Flip flops are always nice to go with on the beach, around the park or even in the comforts of our own house. I bet the comfort that one gets with your feet just open and free along with a stylish look is irreplaceable with flip flops. Now, flip flops or slippers have come a long way. I think it's worth noticing that here in our city, the City of Golden Friendship - Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, flip flops are a trend, from the youngsters to the grownups; especially with the highlights of Havaianas. The trend of flip flops may have began ages ago, but the way Havaianas have rocked this city is totally different.

Havaianas, as posted on their official site, has launched their first pair in 1962, which was inspired by the Zori, typical Japanese sandals made of fabric straps and rice straw holes. It began spreading like wildfire in the year 2000 along with its popularity in international magazines and newspapers, and now reaching more than 60 countries around the globe.

From the ordinary 20php-100php (less than a dollar) available flip flops we Cagay-anons used to enjoy, this Brazilian trend has made a huge turn to the slipper industry here in the city with their first launch of costing more than a thousand pesos a pair, and sometimes even reaching double or triple its initial price. I have never seen a huge pack of people lining up for a store opening launching its new set of slippers, regardless of its price. It’s like a must have for everyone. To complete the craze, different establishments like schools and offices, even fine events have started to consider putting additional signboards on their entrance doors with the phrase, “SLIPPERS NOT ALLOWED”.

I, for one, started with a huge dislike for slippers when going outside the house. Other than my dislike with the shape of my feet, I have always found comfort in the borders of my rubber shoes and sandals. But with the onset of flip flops and its different styles to match differently shaped feet, flip flops has now gone up the radar…even way ahead from my old faves.

Along with its popularity, Havaianas has made a lot of competitors from imitations. But even so, it will continue to become a household name because of its style, comfort and quality.Bliss or no bliss, Havaianas truly made a mark in the fashion industry, whether here in the city or around the world. I would not be surprised if time will come that Havaianas will invade, not only the sands on the beach, but even the sands on the moon.