured cones of Wasabi ice cream at the launch night, host Mia Arcenas took us back in time to Havaianas' history complete with Joseph The Artist of Talentadong Pinoy's sand art show. Leanne Florendo and Aimil Sarmiento, from AL Amizade, sole distributor of Havaianas in Visayas, toasted to 50 Years of Havaianas style before a shower of confetti and a series of cheers echoed Leanne and Aimil's thank yous to everyone who was in SM Northwing that night.
The fuss began after as people started to take turns spinning the Havaianas roulette. Everyone was raving about the exclusive MYOH estampas sole with the words "Original Do Brazil Desde 1962" (Original Brazil Design 1962) print across and new pins such as the Brasilipinas that gives back to Operation Smile for every pair purchased.
I have trotted in my commemorative Havaianas 5th Year soles in 2010 and jetsetted all over the world in 2011 with my Eiffel Tower pin. This year, as Havaianas celebrates their Golden Year in 2012, they took us back to Brazil where it all began and my limited edition 1962 pin can certainly attest to that history. Thanks, Havaianas! (Photos by Bibi delos Reyes)