Now's the time for eco-chic flip-flops

MANILA, Philippines - Environment conservation organization Haribon Foundation, in partnership with ELRO Commercial and Industrial Corporation, the exclusive distributor of premier Brazil-based flip-flop brand Ipanema, has taken a green stride in support of the preservation of the Philippine Rainforests in its recent “Walk the Green Mile” walkathon at Fort Bonifacio, Global City.

Armed with a vision of conserving the biodiversity of the Philippine Rainforests, Haribon Foundation, through its awareness campaign called “ROAD to 2020” (Rainforestation Organizations and Advocates) and ELRO Commercial and Industrial Corporation, gathered people from around the metro to show their support and concern for the environment by marching around Bonifacio High Street wearing their favorite Ipanema flip-flops from the GB Seeds collection, the third line exclusively designed by top supermodel Gisele Bündchen.

Metro denizens flocked over to the Ipanema GB Seeds merchandise booth to experience comfortable, stylish and eco-chic flip-flops made from safe, recycled materials and supplies such as industrial residues, painting residues and surplus PVC.

ELRO Commercial and Industrial Corporation managing director Patxi Elizalde warmly welcomed and encouraged everyone, “We hope that you continue to support the Ipanema GB Seeds Collection to help preserve our environment.”

The event kicked off with live drumbeats as people marched around the streets of Bonifacio High Street. Guests in attendance were Sofia Zobel Elizalde, Santi and Marilen Elizalde, Kit Kat and Fernando Zobel, Carlos and Melissa Elizalde, Monica Olondriz, Anton and Nina Huang, Mia Borromeo, Grendene export coordinator Cleria Ludwig, Haribon Foundation Board of Trustees member Atty. Joey Garcia, Haribon Foundation director for organizational sustainability group Anabelle Plantilla, Haribon Foundation resource generation and mobilization head Christine Cenal, and Haribon Foundation administration and finance head Je-el Ong.

The nature-inspired venue was beautified by the lovely dancers from Ballet Philippines and Philippine Ballet Theater as choreographed by James Laforteza of Steps Dance Project gracing the stage with mesmerizing movements in tune with Brazilian beats and rhythms while donning the latest Ipanema GB Seeds Collection. Kids then came out on stage accompanied by the dancers, sporting the stylish and eco-chic GB Seeds Kids collection.

Shoppers can play an active role in this campaign. For every purchase of Ipanema sandals from the Gisele Bündchen Seeds Collection, a donation will be made to the Haribon Foundation, which aims to conserve and protect the Philippine rainforests by increasing the number of seeds planted in each year.

The Ipanema GB Seeds Collection for women is available at SM Department Store, Shoe Salon, Chocolate Clothing Company, Red Alert, Landmark, Freeway, Planet Sports, Crossings, Chimes Davao, 25th Avenue Square Naga, Stand ‘n’ Stride Cabanatuan, Brent and Chloe Pampanga, Basix Bacolod and for other boutiques nationwide. For inquiries, visit www.ipanemaphils.com.