New colorways for the AND1 Empire Mid (Japan Collection) out now

[Shoe News – 3.12.13] – New colorways for the AND1 Empire Mid (Japan Collection) out now

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Two new colorways of the AND1 Empire Mid have recently hit the shelves in local AKT!V outlets & department stores.  Previously slated to arrive mid- to late December last year, these New York Knicks/Miami Heat–inspired kicks round up the 2012 footwear line-up for the 3^rd and 4^th quarter.

Empire Mid Japan Collection plus the original White/White/Silver colorway.

Price point is at Php 4,995/pair:

• Empire Mid (Japan Collection)
• BLACK/BLACK/VARSITY RED
• ROYAL/NY ORANGE/WHITE

Please also do check out this previously uploaded AND1 Ph blog article about the latest 2012 Q3/Q4 footwear releases. 

• More shoe models for 2012 Q3/Q4 now locally available!

Big thanks to Relzbach Ventures/AKT!V partners as always (especially to the Gola Greenbelt crew) for the regular update on these new arrivals.  Stay tuned for new 2013 Q1 & Q2 footwear.  Follow us on Twitter (@and1ph) and please LIKE us on Facebook (facebook.com/and1ph).  Check out the new models for yourselves, And Juans!

New York or Miami?

Happy birthday, Jimmy Alapag! (belated greetings)

[And1 Baller Birthday – 12.31.11] – Happy birthday, Jimmy Alapag! (belated greetings)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Various sources

Mighty Mouse aka Jimmy Alapag of the PBA Talk N Text team turned 34 yesterday, born December 30, 1977.  Known in the PBA for his court leadership, fiery passion, and pure basketball talent, Alapag is highly popular to PBA fans because of his amazing passes, dagger threes, and clutch point production.  He is a perennial PBA All Star Game selection,  multi-titled PBA champion (with two Finals MVP awards), and a Most Valuable Player awardee (2010-2011).

Over the course of his illustrious PBA career, Jimmy has rocked And1 shoes and has even worn a couple of pairs as a member of the Philippine National team.  Now that’s what I call international exposure.

Jimmy Alapag’s in-game highlights can be viewed by clicking HERE, and I’m proud to have met him in person on a number of occasions already (not afraid to admit that I’m a huge fan of his game).  You can follow him on Twitter (@jalapag3) and check out the pics below of the Mighty Mouse wearing And1 shoes for Team Pilipinas.

From everybody here at And1 Ph, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIMMY ALAPAG!

Jimmy A gracing the opening ceremonies of the Smart Barkadahan Basketball Tournament in 2008. 

I'm wearing an And1 headband here.

Starting them young…And1 gear for kids this Christmas

[Shoe Session – 12.15.11] – Starting them young…And1 gear for kids this Christmas

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

A few days ago I posted an article about And1 pairs (for adults) that are available in stock – [click HERE to view that article]. Since Christmas is for the kids, get the freshest pairs for the young ones at your nearest And1 store. I recently saw the following models in kids sizes over at the And1/AKT!V Glorietta 4 (G4) outlet, and took some in-store shots for the parents out there and as an added bonus, included the prices/pair already.

Some notable pairs that are still available are the following:

- Rocket 2.0 Mid Php 1995 (White/Black/Silver)

- Taichi Mid Php 2195 (White/Red and White/Black)

- Release Mid Php 2995 (White/Black/Red) as worn by Francis Froilan / Mico Reyes (kids)

- Assault Mid Php 2795 (Red/Black and Black/White)

- Stagger Mid Php 1975 (White/White, Grey/white, and White/Navy)

Again, like the Men’s Shoes, most of the other And1/AKT!V stores as well as Olympic Village/World outlets and department stores Men’s Shoe section (SM, etc), would most likely have the same stock variations, but not all may have the size/s that your little baller needs.

Start them young, and let the kids celebrate the Christmas season decked in a brand new pair of And1s. We appreciate if you can post some pictures of yourself and/or your young baller in And1s via our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/and1ph - click LIKE first) or send us an email at and1pinas@gmail.com. Happy shopping and Merry Christmas, And Juans!

What's currently in stock at the AND1 (AKT!V) Glorietta 4 Outlet

[Shoe Session – 12.5.11] – What's currently in stock at the AND1 (AKT!V) Glorietta 4 Outlet

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Christmas is just around the corner and if you’re thinking about copping a couple of pairs during the Yuletide season without getting your 13^th month bonus a dent, then do check out the And1/AKT!V store nearest you. In my case, it’s the And1 Glorietta 4 (G4) outlet, so I decided to take a couple of in-store shots for a quick reference guide on what’s still on stock.

Some notable pairs that are still available are the following:

- Empire Mids*

- Release Mids

- Fortune Mids

- Straight Cash Mids*

- Storm Mids

- Assault Mids

- ME8 Sovereign Mids*

- Triple A Mids

- Stagger Mids

- Taichi Mids / Lows*

- Taichi TGR Mids

- Rocket 2.0 Mids*

- Lo-Qi Downtime (and Slips)

(* denotes my top 5 picks this Christmas, in no particular order)

Most of the other And1 stores (Festival Mall Alabang and Trinoma) would most likely have the same stock variations, as well as Olympic Village/World outlets and the ever-reliable SM department stores Men’s Shoe section.

Again, to reiterate a tip (same content from my October article): in case you drop by the And1/AKT!V store in Glorietta 4 anytime soon, try looking for “Hook Up Joe / Joe Hook Up”. He’s the guy you can turn to literally for hook ups on shoe sizes (try reserving a must-cop pair for yourself, or ask for another store that carries your size in case And1 G4 no longer has stocks, and he’s very much willing to help), great sales deals (info on dates, pricing, etc), and just an over-all good guy.

So what are you waiting for, And Juan? Check out your nearest And1 shop, score a new pair, then do some damage on the court during the Christmas break. And if you want to share your latest haul on our Facebook page, visit www.facebook.com/and1ph, click LIKE, and post the picture on the fanpage wall. ONE!

All-white Taichi Mids and Taichi Lows are still ON SALE!

[Shoe News – 11.29.11] - All-white Taichi Mids and Taichi Lows are still ON SALE!

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Images: Various sources and FLASH (in store shots)

One of the most iconic And1 silhouettes ever made, the Taichi model has been re-released in various colorways over the course of its decade-old existence. From white/reds that Vince used in the 2000 ASG Dunk Contest (Larry Hughes wore them that same night too, in white/black CW) to possibly every color combination that would put Skittles to shame. However, I’m very partial to its all-white colorway, and I personally recommend getting a pair while it is still locally available (just got a pair of the Taichi Lows last week).

I know I’ve already written a Taichi blog article last August (click HERE), and that featured a price point that even went lower as of this writing.. so that just means now is the best time to purchase either a Taichi Low for chilling (currently at Php 2095), or a Taichi Mid for regular ballin’ (down from Php 2795 to Php 2395).

Posted below is a pic of the all-white Taichi models (Low and Mid). Those Taichi Lows are absolutely perfect to match with a pair of And1 shorts, or some loose fit denims. So don’t forget to check out your nearest And1 / AKT!V store to find out if they still carry your size. Definitely a must-cop.

Just copped a Taichi Low pair courtesy of Joe Hook Up. White/white.

New colorway for the And1 Fortune Mid (navy blue) out now

[Shoe News - 11.23.11] - New colorway for the And1 Fortune Mid (navy blue) out now

Inks: FLASH
Images: And1.com, & FLASH (in-store shots)

Recently visited a SM Department Store shoe outlet (SM Manila to be exact) last weekend and was surprised to see a different colorway of the recently released Fortune Mid (1st two drops were white/white and black/white). This new colorway is navy blue with white sole, and in my honest opinion..it looks a whole lot better than its two other versions. Check out the images below.

Retail price is still at Php 4225 per pair, and do check my write-up last week for more in-depth information about the Fortune Mids (November 16 article, click HERE).

Curiously, the latest colorway was not yet available at the And1/AKT!V store in Glorietta 4 Ayala (Makati) when I visited last night (Tuesday). It would appear that SM got the new stocks before the main outlet/s offered those in retail. That, or the shipping was just delayed. Either way, this new CW of the Fortune Mid looks really good in that navy blue scheme and you guys might want to check a pair out soon.

Strap a pair of the Fortune Mids and feel free to do a shoe review. You can share it with us via email (and1pinas@gmail.com), and we just might be able to feature it here at the And1Ph blogsite. ONE!

And1 Japan EXCLUSIVE Empire Mids – Christmas CW (limited to 60 pairs only!)

[Shoe News – 11.21.11] – And1 Japan EXCLUSIVE Empire Mids – Christmas CW (limited to 60 pairs only!)

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Images: And1 Creative Team / Rob Purvy (Executive Director)

This just in! Just got an email from And1 that Japan will be releasing an exclusive Christmas colorway of the And1  Empire Mids this week, and it will be so limited, there will only be 60 pairs available!

Quick background, Monta Ellis rocked a Christmas version of the ME8 Sovereign Mids (when the Golden State Warriors played the final game on Christmas day – a 109-102 win at home over the visiting Portland Trailblazers). During last year’s game, Monta dropped 39 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and a block (stats courtesy of ESPN – click HERE for more).

As And1 Executive Director Rob Purvy puts it, this is “..an already proven and very critical/effective way to spread the brand message.”

I will get more info about the retail price and ordering details (I’m pretty much assuming some of these would make it to the And1 Japan online shop – click HERE, or you just might have to visit the And1 Fukuoka store – find them HERE or follow them on Twitter @and1fukuoka). For now, check out the images below for that exclusive pair.

Dang I wish I could be in Japan right now. Those pairs are sooo sick, and I want to cop a pair ASAP!

If you want more And1 news, updates, and, shoe sightings/sales on the fly, follow us in Twitter (@and1ph) and LIKE us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/and1ph). Also feel free to e-mail us at and1pinas@gmail.com. And that’s the 411, And Juan.

Happy 36th birthday, Jason Williams!

[And1 Baller Birthday – 11.18.11] – Happy 36th birthday, Jason Williams!

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Images: Various (NBA / Gettyimages / And1.com)

Tsokolate Blanco aka Jason Williams gets to blow his birthday cake today as he turns 36, born November 18, 1975. One of the NBA’s most electrifying players during his 12-year NBA career, Williams is best known for his dazzling passes, pull-up threes, and a very “streetball” style of play. He is a one-time NBA champion, winning it all with the Miami Heat back in the 2005-2006 season against the Dallas Mavericks.

Jason has worn a lot of And1 shoes during his stint with the Memphis Grizzlies (after being traded by the Sacramento Kings, his 1st NBA team) and his kicksology includes the Chosen1 Mids, Mystique Mid, Player X Mid, Rekanize Mid, Rise Mid, Uprise Mid, Taichi Mid plus a ton of PE versions of the 2Chi Mid (he was mostly seen wearing this model, and seems like he favored this silhouette above all).

He has represented the And1 brand during the majority of his stint with the Memphis Grizzlies and has once graced the cover of the And1 Mixtape 7 compilation (click HERE for the short clip, with AO); he was also one of my favorite players during the late 90’s/early 2000’s.

Check out the pics below of J-Will wearing And1 shoes through the years, and click HERE and HERE to view some of his NBA highlights.

From everybody here at And1 Ph, HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WHITE CHOCOLATE!

J-Will on the cover of the And1 Mixtape 7.

2Chi Mids.

Williams using the And1 Rise Mids.

Skipping a pass in the Uprise Mids.

Chosen1 Mids.

Jason hoisting a trifecta in the Player X Mid.

Hesitation dribble in the Rekanize Mids, custom shoelaces.

J-Will in Taichi Mids while playing for the Miami Heat.

A dream fulfilled.