Since the opening of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro, a lot of shops and restaurants that I frequently visit every time I'm in Manila are now within our reach. During my internship days in Manila a couple of years ago, MANGO was a favorite fashion hub and I could only wish they had one in CDO too.
That wish was granted when they finally opened a flagship store at Ayala Centrio yesterday, December 2, 2012. It was attended by CDO's fashion forward personalities, bloggers, and representatives from MANGO Spain, where the brand originated. Thanks to Irene of Mindanaoan for the exclusive invitation.
Visit MANGO at the ground floor of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro.
Whenever I try buying a pair of Havaianas slippers, I get excited about how cute they look and comfy it must feel to walk in them. For some reason, I never end up purchasing them. I set them aside for a new makeup palette or an exciting shade of lipstick. But then I guess I was fated to own one when Spruce sent me an invitation to the "Make Your Own Havaianas 2011" event at the Limketkai Mall in Cagayan de Oro.
A giant boarding pass to the event was delivered at the clinic yesterday while I was in the midst of a rather toxic but productive day of patient consultations. I made a mental note to make time for this must-attend gathering of fashionable flip-flops lovers, which I seemed to miss year after year.
This year's Make Your Own Havaianas sparks the wanderlust in us, with designs that feature the fashion capitals of the World. The current venue at the Limketkai Center transports us to our dream destinations, as they turned it into some sort of airport, with flight announcements through paging systems to boot.
I was assisted by Astrid, one of the young "stewardess" of the event to pick the designs that I liked. With the vast selection of colors, I was overwhelmed with the choices I could make. Customization of designs allow us to pick a pair of Havaianas that define our uniqueness. This could be the reason why customers look forward to "Make your Own Havaianas" each year. I used to pass by this affair for the past couple of years and wonder why it's always packed with people.
There was a gazillion of combinations to choose from but I finally picked my first Havaianas: turquoise soles and straps which are a mix of turquoise and pink. It was accentuated with a yin yang pin on the left and Eiffel tower on the right. These perky bubblegum colors remind me of Barbie dolls when I was still a kid. Yin yang signifies my advocacy for acupuncture while the Eiffel tower is a reminder that I got to go to Europe someday when I get rich. Whew! Never thought a pair of slippers could tell a story.
If you haven't got your latest pair, be sure to catch the event today (August 12) until Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the Limketkai Rotunda. Entrance is free so go ahead and browse around . There's a pair waiting for your creative juices to come to life. Limited edition designs featuring the different fashion cities of the world are available, stocks of which can run out if you don't hurry.
Thanks are in order to Spruce, especially to the owner Ms. Trisha Tamparong who I met while I was having my slippers done. She told me she insisted on having my invitation delivered just so I could come. Thanks a lot, Ms.Trisha!
StyleCandy is a new fashion hub that feeds the trendsetters' craving for style and glamour. This boutique opened early this year and is currently a fave stop among teens and young professionals alike for its sassy array of clothing and accessories.
Every month, StyleCandy posts its latest collection on its facebook page where customers can have a peek into its newest offerings and even order online. For the months of July and August, I've been privileged to be part of its shoot. This time, I Iaid my makeup brushes to rest and documented the shoot instead through photo and video. My team members Miraflor Chaves-Lamatan and Geovanne Calulo handled the makeup and hair, respectively, while Reux Ceballos was the official photographer. The lovely towering twins Jane and Loise Macaling were chosen to be StyleCandy's muses for the months of July and August.
Apart from the fashionable items that cater to the urban divas, the store also carries shirts for kids and adults. StyleCandy boasts of its comfy shirt dresses, designed by the owner herself, Ms. Kristine Tan.
If in Cagayan de Oro, you may visit StyleCandy at Tomas Saco 34 (across Loreto's Grill and Restaurant), Nazareth. No worries if you're elsewhere in the Philippines, as they offer online shopping through their facebook page. I can assure you you'll find something you like coz I myself gave in to the pretty yet affordable collections. While shooting the models, I was simultaneously asking the owner the prices of some clothes I fancied and made a mental note to buy them afterwards. I later picked a pair of harem pants and studded jacket. On top of the reasonable prices, they offer credit card payments!
Below are some shots I took with my camera, showcasing the collections that they currently have in store. I'm also embedding the short video I shot using Canon 60D. Be sure to like StyleCandy on facebook to browse through a lot more items that aren't shown here.
