TITAN 2K13 FINALS X AJ11 PLAYOFFS RELEASE EVENT RECAP

And so it was: The basketball footwear authority TITAN has finally released the Air Jordan 11 Playoffs - the year's most anticipated shoe. Coinciding with this epic drop is the Finals of their 2nd (do I dare say ANNUAL...) 2K13 Tournament.

Thursday, December 20 - Legions of Titan loyalists came down upon the RONAC Arts Center to get their much coveted pair of Air Jordan 11 Playoffs (or BRed 11s, as most fondly call them).

The place, even though packed, was far from chaotic... You have got to respect Titan's methods of handling such giant releases! From the second the customer approaches the table up until the time he grabs his bagged pair - that transaction was designed to take less than a minute to close. And guess what folks, Titan delivered like clockwork!

On the flip side - at around 1:00PM, the Titan 2K13 Tournament was underway. With the likes of MC Paolo hosting and DJ Ace Ramos providing the tunes (which were bangers, by the way...) even non-participants were all hyped up and shit!

The house was exploding with energy, and I have a feeling the food had something to do with it. Aside from the mainstay Sabrett Hotdogs, the homie Mackie's food venture EAT MY GF also made its way to the event... Feeding the hungry crowd who happens to have a hankering for good food.

Completing the event are the great people that came thru and showed their support. It's quite a long list; you know who you are anyway... So shout outs to you for giving love!

From a personal standpoint, I never had any idea how much work was being put into releases of this scale... Until that day. That's because Titan has always made it look easy. I am extremely proud of the team and how we did things! So if I may say, we all deserve a pat on the back. We ain't getting comfortable though... We got to soldier on, because we're on to the next one.

FOR LOVE OF THE GAME. THEN, NOW... 'TILL INFINITY.

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A DAY IN THE LIFE, Vol. "ONE LUNAR CHRISTMAS"

Let it be known: I HAVE THE GREATEST GIRLFRIEND IN THE UNIVERSE. And here's why.

TITAN 2K13 "THE QUALIFIERS" EVENT RECAP

Last November 10, Saturday, My brother Victor and I were invited by TITAN and SLAM PH to participate in their 2nd 2K13 tournament. It was a no-brainer for us; with a prize line-up so ridiculous (PS3 unit,  2K13 game, a year's sub to Slam Ph, a 1-of-1 WIP Cap, a year's supply of fresh kicks from Titan, and the usual championship wares), we would be stupid not to join.

We got there at around 9:30 AM, and the line has snaked to The Deck already. Hopefuls filled in their names and got their complementary Slam Ph magazine and game shirt (which yours truly designed), and at around 10:00 AM, the tourney was good to go.

256 players battled it out, and at the end of the day, only 128 will march on. Here's the recap from our perspective.

Thanks to the fam Titan and Slam Ph for the invite! We had a blast! 

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TITAN X JASON MARKK EVENT RECAP

I usually save my Sundays for cleaning my shoes - I'm sure you good folks do the same. I have a couple dozen lined up as we speak, and just thinking about it makes me tired. Thank God for Jason Markk, though!

I'm pretty much addicted to doing things efficiently, and that's the reason why I'm on Jason Markk: the ground-breaking sneaker cleaner has cut my detailing time in half. That's a big factor to consider. It's the only solution I trust my shoes with.

On the flipside, Titan - an entity that is also synonymous to innovation, recognizes this greatness; And so, the two revolutionary players of the game got together to produce something unimaginably dope.

It was just bound to happen.

And so last November 29th, Jason Markk and Titan celebrated a collab so crazy, it brought shoe lovers of all forms to The Lightning's new flagship. Jason Markk himself came thru to bless the event!

Cheers to everyone that came out and showed love. A big shout out to Jason! All around good fella... Hope you enjoyed your time here, bud!

Here's a recap of what went down that night. Go on ahead and enjoy the photos, I have to step out for a while... So excuse me, I have shoes to freshen up. :)

TITAN 2PARKADE OPENING WEEKEND RECAP

A DAY IN THE LIFE, Vol. "2PARKADE"

Happening in an hour.



History. Be there.

#GAMECHANGERS

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RETURN TO DEER VALLEY OMNIBUS VIDEO

WELCOME BACK TO DEER VALLEY.

SBTG X TITAN X UNSCHLD "RETURN TO DEER VALLEY"

The day is almost upon us. This Thursday, November 22, Basketball retail giant TITAN, local street wear powerhouse UNSCHLD, and the legendary artist SBTG join forces once again for another monumental collaboration.

"RETURN TO DEER VALLEY" is the sequel to the highly successful DEER VALLEY TITANS project of 2011. The Deer Valley Titans - consisting of Andro Torres, Brandon Cablay, Tony Dela Cruz, Marc Pingris, PJ Simon, Vaughn Canta, and Sudan Daniel - are set to return stronger than ever to defend the throne they conquered.

TITAN 2PARKADE OPENING DAY

THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER.

DVT.
FOUR.
YEEZY.

NOW THAT'S A WEEKEND.


#FLOTG

PERFORMANCE REVIEW /// CONVERSE MVP MID

Whoa... It's been a while since I did a review. Great to be doing this again! Anyway...

For a month, I used the Converse MVP Mid to our local open runs. In previous reviews, I based my performance assessment solely on a single-day skirmish. This time, though, I ran with the shoe through four consecutive runs to get a more intimate understanding of the shoe.

But before we go further into the review, let's talk about the aesthetics first.

The Converse MVP Mid shares the same design DNA as the Converse Defcon Mid (as reviewed here). A synthetic one-piece vamp forming a seamless cage encasing the foot. Buy one major difference, or should I say upgrade, from The Star's previous top-tier basketball footwear is the incorporation of Nike's marquee innovation - The FLYWIRE. We'll discuss its performance benefits later.

The integration of Flywire aesthetically gives the shoe a sense of effectivity on the court. In my pair, the bright streaks of thread come alive against the black upper.

The finish of the shoe fades from the very dark toe and forefoot, to the very bright collar and heel counter. As I was lacing it up, the Converse MVP immediately broke necks - even the ones that were on the court!

The color pops... And to say that it's bright is an understatement. The fading color blocking truly sets it off. I would definitely buy these on looks alone.

Let's now proceed to the performance assessment of the shoe.

INTRODUCING: THE NIKE KD V

From the mind of Leo Chang comes Kevin Durant's fifth signature shoe - The KD V. It is Kevin Durant's heart and soul manifested in a shoe; it's design is the most honest and pure yet.

The Nike KD line, in my opinion, has become the most genuine and conceptually rich among the footwear franchises today. The V just proves my point.

The depth of the concept is remarkable. Still present are the minute details that tell KD's history, a tapestry of symbols that represent his deep and unwavering love for his family and hometown. But completely unique to this model is the incorporation of the numeric symbol "V" and the pentagon. Symbolizing his fifth shoe, the "V" is also a representation of the "team" - five men on the court aiming for victory. On the other hand, the Pentagon is a literal symbolism of The Pentagon, the military landmark in his hometown Washington, D.C.

The KD V is a truly inspired piece of art. Yes, I said ART. It looks like art, and I'm sure it performs like one, too. This partnership of Leo Chang and KD will go down in Nike Basketball's 20 year history as one of the most exciting and inspiring footwear lineages to ever grace the hardwood.

I just had to do this - The KD V on my feet. Are you inspired yet? The detail on the tongue is crazy...

Thank you FIVE TIMES FIVE TIMES, Nike Philippines.

A DAY IN THE LIFE, Vol. "JEFF STAPLE IN MANILA"

While having dinner last Sunday, I told my parents about Jeff Staple's trip to Manila. I told them about the talk he gave - how he dealt with his personal obstacles, his addiction to "work", and his relentless pursuit of success. Over Japanese food, of all things, I told them about the compelling story of "The Sword Maker" - my favorite part of the talk.

I told my parents how "happiness" was his main motivation for pursuing his multi-disciplinary job. "Life sucks...", I told them quoting Jeff, "So just do what makes you happy". Both my folks nodded with approval, replete with comforting smiles on their faces.

I hate to turn this "Jeff Staple Live In Manila" post into an entry of self-indulgence, but I was relieved to see that look on my parents' faces. I was happy - no, more like thankful that they gave me that acknowledgement. I've been practicing architecture for a good 5 years, and just like Jeff, I jumped on the chance to pursue something that, unconsciously, is actually my life's passion. Some people know about this shift - and I think those select few are happy that I am finally living my dream.

As far as my government ID is concerned, I am still a licenced Architect, and most likely will be one for the rest of my life. But on a daily, I now chase dreams and do dope shit for a living... And I can't help but be thankful to my parents who are all out with their support over my switching career lanes.

I remember my folks saying finding happiness and making it ones 9-to-5 is something most people struggle with through out their lives. They said I was lucky I found it while I still had enough youth in me to enjoy it.

Golden.

That's what I got from that talk. Thanks to Jeff for affirming that idea. For telling people that it can be done. That you can have dreaming as a hobby, and making it happen as a job.

Thank you Ian and WIP Caps for making this event possible! I've been picking this dude's brain via YouTube for as long as I can remember, I didn't think I would physically be part of this experience. Thank you for real.

Props to Sarah and Banjo for hosting the event. Shouts to Nix for providing the music. Shouts to everyone that was there: Archiebolz, B-Roc, Mark Legendary, Martin Solemovement, JC, Notti, Christel and Julo of the UNSCHLD fam, Jose and George of SCRT SRVC. Shouts to Sassa Jimenez and her killer shoes. Shouts to Sudan The Player. Shouts to the STNDRDS crew. Shouts to Rjay Lionheart who is about to drop his birthday capsule collection this Friday (more about that later).

I am sorry for being selfish. I was more into digesting the talk than documenting it, hence the photos - or lack thereof. I was not able to take a photo with the man either. I didn't even make an effort to ask him... I dunno, but something tells me that we will meet again.

But for now, thanks Jeff!

"There are no directions or formulas left to make ancient swords."

P.S.

DT and I had this conversation over lunch one day. I just had to share it with you: 

Kids, I know Jeff ditched the whole Business Plan process when he started out, but that does not mean you should too. What was good for him does not necessarily mean that it will be the same for you. Do your homework and embrace the process.

Just saying. :)

On with the photos.

WIP CAP X TITAN "36 CHAMBERS" RELEASE PARTY RECAP

First of all, my apologies for the extremely late recap. I got caught up in the excitement of my new job. Business is still business, though, and I'm taking the adjustment process seriously.

Bottomline: I am beyond happy to be part of this new collective. I just don't want to blow the opportunity.

Anyway, enough about me. Let's get down to it.

Two Tuesdays ago, October 16, WIP Caps and Titan released a limited edition Wu-Tang Clan inspired fitted - The "36 Chambers".

The detail on this cap is ridiculous! Aside from the high quality work that we've grown accustomed to anything WIP, The 36 Chambers has this buddha bead embroidery on the under brim. That bit did it for me. WIP got the cap game on a choke hold, for real.

People heavily involved in the scene as well as Hip-Hop heads (no pun intended) gathered together to celebrate the release. Titan hosted the party, while overflowing drinks were provided by their next door neighbor Bugsy's - and they were not cheap with the alcohol! Dope tunes were dished out all night by DJ Nix Damn P and DJ Aryan. You know the party is serious when you got these two involved.

I would like to thank Ian of WIP Caps for being such a dope host and for taking good care of us. Congrats on the release, bud! Big ups to the Titan fam for allowing us to party hard! Shouts to Dennis, Jeff, Raoul, Levon, PJ, Migs and Darwin (Darwin was a BEAST that night!)

Shouts to Jojo, to MarkLegendary, Marts, Miss Mae, Tony, Jino Boy and The Billions! Shouts to our #NT fam Mackie, Toots, G3, and Doc (Congrats, by the way! The good doctor got hitched over the weekend). Shouts to SuperMikki, Rjay, George, Notti, and the rest of the RONAC crew.

It was great seeing JoeyTooFresh again, even though we only had 2 minutes of catch-up time!  Shouts to Ogilvy's Very Own Jandrizzy Lim! Great meeting new folks - Anikka, Mike Love, and Linda! Big shouts to Boom and Mia... Great to finally meet you folks! Quick side note: Boom and Mia's On Demand was my favorite show on radio... I shit you not. I love Carla D, though, don't get it twisted! Haha!

When I was processing the photos, I kept on LOL-ing because I don't remember most of the shots I took. It felt like the Hangover's closing credits. It was fun though... Wild night, but fun nonetheless. We should do it again!

#FLOTG.

UNSCHLD | OCTOBER GRAPHIC TEES

UNSCHLD, our Deer Valley neighbor, has been killing it on the graphic tee department for years. In a market flooded with corny designs, UNSCHLD has separated itself by having its graphic game always in check and on point.

Month after month, they've been dishing out strong releases and has proved to be one of the best in the scene. October is no different.

TITAN 2K13 TOURNAMENT - THE QUALIFIERS

The Lightning Squad is setting a 2K tournament unlike anything we have seen anywhere.

On November 10, at the RONAC Art Center, Titan will kick-off one of the biggest (if not the biggest) NBA 2K tournament to date.

At stake: ONE (1) YEAR SUPPLY OF SNEAKERS. ANY PAIR. FOR A YEAR.

Yes, you read that right. You won't have to camp out, struggle, and miss out on ANY of the releases for a year. On top of that, the champ will also get a brand new PS3 console, an NBA 2K13 game, a 1-of-1 WIP Cap X Titan "CHAMPION" cap, a trophy, a medal, and a year's worth of bragging rights.

The Qualifying Round will start on November 10, with the Championship Round starting sometime December. Do you think you have what it takes?

Registration is open until the 31st of October. Entry fee is only Php 750.00.

For more details, peep the poster below. For a detailed set of instructions, jump to titan22.com.

TITAN X UNSCHLD "DEER VALLEY TITANS" DUFFEL BAG

I don't know about you, but it is close-to-impossible for me to go home empty-handed whenever I drop by The Deck.

I picked this up last week - TITAN X UNSCHLD "DEER VALLEY TITANS" DUFFEL BAG. Coming from one of 2011's strongest capsule collections (if not the strongest), anything DVT is highly coveted. The quality on this is on point, and it's crafted by UNSCHLD - there's no doubt it looks good. This joint just makes me all the more excited for this year's TITAN X UNSCHLD connection.

#ONSMASH /// KANYE WEST "WHITE DRESS"

There's nothing much to say here... It's a dope, soulful song backed by the perfect (unofficial) video to cap off a stressful week - hence, the post title.

So grab your drink, sit back and let the weekend in.

PUMA RE-SUEDE COLOR

PUMA took one of the brand’s most well-known and iconic shoes, the Suede, and re-tooled each component with the highest degree of recycled materials, delivering sustainable style through an unforgettable look and a pop of color to re-introduce the PUMA Re-Suede Color.

An icon of culture, the original PUMA Suede was famous for its bright colours, suede material, and custom lacing techniques throughout the 70s, 80s, & 90s.  Today, the PUMA Re-Suede has been developed using the latest materials and processes in eco-friendly product innovation.

The synthetic ultra suede upper material is created by Toray, leaders in the development of environmentally-responsible materials. The synthetic suede is comprised of 100% recycled polyester fibers and the outsole is made from Double R Rice Rubber.

The new footwear is incredibly light weight, thereby reducing the fossil fuels needed in transport, saving 15 tons of carbon emissions for every ten-thousand pairs shipped.

The Re-Suede will be sold in PUMA’s Clever Little Bag, a cutting-edge innovation in sustainable packaging that replaces traditional shoeboxes.

The PUMA RE-SUEDE Color will be available at Sole Academy starting Monday, October 15 and will retail for Php 4,710.00.

TITAN X WIP CAPS | '36 CHAMBERS' RELEASE PARTY

One of my favorite albums of all time - an album I will never delete in my iPod, is getting some WIP treatment.

Paying homage to the legendary Wu-Tang Clan, WIP CAPS is releasing a limited edition '36 CHAMBERS' joint, exclusively available at Titan.

A party will be thrown to celebrate the event with DJ Nix Damn P and DJ Aryan bringing the ruckus.

Also, Series 1 of our Sneaker Sticker project with Titan is dropping that day. Cop a pair and you get a pack for free. 'Till supplies last! When they're gone... They're gone.

Peep the poster below.

TITAN X LOCKER ROOM LEGENDS | GOLD MEDAL PACK

At exactly 12:00AM this morning, Titan announced another banger of a drop. Titan Players Club members were given the opportunity to secure via e-mail their very own pair of either the Gold Medal Kobe 7s or the Gold Medal Hyperdunk 2012s (Just in case you are wondering where the KDs are at: A different set of mechanics will be provided for the Gold Medal KD 4s - to be released any moment now).

Unfortunately, the list is already closed. I hope you did not turn in early last night!

But don't stress, Titan's got love for everyone. The Gold Medal Kobe 7s and Gold Medal Hyperdunk 2012s will still be available to the public on a first come, first served basis. They are dropping TODAY, by the way.

On a personal note, it is with great pride and honor that we present to you a series of artworks we did with and for the Lightning fam. A real goosebumps moment when there's that X in between Titan and Locker Room Legends.

TITAN PLAYERS CLUB BIG DAY OUT

The fam from Lightning Country is on to something. Hmmm... What could it be?
All I can tell you is: LOYALTY has its privileges. This is gonna be big!

INTRODUCING: THE NIKE LEBRON X

Just a year ago, I hated LeBron James with a passion. But now, I'll be the first to admit that he has gained my respect. Although I am still one of his biggest critics, he has showed me and the rest of the world enough of himself and his abilities to make believers out of haters.

LeBron James through the years has developed the type of maturity that can only be molded from the pain of defeat, year after agonizing year. Resiliency forged alone in the fire of hate; both internally and from the masses. And the skill - not the raw, untamed kind - but the one acquired from constant pressure and battering. LeBron has been through the very bottom of the fiery pit, all the way to the top of the world.

Nike acknowledges this journey, and so for their tenth outing they created a shoe that would reflect everything LeBron has been through and his transformation.

WELEGENDARY | OCTOBER UPDATES

Our favorite skateshop WeLegendary opens October with a sick line-up of gear that will have you stuntin' from head to toe.

UNSCHLD 2012 SEPTEMBER COLLECTION

I'm a guy who puts a lot of thought into what I wear. I was raised that way - to look decent, or at the very least, clean. I was told that it's the subtlest way of showing people respect.

In the same manner, the brands that we feature on the site reflect not just what the culture is currently into, but also who we are through the joints we put on.

If a certain brand is on the site, chances are they are good at what they do. Chances are they have something that no one offers - good materials, great craftmanship, quality construction...

Some brands have been featured once. A few, twice or more... But as I was preparing this post, it occurred to me that the homeboys from UNSCHLD have been featured on the site 18 times!

Eighteen solid posts, not counting this.

Friendship aside, though - this is a testament to the quality of work that they put in each and every single release. September is no different. Peep the familia's collection for my 2nd favorite month of the year.

KANYE WEST X GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI "CRUEL SUMMER" SHOE

This one is for the ladies.

Kanye West teams up once again with Italian shoemaker Giuseppe Zanotti for a Grecian inspired sandal to celebrate G.O.O.D. Music's CRUEL SUMMER release. The sexy stiletto mimics the album's cover art perfectly.

With the price tag still under wraps, I don't think I'll be buying my girl a pair anytime soon; Kanye and Giuseppe's last collab pair went for $5,800.00... Retail!

If you're into anything Kanye and your girl's got expensive taste, better get those European connects on speed dial. No drop date on these yet, but these will go fast.

VANS NOW AVAILABLE AT WELEGENDARY

VANS is on a roll as of late. Fresh from their very successful event last Saturday, it seems that the locally revitalized skate and lifestyle brand can not be stopped.

I will admit that I know little about the brand, and I would like to know them better. They have been churning out hot releases lately, and I think the buzz around the brand is growing bigger and bigger each day.

It's a shame that I only have a couple of pairs in my closet. I should kick myself, I know... But with this bit, I no longer have any excuse not to expand my line-up!

Everybody's favorite skateshop and familia WeLegendary is now game to supply you with VANS' feet cocaine!

A DAY IN THE LIFE, Vol. "COLE WORLD"

So nice...

...I had to do it twice.


Thank you.
A day in the life.

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

Happy birthday to the sexiest and most beautiful supermodel in the world!
I know it's not your best photo, but you and Cess look mad cute in this one...

Haha! I'm kidding! I love you, Dear... And happy birthday!

///_^

TITAN X NIKE AIR FORCE 1 XXX "GOLD" RELEASE RECAP

The great thing about mid-week releases is you get to have a little spirit boost to get you thru the week.

Last Wednesday, September 12, Titan dropped the much coveted Nike Air Force 1 Low Supreme I/O TZ 30th Anniversary - Pearl Collection "Gold" (I'll give you a second to catch your breath...)

PHIL KNIGHT BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME SPEECH

Phil Knight, co-founder and current Chairman of Nike, Inc, summed it all up in this phrase:

"As Bernard Malamud pointed out 'Without heroes we don't know how far we can go", and we saw that as part of our job.

And what a fun job it was - to expand heroes in the public consciousness. A task done right not only sell shoes, but expands the game."

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 XXX "GOLD" AVAILABLE AT TITAN

A couple of weeks ago we featured the Nike Air Force 1 Low Supreme I/O TZ 30TH Anniversary 'Pearl Collection'. The story was published a couple of days before the supposed release date. It was very hard for an uptown-head such as myself not to be excited - as you can see, this shoe is very hard to hate.

But when the August 31st release date came and went, Air Force 1 enthusiasts just had to accept their eBay-bound fate.

Till today.

A DAY IN THE LIFE, Vol. "HONG KONG HAUL"

It's not much of a haul, but I think it is worth sharing.

I just got back from a quick trip to Hong Kong. I was not able to go to any of the usual spending stops because we had to follow a very tight schedule. It was fun nonetheless.

I was able to cop a couple of things that I think made my quick trip special. Thank God for dope HK newsstands!

THE NIKE BLAZER MID LR DROPPING AT WELEGENDARY

Although our countrymen went home empty-handed in the recently concluded Summer Olympiad in London, shoe enthusiasts' hearts were consoled by the amount of olympic footwear gold that has dropped locally in the past month or so.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 XXX PEARL COLLECTION "GOLD"

The 30-year old Bruce Kilgore masterpiece gets reincarnated again! Always a welcome surprise to Uptownheads such as myself.

The great folks behind Nike and NSW updated the classic silhouette with treatment so luxe, it demands Fort Knox level security.

THE WISE OWL

BIG PUMA SALE AT PSE ORTIGAS

Our favorite footwear feline is about to drop some goodness this week! Starting tomorrow until the 17th, you can enjoy Puma's great deals (and absolute steals) in their Big Sale over at their Ortigas HQ.

Peep the flier below and head on over to the PSE Auditorium. Don't pass on this!

THE NIKE AIR HYPERDUNK #TWENTYDESIGNS

NIKE JAPAN INNOVATION HUNT

It's pretty obvious that Nike has been leading the pack in terms of innovative design and performance footwear engineering, but The Swoosh has been owning the marketing front as well. From early slogans  that are still memorable today, to the most recent #FINDGREATNESS run - their most inspiring campaign to date - Nike has been changing the game on and off the kitchen.

Take this for example: Nike Japan's INNOVATION HUNT celebrates the brand's Lunarlon and Flyknit success through, well, a scavenger hunt. Items are scattered in Tokyo's Harajuku district and it is up to the people find them. The items to be scavenged include a fixed gear bike, dumbbell, traffic cone, skateboard and a BE@RBRICK toy by Medicom.

Aside from INNOVATION, PERFORMANCE, MARKETING and BRANDING, I guess Nike can put FUN up there in their bullet points for success. If you are in the area or about to hit Tokyo, you might want to check it out here.

THE NIKE AIR MAX 360 BASKETBALL #TWENTYDESIGNS

THE NIKE AIR ZOOM HUARACHE 2K4 #TWENTYDESIGNS

THE NIKE ZOOM ULTRAFLIGHT #TWENTYDESIGNS

THE NIKE ZOOM GENERATION #TWENTYDESIGNS

WELEGENDARY NIKE SB AUGUST DROP

Grey skies. Black clouds. Thunder. And I ain't talking about the weather.

Releasing in an hour at wL RONAC.
F the rain... Let's go!

WELEGENDARY LIFE.

For sizing and availability, hit welegendary.com.

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