AND1 Philippines celebrates its 3rd anniversary online

[Shoe Session – 8.14.14] – AND1 Philippines celebrates its 3^rd anniversary online

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Quicker than a Hot Sauce cross-over dashed with a hint of The Professor’s hesitation move, the AND1 Philippines blog just turned THREE.  Without your unwavering support, the AND1 Ph social media presence would not be effective.  To date, we have more than 5,000 Facebook fans, more than 185 Twitter followers and more than 100K blogpage views!  Check out our very 1^st blogpost by clicking HERE.

AND1 Philippines was the 1st to break the news 

about the signing of two new brand endorsers, 

Isaiah Canaan (pictured with Lance Stephenson below, right) and Jamaal Franklin.

Looking back at the last 12 months since August 2013, we’ve covered these key updates:

9.16.2013 - Fresh Faces! AND1 signs 2013 NBA rookies Isaiah Canaan and Jamaal Franklin as brand endorsers

10.3.2013 - AND1’s official press release on the signing of Isaiah Canaan and Jamaal Franklin

10.14.2013 - AND1 Ph's behind-the-scenes coverage during NBA Global Games Philippines 2013

11.20.2013 - AND1 US doles out a $5000-assist for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines

 

Aside from those articles, we also featured international ballers such as Scalia (Malaysia), Smokin’ Aces (USA) and AND1’s brand endorsers – Lance Stephenson, Isaiah Canaan, and Jamaal Franklin.  This space also was one of the main sources of information about the latest shoe news both local and foreign.  Big thanks to Relzbach Ventures Inc  (the Bachmann family and their tireless Sales and Marketing team) for the constant updates on local shoe drops.

Scalia and Smokin' Aces got featured in AND1 Ph's Streetball's Finest.

Stronger than ever are our international linkages as well, as we’ve continued to ensure close ties with the AND1 brand teams and distributors from across the world, and 2014 onwards promises more and more surprises for AND1 fans and followers.

Flash of AND1 Philippines representing the brand during 

the 1st ever NBA pre-season game in the Philippines back in October 2013.

As in our very first article – “we’ll keep things fresh and relevant for the regular AND1 user, confused shopper, and the usual sneaker head.”  Continue to follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/and1ph.  And that’s the 411, AND Juans!

AND1 US doles out a $5000-assist for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines

[Shoe Session – 11.20.13] – AND1 US doles out a $5000-assist for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in the Philippines

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls
Images: AND1 Basketball Facebook page 

Last November 8, 2013, super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), said to be the strongest storm ever recorded to make landfall, battered major areas of the Philippines.  With thousands feared dead and more injured, and damaged infrastructure now reaching billions of pesos, numerous countries and organizations all around the world have scrambled and provided immediate assistance to those who were affected in the Visayas region and nearby areas.

Among those who have responded and made generous donations for the relief efforts are AND1 USA ($5000) and its partner advertising agency Catch New York (additional $1000).  Together they have raised roughly Php 250,000 and will be donating it to the victims in the Philippines. 

AND1 USA’s official Facebook account (www.facebook.com/and1basketball) has also posted about donation options – such as the Philippine Red Cross’ website (click HERE) - for those who wish to help.  Check out some screenshots below.

On behalf of the Filipino nation, AND1 Philippines extends its sincerest thanks to the AND1 US team and Catch New York for the kind gesture.  This assist (and any upcoming help from individuals/institutions/nations for the Yolanda victims) only proves that the core values of teamwork, unity, and brotherhood (family) are ever present even in the most trying times.  Truly the strong linkage reflects AND1’s “No Borders, No Boundaries” tagline.

Mula sa lahat ng AND Juans...

MARAMING, MARAMING, MARAMING SALAMAT PO!

AND1’s official press release on the signing of Isaiah Canaan and Jamaal Franklin

[Shoe Session – 10.3.13] – AND1’s official press release on the signing of Isaiah Canaan and Jamaal Franklin

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls / Press release c/o AND1 Basketball 
Images: Getty Images / Nice Kicks website

AND1 has just released their official bulletin on the recent signing of NBA rookies Isaiah Canaan of the Houston Rockets and Jamaal Franklin of the Memphis Grizzlies as brand endorsers.  The two will join Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson as the brand’s ambassadors for the 2013-14 NBA season.

Key takeaways from Maurice Levy (director of marketing for AND1) as quoted from the press release:

“Isaiah Canaan embodies the AND1 brand because he honors the game with his hard work, energy, dedication and great attitude.  He doesn’t take anything for granted and that’s one of the things we liked most about him.”

“Jamaal Franklin fits the AND1 mold because he knows he has to earn his way to the NBA through hard work.  He has a lot of potential and is determined to make an impact for Memphis. Plus, he competes every night, is an excellent rebounder and passes the ball and he can jump through the roof.”

[Click HERE to read the complete PR article.]

A couple of weeks ago, we’ve already posted about the new sign ups (click HERE for the AND1 Ph blog post).  Isaiah and Jamaal, selected 34^th and 41^st overall respectively, will be AND1’s presence in the Western Conference, while Lance will continue to hold it down for the East.  Both immediately showcased their brand affinity, rocking identical black/black AND1 Tai Chi Mids during the recently concluded team photoshoots for NBA’s pre-season Media Day.

According to the press document, “We’re very proud to have both Isaiah Canaan and Jamaal Franklin wearing the entire line of AND1 basketball shoes and our apparel this season,” said Levy. “We can’t wait to get the basketball season started up again.”

Follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph) for more news and updates both locally and internationally.  Stay tuned, AND Juans!

Fresh Faces! AND1 signs 2013 NBA rookies Isaiah Canaan and Jamaal Franklin as brand endorsers

[Shoe Session – 9.16.13] – Fresh Faces!  AND1 signs 2013 NBA rookies Isaiah Canaan and Jamaal Franklin as brand endorsers

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Getty Images / Various other web sources

2013 continues to be an exciting year for AND1 as it celebrates its 20^th anniversary, with their signing of two NBA rookies drafted from the 2013 pool.  Isaiah Canaan (Houston Rockets) and Jamaal Franklin (Memphis Grizzlies) are officially onboard to be AND1 brand endorsers and will be joining breakout star Lance Stephenson of the Indiana Pacers as faces of the popular basketball company.  These two young, explosive guards will banner the AND1 brand throughout the 2013-14 season and will bolster a steadily increasing NBA presence which now branches out to the League’s Western Conference.

Isaiah who?

Hailing from Mississippi, Isaiah was the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Freshman of the Year in 2010 and was awarded the OVC Player of the Year back-to-back (2012, 2013).  Drafted 34th overall by Houston in the 2013 NBA Draft from the Murray State Racers, he recently signed a 3-year deal with the Rockets.  Posted a Youtube highlights mix below of Canaan (click to play).

Listed at 6’0” – Canaan is a strong, physical point guard w/ good 3-point shooting and has an accurate pull-up jumpshot.  His built and smart play reminds people of Jameer Nelson, as Canaan not only lead his college squad in points (21.8ppg ave), but in assists and steals as well.  

Check out his NBA draft profile video below (click to play).

Isaiah is currently sporting the AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids (taken during NBA Rookie Media Day).  Fans can connect with him via Twitter (@SiP03) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IsaiahCanaan).

Jamaal who?

California-born Jamaal was the Mountain West Conference (MWC) Player of the Year in 2012 and was a former teammate of Kawhi Leonard of the San Antonio Spurs.  He was drafted 41^st overall by Memphis in the 2013 NBA Draft from the San Diego State Aztecs, and like Canaan, also signed a 3-year deal with the Grizzlies.  Peep a Youtube video below of his highlights from SD State (click to play).

The 6’5” shooting guard possesses an explosive jumper with a good midrange game.  According to his scouting report, he can get into the lane with ease and draws contact well.  He is also a good passer & an excellent rebounder, and his athleticism allows him to be an excellent perimeter defender, to which people liken him to Tony Allen.  Franklin led his college team in scoring (17 ppg), assists (3.2) and steals (1.6).

Fans can connect with him through his official Facebook fanpage (https://www.facebook.com/JamaalFranklinOfficial).  Check out his NBA draft profile video below (click to play).

Both players will be playing in the NBA’s Western Conference, and it will be interesting to finally see AND1 presence in the West while Lance continues to log meaningful minutes for the Pacers in the East.  Posted below are some more images of the two latest additions to the AND1 family, taken during the 2013 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot.

               

Stay tuned for more AND1 news and updates both locally and internationally from AND1 Ph.  Any Juan can follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph).  And that’s the 411, And Juan!

Lance Stephenson (L) with Isaiah Canaan during the 

recently concluded AND1 2013 Summer Remix Tournament.

AND1 Philippines celebrates its 2nd anniversary online

[Shoe Session – 8.8.13] – AND1 Philippines celebrates its 2^nd anniversary online

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Images: Various web sources 

Hey AND Juans, exactly two years ago today, the AND1 Philippines blog went online.  Because of your untiring support, AND1 Ph has close to 4,000 Facebook fans, more than 160 Twitter followers and more than 93K blogpage views!  Check out our very 1^st blogpost by clicking HERE.

AND1 Philippines chronicled Lance Stephenson's 

AND1 brand representation since November 2012.

Looking back at the last 12 months since August 2012, we’ve covered these key updates (links below are clickable):

8.11.2012 - AND1 Live Tour featuring the Legends of Basketball in Latin America

9.17.2012 - AND1 Philippines hosts inaugural “WE are AND Juan” basketball game

9.22.2012 - AND1 Live Tour introduces NBA legend Gary Payton as new head coach

11.26.2012 - AND1’s official press release on the signing of Lance Stephenson as latest brand endorser

2.26.2013 - Remembering Tyrone “Alimoe” Evans

6.6.2013 - AND1 and Lance Stephenson’s 2012-2013 NBA season

*Plus AND1 USA’s partnership with the Los Angeles Summer Pro League (SPL) and the Lingerie Basketball League (LBL).

Aside from those articles, we also featured prominent ballers such as Werm, The Lawyer (Spain), Painted Face and AND1’s newest brand endorser – Lance Stephenson aka “Born Ready”.  The AND1 Ph blog page also was one of the prime spots to read the latest shoe news both local and foreign, including spotlights and performance reviews on different models that are available locally, as well as those that are not easily accessible in local retail.  Big thanks once again to Relzbach Ventures Inc (the Bachmann family and their tireless Sales and Marketing team) for the constant updates on local shoe drops.

The Lawyer, Painted Face, and Werm all got featured in AND1 Ph's Streetball's Finest.

         

Our international linkage remains strong, as we’ve continued to ensure close ties with the AND1 brand teams and distributors from the USA (President Rob Purvy, AJ Vanderwoude, Jordan Bradley, Becky Cheng, & the Catch New York team), Germany, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Japan.

2013 is AND1’s 20^th anniversary, and AND1 Ph will continue to support and be a strong online presence for the Philippines as brand news & updates and products (footwear/apparel/ gear) are announced.

Flash of AND1 Philippines keeping every AND Juan informed and 

up-to-date with the freshest news about the latest shoe releases.

Our commitment remains, just like what we’ve posted in our very first article – “we’ll keep things fresh and relevant for the regular And1 user, confused shopper, and the usual sneaker head.”  Follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/and1ph.  And that’s the 411, AND Juans!

AND1’s official press release on the signing of Lance Stephenson as latest brand endorser

[Shoe Session – 11.26.12] – AND1’s official press release on the signing of Lance Stephenson as latest brand endorser

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls / Press release c/o And1 Basketball 
Images: Getty Images / ESPN.com / Various other web sources

The word’s out that AND1 has a new brand endorser, and the latest sign-up is no other than Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson.  Check out the screenshot of the press release below:

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Lance aka Born Ready has been playing in the NBA for 3 years already.  He was drafted 40th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft and bannered for Lincoln High School (Coney Island) - where he remains as NY state’s all-time leading scorer in high school basketball (2,946 points).  Posted a couple of Youtube highlights mixes below of young Lance in high school.

Click to play the videos.

In comes no surprise that Stephenson has reaped a lot of awards before joining the NBA, with city basketball championships (four years with Lincoln), named New York State Mr. Basketball, a McDonald's All-American Team selection in 2009, and was awarded the Big East Rookie of the Year in 2010 with the Cincinnati Bearcats.

The explosive guard is on a path to a breakout year with the Pacers, having earned a starting slot in Indiana coach Frank Vogel’s rotation.  As of this writing, (14 games into the 2012-13 season), his in-game stats are 7.9PPG plus 3RPG while shooting 47% from 3pt range.  Peep his latest NBA highlight move below, a vicious spin move plus the sweet finish against the Spurs.

Click to play video.

According to the press document, And1 Brand President Rob Purvy quips.. “Lance is a welcome addition to the AND1 family.”   Furthermore, he mentioned that “He is a very promising young talent and is committed to playing at the highest level.  We at AND1 share the same passion as we produce only the best basketball footwear and apparel for our customers.”

Stephenson rocking AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids.

To which Stephenson replies..”I’m really honored to be considered by AND1 to be part of its roster of NBA endorsers."  The 6-foot-5, 228-pound playmaker adds “I believe that my on-court playing style and dedication to the game is a perfect match for the AND1 brand’s commitment to producing only the best basketball gear.”

Lance is currently sporting the AND1 Empire 2.0 Mids (as seen in his move against Tony Parker above), but has also been seen wearing the Guardian Mids and original Empire Mids.  Fans can connect with him via Twitter (@StephensonLance) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lance.stephenson.14).

Lance in Guardian Mids (left) and Empire Mids (right).

 

Stay tuned for more news and updates both locally and internationally from And1 Ph.  Any Juan can follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph).

StreetballPh hosts “Hype Streetball” event

[Streetball’s Finest  –  11.5.12] – StreetballPh hosts “Hype Streetball” event

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 

Hype Streetball, one of the biggest streetball events of the year, was successfully staged yesterday (11AM-5PM, November 4) by StreetballPh at the Asia Pacific College gym in Magallanes.  In conjunction with members of the Flip Ballaz, Nino Ventura Films, HJ Photography, Aqua V, AND1 Philippines, and Apgrapix Ph, this multi-faceted hoop activity was attended by more than a hundred ballers, freestylers and basketball fans.  It was very impressive to note that streetball is alive and kicking, and AND1 gear was used extensively by those who attended the event.

As part of the festivities, Hype Streetball started off with a message from one of the founders of Flip Ballaz - Li’l Wizard.  It was then followed immediately by a basketball clinic participated in mostly by street children that were invited to join the event.  Members of the Flip Ballaz group acted as coaches and mentored the kids in how to do the streetball tricks that they use such as the shamgod, crossover, spin moves, tic-tac, and more.

After the streetball clinic, the players were divided into four groups and open tryouts were conducted  to find out which are the top ballers who will play later that afternoon in the exhibition game versus the Flip Ballaz squad.  After the hour-long tryouts, 10 players were selected from the 100+ participants and were given Hype Streetball t-shirts to be worn during the exhibition match.

Right before the exhibition game, one of the playing coaches for the Hype Streetball Select Team – local celebrity and hip-hop artist Krazy Kyle performed two numbers for the crowd.  Spitting out one electric verse after another, the mercurial rapper promised a good match before suiting up for the opposing team.

"When I say Flip, y'all say Ballaz... FLIP - BALLAZ, FLIP - BALLAZ!

When I say Krazy, y'all say Kyle... KRAZY - KYLE, KRAZY - KYLE!"

The exhibition game between the Hype Streetball Select Team and Flip Ballaz lived up to its billing as the game was tightly contested for three quarters before the crowd favorites pulled away in the 4^th quarter by employing a man-to-man full-court press.  The game ended with a win for Flip Ballaz in a match filled with multiple lead changes, a ton of streetball tricks and highlights, and lots of fun and excitement both for the players and the audience.

Flip Ballaz in a pre-game huddle.

Hype Streetball Select Team with Flip MC (middle), flanked by 

Flash (with cap) and Krazy Kyle (in hoodie) who acted as playing coaches.

After the exhibition game ended, medals and trophies were handed out to the Mythical Five, Sportmanship awardee, and of course, the Most Valuable Player.  One of the biggest surprises came during that time, as Li’l Wizard was serenaded by the crowd with a hearty "Happy  Birthday" song and a cake was presented to him by his girlfriend and family.  Flash of AND1 Philippines also distributed limited edition AND1 Philippines baller bands to everyone who wore AND1 gear during the event.

Flip Ballaz pose with the top ballers - Mythical Five, Sportsmanship Award, 

and the Most Valuable Player (middle).

Nino "Li'l Wizard" Ventura smiles during his birthday surprise.

Players in AND1 gear sport the limited edition 

AND1 Philippines baller bands distributed by Flash.

Hype Streetball ended with an exhibition from top freestylers who busted out the craziest tricks and combinations of streetball moves that drew “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” from everyone who watched the skills showcase.

AND1 Philippines would like to thank StreetballPh for inviting us over to cover their event.  Visit and “Like” their official Facebook page by clicking HERE.  Check out more images from the event at the AND1 Ph FB photo albums - (redirected to the AND1 Ph FB “Hype Streetball event” photo album).

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph) for your regular local updates and international AND1 news.  And that’s the 411, AND Juan!