Ipanema, the world’s most fashionable Brazilian flipflop brand, has launched its latest summer collection--the Gisele Bundchen Hot Sands Collection--at the SM Prestige Lounge in SM Megamall last Tuesday, February 22, 2011.


Event host Ms. Shanen Torres


Mr. Patxi Elizalde, Managing Director of ELRO Corporation

The new collection was launched via a fashion show featuring young models wearing Coco Cabaña’s summer outfits complemented by colorful, summery and stunningly beautiful flipflops from the Ipanema Gisele Bundchen Hot Sands Collection.








“The collection embodies the best of Brazil and its locals: warmth, optimism and great joy in living, a country that keeps its eyes on the future and always reinvents itself. This carefree and joyous lifestyle is the inspiration behind the collection—each piece celebrates the beauty of nature, making it the footwear to complement the sunny season of summer,” said Patxi Elizalde, managing director of ELRO Corporation. ELRO Corporation is the exclusive distributor of Ipanema in the Philippines.


Hot Sands Kirey Fem (White Gold)


Hot Sands Thong Fem (Black Silver)


Hot Sands Fem (Purple Lilac)


Hot Sands Fem (White Clear)


Hot Sands Plat Fem (White Gold)
Gift packages were given to ten lucky raffle winners after the fashion show. Models Bianca Valerio, Kelly Misa and Ornusa Cadness were also spotted at the event.


Ten lucky raffle winners


Patxi Elizalde, Bianca Valerio, Kelly Misa, Ornusa Cadness and Eugene Saw (Vice President of SM Department Stores Ladies, Teens and Bags Group)
Other mommy bloggers were also present, which made attending the event more fun and exciting. I tell you, when mommies are around, unending chit-chat abounds. LOL! We can talk about almost anything—kids, work, beauty tips, latest showbiz gossips and even cheap auto insurance--but that’s beside the point.


Tetcha, Czaroma, Lynn, Teacher Julie and Pehpot


Tina, Michelle, Pehpot and Tetcha
The Ipanema Gisele Bundchen Hot Sands Collection also supports the Instituto Socioambiental (ISA), a Socio-environmental Institute in Brazil that advocates the Fight Against Climate Change Central Strategy, a program that proposes that we all think about what we can do right now to improve our lives.

Know more about these stylish nature-themed sandals by visiting www.ipanemaphils.com. Visit also Ipanema Philippines on Facebook and send an eco-saving tip for a chance to win a free pair of Ipanema GB footwear.

Ipanema Gisele Bundchen Hot Sands Collection is available at SM Department Stores, Bambu and other leading boutiques and stores nationwide.

My husband went on half-day leave on my birthday, January 31, to celebrate my birthday again. I say again because we already had an advance birthday celebration last Sunday, January 30 at Mr. Choi Kitchen at Robinsons Galleria.

I finished work early so we could go to SM Megamall to have dinner at Mesa Filipino Moderne. This restaurant offers Filipino cuisine with a twist.


To get inside, guests will have to pass through a tunnel made of bamboo, which is distinctly Filipino. The staff were courteous and accommodating, too. They were genuinely glad to take our pictures.


They also have nice interiors, cozy and elegant, and our four-year-old son did not fail to notice the soothing background music. He said he liked it there.


Because there were only four of us this time (hubby, me, Justin and his yaya), we ordered only three dishes: Baby Squid in Olive Oil, Tilapia Crispy Boneless and Laing in 2 Ways.

Baby Squid in Olive Oil, Php270.00
This is baby squid sautéed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and laurel. Hubby loves anything squid, so he ordered this. I liked this, too, but not as much as I liked Tilapia Crispy Boneless and Laing in 2 Ways.


Tilapia Crispy Boneless, Php290.00
I like how this dish is presented. I also appreciate that the fish meat is cut into bite-sized pieces. This comes with four different sauces, too: the Special Sauce, Honey Bagooong, Sweet Chili, and Spicy Vinegar. The Spicy Vinegar sauce was our favorite. Our four-year-old loved this, too. This is actually all that he ate with his rice. He said it’s yummy with the Special Sauce!

Laing in 2 Ways, Php150.00
This dish is made from taro leaves, pork, shrimp paste and coconut cream topped with adobo flakes, served original and crispy. Hubby liked the original version, while I preferred the crispy version.

I had a little of everything with my spoonful of rice because they’re all so delicious. I couldn’t stop myself from commenting how good their food tastes. We will definitely come back here to try their other house specialties.