Puma's social call

When I first heard about Puma’s “Social Athletics” event I thought I’d have to take a refresher course in current events, update myself on the Japanese nuclear situation, assorted celebrity gossip, and other potential topics of discussion. Turns out it wasn’t that kind of “social.” I got the name of the whole thing wrong — it was just Puma Social, which celebrates what they’re calling “after-hours athletes.”

These athletes are the social animals who tend to be night owls more than morning people, who have an active nightlife and whose games of choice tend to be along the lines of table tennis, foosball, and darts.

Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down in her long Puma track jacket, and a slightly-buzzed Mackie Galvez, cinematographer. Photos by BRENDAN GOCO

A number of them came together at Republiq for the launch of Puma’s Social campaign, facing off in matches of the aforementioned games. Rock bands like Up Dharma Down and Imago rubbed elbows with local celebs Gerald Anderson and Sam Pinto. Photography/design team Everywhere We Shoot!’s Ryan Vergara faced off against Team Manila’s Mon Punzalan in a ping-pong bout for the ages (or at least the evening). Luke Jickain and Eri Neeman were also among those present.

While the table tennis section enjoyed its share of play, the foosball table was where the action (and noise and screaming) was at. It helps that foosball naturally encourages group participation, whether in the playing, spectating or just plain trash-talking.

Puma Social will continue with a series of events until May, with social games featuring table tennis and foosball matches at Encore Superclub at the Fort starting April 12 with following dates in Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod and Davao.

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Armi Millare of Up Dharma Down in her long Puma track jacket, and a slightly-buzzed Mackie Galvez, cinematographer. Photos by BRENDAN GOCO

For more info check out www.puma.com/social

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On April 16 head on over to the Ayala Museum for the opening of the first solo exhibit of photo/design duo Everywhere We Shoot! It also coincides with a talk they are giving as part of Ayala Museum’s Design Talks series at 3 to 6 p.m. Snazzy!

On April 20, Swedish dream pop band The Radio Dept. play at the Hard Rock Café in Glorietta! Tickets are at P1,800, available at Gweilo Bars Makati & Eastwood, Route 196 and B-Side.

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Ramon De Veyra blogs at thesecuriousdays.com but is more active on Twitter.