April triggers a series of inevitable actions:
Beach-reads fly off bookshelves; shorts and tank tops tumble out of closets; patio umbrellas are unfurled; rooftop parties commence. And just as surely, the pitter-patter of flip-flops on the sand overlaps with the buzz of possible explorations under sunny, soon to be summery skies.
In the Philippines, the choices for summer escapes are rich indeed. There’s a lot to be explored in a country made up of 7,107 islands, where the breeze is balmy throughout the year. In fact, the opportunity to discover something new is limitless; and this is exactly why Havaianas — being a brand that mirrors the easy vibe of the tropics — is giving you the chance to indulge in summer bliss all year round.
To underscore the country’s unexplored gems and to rediscover favorite coastal destinations, Havaianas launched “Flipping for the Beach” contest. The initiative underscored the inherent tourism potential of the country via an endeavor that invites locals to share the unique activities that one can do to experience the diversity that the Philippine coast has to offer.
Whether it’s diving the sunken cemetery of Camiguin, swimming with the stingless jellyfish in Siargao, reef walking in Siquijor or whitewater tubing in Davao del Sur, it’s your creativity that will allow these destinations to shine. The contest, which runs nationwide from April 1, 2008 to May 1, 2008, is open to all Filipino citizens of legal age and challenges you to write (maximum of 500 words, with at least 3 photos- taken at the destination) or document via video (60 to 90 seconds running time in VCD or DVD format) about a unique beach getaway in the Philippines, focusing on the distinctive experiences that you can expect from the chosen destination. Remember, it’s all about the experience and the destination, so photos and videos don’t necessarily have to have Havaianas featured in them.
A panel of judges including Mr. Vince Rodriguez, executive producer of Studio 23’s NewsCentral; Honorable Department of Tourism Sec. Ace Durano and Ms. Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Terry S.A., along with top travel writers, will choose seven (7) winners who will then each receive an exclusive Havaianas pair which is not sold in the market, a 3-day/2-night all-expense-paid trip for two to the destination he or she wrote about and summer goodies from David and Goliath, T-Box, and Dakine.
“It’s the ultimate showcase of the most unique travel beach experiences that a country like the Philippines has to offer,” explained Anne Gonzalez, Managing Director of Terry SA. “And partnering with Studio 23’s News Central as well as the Philippine Department of Tourism means that this effort highlights the country’s undeniable potential as a world-class tourism destination.”
Told through the voices of Filipinos who have chosen to explore what this country has to offer by taking the road less traveled, Havaianas hopes to become a catalyst who will tap into the Philippines’ inherent tourism potential.
For more details on the mechanics, please see flyers and counter-standees in select stores and for other inquiries, please call the “Flipping for the Beach” Secretariat at (632) 7809898 landline, (0927) 6621127 mobile, or email promo@havaianasphilippines.com .
Havaianas is available in All Flip-Flops, Celio, Chocolate Clothing Co., Gas, J & S Surfshop, Moana, Nail Spa, Rustan’s, ROX, Sepatu, Stoked, Souk, The Zone, Orange Juice and Kidsports. For provincial outlets, visit www.havaianasphilippines.com