Walk Write This Way with Carlos Celdran and Writer's Block Philippines

Why was June 19, 2010 memorable for me? Nope, that wasn't a holiday. I didn't even go out of town that day. It was a normal sunny Saturday -- but I woke up early, prepared my camera and drove my way to Manila.

Yes, the Old Manila.

I was just on my own! As soon as I read about this event promotion in Travelife Magazine's Facebook page, I didn't even bother to ask my friends to join me in this walking tour of Intramuros with Carlos Celdran and Walk Write This Way workshop on travel writing and photography by Writer's Block Philippines. Haha, I guess that was selfish of me.

MORNING

I kinda regretted not inviting any of my friends to join me here (after all, I thought they might not be interested in the writing workshop in the afternoon, or even the Philippine History Carlos was going to talk about). As soon as I arrived in Manila Cathedral, the steps of the church were almost filled! "Are we this many?" I thought. Later on I found out half of it were in there for the workshop and the other half were Carlos' group of tourists who were also booked. I admire him for being able to handle such a big crowd (we were combined for the morning walking tour) and all of us were intently listening to his entertaining stories. It was such a treat!

Carlos starting off with Lupang Hinirang

Carlos and his hat!

"If these walls could talk..." Carlos kept on saying. He indeed puts words and life to the walls of the churches in Old Manila and Intramuros through his storytelling, music, props, and old pictures. It was like Philippine History 101 but Carlos delivers it in a flamboyant and theatrical way. Unlike most of the kids in school, History was my favorite subject in highschool and college. Probably because I had interesting history teachers back then who would incite our imagination and stir up good discussions regarding history, its characters and its issues. I would love to have Carlos to be my history professor any time and surely I'd have a 1.o grade. If we were to have a quiz and ask what I learned from the walking tour, here are some of the things I'd enumerate:

• Kilometer zero in this present age is in Luneta Park (or the Rizal monument) which is our reference in measuring distances. Kilometer zero during the Spanish colonial times was considered to be at the cross on top of Manila Cathedral, which symbolized that the center of society was the Church.

• When the Americans came, they made Jose Rizal the national hero (pushing other heroes such as Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini and Emilio Aguinaldo like second-class heroes), plucked him out of Paco Park and moved his remains of what is now known as the Luneta Park. It was then known as Kilometer zero. The Church was no longer the center of power.

A kalesa ride from Manila Cathedral to San Agustin Church and Museum. We then crossed to Casa Manila.

• San Agustin Church was just one of the seven beautiful churches in Old Manila. The other churches were utterly destroyed during the war. It merely survived because a red cross was painted outside, and inside was where all the wounded and dying were nursed during the 2nd World War. (It felt heavy to hear this part especially when Carlos was sharing this story inside the tombs).

There were so many lessons learned in this tour that I could list down but I want you to experience this yourself. Before, I would only remember Manila as where I've spent my college years -- with all its noise, pollution, and poverty. Somehow it made me ponder and imagine how beautiful Manila was -- the center of culture, art, religion and it made me quite sad that it could be hard to bring back its original beauty. At least in Carlos' efforts, this walking tour will change the way we see Manila (the way it did to me) and how we see ourselves as Filipinos one step at a time.

AFTERNOON

I've never been so inspired to hone my writing skills after the travel writing workshop in the afternoon. The ladies of Writer's Block Philippines treated us for lunch in the Syquia Apartments (courtesy of Victoria Court catering which was surprisingly good!). We had a fun ice-breaker with Ana asking us to introduce ourselves and answer the question if we were a city or a place, what would we be and why. (I said I'd be that white sand paradise under the sun and palm trees like in Maldives!)

Each of the ladies then lectured about feature writing (by Ana Santos), travel writing (Nikka Sarthou), art and culture writing (Nina Terol-Zialcita). These ladies have gone a long way especially now that they have their by-lines in different magazines and newspapers. Ena Terol also gave us quick tips on travel photography. I was also able to network with people from Travelife Magazine and other travel and photography enthusiasts.

Ana Santos with her students

I said I was inspired to write but months passed and a long series of events and schedules have piled up after that writing workshop. I've been putting off practicing my writing skills and I even told myself before I will definitely start by submitting and contributing to publishers. I didn't even have time to blog. I know these could be excuses but I've got to start somewhere! So here, I'm back on my PC typing and recalling my favorite adventures with my camera and Havs.

So why was June 19, 2010 memorable for me? I didn't realize this was my way of having a post-Independence Day celebration with a remembrance of Jose Rizal's birthday (remember: June 19, not December 30) and an appreciation of the beauty of the Old Manila -- Thanks to Carlos Celdran and Writer's Block Philippines!

Next time... I want to go to a writing retreat! :)

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To know more of Carlos Celdran's walking tours, visit http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/

(He now has tours in Intramuros, Chinatown, Quiapo and Sta. Cruz, and CCP Complex)

To find out about Writer's Block Philippines' workshops and events, visit http://www.writersblockphilippines.com/

In Your Face!

Even if I don't own a macro lens, I do enjoy macro photography. I had a chance to practice doing this a few months back (thanks to my friend who owned a macro lens) when Zone V Camera Club had a photo exhibit entitled Zone V Gets Back In Your Face at the Graphic Expo and Photo-Video Expo, SMX Convention Center. It featured ordinary objects shot up close, taking on a new meaning and showing abstract beauty. According to Jay Camus, one of our members, the concept was to make the viewers wonder exactly what they were looking at. The “in your face” claim does not stem from any attitude on the part of the photographer. It comes from the idea that one would have to place the subject of the image right into one’s face in order to see it in the same manner as it is presented in the images.

Those are my two images up there! Guess what they are? See answers below.

Other photos from fellow photogs: a closer look on the colorful ice candies and corn kernels

A micro beauty of a rose and a leaf through the lens of other Zone V members.

What I like about the concept is that it makes viewers (and photographers as well) appreciate and capture the beauty of an object even in its minute detail. I remember this verse in The Message Bible:

Psalm 8:3-4 (The Message)

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous,

your handmade sky-jewelry,

Moon and stars mounted in their settings.

Then I look at my micro-self and wonder,

Why do you bother with us?

Why take a second look our way?

After seeing these photos, I realize that God also does see each of us the same way -- He appreciates this little me inside this gigantic universe... Almost so inconsiderable and puny, yet He favors me and loves me!

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Answers: The colorful back of a CD and a red lipstick mark on a coffee cup.

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PS. Watch out for Zone V's next exhibit on vertical panorama. I'm really excited for that!

An Exciting and Appetizing Way to the Sun in San Pablo, Laguna

My closest friends at work normally see each other every week (the cue is just a text to each other, "Location?!" then we meet up in a Starbs hideout) but we hardly have a chance to go out of town together. These three girls are travel junkies and we've been looking for a sure-fire fun roadtrip this time. Finally, one Saturday, we decided to go for an easy drive to San Pablo, Laguna.

We went off to a not-so-planned roadtrip, with only a map from a website description of Viaje del Sol (Way of the Sun) adventure guiding us. I only Googled about it that morning and good thing I was able to contact Mr. Mandy Marino, an environmentalist and promoter of San Pablo lakes and the brainchild of Café Lago in San Pablo City. We left Alabang almost 10:00am already and arrived Café Lago by the Sampaloc Lake about lunch time. (Of course, if you want to maximize your day trip, you HAVE to leave Manila early morning.)

Sampaloc Lake with the view of the blue mountain -- Mt. Cristobal

(You might get distracted by the good view of Sampaloc Lake and miss Café Lago. It's in front of the pumpkin slide facing Sampaloc Lake.)

Café Lago is inside Mr. Marino's wonderful abode, where he turned the receiving area to a quaint café. He was very accommodating and we had a good chat with him while we waited for the lunch to be served to us. He shared the places to visit in the area and also his causes that made the San Pablo lakes beautiful once again. Sampaloc Lake, in particular, used to stink and was polluted and congested because of the bars, night clubs, and squatters beside the lake. Mr. Marino was instrumental in slowly turning it back to its original beauty. He organized a group of advocates to protest and call the attention of the local officials. Thanks to volunteers like him who gave back to the environment, friends and families can now spend relaxing weekends like this beside the lake.

Thanks and good job Mr. Marino!

Two of my lovely travel buddies who I call Pards and Sweets.

Inside the homey café

Top to bottom: Fresh fried tilapia, cream dory sa gata and lengua.

After a sumptuous lunch, Mr. Marino gave us the Viaje del Sol map and contact to our tour guide in the lakes. San Pablo is known for the City of Seven Lakes so we never missed to tour two of its lakes -- Pandin Lake and its twin Yanbo.

We kinda got lost looking for Brgy. Sto. Angel where we would meet our tour guide for Pandin Lake. We finally saw a vacant lot where a small 'Pandin' sign is posted. We quickly changed to our swimming clothes in a little house in the lot (with the permission of the owner) since we knew we're going to take a dip in the lake. We trekked the trail to the lake under the hot sun for a good 15 minutes. It was just like an oasis seeing the cool, pristine lake ahead.

We hopped on a bamboo raft as we explored Pandin Lake with several women paddling our raft. It's these women who are wives of the fishermen and lived nearby managing the lake tour. Asked why it's mostly women who are guiding the tourists, they feel that female guests may feel uncomfortable if men are driving the rafts especially they wear something skimpy for swimming. That's how they respect tourists.

The tour has a fee of P180 each, which includes a fresh buko juice. Being a beach person myself, it's only now I appreciate the different feeling inside a green, tranquil lake.

Refreshing hues of greens and blues in Pandin Lake

After we crossed over the other side of Pandin Lake, we stopped over a plateau for a five-minute hike to see the glimpse of the twin lake, Lake Yambo. After going down from the top, we rested under a balete tree, which was our jump-off point for a swim in the lake.

Manang "parking" our bamboo raft under the tree.

Diving to the serene lake!

Pards was joining the Subic International Triathlon and Iron Man in Cam Sur, so it was good warm-up and practice for her to swim from the end of the lake to the start, while we paddled the raft going back, keeping an eye on her.

By sunset, we were in Sitio de Amor Farm Resort to do some “ocular” in the place. It's an orchard fit for garden weddings, bed and breakfast, or team building sessions. Apologies to the owners if we were gate crashers. They don't accept walk-ins and it's by appointment only. Nevertheless, the husband owner was still kind enough to accomodate us and tour us around despite the hour.

Sunset view in the infinity pool of Sitio de Amor Farm Resort

Inside one of the dining areas.

We then had our dinner in the Spanish ancestral home turned fine dining restaurant, Sulyap Gallery Cafe. Its interiors and furnitures are all antique types with a vintagey feel and romantic ambiance. Obviously, it doesn't have aircon but the cool breeze from the windows makes the experience more relaxing as we ended of our Viaje adventure.

Why not bring your date here next time?

While our orders were being prepared, we went inside Sulyap Arts and Antiques to look around the antique collections like wooden furnitures, carvings, and religious icons.

Old school cameras!

As for the food, they weren't really memorable for me. Can't believe I actually forgot what we ordered. Anyway, it's still something you shouldn't miss if you're in for an art and culture tour.

I know we still missed a lot of establishments in the Viaje del Sol in Laguna and Quezon. A day is never enough to visit all of them. But at least we've explored places new to us where we've enjoyed every minute of it!

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For more details of the Viaje del Sol routes, visit: http://www.casasanpablo.com/viajedelsol.htm

For Pandin Lake tour arrangements, call Mr. Mandy Marino: 0917-5016694.

Emails from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

To: Pards
Cc:
Subject: Selamat Datang Kota Kinabalu!
Date: May 15, 2010, Friday, 7:30pm

Hi Pards!

Thanks for taking care of my last minute work bilins over there. :) Don't worry, I have your bilin as well to give you suggested itineraries and accomodations when you go on vacation here. So here, I'm emailing you a detailed documentation of my stay here in KK.

Today is officially the start of our OTS in KK. We already arrived here in the evening last night through Air Asia flight from Clark, Pampanga so we didn't much have time to shoot and go around. I didn't sleep quite well last night in my single room at Cititel Express. My 95 MYR room didn't even have windows! And they only have nine local channels on TV. What's worse is that the silence was deafening and I could literally hear the buzz in my head! Good thing I've transferred to a triple sharing room, which is much bigger, this time with my room mates who will just be arriving any time now through Cebu Pacific. Oh, don't forget your toothbrush and other toiletries though because they don't provide any. In fairness with Cititel Express, it's liveable--the rooms are neat and its location is accessible and walking distance to a lot of food establishments, local malls, and night life smack in the middle of the city. You could still consider staying here.

Anyway, in the hotel's reception area, you could inquire from Mr. Lee regarding the tour packages you can avail. Today, we went to Kinabalu Park and nearby Poring Hot Springs. It's a two-hour Bas Mini ride (van ride) from the City. We were a bit worried at first thinking that the mountain's peaks wouldn't show up to us and would be covered in clouds. I got really excited when we finally saw Mount Kinabalu in its glory. As it peaks at 12,455 feet above sea level, it is indeed MAJESTIC! We stopped over by the road side to take advantage of the great view we were seeing. A few more minutes, more tourists stopped over in the spot we were shooting. As the clouds were already going up again, we then went off to the Park. Since Kinabalu Park is located in a hilly area, remember to pack up extra warm clothing or a scarf at least, to ward off the cold. By the time we arrived there, gray clouds were looming the mountain again.

Inside the park, there's Kinabalu Natural History Gallery where you can see an exhibit of flora and fauna of KK. One of the attractions in the Kinabalu Park would also be the Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden (prepare for 5 MYR entrance fee). Then there are other hiking trails which you can take.

Are you into hot springs Pards? Well, if you're the type who would want to de-stress and soak the sores of your muscles in the springs, Poring Hot Springs offers hot sulphuric minerals deemed to have soothing and healing properties and popular among the locals. It's just not my kind of trip though. It's seemed sooo hot! Bikinis or short shorts are a no-no here, ok? Most of the bathers are covered with like wet suits. Other than the hot springs, you can also visit the tropical gardens, Poring Canopy Walkway (no harness baby, go at your own risk! And prepare for a fee for your camera), Rafflesia flower site (world's largest flower which doesn't come very often), and Kapungit waterfalls.

Your reliable hiking shoes with grips or teeth would come in handy here. Though I love my Havs, I didn't use it of course. Don't wear any slippery sandals; otherwise you would really slip. My friend was a victim.

On the way back to the city, just as I thought I wouldn't be able to take any good snaps, we saw the peaks of Mt. Kinabulu again. This time in a wide range.

I'm about to have dinner now in the Waterfront Esplanade. I'll continue with my KK adventure tomorrow!

Best regards,

Libby

Sent thru my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

* * *

To: Pards

Cc:

Subject: Selamat Datang Kota Kinabalu! (Part 2)

Date: May 15, 2010, Saturday, 10:30pm

It's already my third day here and I feel that I haven't been much productive! (in terms of shooting that is). Since there's no El Nino here, the weather has just been erratic. In the morning, it was sunny, then at almost noon, the rain just poured. That's not perfect timing for most photographers (and vacationers) you know.

By 8:00am, we went to Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Center where it is covered with mangrove forests. While we were strolling on the boardwalk, we were hoping to spot some interesting birds and wildlife but to no avail. Raj, our guide, told us that they usually show up early morning when they would find breakfast.

Rain poured hard but we ensured our cameras didn't get wet with that sudden rain. We freshened up at the hotel in time for lunch at Devi's Cafe Curry House. If you're craving for Roti or Banana Leaf Set, you shouldn't miss this Pards. My Roti lunch was about 7 MYR with cold Chrysanthemum tea drink.

I don't usually take my afternoon siesta when I'm out on vacation. But because of the gloomy weather I guess, I did. By 3:30pm, I was back on track with my iPod as we went off to Sutera Harbor beach, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sunset. It was peaceful and tranquil in the area. I guess I got inspired with my Neo Soul tunes so I got some photos despite of the gray clouds challenging me. Sutera Harbor Resort by the way has 5-star hotels, a golf course, a marina and a country club with extensive recreational facilities. We didn't go inside anymore.

Tanjung Aru beach is supposedly your ringside to the "best sunset on earth." The aru trees take part of the scenery. Too bad, no crimson sun peeped for us that fateful afternoon. I should have just joined Michelle to do yoga by the beach.

For a shot of the cityscape at night, we went to Signal Hill. It's an observatory platform where you can get a nice view of the city.

Another nightscape shot was the KK City Mosque, also known as the "Floating Mosque," the largest mosque in the City boasting of its beautiful architecture. We were able to catch numerous worshipers in the prayer hall. Tourists are not allowed inside though, only up to the doors. This is also nice to shoot early in the morning or late afternoon where you can see the beautiful reflection of the building in the waters.

It's a long day indeed. We still had earlier dinner at SEDCO Center, hosted by local photography club. I still want to do so many things but we have so little time (and ringgits!) left! I want to stay longer...

Best regards,
Libby

Sent thru my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

* * *

To: Pards
Cc:
Subject: Selamat Datang Kota Kinabalu! (Part 3)
Date: May 16, 2010, Sunday, 12:30pm

Pards! Would you believe I'm already going back to the Philippines?! I'm waiting now for my flight back to Clark. This morning, I just went to Gaya Street (Sunday Market) to buy pasalabongs (Kuih Lapis and Borneo Coffee). Another pasalubong you can buy is batik bags. Their other abubots, you can also find in the Philippines.

After shopping, I had nothing else to do so we finished off our last ringgits to take a boat ride going to a nearby island where a floating village is situated. Here's one of my last shots in KK.

I'm still missing out on so many things here in KK! Things I haven't done (which you should really do!):

Island hopping (and a swim at the beach) - At Manukan Island and Sapi Island.

White water rafting - At Kiulu River.

Shooting wildlife (eg. probosis monkey) - At Klias River Cruise. Also includes firefly watching at night. Or in Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Climbing Mt. Kinabalu - 2 days and 1 night (or could be 3 days and 2 nights. This is for the more adventurous (and fit) ones.

Make your leave longer Pards! Mine is really bitin. Save up for more and plan well. :) Hope these recommendations help.

Gotta go now! See you back there.

Best regards,

Libby

Sent thru my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

7 Deadly Sins shoot in White Box Studio

While others hit the beach, traveled out of town, or made their own reflections and confessions during the Holy Week, I, on the other hand, did the 7 deadly sins. I SHOT the 7 deadly sins, that is.

Since I was on a staycation in Manila and didn’t have any plans for the long weekend, I became busy brainstorming concepts for Zone V's contest this April and convincing my friends to model for me. Oh, I didn’t have to convince them. They were more than willing to do it for me. “Wish our jobs were like this, ‘no? We just have to sit, let the make-up artist put our make-ups on, iron our hair, and pose for the camera, that’s it!” said one of my friends while we were shooting. It was like I was the one giving them a favor—allowing them to do what they love to do, while I was also doing what I love to do.

It was my first studio shoot ever and I never thought I would enjoy it so much since I’ve usually done travel photography all this time. Argent Dulce, with his wife Chi Dulce, let us rent their White Box Photography Rental studio in Binondo, Manila where we did the shoot that Good Friday. Chi did a great job with the make-up of the girls and she even did re-touches and make-up changes in between sets. Argent and his assistant also gladly assisted me in setting up the lights, props, IR trigger. He made it easier also for me by telling me the camera settings (ISO, shutter speed, aperture). (Argent, by the way, is also a photographer). Their 80-square meter facility is actually quite complete: strobe lights, standard reflectors, light railings (ceiling rack), and other modifiers, plus a make-up room. This time, it’s a controlled environment without waiting for the sun to set or a perfect moment to arrive. Everything was under my control.

Since I couldn’t make up my mind which of the seven sins to shoot in particular, I decided to do ALL and just chose my favorite shots. I did Sloth, Envy, Vanity, Anger, Gluttony, Greed and Lust. The girls and I brought props and clothes and I already had like a storyboard or pegs for each sin which I emailed to Argent and Chi prior to the shoot. I knew I had to come up with unique ideas for each. I made ready our poker set and real money for Greed, and Yellow Cab pizza, chocolates, and chips for Gluttony (which we happily finished all!). Our last set was Lust and we almost didn’t do it since we were quite drained already that afternoon. My friends also had a special request not to post those set on Facebook (they knew it would cause some controversy for their part). Nevertheless, I still decided to go for it while agreeing to keep them for our own eyes—and for Zone V’s—only. We were giggling our heads off! My two STRAIGHT friends were trying hard to contain their laughter in those photos.

I didn’t realize it would be harder for me to choose photos since I had to sift through a couple of hundred shots. I finally came up with my top choices for my entries with the help of some comments of my friends in my Facebook album: Gluttony (a girl seated on the floor devouring pizza and chips) and Greed (a girl betting in poker). But my gut feel was telling me to submit Lust instead of Gluttony. After a long debate with some friends and with myself, I gave my Greed and Lust entries.

I never imagined my Lust entry would make it on the Top 5 entries! (And I heard my Greed was on the Members’ Cup). Sometimes it’s just really the choice of your photo entries. I went with my gut feel. Yeah, you should go for what your heart tells you. That won’t hurt.

It was a whole different adventure that Good Friday for me. At least we weren’t exactly sinning… We were just shooting. And who would have thought I was shooting winning shots? It was a good Friday indeed.

PS. Wondering what my Lust shot entry? It was two girls about to kiss each other... (Sorry, can't post it here...)

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WHITE BOX STUDIO

Unit 1004, World Trade Exchange Building 215 Juan Luna St., Binondo Manila

Call 871-1659 or text 0917-5721004 for more details

Or visit http://whiteboxstudiorental.multiply.com

My First Travel Photo Exhibit entries

I was estatic to see my photos in"The Philippines" Travel Photos Exhibit held in IMAX Mall of Asia last April 21-25, 2010. "You're now famous!" commented my uncle in my Facebook album of the exhibit. Hmm, I don't think so, but I'm sure Zone V Camera Club is.

Quoting from our club's site, our name draws its inspiration from the master photographer Ansel Adams' zoning exposure system - an enduring discipline in the basics of photography. Zone V actively holds regular photo contests, exhibits, joins various photo–related activities, since its inception in the late seventies. It was in 1978 that Zone V Camera Club came to see the light of day to fulfill the needs of several photo enthusiasts seeking for a venue where photography as both a hobby and an art can be fostered and encouraged. Thus was born the Zone V camaraderie. Thirty years have passed; the same ideals for which the club was formed still exist. I'm so happy to be part of this 30-year-old photography club in which several masters are also member. I'm hoping to be a full-fledged member soon (it's not easy as it seems to be a member of this club).

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my probee period here. Even if I'm still a probee, I get to enjoy being a part of a photo exhibit such as this. Here are two of my photos in the exhibit:

Title: The Scenic Boracay Sunset

Description: I think I already have an obsession with sunset shots and they never cease to amaze me. Everyone must get a glimpse (and a shot) of the orange-filled dusk sky of Boracay. It’s just one of the most beautiful things God created. Sweet sailing in Boracay, world!

Title: The Next New Wonder of Nature

Description: This is the entrance to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park which features stunning limestone formations and is known to be the longest navigable underground river in the world. Show your support to the Philippines’ official entry in the 7 New Wonders of Nature by voting in http://www.new7wonders.com/ and visiting the river itself.

Slowly, I'm realizing my dreams... :)

"The Philippines" Travel Photography Exhibit by Zone V Camera Club

Zone V Camera Club has been invited by IMAX SM Mall of Asia to join their travel expo this coming April 21 to 25, 2010 (Wednesday to Sunday). We will feature a photo exhibit in the theater lobby entitled "The Philippines" which showcases our travel photos within the Philippines. I'm sure you'd love to visit those places captured by my fellow members.

Can't wait to see one of my photos mounted up there! Finally, I'll be part of a photo exhibit which I never thought I would be. Guess what my entry is... ;)

Getting a new pair of Havaianas this summer!

My slim brown Havaianas needs a new partner!

I've been looking for the next perfect flip flops for this summer but I can't seem to find one in the stores. So... I'm definitely going to MYOH event in Rockwell Tent from April 22 to 26, 2010 to have my own Havs custom-made!

Havaianas Philippines has been doing this for five years now and since it's on it's fifth year, there will be more stylish studs, pins, soles and designs to choose from. (Actually I don't need the studs, I've been looking for a stand out color for me!)

What about you, what's your new Havs design? :) See ya!