Cebu Designer Collaborattes with International brand

CEBU, Philippines - A vibrant city like Cebu is a melting pot of many things - people, cultures, industries etc. With these come a mix of ideas, of talents and skills as well. And given the great influx of people to this big city, competition is stiff. Which is not a bad thing as competition can push one to harness his own abilities.

Vito Selma is a good example. This ace furniture designer has Cebu for both his home and playground. And he seems to be having the time of his life here.

His craft for design goes back to an early age. The family owns a furniture factory, and this has certainly influenced him. Vito is known for his exquisite geometric designs and his use of natural materials such as wood and bamboo, making him yet another feather-on-the-cap for Cebu in the international furniture design industry.

A true-blue Cebuano, Vito Selma creates a seamless fusion between work and play, enjoying the perks of both worlds, from scouting raw materials for his furniture creations to spending long hours at the beach. This must be the trait that prompted international brand Havaianas to collaborate with Vito to design an exclusive Cebu pin for them. 

"We chose... Vito Selma because, just like any Cebuano, Vito is an embodiment of a true havaianatico, who loves and lives life in a fun and carefree fashion," enthuses Leanne Florendo, managing director of A.L. Amizade Marketing Inc, exclusive distributors of Havaianas in Central and Eastern Visayas. "We felt it was about time to offer Cebuanos their own pin. The pin says it all - we love Cebu!"

And it was a creative and artistic challenge for Vito Selma to sift through "so many designs and perspectives on how we can encapsulate Cebu in a pin."  The crucial part, Vito said, was that "Because it's a very small product, it has to be simple enough for Cebuanos to relate to right away." He added, "A shape and color as simple as a red heart connects to everyone as it is a widely known symbol. Also the word 'Ceb' as it is the abbreviation [of 'Cebu']. This pin is a small and simple way for Cebuanos or foreigners to show their love for Cebu."

On August 1-3, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., the much awaited Brazilian-themed "Make Your Havaianas" event at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu takes on some local flavor with the presentation of the exclusive Cebu pin designed by Vito Selma. Everyone is invited to the event. The event website is: http://myoh.havaianasphilippines.com. (FREEMAN)