An expression of limitless creativity

The TOMS Live Art event held at the Top Shelf of Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street in Global City featured American artist Tyler Ramsey.

Ramsey visited the country as part of his Asian tour. He designed the shoe brand’s Canvas Classics to offer the customers a truly individual, expressive and artsy style through this special collection. 

The brand is devoted to address the need for shoes of less fortunate children around the globe by matching every pair purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need.

Swim Philippines Inc. (distributor of the shoe brand in the country) president Dimples La’O said, “In a time when the country is in need of modern heroes because of the recent habagat, the shoe brand encourages everyone to unleash the hero in him by helping the flood victims start their lives again. For every purchased pair from the collection, you can help one family to rise up from the recent calamity. Proceeds will be given to the Philippine Red Cross.”

Philippine Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon said, “TOMS has my full support and I believe it is great that the brand used art for its international humanitarian efforts. The brand is able to translate to people the importance of humanitarian causes through its shoes. You can only live by example, and I believe that the people behind the brand are making it happen with this collection.”

Guests enjoyed the food from Neil’s Kitchen, which was prepared by chef Neil Ramos and chef Matt Tanjuakio. The Sinyma band provided the entertainment at the event.

Ramsey wowed the crowd with his larger-than-life personality while expressing his limitless creativity as he hand-painted each pair of shoes that night. The brand’s limited edition masterpieces were created spontaneously at the live art party through the artist’s signature method of painting without brushes. 

There was also a silent auction featuring small pieces of art from Ramsey’s Robots series of paintings, with all proceeds going to the Philippine Red Cross. Art enthusiasts and other guests were also treated to instant art swags as Ramsey announced that anyone could cut and get a piece of his large mural painting on the side.

“For me, energy can be transmitted to people through my art. I am happy that I can do more of that with the shoe brand, share my art and even impact a child in need of shoes through my artwork,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey’s first art show, discovered by TOMS chief shoe giver Blake Mycoskie, was in collaboration with the shoe brand. After becoming involved with the brand and other philanthropic companies through his art, Tyler was able to expand his awareness of the world.

UAAP players team up in style

As excitement escalates at the 75th UAAP season, the country’s best collegiate basketball teams vie for team domination in the court. It’s a totally different story off-court, however, as four varsity players from rival schools team up to show their cool and casual style.

When Paulo Pe, JR Gallarza, Jeron Teng and Tonino Gonzaga aren’t busy playing hoops, they simply like to sit back and relax with their best buds. In an afternoon at Eastwood City, these four guys talk about their personal style, as well as what keeps them motivated to be champions both on and off the hard court.

Paulo Pe, who’s currently playing center for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, is usually garbed in polo shirts, shorts and sneakers — an outfit he considers can go well with anything. Simple as he may seem, it’s his passion to represent his school in the UAAP and his long-time dream of eventually getting into the professional basketball league that set his game apart from other players. Despite already gaining fame, he never fails to acknowledge that having a great team and coaches as well as the strong support of family and fans is the reason behind his unfailing determination to play a great game.

UP Fighting Maroons’ JR Gallarza, on the other hand, finds inspiration for his game from his parents. Standing at 6’2”, JR may seem daunting, but don’t be fooled by his size. This guy keeps a positive and loving outlook about everything in life, which helps him be at his best during his games. No matter what the outcome, JR’s attitude is certainly something we all should aspire to have. This is even reflected in his style, one that’s easily adaptable to any situation — with shorts and a reliable pair of sneakers as his key clothing items. He simply goes with sleeveless tops on a hot day while opting for a comfortable hoody on rainy days.

Jeron Teng of the De La Salle University Green Archers.

Jeron Teng, another star player, faces the demands of fans and media in simple yet dapper outfits, often opting for casual shorts, shirts and sneakers. Jeron might be carrying a “rookie” status as a newbie, but he has undeniably proven himself worthy to be part of De La Salle Green Archers’ starting lineup. Definitely one player to watch out for, Jeron is one passionate basketball player who lives for the game — and for his fans, of course! He says that he draws motivation from the support of his fellow students as well as the fans of the team.

One of the most experienced UAAP players is Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles’ Tonino Gonzaga. It’s no question that he’s a champion in his own game, being this year’s co-captain of the basketball team while balancing his studies. He takes up Communications Technology Management (with minor in Finance). Tonino is no doubt serious about his basketball, but he still likes keeping things silly and light, mentioning that singing a tune is his feel-good pre-game routine. As for juggling an academic workload alongside basketball practices, add in the pressure from the media and fans, Tonino still manages to look his best with his personal choice of comfy V-neck shirts, shorts and sneakers. He adds in that a pair of classic but stylish sneakers completes his everyday outfit.

Playing a great game is one part of their career, but we can’t deny that looking good off the court also attracts a hefty number of fans for them. These guys are no strangers to a keen sense of fashion and swagger.

For Paulo, JR, Jeron and Tonino, Keds, the original canvas sneaker born in 1916, brings them their feel-good style. It has been worn by legends and icons throughout the decades to become the true-blue American go-to for casual, canvas sneakers. It carries a full collection of sneakers for men and women.

Keds recently opened its first retail store in Southeast Asia at the newly opened Robinsons Magnolia. It is also available at Shoe Salon, Complex Lifestyle stores and select department stores.

(For more information, check out www.facebook.com/kedsphilippines and @KedsPH on Twitter.)