In our house, there is one footwear brand that every member of the family owns. Converse is, after all, fit to be worn by anyone because the shoes complement numerous outfits. I actually don't know anymore how many pairs of Converse sneakers are shared between my husband and three of our boys (they all have the same shoe sizes); I just know they all love wearing them.

Me? I also wear Converse often because they're easy to mix and match with pants, shorts, and skirts. It's hard to choose a top favorite though because each work well with specific clothes for different occasions. 

The same with ordinary people like us, a lot of celebrities are often seen wearing Converse sneakers. In fact, the most iconic design, created by Chuck Taylor, has been spotted in movies worn by big stars such as Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Daniel Radcliff in the Harry Potter movies, and many, many more.

Thus, it was not surprising to find out that Converse Philippines partnered with Inquirer Lifestyle in presenting the Face-Off OOTD Fashion Show recently held in Shangri-La Mall. There, audiences got to appreciate various creations by talented Filipino designers. Part of the show, of course, featured outfits that go well with Chucks. 

Gracing the event were stars Julie Anne San Jose and Benjamin Alves as well as the ever-bubbly Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Miss Universe Philippines bet, Maxine Medina.

What I love about the idea of featuring Converse Chucks on the runway is the universal thought of wanting to look good while clad in something you enjoy wearing. I could definitely say that about all my Chucks :)

Got some OOTDs wearing Converse Chuck Taylors? Join the conversation online by using the hashtag #ForeverChuck!

  

"Confidently beautiful with a heart" -- a phrase popularized by ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach aptly describes what a beauty queen should be: a lady who represents "beauty with a purpose." 

Prior to the coronation of the 2016 Miss Universe, 19 candidates spent time and harnessed their creativity to customize Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers to be auctioned for the Positive Action Foundation, which is supported by the Miss Universe organization. This advocacy is devoted to helping individuals living with HIV/AIDS and their families, particularly those who lost their jobs due to the stigma of their medical condition.

Beauty pageant aficionados and Chucks collectors now have the chance to own a personalized Chucks by the following candidates: Ms. Angola – Luisa Baptista, Ms. Belgium – Stephanie Goldof, Ms. Belize – Rebecca Rath, Ms. Brazil – Raissa Santana, Ms. Bulgaria – Violina Ancheva, Ms. Cayman Islands – Monyque Brooks, Ms. Costa Rica – Carolina Duran, Ms. Germany – Johanna Acs, Ms. Guatemala – Virginia Argueta, Ms. Iceland – Hildur Maria, Ms. Mexico – Kristal Silva, Ms. Netherlands – Zoey Ivory, Ms. Nicaragua – Marina Jacoby, Ms. Panama – Keity Drenan, Ms. Paraguay – Andrea Melgarejo, Ms. Philippines – Maxine Medina, Ms. Russia – Yuliana Korolkova, Ms. Thailand – Chalita Suansane, and Ms. Uruguay – Magdalena Cohendent.

Through a silent bid auction, interested individuals are encouraged to give their bids, names, and contact details to the information officer in any of the mall exhibits of the shoes or thru a private message at the Converse Philippines Facebook page. Starting bid for all pairs is US$50.

View the personalized pairs at the exhibits in the following dates and venues:

Keep updated by liking Converse Philippines on Facebook. You can also join the conversation online by using and searching for the hashtag #ConversePHx65MissUniverse.

The rainy (and stormy) days are here again. And I am sure all of us have experienced, at one time or another, having our feet and shoes soaked in puddles and flash floods. Very inconvenient, right? Especially if you have to endure wet socks inside wet shoes while caught in heavy traffic or walking ankle deep in floodwaters just to get to your destination.

Last year, I fortunately discovered the benefits of wearing the stylish and waterproof Converse Rubber Chucks (read my review, here) and I continue to feel grateful when I have them on during rainy days. That pair has saved my feet (and my other shoes) countless times including one Friday night a couple of weeks ago when heavy rain caused so much traffic, the bus I was riding on got stuck on the Skyway for two hours! Because I was wearing my Rubber Chucks, I eventually got down and confidently walked the remaining 2km going to Magallanes, not minding the puddles and mud other people were studiously avoiding.

This 2016, Converse launches its Counter Climate line featuring more fashionable and waterproof sneakers that protect wearers' feet from the elements. I feel fortunate to be test driving the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star (CTAS) II Shield Canvas with a water-resistant upper and Nike Lunarlon cushioning that provides superior comfort.

Nowadays, many young Filipinos want to keep updated on what's fashionable and trendy by following certain fashionistas online. Style mavens Kryz Uy and Camille Co built a large following on their blogs, Lookbook, and Chictopia pages with their style smarts. Their signature styles have also been featured in magazines and which millennials use as fashion pegs.

Recognizing these achievements, global footwear brand Skechers collaborated with the young stylists to show their peers what top fashion footwear picks go well with the latest shoe collections: Skechers GO Flex Walk, Originals, GO Step, and Burst.

Camille Co, a young entrepreneur, started her own brand Coexist right after finishing college. The OOTDs she uploads online has made her one of the Philippines' top fashion bloggers today. She expressed how happy she is with the collaboration because, "Skechers shoes are not just comfortable, they are also stylish!"

For the longest time, sandals were just considered summer footwear that one needs when going to the beach or for lounging around the house. However, ever-changing fashion trends have given birth to peoples' constant search for what's unique, chic, and … yes, Instagrammable!

Features about sandals such as those from the New York Times' shower slide/sandal story that appeared on the pages of its T Magazine, a generous spread from Glamour Magazine's online pages, and an Essentials slide feature under the Fashion & Style banner of the NY Times, are proof that the once simple pair of sandals have come a long way and already arrived in style.   

In the Philippines, Banana Peel has once more redefined its customers' favorite must-have footwear by coming up with a variety of sandals for all seasons while keeping in mind form, function, and fashion. The flip flops specialty retailer offers the following:

Innovative materials, bold patterns, bright colors, and woven textures -- those are what fans can expect from the Converse Spring/Summer 2016 All Star Footwear and Apparel Collection, which embody the spirit of the season, and pushes innovation with the new materials and prints.

I had the privilege to see the new collection before many of the items hit stores in the next few months. The unveiling happened at Pineapple Lab in Makati City a few days ago where guests marveled at the latest items up Converse's sleeve.

Here are what's already available this January …

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Mono comes in stark contrast to the bright colorways of the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Neon (coming in May).

Today's modern Filipina constantly juggles a lot of responsibilities. Aside from taking care of our families, we also wear different hats for our jobs and other active roles outside our homes. All these activities may present difficulties and challenges at times, but they also make us feel much more fulfilled and doing something worthwhile.

This month, 2nd Avenue is launching a new 30-minute lifestyle magazine show that focuses the spotlight on women whose passions are not limited to home, child-rearing, beauty, and passion. In Her Shoes steps into the varied lives of Filipino women and takes a peek into their distinct interests and cliques. Look forward to knowing more about varied archetypes of ladies ranging from bloggers and artsy types, to foodies and fitness buffs.

China Cojuangco-Gonzalez, a multi-faced woman herself, is hosting the show. "I'm a chef together with my husband Gino, and a mother to my beautiful daughter, Lucia. Naturally, I'm curious about what other women like us do as they go about their lives."

My hubby and three sons are big fans of Converse sneakers. And because all four of them (except our special child) have the same shoe sizes, they often borrow each others' shoes. Imagine their delight when Converse came out with a new batch of slip-on footwear!

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Cutaway EVO Canvas Sandals are available in various colors. They are so comfortable to wear, I haven't worn any other slippers in recent weeks. It is really a great pair of sandals for fans of the classic Chuck Taylor shoes because they look really good on one's 

feet. 

I grew up watching Justice League cartoons on TV. Despite not having to go to school, I remember waking up early every Saturday to catch the show. Needless to say, like most little girls, I loved the lead female character. To my contemporaries, remember, too, that Wonder Woman show that starred Lynda Carter? I was also an avid viewer of that! 

wearing the Wonder Woman sneakers

Imagine my fascination to see shoes featuring my all-time favorite DC character! The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Wonder Woman sneakers feature amazing artwork from the Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee. You'll find two different images of Wonder Woman on both sides of the shoe while the Wonder Woman logo is located on the tongue and on the laces. I love how cool they look, even when worn with a dress! This pair retails at P3,510 and is available in ladies' sizes 5-8.

Wonder Woman shoes up close

Another much-loved DC character is featured in the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Batman sneaker that showcases intriguing artwork done by British comic artist Jock (Mark Simpson). It features two bold illustrations of Batman on either side while the iconic Batman logo can be found on the tongue of the sneaker, along the inner lining, and on the laces. Suggested retail price for this is P3,510 and is available in men's sizes 7-11.   

the Batman sneakers -- my hubby's choice!

Water can be harmful to most kinds of footwear. With people being more fashion-conscious these days, rainy days could make it difficult to put together outfits with shoes that make a good match. 

Most times, we end up choosing to wear sandals or slippers to avoid having our favorite shoes ruined by puddles and drops of rain. The problem is, our feet get exposed to wetness and dirt. I often experience that and it's very uncomfortable traveling with cold and soaked feet. 

Several times in the past, I've also ended up having soggy socks and sneakers as a result of braving flooded streets after a sudden downpour. 

The Teen Queen of Philippine show business, Kathryn Bernardo, has just been launched as Primadonna's newest brand ambassador the other night at The Green Sun in Makati City. This youthful Filipina actress, regarded as one of her generation's fashion icons, is described as a perfect fit for Primadonna's likewise young and dynamic personality.

Kathryn's style, which has greatly evolved from her younger days, inspired the brand's upcoming pre-holiday collection. This is composed of 20 styles reflecting the latest Sports Luxe trend, first set by the likes of Alexander Wang and Helmut Lang. 

The collection features chunky platforms, thick-soled kicks, and "man repeller" slides, which have been seen on some of the most stylish people here and abroad, particularly in Hollywood. "I love how Primadonna is when it comes to picking up what's uso," shared Kathryn. "So if I see Taylor Swift wearing something na gusto ko, I run agad to Primadonna because I'm sure they have what I'm looking for!"

I like to shop but I sometimes have misgivings buying clothes and shoes online because I worry that the things I'd like to buy would not fit me well when they arrive on my doorstep. I prefer trying on stuff first and seeing how they look on me before I do decide to make a purchase.

Those who identify with this sentiment would be happy to know that Asia's leading online fashion destination, ZALORA Philippines, has officially opened the doors of its ZALORA Pop-Up Store the other day at EDSA Shangri-la Mall. This very first digital pop-up store in the country represents the company's latest efforts in building e-Commerce using an omnichannel approach to help customers get into online shopping.

Paulo Campos, Co-Founder and CEO of ZALORA Philippines, affirmed that the pop-up store marks another milestone in their company's young history. "Since we started operations in 2012, we continued to look for innovative ways to grow e-Commerce in the Philippines and, through this initiative, we hope to widen our customer reach, educate them on the benefits of online shopping, and dress them in the latest fashion trends, in the quickest and most convenient way possible."

My husband is a barefoot runner so I always get that question if I'll also run barefoot any time soon. My replies were always an adamant "no." I don't think I could endure the heat from the pavements nor the sharp stones that might result in painful cuts. 

And yet, I did say "yes" to walking barefoot the other day for a good cause. Last May 21, people all over the world supported TOMS' One Day for Better Days by walking without shoes so that underprivileged kids won't have to. I was glad to be part of this campaign that aims to remind people of the urgent needs of children for proper health and education. 

I joined a large group of people, led by popular Filipino tour guide Carlos Celdran, in walking a whole block around Bonifacio High Street at past five in the afternoon. The experience reminded me a bit of walking on warm sand (because the sidewalks have retained the day's heat) although there were tiny pebbles that would appear every now and then that made me wince in discomfort. It was heartbreaking to imagine young kids going through this every day not because they want to, but because they had no other choice :(

One for One. That's the driving force behind TOMS, a company that matches every pair of shoes bought with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. This advocacy started in 2006 when American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended barefoot children in a village in Argentina. These little ones had no shoes to protect their feet. 

Since then, TOMS became a business that aims to improve lives. It identifies global needs and creates products to help address them. To date TOMS has already given away 35 million pairs of new shoes.

When Blake launched TOMS Eyewear in 2011, the One for One model was also applied to help restore sight to people in need with every purchase of sunglasses and optical frames. In 2014, TOMS Roasting Co. was founded with the mission to provide jobs and clean water to developing countries with the purchase of premium coffee.

I love wearing clothes that are comfortable but still stylish and Forever 21 carries those. I usually check out clothes in the SM Makati branch when I'm in that area but it was definitely welcome news to know that F21 will be opening a branch south of Metro Manila. 

Forever 21's SM Southmall store is very spacious and carries men, women, and children's lines. I paid the branch a visit during its opening day last October 30 and found a couple of nice dresses I couldn't resist as well as a lacey skirt and knitted blouse. 

Innovation and craftsmanship -- that's what Cole Haan harnessed to engineer a product that is the lightest and most flexible shoe it has ever created. The iconic American lifestyle footwear and accessories brand unveiled the ZeroGrand yesterday at its Powerplant Mall, Rockwell branch.

Cole Haan's newest men's shoe line weighs less than 290g each and is touted to define the future in footwear. In ZeroGrand, the brand was able to successfully combine centuries-old broguing details with biomechanics, modern materials, and current manufacturing methods. 

There are three elements footwear aficionados should know about the ZeroGrand:

MASS. The weight of heavy shoes induces muscle fatigue. At just 290g, this footwear can challenge others designed for long-distance runners. With ZeroGrand, the future is weightless.

MAKE. With fewer parts resulting in fewer seams, this footwear has a natural, relaxed body that feels almost non-existent on the foot. With ZeroGrand, the future is seamless.

MOTION. The human foot was created to be an elegant instrument of movement, strength, and agility. The new footwear complements this with supple flexibility and plush cushioning that enables it to rebound with each step. With ZeroGrand, the future is boundless. 

Along with ZeroGrand, Cole Haan also launched its new cushioning and comfort platform called the Grand.OS -- an "operating system" for the feet composed of three major features: greater flexibility, reduced weight, and increased cushioning. Whether they're applied separately or together, it was described that all three characteristics deliver exceptional feel without compromise.

The Grand.OS' flexibility is manifested in the engineered insoles, outsoles, liners, and uppers that move with each step. In addition, Grand.OS replaces the heavy steel shanks that have traditionally been used for support with a cushioning compound engineered to be stronger, more flexible, and longer lasting thus reducing the shoe's overall weight and slimming down the outsole. I was personally impressed to see the shoe model in one video doing parkour while wearing them!

David Maddocks, Chief Marketing Officer of Cole Haan in the U.S., and representatives in the Philippines agree that the outstanding thing about ZeroGrand is the fact that it is highly engineered, yet beautifully designed and crafted. Maddocks expressed, "Cole Haan compromised nothing. It's stealth. It's sleek. It's the perfect complement to a modern, slim-cut suit in a way that says: I mean business, but not business as usual."

Curious now to try the Cole Haan ZeroGrand for yourself? Then head over to any of its branches in Rockwell, Shangri-la Plaza, and Glorietta 4. To learn more about this latest collection and to be updated of upcoming ones, like facebook.com/colehaanphilippines and follow @iwearcolehaan on Instagram.

When it comes to footwear, I seldom get that "love at first sight" feeling especially when shopping for shoes. Most of the time, I find it hard to decide what design or color I'd really like. And yet, when I got my first glimpse of the latest footwear launched in Manila, Philippines, I totally got hooked!

Praiaz shoes look really sleek and fashionable. What really sold me to this brand was how comfortable and snug it is when I slipped my feet into a pair. In addition, it weighs almost nothing and smells really good because it is -- get this -- coconut and vanilla infused!

I found out during its launch at The City Club in Alphaland Makati Place that this new lifestyle brand's concept was born out of the desire to marry the elements of Rio de Janeiro's laid-back and chill living with Paris' superiority in style. 

event host Kim Jones

Kim Jones hosted the summer-themed event while good-looking models went around the venue sporting different colored Praiaz shoes that are perfect matches to their comfortable outfits. Artist Robby Singh was also there to paint a beautiful backdrop which took him only about two hours. 

Praiaz shoes are now available in the country and the brand seeks to encourage its philosophy of living the beach life -- one that is filled with an easy-spirited nature that knows no boundaries nor limitations. 

summer feels

Accomplish lots of activities without changing shoes or worrying about the steps you'll take. Take colorful and vibrant journeys with a footwear partner that can take you through them all. Praiaz promises compatibility with all kinds of terrains whether wearers are walking on sand along the beach, navigating a rocky terrain, or taking a stroll along a busy street. It takes away the hassle of having to match your footwear with your activity because you can take it anywhere!

Praiaz shoefie with friends

Praiaz shoes are made from the same material that is used in the soles of running shoes so cushioned comfort is one of the top pros of this footwear. It is moreover dirt proof and easy to rinse off or clean. I've proven that myself when I wore my Praiaz pair to a whole day adventure at Sandbox, an outdoor theme park, earlier today. The dirt and sand washed off easily when I got home.

Summer is here and we are all sure to embark on our own unique adventures. Let Praiaz be your travel buddy so it can take your feet from the beach to the bar and beyond! Take home a Bonito, Bonita, and Sarado (PhP 1,995) from the following stores and outlets nationwide: Aloha Boardsports in Rockwell, ATC, SM Megamall, SM MOA, and Trinoma; Oceanfront in Festival Mall; Common Thread in Greenbelt 5; Rustan's Department Store in EDSA Shangri-la and ATC; The Flatshop in Eastwood; Shangri-la Boracay; www.pormada.com; and www.ava.ph. 

*To see more photos taken during the launch, please click here