Year of the Superstar

I would like to proclaim that 2015 is the “Year of the Superstar.” adidas made waves last year after the re-release of the adidas Originals Stan Smith 80s, and with collaborations such as the ones with Pharell Williams and Raf Simons and special editions (think “American Dad”), it seems adidas has found the formula.

A decade after the "35th Anniversary" of the Superstar in 2005, adidas is re-launching one of its most iconic and globally-recognized sneaker. Though it has always been a staple in retail stores and outlets worldwide, this year promises to bring something different.

I will be making a series of posts dedicated to the Superstars, and to start it off I’ll be sharing a post that I made at one of the Facebook sneaker groups that I’m a part of and one of my personal favorites, Soul_to_Sole LTD. Now when you join the group, you have to introduce yourself, say something about yourself, and tell the group about how you got hooked on sneakers. Finally, you have to share your #MemorablePair.

Hoop and Harm, And1!!!

Rafer Alston via

The late 90s and early 2000s saw the rise of And1, a sporting goods and footwear company out of Pennsylvania. With its non-traditional marketing by use of "Mix Tapes", And1 garnered a cult following. Streetball legend Rafer "Skip 2 My Lou" Alston put the brand on the map and with the likes of NBA superstars Vince Carter and Stephon Marbury further increasing its popularity. 

And1 has its fair share of ups and downs. From its rise to fame in the early 2000s to its demise somewhere around 2006 and so. But consistently,  And1 has been battling back for its relevance. It followed suit with other brands formula by retroing some of its classics, the Tai Chi's and the Tochillin. And through it all there is one fan that has stood with the brand. adiCT's corner caught up with Glenmarc "The Flash" Antonio, founder of the blog And1 Philippines.

People know you as The Flash? Can you tell us more about that? 

The Flash has been my nickname for a long time already. My online handle used to be g_sk1lls (Got Skills), but it has eventually transitioned to Flash over the years. It reflects my geeky persona (comic-based fandom), and my active lifestyle (since I participate heavily in sports, most specifically – basketball, running, Ultimate Frisbee, and more). It remains a constant presence in my online accounts (FB, Twitter / IG @i_am_flash).

What started your love for And1?

My love for the AND1 brand started in late 1990’s, when the brand has slowly but surely gained a strong cult following in the basketball community both internationally and locally. When I got selected to play for my university’s Men’s Basketball Varsity team (Pamantasan Ng Lungsod Ng Maynila), it has become my weapon of choice. Fast forward to 2014 and more than 25 pairs later, I have continued to trust the brand and what it has stood for. More than anything else, I have become a very loyal and vocal advocate of AND1 and established the AND1 Philippines fanpage in 2011. The products of AND1 have a strong mix of style, attitude, and excellent performance, and those qualities are the main reasons why I continue to support the brand’s product line.

Favorite And1 sneaker?

Got to be a sleeper hit for me. The AND1 Standing O Mids. A close second would be the Tai Chi Mids.

You gotta agree with me on this one, but a few years ago And1 took a dip in the sneaker scene even losing some of their NBA athletes. Where do you see And1 going and its relevance in sneaker culture for the foreseeable future?

No doubt. There was really a brief lull of NBA endorsers for AND1. Nonetheless, the brand is back on track now and is on the resurgent phase. I believe it will slowly but surely regain its followers, and forge a new fandom with the newer generation of ballers.

Thoughts on Lance Stephenson being the new face of the brand?

It’s huge. He’s been playing well for the past couple of seasons and is a triple double threat every game. His continued maturity with the Bobcats may eventually lead him to an All-Star berth, and that would be huge for the AND1 brand.

Tell us about Tai Chi Tuesdays?

Tai Chi Tuesdays is an online marketing campaign that I basically started over at the AND1 Philippines Facebook and Twitter accounts. It simply features images of the iconic Tai Chi Mids model originally released in 2000, and was worn by numerous NBA players – most notably by Vince Carter during the 2000 NBA All Star Game in which he famously won the dunk contest.

Every Tuesday, I make it a point to posted images of the AND1 Tai Chis (solo pics, collages) as shared by the original owners on Instagram, or as worn by NBA players (during its heyday) or by local basketball players. I’m just glad the catchphrase / hashtag is gaining popularity every week. 

You’ve been promoting the re-release of the Tai Chi’s (I personally love ‘em), what does it mean to you that it’s still one the most sought after shoe from the brand?

I’m really thrilled that the Tai Chi is still popular and relevant all over, 15 years after it was originally released. I’ve reached out to the designer of the AND1 Tai Chi Mids, Portland-based Tuan Le, and I’ve shared with him these things. He’s quite happy that it’s happening now and that the Tai Chi Mids are still being distributed. On my part, I’m more than happy to continue promoting the AND1 Tai Chi Mids to this generation’s ballers and honor it’s iconic place as one of AND1’s most successful silhouettes.








Click on below to follow The Flash:

Facebook Account

Facebook Page

AND1 Philippines Blog

Twitter and IG Handle: @I_am_Flash and @AND1PH

adidas D Rose 5 Boost Initial Impression

About a month ago, adidas Philippines launched the much awaited fifth installment to Derrick Rose’s signature line, the adidas D Rose 5 Boost.

First seen during the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup, the adidas D Rose 5 Boost had been one of the most anticipated sneaker for the 2014-2015 NBA Season. 

It's the first basketball sneaker to feature full-length Boost, the revolutionary and game changing cushioning system from adidas. Boost first debuted in basketball with the the adidas Crazylight Boost, but in that model was limited to the heel section. Consumer feedback leaned towards disappointment, with complaints about the forefoot having so little to give. adidas, however, made up for the miscues in the Crazylight Boost by beefing up the D Rose 5’s forefoot section. Although it is the heaviest Rose shoe to date, it is the most technologically advanced of his signature line and of adidas’s basketball lineup (But OG PureMotion will still be hard to top) 

Toby's Sports Launches a New Colorway of the adidas Crazy 8

Earlier last month Toby's Sports launched a new colorway of the adidas Crazy 8. Part of the "Gum Pack", this red/white/gum pair comes as a fresh take on an already seasoned veteran retro. The scarlet red upper with hits of white is accented with a lightly printed midsole. While a gum outsole finishes off the look. This pair would just look great on and off the court.

adidas Sale for a Cause!!!

This November a group of individuals from THE state university will be hand in hand with adidas in bringing consumers affordable and premium sports and lifestyle products from the brand we love with the Three Stripes.

All items will go for 50% off of its original suggested retail price. Now talk about early Christmas shopping to get ahead before the December rush.

To know more about the 5 day affair, adiCT's Corner caught up with one of the organizers, Project Head, Mr. Martin Go to tell us more.

What got you guys started doing this?

Our partnership with adidas started back in 2011. We had our first adidas Brand Sale that year and because of the successful outcome, it became an annual income-generating project of our organization. The proceeds that we get are used to finance the org's PAG-ASA project wherein we create a positive change in communities that are less privileged. So, buyers not only get to enjoy a big discount from their purchase, but they also get to help people in need. 

Who are the people behind the event?

The UP Circle of Entrepreneurs, a recognized student-based organizations in UP Diliman partnered up with adidas to make this brand sale possible. 

Why adidas? 

We are all in for adidas because we believe that the brand can cater not only to athletes and fitness enthusiasts, but also to the UP students (Shoes for PE classes, Bags for school, etc.) 

Looking good and fly casually and on your sports activities with an affordable price tag is pretty much a good deal for everyone. Add that to the good cause that will benefit the efforts of UP Circle of Entrepreneurs, it is surely a win win for everyone to spread some Stripe Love! 

See you there!

Damian Lillard Unveils His 1st Signature Shoe With adidas On Instagram!

Last night, Portland Trailblazer and NBA All-Star point guard, Damian Lillard, shook cyberspace, sneaker and adidas fans by unveiling his first signature shoe thru his #4BarFriday video.

adidas D Rose 5 Boost Fact Sheet

We are now officially days away from the release of the much anticipated, fifth instalment to former NBA MVP, Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose's signature line. 

The adidas D Rose 5 Boost, will be the most tech fitted D Rose signature since the adidas adiZero Rose 1.0 that featured PureMotion (barefoot concept set up wherein individual pods acts as interdependent pieces for optimum stability and responsiveness)

The D Rose 5 Boost is the ultimate signature shoe to outfit Derrick Rose on and off the court. It will feature adidas’ most innovative cushioning technology, Boost,  and the most personal details imprinted on a shoe in the D Rose signature collection. The D Rose 5 Boost offers full length Boost cushioning technology designed for heightened energy return and step-in comfort to ensure maximum performance.

Checkout this info sheet on what to expect from the up coming adidas D Rose 5 Boost.

Release date will be this October 16, 2014 and will retail for Php 7,995.00.

Get yours now!!!

#ThreeStripeLife #allin #teamadidas #StripeLoveSINCEDAYONE #aTP