Join the Running Revolution with Adidas Energy Boost

Running. Many consider it to be the second thing mankind ever learned even before we discovered walking.

To those who doesn’t agree, try to imagine yourself living in the prehistoric era, waking up in the morning surrounded by a pack of T-Rex or Giganotosaurus checking which part of you is good for a power breakfast. Instinct, guys. During those times, almost every living thing on Earth grew up on the run.

For the curious souls asking what I think was the first thing humans ever learned to do, I say it’s eating. Remember Adam’s apple, err... Eve’s apple in the Garden of Eatin’, I mean Eden? (I am a catholic, you know).

Eating and running. Two unlikely combination of activities that has been passed on from one generation to another. (Forgive me if I’m beginning to sound like Morgan Freeman. I can’t help it. I’m watching History channel now). That’s why we have this thing called eat and run. Yup, that thing that you did when you attended a Christening party after your high school classmate found you on Facebook and asked to be one of  his seventh child’s godfather. Or in that suppose to be happy family reunion which turned sour when relatives started asking why you are still single. You eat a little then you run as far as you can.

Growing up, running has save me from troubles in a number of times--- away from dog bites, police chasing us after a rally at Mendiola, lunch box-swiping school bullies, etc. And now, we have more hazards to run away from like falling meteorites, mall robbers in costume, and the never-ending David Pomeranz concert series. Running is the best self-defense. That’s the secret  my grandfather told me on how he was able to survived WWII.

Personally, I also associate eating the certain food to improve my running skills--- better stamina and faster legs. That’s why at one point of my life, I became a sucker of food for the runners. I eat pasta because it can provide slow-release energy which what marathon runners require. I gobbled bananas since it’s ideal for refueling rapidly and it comes in biodegradable wrappers. I also feasted in cereals and wheat biscuits for my dose of fiber and protein almost everyday. I even used images of these food as the screensaver of my PC at one point. Well, sort of a motivation that these should only be the food that I will eat for the day. I remember attending an event where I did not eat the food served by the organizer even though the plates were mouth-watering simply because it's not pasta. And beside, I have a pack of biscuits and a couple of banana in my bag.

After half a year, I felt like a horse. Not a thoroughbred but a winded about-to-be-chopped-and-exported-to-Europe horse that is. I was unable to control my intake of those "certain food" that I became a 160 lbs. obese (according to my cardiologist). I guess I got a little over of everything on my diet, especially on pasta. I think I have tried almost every type of spaghetti during that period. As far as i can remember, That was definitely the craziest thing I’ve done to boost my run.

Today, I participate to at least six fun runs a year. One, it is fun and second, I get to prove to myself and others that I can still run even in my thirties and with a Harlem Shakin’ tummy. I am still fond of the “food for runners” but this time I see to it to eat moderately.

I also check online for tips on how to boost my run. Then I stumbled upon a great find. Unmatched energy return, superior cushioning, optimal, fit and temperature independence: Introducing the ENERGY BOOST™ by Adidas, the new running shoe with revolutionary cushioning technology that provides the highest energy return in the industry. And just like that, running will never be the same.

The foundation of the ENERGY BOOST™ innovation is centered on proprietary cushioning material, BOOST™, that allows the runner to feel a continuous energy return. The revolutionary technology allows small energy capsules in the soles to store and unleash energy more efficiently with every stride. The Adidas brand is one of the leading sports brands in the world. The Adidas brand attitude “Impossible is Nothing” drives all brand communication initiatives and helps strengthen the brand’s bond with consumers.

Now, I'm definitely joining the running revolution with this new line of soles from one of the trusted names.

With only 200 pairs of ENERGY BOOST™ available in the Philippines this season, runners will be able to reserve up to 100 pairs before the shoes hit the adidas Bonifacio Global City store on the 27th of February. This can be done via a pre-order mechanism exclusive for South East Asia that opens from 15th until 24th of February. So, be the first to boost your run at adidasboost.com.

So when you think about running, always bear this in mind:  Another Day Is Definitely Another Super (ADIDAS) run.  

Radii, set, go for a perfect fit for my feet!

I love looking at other people's underwear.

Whether they're just sitting around or lying on the floor, these stuff makes me pause for a while and examine their details in every angle.  Of course, I prefer if I see them while being worn by their owners.  Well, many people can be showy sometimes especially if what they're wearing is branded.  Some flaunt theirs subconsciously, especially in public places and transportation. I would often take a peek without their knowledge.

Actually, it has become a hobby for me to have a glimpse on what my co-jeepney passengers are wearing.  Some are plain while others stand out with vivid colors.  You can notice if its new, old and faded even if they are slightly covered.  My eyes have became experts on this after hundreds of jeepney rides in my lifetime.

Ooops... I hope I am not misleading you with this post.  I am actually talking about shoes.  I hope we are on the same page.

I don't know with you guys but I consider shoes as underwear.  It covers the lowest part of the body and even Merriam-Webster agrees, "underwear is an article worn next to skin (we sometimes wear shoes without socks) and under other clothing (like cover shoes)."

My fascination with shoes goes back when i was in high school.  I would nag my mom to get me the latest pair of Michael Jordans then with the hope that I can improve my vertical with it during basketball games.  I even imagined myself as the male version of Imelda Marcos.  But instead of stilettos and dancing shoes with lights, I'll get a pair of each style and brand of sneakers in all available colors and keep 'em in a room as big as the shoe section of a department store. Nice dream, right?

Well, I may not able to realize this dream for now (or ever) but at least I can wish to Urban Athletics and Pinoy Urban Music to give me a new pair of Radii this Christmas.  What I love about Radii's line of footwear is its futuristic designs and durable materials combined with classic styling and detailing. Each shoe exudes confidence for people on the go like me. It's a perfect fit for my feet anywhere I go from blogging events to barkada gimmicks and weekend dates with my wife. It's definitely in my wish list for this year's holiday season. And so i say, Radii, set, go!  I know that they are not the foot fairies (if there is such a thing) but I'm very sure Urban Athletics knows how to make shoe fanatics like me happy.

Inspired by the raw originality of the street, Urban Athletics is a store that brings modern urban lifestyle to the forefront as it bravely combines athleticism with urban fashion.

As new fashion forms broke out across the globe, we saw how sportswear evolved into streetwear, and vice versa. This fashion phenomenon led them to bring together elements from skateboarding, parkour, music, street culture and everything in between to allow every urban hipster invest new styles and make a statement on the streets.

Through the synergy between authentic sports and street wear brands like Adidas Originals, Vans, Zoo York, Nike Sportswear, MarcEcko, and more, forms a cutting edge store that infuses attitude with style. Urban Athletics features sneakers, apparel, gear and alternative accessories. Visit their store at the 2nd level of Greenbelt3.

Want to get updates about cool stuff, products and events? Log on to Facebook and like Urban Athletics and Flipclan.com.  You can also follow @urbanathletics and @flipclandotcom via twitter.

Tatay Momoy and his Marikina Shoes

I’ve met people who consider their nice-looking cars or thoroughbred horses as their prized possessions. Not my Tatay Momoy. For a simple man like him, his Marikina-made leather shoes are his well-kept treasure.

Tatay came here in Manila from Agoo, La Union in the late 60’s as an innocent just-got-20-years-old man armed only with a few pesos in his pocket and a bag full of courage.

Good thing he easily got a job as a carpenter in Paco where he also met our future Nanay Conchit. Tatay has told us a lot of times how he charmed our mother with his good looks and porma with special mention to his shiny leather shoes. He would also tell us how he walked for miles from Pasig to Marikina just to buy his very first pair of shoes with his first paycheck. He considered it as his lucky pair since he was wearing it when nanay gave her sweet “yes” to him.

To make the story short, they got married and had six children. I am the eldest and have witnessed how Tatay raised this family for more than three decades and counting, though thick and thin. He loves shoes but he never had a huge collection of it. He just makes sure that when he buys a pair, they are durable and will last for years. He took care of them--- rub and shine every week. He would only get a new one when the shoes are already smiling from ear to ear.

I still remember during my grade school years, he always bring me to Marikina to get a pair of school shoes a month before classes start. And these shoes would really last until the next school year. Tatay really knows a thing about footwear and their life span. That’s why every time I need to get a pair for myself; going to Marikina is one of my first options.

But of all the memorable shoes stories of my father, the one which happened a month before my graduation was the most unforgettable and touching of all. I just came home from school when Tatay approached me. He gave me a box inside wrapped in a generic plastic bag.

He was scratching his head and sounded apologetic when he said, “Pasensiya na anak ha? ‘Yan lang ang nakayanan ng Tatay. Pwede mong gamitin sa graduation.”

It was a pair of black leather shoes with markings inside: Made in Marikina. I remembered wiping tears from my eyes that time but I did not show it to him because I felt it was kinda corny.

Today, I can’t help but smile every time I look at the black leather shoes I’m wearing in the office. It looks like the pair given to me by Tatay… the lucky shoes I was wearing when I got my first job, took a plane for my first overseas trip and visited the house of my then-girlfriend Leah to ask her hand in marriage.

Hmmm… I think I have my own shoe stories to tell my son Charles.