Sometime last week I was very fortunate to have been invited to the launch of Ipanema flip-flop’s Giselle Bundchen Seeds collection. Being an avid flip-flops lover (does close to 20 pairs seem a little too much?), this was one event I did not want to pass up.
.
Honestly, though, I have never owned a pair of Ipanema’s so I was mighty curious about how this Brazilian brand compared to the rest.
.
The launch was held at Le Souffle at the Fort. Another plus point in my book because my dear husband happens to be associated with this restaurant. And I also happen to love their food. Their sea bass is still one of the best and so is their wonderful seafood salad…and I’m going to stop talking food because I’m getting hungry while doing it.
.
The other plus point was that I was with my Mommy blogger friends. I always manage to have a great time when I’m with these gals. Doesn’t feel like you’re at an official function. It feels like a night out with the girls.
.

With my Mommy Blogger friends (Aiza, Dine, Annalyn, Cess, Jane,
Wenchie, Julie, and Jane’s daughter)

.
Allow me to talk about the event. The launching of the GB Seeds collection was in partnership with the Haribon Foundation. These 2 entities are very intent in their desire to preserve the Philippine rainforests which are, sadly, slowly dying. This partnership aims to raise funds for this very cause. In fact, in a short chat with ELRO Corporation’s (Ipanema’s local distributor) president, Mr. Patxi Elizalde, I found out that even the production of these flip-flops were done in a very environmental friendly manner. Even the forest inspired imprints on the sandals were made as to relate to the rainforests.
.

Mommy Bloggers with ELRO prexy, Mr. Patxi Elizalde
.

Ipanema GB Seed Collection

.
After a sumptuous buffet dinner the lights dimmed…the stage was suddenly engulfed in fog…and the renowned Philippine Ballet Theater took to the stage. Wearing colorful leotards with forest inspired embroidery (again) the dancers burned the stage with their electrifying moves and steps. What set this performance apart was that the dancers were not in their usual ballet slippers. They were, in fact, wearing Ipanema GB flip-flops!! As a matter of fact, they had been using those slippers even during rehearsals and they still held up despite the grueling workout that the dancers gave them. Proof of their durability and flexibility. I was becoming a believer already.
.

.

.
After the performance was over..and after the photo-opps that come with events like this…I quickly rummaged through my press kit to get my voucher for a free pair of flip-flops. Yep, they were giving away free flip-flops. I went home with these…
.

.
I didn’t get to wear them immediately, even if I fully intended to but I didn’t want to shamelessly expose my not so perfect toes just yet. Even if in my mind I was thinking that these sandals would instantly transform my ginger toes into those of Giselle, I still didn’t kick off my loafers. But the very next day I tried them on. Let me tell you, they are sooooooooooooooo comfy. Did I stress that enough? Sooooooooooooooooooo comfy!!! It honestly feels like you aren’t wearing anything.
.
So the question is, am I sold?
.
And my answer…YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT I AM!!
……………………………………………………………………………….
P.S.
Ipanema Phils. and the Haribon Foundation will hold a walkathon entitled “Walk The Green Mile” this coming March 21, 2009 (Saturday) at the parking lot near Le Souffle at the Fort. Registration starts at 3 p.m. This event aims to raise funds for Haribon’s reforestation projects.

Categories : blogging, event