THE SANDALIAS FEST 2010: An Afternoon of Fun for Flipflops Lovers

The Sandalias Festival 2010: An Afternoon of Fun for Flipflops Lovers

Yesterday, September 26, 2010, we had a fun fun Sunday at the TriNoma. Armed with an invitation courtesy of  Bheng and Dockers (Nancy Harel & Associates), media people enjoyed the culmination of the 2-day Brazilian style soiree, courtesy of ELRO Corp.s "SANDALIAS FESTIVAL 2010" aptly themed “Step Into Some Love”. together with the TriNoma crowd. As we all know, ELRO Corp. is the exclusive distributor of the famous Brazilian footwears here in the Philippines.
   Actually, this was our second Sandalias Festival-- the first one I attended was in Glorietta in 2008, I think.

Hannah, my daughter was also with me that first time. But we knew Ipanema, Giselle Bundchen, and Rider flipflops already, thanks to a dear friend Tess L. who introduced the fashionable Ipanema flipflops collection from ELRO as another good choice for the flipflop crowd.

   Sandal lovers, young and old alike, were treated to a fab showcase of Ipanema, Ipanema Giselle Bundchen (GB), Grendha and Rider footwear---pampering activities, plus fun games, an awesome fashion-cum-dance spectacle by the Steps Dance Project, and the first ever Giant Piñata shower of prizes.Of course, the piñata which is traditionally present in Latin American celebrations, is actually almost the same as the hampas sa palayok here in the Philippines.

   Mallgoers, who purchased the Brazilian footwear brands during the 2-day SANDALIAS FESTIVAL, likewise enjoyed free foot massage, nail art as well as foot and body tattoo. My daughter, Hannah, had a wrist tattoo for herself and also availed of the nail art services, while a colleague Leena Calso and I had a great time posing at the photo booth for the photo souvenirs, too! 
  Those who added Ipanema Philippines to their Facebook accounts were given numbered blue and pink balloons. Hah, at stake are pairs of Ipanemas for those who'll be able to find their balloon partners. Unfortunately, we had to give up the pink balloon searching, there were very few already at that time. He he he

  Mr. Patxi Elizalde , managing director of ELRO Corp. welcomed and thanked all the Ipanema-loving patrons for the huge success of the event, just like in the past two years.  “Mounting the annual Sandalias Festival is part of our continuous effort to bring our brands closer to the market.  This is our way of establishing an emotional connection with our patrons.  We want them to not only experience our products but also be immersed in the culture and lifestyle that inspire the creation of our footwear.” He promised of more exciting activities and of course, more stylish products from Ipanema, Ipanema GB, Grendha and Rider in the near future.

Mr. Patxi Elizalde

   We were wowed by the exciting fashion show-cum-dance presentation of the Steps Dance Project, and we really envied winners of the wall climbing and mechanical surf boarding contests took home cash prizes and  Ipanema GCs. Kainggit!

   Excitement was in the air while we patiently waited for the Sandalias Festival's show-stopper and most unique attraction, the GIANT PIÑATA, which was a larger than life Ipanema version filled with lots of goodies and freebies! It took the  three Elizalde brothers, Carlos, Patxi, and Santi to open up the Giant Pinata with its shower of prizes including GCs from Ipanema, Ipanema GB, Grendha, Rider and sponsors--Lay Bare, Planet Sports, Nivea Sun, magazines from Summit Media, Orly Nail Lacquer; as well as an air ticket to Boracay from Cebu Pacific Air and a 3D/2N accommodation at Patio Pacific, Fairways and Bluewater and Discovery Shores. Other sponsors were Us Girls, Essensuals by Toni and Guy and Terra Wellness Spa.

The Elizalde Bros. and the Giant Piñata

   My daughter was ecstatic---she got a lot of coupons, but so did the others who patiently waited their turn at the claims booth, while swaying to the songs and samba beat being played by the singer and the band onstage. May I just commend the staff who were all graces under pressure! Ha ha ha I was nearly doubled up with a lot of Summit magazines.

   FYI. The successful event coincided with the opening of a concept store called Bambu, which features all their Brazilian footwear brands in TriNoma. The other BAMBU outlets are located in Glorietta 4 Makati and Marquee Mall in Angeles City, plus a kiosk in Alabang Town Center.

   Congratulations ELRO CORP. Hooray for BAMBU, and here's looking forward to the next SANDALIAS FESTIVAL next year!

(Thank you, Bheng, Dockers. . .) 


Trinoma Activity Area, North Edsa
September 26, 2010