Havaianas says Obrigado! 2013

IT WAS a nautical-themed party at the Cellar de Boca in SM Lanang Premier last February 5 as the world's hottest and best selling flip flops, Havaianas says Obrigado.

Obrigado means "thank you" in Portugese, the language in Brazil where the famous brand of flip flops originated.

Now on its three years, Obrigado is a tradition of gratitude. And behind every tradition is a story.

Martish Marketing Co. is building Obrigado! to become a tradition rooted on success and gratitude. The annual get-together is MMC's way to say thank you to their most valued media partners.

"We came up with this special program to thank our media friends for playing a big role in the brand growth of Havaianas," Margarita Nograles, MMC managing director and event host, said in a press statement.

The first Obrigado! was held on February 7, 2011, at Villa Margarita Hotel. In line with the Havaianas Always Summer national campaign, the event carried the Pinoy Summer theme.

On January 30, 2012, Obrigado! took on a Go Green, Environment Friendly theme at Cellar de Oboza. This was to support the various efforts to preserve the environment and to launch the Havaianas Eco pair. This pair is made of recycled rubber leftover from regular production, so it’s still made of 100% rubber. The colorful prints on the soles depict the recycling process.

"This year, we celebrated Obrigado! with a nautical theme to symbolize the new journey that will take us all to the next 10, 20, or 50 more colorful and stylish years with Havaianas," Nograles says in a press statement.

And what better way to say "thank you" with such a sumptuous feast! Cellar de Boca co-owner and chef Tricie Pengson-Arcenas laid out mouthwatering delights one after the other:

Eggplant Frito with Alioli, Skewered Grilled Tuna and Shrimp, Aglio Olio Pasta, US Angus Beef Belly Sisig, and of course the all-time favorite dessert, Tricie’s Strawberry Shortcake.

The venue was also adorned with lamps, paper boats, wine bottles with red and blue stripes, ropes, shells, and pebbles transformed the dark wood table into a perky nautical set up. Capiz shells tied to the table napkin with abaca rope also served as place cards.

Each guest received a nautical designed canvass bag, Obrigado! shirt, discount coupons, and limited edition Kaayo wristlets.

Havaianas is available in Davao City at All Flip-Flops at SM City Davao and Abreeza, Sun Lab in Gaisano Mall, Chimes Specialty Store, and Martish Store.

For a complete list of Havaianas retailers, please visit www.havaianas.com.