The Playground by Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu

For someone whose childhood is synonymous to climbing trees and skinned knees, I was resolute in my decision to make Vania experience the things I enjoyed doing while growing up. While we live in a community where we can still take advantage of birds chirping at 6 in the morning to wake her up, have ample space to go biking in the afternoons or just spend an hour or two swimming or just playing in the playground, I still find it essential that she be exposed to different environment and different people. And while there is her school for that kind of immersion, still, nothing beats meeting other kids in a place where their common interests meet.

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With kids these days growing up with gadgets, playgrounds have become far and few in between. Being cooped up indoors most of the time, children are missing out on fun experiences such as going down slides, swinging across monkey bars, bouncing up and down see-saws, and interacting with other kids.

Believers of outdoor fun, Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu are set to change all that. They dreamed up a play destination that will surely pique the excitement of young children, and young ones at heart who wish they were little again.

Designed by multi-awarded furniture and industrial designer Vito Selma, the playground is a celebration of and inspired by Cebu. Just like how Cebu is a seamless blend of beautiful highlands, stunning beaches and bustling metropolis, The Playground by Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu evokes this unique characteristic through three distinct and fun play areas. Each section of the playground takes visual inspiration from the best attributes of Cebu.

THE DESIGN

Cebu is best known for having gorgeous beaches, which attract a lot of tourists from all over the country, and the world. 

The WAVES of the sea are reflected in the colorful monkey bars and see-saw, which feature striking curves that will provide hours of endless fun for kids.

The highlands, while having always been around, is steadily gaining popularity both among locals and tourists alike for its eco-tourism potential. These PEAKS are represented by quirky looking climbing bars, climbing nets, and a tire swing.

The SKYLINE is embodied in the playground's central and strategic location in Ayala Center Cebu. As the region's premier lifestyle destination for families, The Playground by Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu is a welcome addition to the mall as it provides kids and parents a safe and secure outdoor environment amidst the urban jungle.

THE DESIGNER

The man behind the design is multi-awarded furniture and industrial designer Vito Selma, whose works are also seen all over Ayala Center Cebu's new expansion wing. While he is celebrated for pushing the limits of his materials-of-choice like wood, Vito is also a doting uncle, and his love for children is evident in a growing kids line headlined by his Cara-boo, his local take on the rocking horse, adapted for the Filipino sensibility.

Aimil Sarmiento, Leanne Florendo and Vito Selma

THE DRIVE

Havaianas is an outdoor staple, and with Cebu situated amidst mountains and beaches, it's no surprise that their flip-flops have graced many a local's feet. The Playground by Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu is a celebration of Cebu, spreading the Havaianas joy while encouraging families to go and embrace the great outdoors.

"Some of our best childhood moments consist of playing outdoors, running around and feeling the air and sun on our faces. We want this Playground to create similar, long-lasting memories for this generation of kids." says Leanne Florendo, Managing Director of A.L. Amizade Marketing Inc. the exclusive sub-distributor of Havaianas in Central and Eastern Visayas.

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Last week, we were invited to the launch of The Playground by Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu and this little girl almost did not want to leave! Cotton candy, popcorn, refreshing drinks, the kids, the doting moms and dads and of course The Playground~ it was an afternoon of active play and quality family time with our favorite flip-flops at the region's premier lifestyle destination for families! Check out the photos below to see just how much fun Vania had during the launch! 

Vania and Ava - the BFFs during events! <3

THANK YOU HAVAIANAS PHILIPPINES FOR HAVING US! 

The Playground by Havaianas and Ayala Center Cebu is located at Level 1, The Terraces Garden (back of The Marriot Hotel), Ayala Center Cebu. To get the latest updates and promos, follow @havaianasphils on Instagram and Twitter, Havaianas Philippines on Facebook and visit www.havaianas.com.