Lifestyle

Premier facility for athletes: Ayala Land opens Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite

Lifestyle, Sports

The Philippine sports scene climbed a notch higher as Ayala Land Inc.’s Vermosa Sports Hub, the country’s first premier and professionally managed sports facility, recently opened its doors to the public.

Creating the ideal environment for athletes, sports buffs, and fitness junkies who aim to reach the top of their game, Vermosa Sports Hub is equipped with training facilities designed for international sports competitions.

Vermosa Sports Hub is home to groundbreaking features that include an Olympic-size swimming pool equipped with the latest timing system by Omega and the Anti Wave Starting Blocks; and the Philippines’ first 9-lane track oval built in accordance with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) standards.

For football and field sports enthusiasts, there’s also a standard sized football field with natural grass and a sand sub-base, which makes it an ideal playing surface that is able to divot, or give way, under foot traction. For a sport that involves sliding tackles, this is a prime feature that minimizes the risk of injuries caused by having the player’s get caught by strong traction. The Vermosa Sports Hub will also soon unveil bike lanes, jogging paths, and other outdoor sports facilities.

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To complete the development is a training and fitness club equipped with a sports science laboratory especially suited for athletes who want to take the next step to reach peak performance. To be managed and operated by Sante Health & Fitness, Inc., known as one of the fastest growing global providers of organic health and wellness products and services, the Sante Fitness Lab is a one-stop shop that will include a strength and conditioning fitness facility, sports rehab areas, a dance studio, a spinning class area, bike shop and services, a nutrition and fitness café, VO2 max/lactate testing by using a machine that can test an individuals level of oxygen while training , plus conference and lecture rooms.

To ensure that Vermosa Sports Hub is accessible to the growing market of sports enthusiasts, competitive rate packages and period-based membership passes are being offered by the company. For those who avail their passes until April 2018, they can enjoy a 20% discount.

Facility Rate Hours
Track Oval Php 90 6 hours
50m Lap Pool Php 220 4 hours
Special Passes Rate
Annual VIP Pass Php 5,600
1 Month Unlimited Pool Pass Php, 2,250
3 Months Unlimited Pool Pass Php 5,600
  • Passes purchased until April 2018 will have a 20% discount.
  • All rates are inclusive of 12% VAT.
  • Rates are subject to change without prior notice.

Aside from the sports facilities, other components are also designed to promote healthy and active living. Retail outlets will soon open, and these will include health and sports merchants, providing users of the sports hub easy access to the equipment, accessories, and other sports and fitness essentials they need.

Vermosa Sports Hub is located at Vermosa, Daang Hari Road cor. Vermosa Blvd., Imus, 4103 Cavite. It is situated within the 700 hectares of space in Vermosa, a masterplanned mixed-use estate of Ayala Land Inc., the Vermosa Sports Hub is envisioned to be a complete destination designed specifically to provide an effective and complete training experience for the athletic lifestyle, offering a seamless integration of facilities and sports-related elements.

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Vermosa is currently the fourth largest mixed-use estate of Ayala Land Inc. It will be home to 6,000 households that highlight the diverse living options with the presence of four of ALI’s residential brands – Ayala Land Premier, Alveo, Avida and Amaia.

 Vermosa was coined from two Latin words, Verde and Mossa. “Verde”, meaning green, references the lush environment within the healthy, sustainable, and suburban living concept of the estate. “Mossa,” meaning movement, represents the active elements of the project.  Combined, Vermosa represents a modern suburban community that promotes healthy and active living that stays true to its name.

It’s time to experience world-class sports facilities and amenities. Check out the Vermosa Sports Hub and discover a place where athletes can truly grow.

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Why Not? A look at Russell Westbrook’s first signature performance shoe

Lifestyle, Sports

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Both Russell Westbrook’s playing and personal style have a unique flare. Behind each, there is balance between a meticulous attention to detail and a no fear attitude. That’s because since high school, both on and off court, Westbrook has followed a simple guiding principle: “If I face a challenge, I run at it — not away from it,” he says.

That outlook is captured by a personal mantra, “Why Not?” It defines how Westbrook plays, how he dresses and now, especially with his first signature performance shoe, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1, how he shares his story.

“As a kid growing up in LA and standing in line to get other people’s shoes, you become aware of how fortunate you are to get sneakers,” he says. “To be able to sit here now and hold my own shoe is an honor.”

Crafted for the dynamic game and personality of the reigning MVP and fashion king, the Jordan Why Not Zer0.1 is highlighted by its smooth vamp, which, fitting for Westbrook, offers dual purpose. First and foremost, it serves the MVP’s key footwear need: forefoot containment. Westbrook plays high on his toes, always ready to push to the hoop or convert a rebound or steal into a fast break. For this, he needs stability over the sole unit, such that no added movement minimizes response when shifting direction or getting maximum bounce to the rack. Combining his style, specific performance needs and Jordan Brand soul, the end result is a futuristic silhouette that features a fused mesh upper, full-length Zoom Air unit and a compression-molded pylon foam piece engineered for flight.

Behind the scenes, Westbrook works closely with Jordan designers and the Thunder equipment manager, Wilson Taylor, to ensure his feedback is clear and concise. “Russ is a detail-oriented guy. He picked up on every little thing [when testing the shoe],” shares Taylor.

After every wear test, Taylor is responsible for relaying Westbrook’s thoughts back to the Jordan team. “After each test, he’d share some feedback. He’d tell me ‘see if they can do this. See if they can extend the padding here.’ It was a good process,” he says.

That part of the process, the dialing of the fit and feel, is elementary for Westbrook. He wants things comfortable. He wants supreme confidence in his tools, even if it requires getting into the weeds. “The biggest part is the amount of comfort and security the shoe provides,” he says. “It allows me to move and jump at a fast pace, something that I think is very, very important.”

Of course, looking good is important too. That’s where the second element of footwear design, adding personal style, comes into play.

“My favorite part of the design process is storytelling,” says Westbrook. “Being able to tell my story through colorways and at different times during the season is a lot of fun.”

Westbrook debuted a PE version of the Mirror Image colorway on court. This colorway exhibits the pleasure Westbrook derives from sharing a narrative. Its upper is plastered with images referencing a heavily postered room, and shows how sporting icons are celebrated over generations. “Allowing me to have my own shoe is a great opportunity to tell my story, extend my Why Not? motto and explain the whole background behind it,” Westbrook says.

The official global launch colorway, 2-Way, perfectly captures both Westbrook’s game-changing presence on both sides of the court and the design’s eye-catching contrast from smooth vamp to jagged heel. Like Westbrook’s playing and off-court looks, this colorway masterfully balances a “Why Not?” approach to style and performance.

Westbrook expects to get a lot of reactions out of his shoe. “This shoe is futuristic and something that people will take a double look at,” he says.

Why Not?

The Why Not Zer0.1 launches January 15 with limited quantities of the Mirror Image colorway. The 2-Way colorway releases February 15 for $125.

urbanAthletics x Clyde Activated Charcoal Giveaway

Lifestyle

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Clyde Activated Charcoal is the solution to keeping your sneakers fresh and odorless; and urbanAthletics is sharing the love to all of you by giving them away for free!

Until December 31, any purchase of PUMA, ASICS Tiger, or New Balance footwear both in-store and online entitles you to a FREE Clyde Activated Charcoal.

Mechanics:

1. Purchase any Puma, ASICS Tiger, or New Balance footwear at urbanAthletics S Maison in Conrad Manila, Greenbelt 3, UP Town Center or online via http://www.urbanathletics.com.ph.

2. If you’re purchasing online, add the item to your cart, then click “Your Cart” to get your freebie.

3. Promo period: December 1 to 31, 2017.

December delights at AG New World Manila Bay Hotel

Lifestyle

AG New World Manila Bay Hotel - Premier Bayview Suite

‘Tis the season to yet again indulge and satisfy your cravings for heart-warming comfort food that will remind you of priceless moments and unforgettable holidays spent with those who matter the most.

This season, AG New World Manila Bay Hotel spreads the holiday cheer with indulgent stays and a sumptuous fare of holiday favorites that will set your December off to a delightful start. Plan your holiday vacation ahead and be rewarded with exclusive rates and discounts starting at PHP 4,800++.

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A time of giving: Ascott PH and Gawad Kalinga partner for Christmas fund-raising campaign

Events, Lifestyle

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The Ascott Limited – Philippine Cluster has been partnering with Gawad Kalinga’s “Kusina ng Kalinga” every Christmas for the past three years to provide the gift of nourishment to less privileged children in public schools, streets and conflict areas.

This year’s campaign was ushered in first by Ascott Bonifacio Global City with a tree lighting ceremony, which aims to increase awareness and maximize ways for others to help with the cause. The lobby in Ascott BGC was transformed into a Winter Wonderland with a towering Christmas tree covered in snow as well as polar bears and reindeers on display.

The other properties — Ascott Makati, Ascot Bonifacio Global City, Citadines Millennium Ortigas, Citadines Salcedo Makati, Somerset Alabang Manila, Somerset Millennium Makati and Somerset Olympia Makati — will follow suit in the coming days.

Guests and even non-guests can donate and help raise funds for GK’s “Kusina ng Kalinga” initiative.

“All guests or even walk-ins can lend a helping hand thru purchasing Christmas ornaments from any of our Ascott Hosts here or thru our reception area for a minimum of 100 pesos and all the proceeds will go to Kusina ng Kalinga,” said Ms. Sue Ponnudurai, General Manager for Ascott Bonifacio Global City.

“After their purchase, you may opt to place your names on the back portion or remain anonymous and hang the ornament on the Christmas tree; this minimal amount can already provide six nutritious meals so every donation counts.”

This year, the ornament is a snowflake to complement Ascott Bonifacio Global City’s theme.

For those interested in joining this cause, you may visit any of The Ascott Limited properties around Metro Manila as mentioned above. All you have to do is approach their accommodating Guest Service Officers located at their reception area and they will be able to assist in your donation. They will be accepted from November 21, 2017 until January 5, 2018. After this period, all proceeds will be turned over to Gawad Kalinga.

For further information, feel free to call their marketing department at +63 2 755 8858 or via email at ian.agbayani@the-ascott.com.

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Titan x Nike pop-up space: Celebrating basketball culture this holiday season

Lifestyle, Sports

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Nike and basketball retailer Titan have partnered together to launch the exclusive Titan x Nike pop-up space that showcases the best of Nike & Jordan Brand innovation, services and experiences this holiday season.

Titan’s flagship store in Bonifacio Global City has been transformed into a hub for those who play, live and obsess the game with the newest Nike Basketball, Jordan Brand and hoops-inspired Nike Sportswear innovation on full display – Nike NBA jerseys with next-level access to athletes and special rewards, the Nike LeBron XV and Air Jordan XXXII and the timeless streetwear classic, the Nike Air Force 1 which celebrates its 35th year anniversary this year.

Since 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 has inspired communities, artists and musicians the world over with its basic white silhouette and endless iterations (more than 2,000 since 1982), on and off the court. The Nike Air Force 1 Low NBA celebrates the connection to the game of basketball as Nike kicks off its relationship with the NBA. Throughout the season, new Nike Air Force 1 silhouettes will also be released during Nike Air Force 1 Fridays each week, from October to mid-December. Every purchase of the Nike Air Force 1 at the Titan x Nike pop-up space comes with an exclusive pin, dubrae or chain.

Beginning November, Nike will be staging Battle Force Manila – a series of tournaments open to young Filipinos to compete in various battles across basketball, dance, music, art and style – in celebration of the game and culture of basketball at the Titan Love Court, BGC from November 4th onwards. More information on Battle Force Manila can found on https://www.titan22.com/blog/post/nike-battle-force-manila/.

The Titan x Nike Pop-up store is open Mondays through Sundays, from 11am to 10pm.

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Look: La Salle, Ateneo players wearing Nike Air Force 1s

Lifestyle, Sports

In celebration of the iconic sneaker’s 35th anniversary, members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles and De La Salle Green Archers wore classic colors of the shoe as they arrived for their much-anticipated match to end Round 1 of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena, Mike Nieto, Matt Nieto, Anton Asistio, and Tyler Tio wore white Air Force 1 sneakers when they arrived at the Mall of Asia Arena, while La Salle’s Ralph Tero, Andrei Caracut, Kib Montalbo, Santi Santillan, and Justine Baltazar wore their own pairs of the classic sneaker.

Look: Converse x NBA collection

Lifestyle, Sports

In 1949, virtually every player in the NBA wore the brand’s iconic Chuck Taylor All Star sneaker. Time progressed and Converse supplied new players with the tools to create basketball history. One of these players, signed to Converse in 1975, creator of the free-throw line slam dunk and all around basketball pioneer, Julius “Dr. J” Erving cemented the Converse brand in basketball history with his daring game play and swagger all while sporting his version of the classic Pro Leather silhouette.

On September 29, Converse launched the NBA Chuck Taylor All Star Collection, giving fans a way to show their NBA pride and celebrate their favorite teams. Representing all 30 NBA teams, the collection pays tribute to the game and celebrates the culture of basketball and its influence on today’s street style with three design tiers: Gameday, Legend and Franchise.

The Chuck SE NBA Franchise is a celebration of city pride for the fan who wears their heart on their sleeve. Launching in the Philippines are 6 out of the 13 NBA teams, the sneaker features team logos decorated on the tips of the laces and embroidered on the sneaker’s tongue with tonal lace and multicolor lace aglets. The mesh upper features the team’s name and jersey-inspired details, while each outsole is molded to display the given team’s city influence. The sneaker is covered in individually-screen printed jersey material and includes the Lunarlon sockliner and micro-suede internal lining for comfort.

Boston Celtics

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A legendary city with much to celebrate and a record breaking basketball team with more banners than any franchise in the league – the Celtics 17 NBA titles are recognized on the “Legend” sneaker with an embossed “17” on the upper. The Converse x NBA Boston Celtics sneakers commemorate the storied athletic record of the Green with a sneaker that helped bring Boston a whole lot of gold.

Chicago Bulls

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A city with a team that won the ‘90s, the Chicago Bulls were unbeatable with two three-peat seasons spanning 1991-1993 and 1996-1998. The Converse x NBA Chicago Bulls sneakers recall the iconic ‘90s warm-ups with its two-tone nylon tongue and red triangles representing the game plan that made it all happen.

Cleveland Cavaliers

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One of basketball’s most iconic sneaker sports basketball’s most famous icons. Mesh upper features team name and jersey-inspired details. Team logo embroidered on the tongue top with tonal lace and multicolor lace aglet. This Chuck Taylor includes the Lunarlon sockliner and micro-suede lining for comfort.

Golden State Warriors

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Newly-minted legends in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors turned the Bay into basketball’s twenty-first century epicenter. The five-time championship winners have been creating historic moments in recent times for their competitive spirit and ability to overcome unbelievable odds. The Converse x NBA Golden State Warriors sneaker honors the Bay Area with an embroidered landscape of the Bay Bridge on the upper.

Los Angeles Lakers

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The Los Angeles Lakers are all about “Showtime” – home of the purple and gold and one of the league’s most successful teams in NBA history with 16 championships. To celebrate, sixteen stars are embroidered on the sneaker’s tongue. Los Angeles slated an era when basketball embraced sunshine, celebrities, and a smooth, silky version of hoops. With star status athletes, the Lakers take center stage with 21 Hall of Famers and the NBA’s longest winning streak of 33 consecutive games. The Converse x NBA LA Lakers sneakers embody showmanship and functionality with an internal gold foil print and silver hardware along with premium leather lining and molded sockliner.

New York Knicks

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The Pride of Gotham, the New York Knicks is a team that represents the fiercest metropolis on the planet. Diehard fans live for the slogan “Once a Knick, Always a Knick,” which is embossed along the side of the “Legends” upper. The Knicks are only one of two original NBA teams that remain in their founding city. The Converse x NBA New York Knicks sneakers denotes loyalty and originality.

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The NBA Chuck Taylor All Star Collection is only available at Converse shops in Festival Mall, Glorietta and Ayala Center Cebu for P 4,950.

To complement the NBA Chuck Taylor All Star Collection, a line of Converse NBA Apparel launches to tie together the full street-wear uniform. Featuring exclusive Converse NBA branding, the collection includes a winter wool bomber jacket with primaloft fill, a hooded coach’s jacket and Converse Essentials – a hoodie, crewneck, long-sleeve tee and jogger.

The Converse NBA Apparel is exclusively available at NBA Store Mega Fashion Hall.

For more of the NBA collaboration, visit http://www.converse.com.ph and follow Converse PH  on http://www.facebook.com/Converse.PH and Instagram (@converseph).

Workshop alert! Learn scroll saw basics with KANSIS Made

Events, Lifestyle

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Popular arts and crafts store The Craft Central is turning one year this September. And as part of their birthday celebration, it’ll hold a 3-week series of crafting and making activities.

One of those activations will feature my brother Kenny of KANSIS Made, who will conduct a workshop on the basics of scroll saw cutting.

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Nike caps LeBron James’ Manila tour with Soldier 11 ’Silver Bullet’ colorway

Lifestyle, Sports

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With the Air Max 97 being one of the most iconic Air Max sneakers in Nike’s history, the Swoosh is honoring LeBron James’ visit to Manila by releasing the Zoom Soldier XI in one of its first and original colorways, , the ‘Silver Bullet.’

The Air Max 97, which is also celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, in one of its most famous OG colors is the inspiration for this latest version of the Soldier XI.

This iteration of LeBron’s go-to shoe for the 2017 championship series features reflective accents, a metallic silver upper together with some hints of red, white, and black on the collar, heel, midsole and outsole while maintaining that superior lockdown and responsiveness enabled through the Zoom Air units when worn on the court. It will ignite speed and power to unleash your ultimate game.

The Soldier XI ‘Silver Bullet’ is the third and final of the limited shoe launches tied to the LeBron James Tour Manila 2017.

Serving as the perfect send-off for the King as he departs Manila, the shoe is set to release in limited quantities exclusively on Sunday, September 3 at Nike Park Fort at 11AM. First come, first served.

The shoe will be released in limited quantities and will retail for P7,195.

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