TOMS: Artists Holds Silent Auction

You know about TOMS when I wrote about them on this article. They're still doing good deeds these days by collaborating with young and rising Filipino talents. They commissioned Bambina Jacinto, Carlo Ongchangco, David Bonifacio, Gil Angelo Ibe, Nicole Wisenhunt, Lilianna Manahan and Nix Alanon to create one of a kind pieces so they can have it in a silent auction for the benefit of their chosen charities. They used their own chosen mediums plus pairs of TOMS canvass shoes so they could whip up these gorgeous looking pairs of shoes for this exhibit that will run until May 13, 2015.

Bambina Jacinto is an art curator, painter and visual artist. She's also a member of Slate Manila. She did 2 pairs, one is Blue China which was inspired by fine china. The other is called Full Bloom which is inspired by spring. She's going to give the proceeds of these shoes to CRIBS Foundation.

This one's Carlo Ongchangco. He's a painter and a visual artist. He made two pairs as well. One is called Being Silly which is inspired by a normal day of a child. The other one is called Happy Life, inspired by smiles and a happy life. He'll be donating the proceeds to Real Life Foundation which caters to street children and how to get them education.

This guy is David Bonifacio. He's a social entrepreneur, artist and poet. He was inspired of escapes while on a trip. He likes the quiet life, away from everything. He's donating the proceeds of this auction to Real Life Foundation too.

This graphic artist and illustrator is Gil Angelo Ibe. He's a top digital artist and recognized by idesign.co.uk. He was inspired by "insignificant ideas" in making this pair. He's donating the proceeds of this to PAWS, a non governmental organization that cares for the welfare of animals in the Philippines.

Nicole Wisenhunt is a very successful jewelry and accessory designer. She's in top international fashion magazines and she made these with inspiration from spring and disco. She also wants to donate the proceeds of this to PAWS.

She's Lilianna Manahan. A young artist from Studio Magee, Hive and an apprentice of Kenneth Cobunpue. She was inspired by table top creatures and hammered brass in making these pairs. She's donating the proceeds to Fairplay For All. It's a foundation that helps children from Payatas, making opportunities for the kids no matter what economic condition they may be.

He's Nix Alanon. He's a very successful interior designer. He was inspired by Marble and Wood to make these pieces. He's donating the proceeds of these shoes to Tulay ng Kabataan Foundation which caters to less fortunate children in Manila. 

If you're interested to see the exhibit, please do not hesitate to visit them at the 3rd Floor of SM Aura Premier. They will only be there until the 13th of May and will be ending the silent auction until then. You are going to get one of a kind pieces that are made by real deal artists. You'll also be helping their chosen charities in the process so don't hesitate to bid if you're thinking about it. TOMS and these artists would really love your help!

For more information about their products:

TOMS Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.TOMS.com/

TOMS Philippines Opens SM Mall of Asia Branch

I went to a TOMS event a few days ago. It was when they opened their new store on the ground floor, right wing of Mall of Asia. TOMS for me then was just something off the shelves, something fashionistas would wear and repeat again next season or when their pair gets worn out. Prejudice? Yes, but it's cool to be schooled every once in a while.

TOMS was founded by Blake Mycoskie. When he was in Argentina, he befriended kids and found some of them didn't have their feet protected. He made this company specifically so that he would match every pair of shoes so he could purchase another one for a child in need. He called it One for One.

TOMS also went into eyewear in 2011 (called it TOMS Eyewear) and helped restore sight to people in need. This also benefits some of our less fortunate Filipinos who have been affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan. He also has put up TOMS Roasting Co. to provide worthwhile jobs and clean water in every purchase of their premium coffee. He also has put up TOMS Bag Collection to provide services for birthing and kits that would help in this goal. Now, there are over 35 Million pairs of shoes that have been given away, they also have restored the sight of about 275,000 people, and provided over 67,000 weeks of safe water worldwide, the Philippines included.

This season, TOMS is bringing in their products a step towards adversity. They want you to take a shot at the island life, feel how you can walk comfy with Majorca Booties, new TOMS Bags, breezy sandals, travel sneakers and huaraches (a type of mexican sandal). The mix of faux leather, canvas, rubber in different levels makes them a worthwhile brand to look at when you think about style that's got global acceptance and exceptional quality.

  

Though you may think this is a bit on the pricey side, they have some that are still in a good price range, especially the canvass shoes. Though remember, your money goes a long way in every pair of TOMS shoes that you buy. I love their faux leather boots and the winter camouflage canvass shoes and I think I'll go back for that soon.

It's not a joke when they say that it'll go to make an impact in 70 countries for the shoes, and about 13 countries for the eye wear. Oh and yes, you might think they're in this business for fashion, but they're here to improve lives. TOMS has already proven that over the years. As for me...

I got my first pair of TOMS, and I'm off to get my second one perhaps this week. You should too!

For more information about their products:

TOMS Philippines

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://www.TOMS.com/

Boots Perhaps?!

I am a little fashion forward than some of my friends and believe me in this tropical climate I also try and wear something to look good every once in a while. I think that I always am the life of the party; and every time there is one I make sure that people still have their head turn on me. Well at least that what I think. Modesty aside I am not that bad looking... and I am tall too. I went to a local district where people my age usually go to get a better deal for shoes. Since I was in the mood two days ago, I tried to look for boots. I specifically wanted a white pair so it could match the coat and pants I got with the same color. Imagine everyone would probably wear their night time based and inspired outfits while I wear something white this coming weekend. I am sure to make people take a second look. However, it was a little disappointing to know that this bargain lot all had their boots priced around 5 thousand pesos. That is around $150 which would surely burn a hole in my pocket and I even planned to wear it just for that night. I went home disappointed but still had my mind to think of finding the perfect one on line. There was a site where I found a boot barn coupon and got it to take out from 10 - 60% off the original price. Talk about a good deal! I was in for more!It looks like more of these from places like price pickle can get you free delivery too. I want one now but since it looks like the better option I will probably get one from on line stores like these instead. Someone make me a cowboy for just one night! Good thing they have stores like that on line!

If the Shoe Fits

The US Military operations continue in the Middle East specifically on Iraq and Afghanistan. We all know that nobody's a winner when it comes to war. People get hurt, more women and children are displaced. It’s quite understood that they would not have time to make a living, nor learn what they need to in school. It’s a pity that we need to send troops in that region. Men and Women sworn in to protect their motherland, now have responsibilities to keep peace in the world. This is a huge task, you can never complain because this is the US taking the lead in the global war against terrorism. We just need to do our part to help our troops so they'd safely return home.

They are real heroes at work!

Some roads and corners in war stricken Iraq are not surely safe. There are times when the US Soldier has to go to patrol every once in a while to keep peace intact communities throughout Baghdad and the Southern City of Basra. It took them a month or so to have these taken over and one of the reasons why they keep a low fatality rate is because they prepare before they go out for operations. They need backpacks, head gears, shirts, the ever dependable bullet proof vests and the perfect shoes. Now why the perfect shoes you ask? And why do I put so much emphasis on this? That's easy! With the tough landscape and environment in the desert, our men and women shouldn't suffer the same fate as camels and other creatures in that place. That is just not right; because for the role they play in saving our lives and keeping the world a better place to live in, you know they deserve only the best. This is where Wellco Boots come into the picture. They know how to play this game because they have a wide selection of boots to choose from. For the varying terrain and weather in that side of the globe, you need ones for tactical work, for the hot weather, for desert combat, those that are lightweight, waterproofed ones and the ones that can give you the grip (rippled soles) which you need to win the fight.

They even have shirts and caps that come along with the equipments so everything would fit perfectly. These are products approved by the US Military and other government agencies. Now anyone in the world would be able to have the opportunity to have one of their own. Are you the type who gets left behind? Can you be like the heroes this country is proud of? You can call their customer service personnel available to answer you questions over the phone Monday - Friday 8:30 - 5:00 CST but only if the shoe fits!