Originality trumps everything — who really aspires to be an imitator? As an initiator and brand that prides itself on its integrity and originality, Havaianas is truly an original in its class. Who hasn’t heard of Havaianas? These absolute must-haves have been on the block for nearly half a century. The marriage of the Zori (the Japanese straw slipper) with the breezy Hawaiian tropical culture produced Havaianas, Portuguese for “Hawaiians,” an original and unexpected union of east and west. While the Zori has a rice straw sole, Havaianas flip-flops are made from a secret rubber formula and still bears the iconic rice pattern on every pair. The astonishing success the brand immediately achieved has prompted imitations and faux replications of this much revered summer slipper, transforming the Brazilian staple into an international icon of beach chic, effortlessly exuding boho style.
Who hasn’t had a “light bulb” moment — that instant when inspiration strikes? Jump at the opportunity to translate your idea into success with the Rock Ed Original Project Grant, a search for the most original ideas floating on our shores. Send in your unique idea and open yourself up to the possibility of receiving a grant to make your idea a reality.
Rock Ed is a pretty sweet non-profit organization that encourages alternative education, nurtures original thinkers and empowers the youth to make a difference. Made possible with the help of Havaianas, the grant fund intends to draw out creativity from the youth while making a difference and encouraging socio-civic support from the youth. For every pledge made for originality in support of the grant, Havaianas will donate P470 (a figure based on the age of Havaianas, which turned 47 recently, born in 1962 in Brazil).
Those interested in receiving the Rock Ed Original Project Grant should send their original project ideas to myidea@rocketphilippines.org on or before April 4, 2009. This grant is open to either individuals or groups ages 13 to 32. Project ideas must be youth-involved and youth-targeted. Ideas will be judged on originality, social relevance, their impact on the intended beneficiary and the votes that they garner on the multiply site. Online voting ends April 17, 2009. Check rockedoriginalgrant.multiply.com for project details and for entry requirements. Anne Gonzalez of Terry SA/Havaianas and Gang Badoy of RockEd Philippines will serve as judges.
There will be multiple recipients of the grant, three projects per category, from three different divisions: high school, college and professional. The amount to be granted to each body will be determined by the number of people who will pledge their originality during the launch of the Havaianas Original campaign. Send in your original idea today. You have nothing to lose and all the world to gain!
Havaianas are available at All Flip Flops, Aloha Boardsports, Celio, FiveForty Surfshop, Gas, J&S Surfshop, Manila Polo Club, Moana, Nail Spa, ROX, Rustan’s, Sepatu, Souk, Stoked, The Zone, Kidsports and Orange Juice. For provincial outlets, visit www.havaianasphilippines.com.