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

[Shoe Session – 10.14.13] – AND1 Ph's behind-the-scenes coverage during NBA Global Games Philippines 2013

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: Flash, Gettyimages.com, and Rakuten.jp

Greetings, AND Juans!  Just last week (October 10, 2013), the first ever NBA Preseason Game in the Philippines was held at the SM MOA Arena.  It featured the Houston Rockets going up against the Indiana Pacers.  Two NBA players currently signed as AND1 brand ambassadors were in town to play, Indiana’s Lance Stephenson (aka Born Ready) and Houston rookie Isaiah Canaan.

Prior to the actual Preaseason Game, AND1 Ph was able to secure some very exclusive invites to the NBA Welcome Reception held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza courtesy of Relzbach Ventures Inc (RVI), the local distributor of AND1.  The cocktails were held last Wednesday (Oct 9, 2013), and guests were able to mingle with NBA legends and personalities.  Among those spotted in attendance were Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale, Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel, associate head coach Nate McMillan, and Pacers team President and member of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players – Larry Bird.

The Bachmanns (RVI, local AND1 distributor), Larry, and Kevin 

all having a good time last October 9, 2013.

Former Boston teammates Larry Bird (Pacers President) 

and Kevin McHale (Rockets head coach).

Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel and associate head coach Nate McMillan.

Also seen were former Portland Trailblazer/Houston Rocket Clyde Drexler, Robert Horry, and Jalen Rose.  Some local celebrities and sports personalities were also present, headlined by PBA players Ali Peek and current Gilas Pilipinas players Jimmy Alapag, Gabe Norwood, and Beau Belga.

NBA legends Robert Horry and Jalen Rose.

Gilas Pilipinas players in attendance during the NBA Welcome Reception,

Gabe Norwood (left) and Jimmy Alapag (right).

AND1 Philippines' Flash and RVI's Bob Bachmann were in attendance during 

the HOU-IND match at SM MOA Arena last October 10, 2013.

During actual gameday, Lance Stephenson wore his custom AND1 Tai Chi exclusive PEs while Isaiah Canaan rocked Tha Beast Mids in black/red.  More images on Lance’s and Isaiah’s kicks below:

Flash with AND1's finest Lance Stephenson aka Born Ready right before tip-off.

Tai Chi Mid - Lance Stephenson custom PEs

AND1's latest brand ambassador, Murray State alum and current Rocket - 

Isaiah Canaan poses for AND1 Philippines before the start of the game.

Houston's Isaiah Canaan (jersey #1) rocking his AND1 Tha Beast Mids.

Tha Beast Mid - black/black/varsity red colorway.

As for the game itself, SM MOA Arena was definitely buzzing with energy and basketball frenzy was at a fever pitch.  Crowd attendance was reportedly at 12,885, and despite a lackluster start by Indiana, the game started to become tighter between both teams by the end of the 2^nd quarter.  Just a couple of possessions before halftime, Lance Stephenson scored on a tough drive despite being fouled – thereby giving him the chance for an (quite fittingly) AND1 opportunity.  Check out the Youtube video below:

Click to play.

Relying on their high-powered offense, Houston simply outshot and outmuscled Indiana by the 2nd half.  The game ended with the Rockets coming out on top, winning handedly by 20 points (116-96) over the Pacers.

A view from inside the SM MOA Arena.

The Rockets defeat the Pacers, 116-96 in the 

first ever NBA Preseason Game in the Philippines.

Shoutouts to Bob Bachmann and the rest of the Bachmann family (RVI / AKT!V Lifestyle and Sports) for the NBA tickets.  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).  Bonus images from both days are posted below.

Flash (in his white/red Tai Chi Mids) poses at the podium.

Pacers Danny Granger, George Hill, Lance Stephenson (middle) 

and Paul George during the NBA Welcome Reception.

AND1 Ph's Flash poses before the game.  

Houston's James Harden can be seen in the background.

Flash with a quick photo op near the Pacers' bench.

NBA preseason game crowd attendance was reported at 12,885.

Additional AND1 shoe models for 2012 Q3/Q4 now locally available!

[Shoe News – 10.17.12] – Additional AND1 shoe models for 2012 Q3/Q4 now locally available!

Inks and Images: FLASH aka g_sk1lls

Just this week, AKT!V stores and AND1 outlets already received their stocks of additional 2012 footwear for the 3^rd and 4^th quarter of the year.  Two different versions of a new shoe model are now available locally, the Orbit Mid; plus new colorways of the previously released Thunder Mid and Guardian Mid.

Price point as follows:

• Thunder Mid = Php 3,995
• ASPHALT/BLACK/LIME

• Orbit Mid = Php 4,595
• WARRIOR BLUE/WARRIOR  BLUE/WARRIOR YELLOW
• RED/BLACK/WHITE

• Guardian Mid = Php 5,495
• METALLIC DK GREY/BLACK/VARSITY RED
• ENERGY BLUE/BLACK/ ORANGE

Please also do check out AND1 Ph’s previous blog article about the initial shoe drops for 2012 Q3/Q4 last September 18 (click HERE to read the article).  The Rocket 3.0 & Thunder have stocks for both Men’s & Kid’s sizes, while the Guardian is only available in adult sizing.

Big thanks to Relzbach Ventures/AKT!V partners (s/o to Joe Hook Up of Gola Greenbelt) for the update on these new arrivals including the price points.  New models (such as the upcoming Dragon Mid) with new colorways are due to arrive later this year, so please standby if they do show up in shoe racks soon.  Follow us on Twitter for up-to-the-minute news (@and1ph) on shoe sightings, and please LIKE us on Facebook (facebook.com/and1ph) so that our posts appears on your newsfeeds.  Check out the new models for yourselves, And Juans!

The updated 2012 Q3/Q4 footwear assortment as of October.

And1 Entourage Mids – The "5 ELEMENTS" pack

[Shoe News – 10.13.12] – And1 Entourage Mids – The "5 ELEMENTS" pack

Inks: FLASH aka g_sk1lls 
Images: AND1 Basketball (via e-mail)

Hey AND Juans..some breaking news courtesy of AND1 USA.  As per their recent e-mail, they will be releasing soon five (5) unique colorways of the upcoming Entourage Mids, and it will be called the 5 Elements pack.  Check out the group image below:

Earlier images of the Entourage Mid showed an all-black version.  However, the 5 Elements packs derives its very relatable concept from Oriental roots and as for the designs used,  AND1 USA further explains:

“This is from Eastern Philosophy, Life and Martial Arts.  Earth, Water, Metal (gold,) Wood and Fire are the elements and represent different forms of energy that constantly flow between each other. 

We have put the Kanji symbol for each element on the heel of each SKU in addition to doing these in dynamic trend colors that tie back to each element.  In Japan, and possibly Korea, the Element symbols also indicate the days of the week from Tuesday to Saturday as well when used in conjunction with the kanji for day (日).  Fire, water, wood, gold/metal, and earth each represent Tuesday through Saturday respectively. We use this to show the depth of the 5 elements story, as well as how it is applicable cross-culturally in Asia.”

Personally, I think this is reminiscent of the Taichi Mid concept back in the early 2000’s (and recently back in 2010, with the introduction of the Taichi TGRs) – wherein Eastern philosophy is one of the key influences in producing excellent basketball sneakers of which AND1 is known for. 

Furthermore, I like the use of the number five (5) in this set – which for me represents the five players inside the basketball court.  While maintaining a unique set of skills for the position that each plays, every basketball player on the court has to mesh with the team’s concept of playing together towards a winning direction.  How’s that for a basketball tie-in?

I will try to get more info about the retail price and actual release date.  For now, check out more individual images below:

If you want more And1 news and updates, 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.

The AND1 Entourage Mid in Black/Black colorway, 

as shared in the official Facebook fanpage.