WITH majority of children these days mostly glued to their gadgets while cooped up indoors, the appreciation of playing outside isn’t as common as it was back then.
Re-introducing the joys of outdoor fun stands The Playground by Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu, a play destination for kids and kids at heart. It is located at Level 1, The Terraces Garden, Ayala Center Cebu and was unveiled last Saturday, Sept. 2.
This is the first Havaianas playground ever created, as shared by Aimil Sarmiento and Leanne Florendo, managing directors of A.L. Amizade Marketing Inc., the exclusive sub-distributor of Havaianas in Central and Eastern Visayas.
Apart from it being a place to play, it is a celebration of the city which inspired it—Cebu. The design was created by multi-awarded furniture and industrial designer Vito Selma. More than a celebrated talent, he is also a doting uncle whose love for children is apparent as seen in his growing kids’ line.
“The reason why we chose Vito Selma is because he’s worked with us on a project before so this is the second project. Also, when we conceptualized the project, we thought, we wanted to work with people who obviously love the outdoors and love children. Vito has a line of children’s toys so that’s why we thought Vito would be the perfect fit,” said Leanne.
“When he thought of the concept, he thought ‘What is Cebu?’ to him, and ‘How does Havaianas get incorporated to that?’ Cebu to him—and to us—is the city, the mountains and the sea. So you’ll see that throughout the design.”
From the colorful monkey bars and seesaw that’s a reflection of the city’s gorgeous beaches; the climbing bars, climbing nets and tire swing inspired by the highlands; to the playground’s location found at the heart of the city that serves as embodiment of the Cebu’s skyline, it is an ideal spot where children can have fun, where adults can relive their childhood, while surrounded by elements inspired by Cebu City.
To them, this playground also serves as their love for Cebu and for the outdoors through their and Vito’s interpretation.
“This is the number one expression of fun for kids—to go back to their roots and be themselves outdoors. I think this really answered a lot of what Havaianas is all about,” Aimil said.