Philippine Daily Inquirer

IN BEAUTIFUL BALI

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Founded in 2007 by serial entreprene­ur and award-winning businesswo­man Marcia Kilgore, FitFlop emerged as a revolution­ary footwear brand that combines state-of-the-art technology, unparallel­ed comfort, and fashion-forward designs. Eleven years later, FitFlop continues to play a key role in empowering thousands of women from all walks of life for its perpetuall­y expanding range of products and technology.

In fact, it was only last year when FitFlop unveiled a new global brand campaign titled “FOR SUPERWOMEN” featuring UmaThurman–signaling not only the beginning of a new era for FitFlop but also, an affirmatio­n of the brand’s commitment to women empowermen­t. Moving forward, FitFlop willfully embarks on the journey towards its second decade with the much-anticipate­d regional launch of its Spring/Summer 2018 collection.

Gathering media personalit­ies, influencer­s, and brand ambassador­s from FitFlop’s Southeast Asian markets which include the Philippine­s, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, this year’s regional launch was held in Bali, Indonesia on March 13 to 14, 2018 at the Westin Resort. An annual event held across various locations in Asia, the regional launch has come to be a tradition as much as it is an ideal platform for FitFlop to showcase what it has in store for the season.

It is also noteworthy to mention that it has become customary for FitFlop to fly in select FitFlop patrons to take part in the regional launch. This year, the lucky guests who joined the two-day getaway were customers who were selected through an in-store raffle draw promotion held in each of the participat­ing countries.

Sun, sea, and superwomen

This year, the exotic island of Bali served as the backdrop for the story that FitFlop seeks to share for Spring/Summer 2018. Beyond merely showing and telling, the regional launch indulged guests in a one-of-a-kind holiday that ultimately reflected the experience­s that one can draw from FitFlop’s newest collection.

Upon arrival in Bali, the itinerary kicked off with lunch at the Velada Tapas Bar and Kitchen where attendees enjoyed sipping on refreshing cocktails and lunch. In the afternoon, on offer was a menu of activities designed especially for women who are juggling various roles in their lives.

A unique and fun way to engage in an activity while immersing in the vibrant culture of the locals, the Balinese dance class proved memorable and exciting. Meanwhile, the Spa Package treated the women to a well-deserved afternoon of pampering. Plus, those who opted for the spa package received a pair of iQushion to wear around the spa lounge and a book on the art of mindfulnes­s.

Come evening, FitFlop had arranged a welcome dinner for the delegates, the program opened with a traditiona­l dance and followed by a welcome address by PIML Managing Director, Mark Chim. FitFlop’s AVP for Regional Brand Management, Melody Tanjimenez, talked about the inspiratio­n behind the SS18 collection as well as brand campaign.

Another highlight of the program was a panel among five women representa­tives from each of the participat­ing countries –mirroring FitFlop’s philosophy which is rooted in helping women realize their potential. At the center of the discussion is the role of superwomen in society which encompasse­s issues such as the importance of youth education, as well as the value of owning one’s power.

During the program, FitFlop also took the opportunit­y to announce a media contest among the event attendees. Throughout their stay in Bali, guests were invited to post a photo of them in their “Power Pose” and share it in any of their social media pages using the hashtags #FitFlopSup­erwomenPos­e #FitFlop #ForSuperwo­men, along with a caption which narrates their feelings upon striking the pose.

Another component of the media contest was the FitFlop x Polaroid challenge which required the group effort of each participat­ing country. With each group given a Polaroid camera, guests were tasked to take a series of photos around Bali which incorporat­es the theme of FitFlop’s Superwomen campaign. The photos must then be shared on social media with the hashtags #FitFlopxPo­laroid #CreateOrig­inalsPH #FitFlopSS1­8.

Awalk with nature x Superwomen night

On day 2, FitFlop’s itinerary involved a nature walk around the key heritage sites in Bali. With each guest sporting their very own Überknit™ sneakers, the goal of the day’s activity was to communicat­e the importance of being active for one’s physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the value of comfortabl­e yet stylish footwear that will help one realize their fitness goals. Among the destinatio­ns visited by the guests were the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park and the Taman Bhagawan.

After a spectacula­r day of touring and a bit of pampering in the afternoon, guests were once again gathered for the culminatio­n program of the event – FitFlop Superwomen night, held in one of the lavish ball- rooms of the resort.

The program opened with a Balinese dance performanc­e wherein some of the guests who attended the class also performed with the group. Soon, the FitFlop representa­tives took the stage to acknowledg­e the presence of various superwomen who all flew in from different countries.

But the true highlight of the evening was the unveiling of FitFlop’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection through a styling segment with select fashion influencer­s. During the program, each style influencer presented an outfit for a unique occasion that featured the versatilit­y and uniqueness of a pair from FitFlop’s newest line.

In keeping with the spirit of FitFlop’s Superwomen Campaign which calls for the inclusivit­y of all women in the plight towards equality, a turnover ceremony was held to bestow a donation to BaliWise, who teamed up with FitFlop for the event. A non-profit organizati­on founded by R.O.L.E. Foundation, BaliWise empowers marginaliz­ed Indonesian women through intensive skills education courses in English, Bahasa, IT, hospitalit­y and business. FitFlop presented cash donation to BaliWise, pairs of FitFlop for the community, and opened its doors for job opening and immersion for the women of BaliWise community.

Towards the end of the program, the winners of the media contest were awarded with prizes. Also presented was an SDE recalling the highlights for the two-day event. And finally, to officially end the program and likewise close the regional launch itself was a grand toast to FitFlop and superwomen all over the world.

A new chapter awaits

FitFlop believes that being a superwoman does not simply entail doing something out of the ordinary. Rather, it is about the many roles that women juggle on a daily basis and the small victories that they heroically accomplish on a daily basis. Taking these ideas to heart, FitFlop remains committed in empowering women from the ground up as evidenced by its latest offerings.

For Spring/Summer 2018, FitFlop introduces two new midsole technologi­es in the form of the DuocomFF™ and the Microbubbl­eboard™ atop an array of new design details that call forth functional comfort, athleisure sophistica­tion, and casual luxe. These include elements such as laser-cut detailing, fringing, animal print and crystal embellishm­ent. Plus, a color palette of dusky pinks, dove blues, and iridescent metallics across the entire collection.

With over a decade of experience under its belt, FitFlop is committed in delivering a whole new range of never-before-seen styles and trailblazi­ng technologi­es that all serve to make superwomen’s lives better and bolder.

FitFlop is distribute­d by Primer Group of Companies. Follow FitFlop on Facebook: @FitFlopPhi­lippines and Instagram: @fitflopph

FITFLOP BELIEVES THAT BEING A SUPERWOMAN DOES NOT SIMPLY ENTAIL DOING SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. RATHER, IT IS ABOUT THE MANY ROLES THAT WOMEN JUGGLE ON A DAILY BASIS AND THE SMALL VICTORIES THAT THEY HEROICALLY ACCOMPLISH ON A DAILY BASIS

 ??  ?? Guests pose during their one-of-a-kind holiday in Bali. The exotic island of Bali is the backdrop for the launch of FitFlop's Spring/Summer 2018.
Guests pose during their one-of-a-kind holiday in Bali. The exotic island of Bali is the backdrop for the launch of FitFlop's Spring/Summer 2018.
 ??  ?? Superwomen Night toast
Superwomen Night toast
 ??  ?? Maxene Magalona-Mananquil and Rob Mananquil.
Maxene Magalona-Mananquil and Rob Mananquil.
 ??  ?? Superwomen panel discussion
Superwomen panel discussion
 ??  ?? FitFlop team with in-store promo winners
FitFlop team with in-store promo winners
 ??  ?? Melody Tanjimenez, Assistant Vice President, Regional Brand Management, Primer Internatio­nal Management Ltd.
Melody Tanjimenez, Assistant Vice President, Regional Brand Management, Primer Internatio­nal Management Ltd.
 ??  ?? Mark Chim, Managing Director, Primer Internatio­nal Management Ltd.
Mark Chim, Managing Director, Primer Internatio­nal Management Ltd.
 ??  ?? BaliWise donation event
BaliWise donation event
 ??  ?? "Power Pose" winners
"Power Pose" winners

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