MANILA, Philippines — While many have cast their sights on the UAAP Cheer Dance Competition at the Mall of Asia Arena two weekends ago, the NBA’s official outfitter threw the biggest party for hoops junkies.
To celebrate Air Force 1’s 35th year anniversary, Nike mounted the Battle Force Manila” at the Titan Love Court on Dec. 2, 2017.
Showcasing basketball culture through its myriad layers, Battle Force featured a free-for-all basketball mini-tournament, a rap-showcase, a dance-off battle, a dunk-off between high-flying amateur prospects, all-access to the country’s top hooping stars and full customization of the shoe.
Also making an appearance in the festivities are the ultra-rare editions of the iconic sneaker—The Roc-a-Fella, Acronym, and the Travis Scott versions.
Relive the hooping conclave through this gallery:
A pick-up game between media practitioners kicked off things. | Contributed Photo
An aerial view of the Battle Force participants at the Titan Love Court in Bonifacio Global City. | Contributed Photo
The basketball concept shop also gave away free haircuts for Air Force 1 wearers. | Contributed Photo
A pick-up game between media practitioners kicked off things. | Contributed Photo
A live performance art featuring street artists happened on the fringes of the court. | Contributed Photo
Battle? Dance battle! The event pit solo acts against each other during the intermission. | Contributed Photo
An aerial shot of the dance-off. | Contributed Photo
The brand, which is now the NBA's official outfitter, also gave away free threads. | Contributed Photo
NLEX Road Warriors rookie Kiefer Ravena gifts an attendee fresh pair of AF-1s. | Contributed Photo
Also starring the event were the ultra-rare pairs AF-1 Roc-a-Fella, AF-1 Travis Scott and the AF-1 Acronym. | Contributed Photo
Phoenix's Jeff Chan showed the youngsters how long-distance shooting is done. | Contributed Photo
Jess Connelly performing during one of the many lulls. | Contributed Photo
Rap-battle superstars Loonie (left) and Abra, were there, too. | Contributed Photo
Ateneo Blue Eaglets behemoth Kai Sotto taking a photo with fans. | Contributed Photo
David Carlos' winning dunk—over three Battle Force participants. | Contributed Photo
Bespoke pairs were put together at the Titan Fort branch. | Contributed Photo
Loonie and Abra join Magnolia's Marc Pingris for a snap. | Contributed Photo
Grand-Slam champion cager and multi-time MVP James Yap of Rain or Shine. | Contributed Photo
Alaska rookie and former De La Salle University superstar Jeron Teng. | Contributed Photo
Barangay Ginebra's Scottie Thompson, (left) San Miguel's Marcio Lassiter (middle with cap) and TNT's RR Garcia were also in the festivities. | Contributed Photo
The final match of the night. Participants were belssed with full-on Battle Force gear and the LeBron 15s. | Contributed Photo
* * *
I. BASKETBALL BATTLE:
G-Force - Members: Marky Mercado, Fran Asuncion, Jay Sacluti, Tim Cu, Nino Atilano, and Nikko Montelibano
II. RAP BATTLE:
Yo Gang - Members: James Kevin Asis, Raymart Caraan, and Jayson Jullanda
III. DANCE BATTLE:
The Empire - Members: Melvin Calayag, Melvin De Guzman, Zhey Estolano, Angelito Delos Reyes, and Justin David
IV. DUNK CONTEST: Winner - David Carlos
V. 3 POINT SHOOTOUT: Winner - Bobby G.
PERFORMERS: Jess Connelly, Mike Swift, DJ Nix Damn P!, Abra & Loonie, Matt X AC.
LIVE ART: personally painted by Auggie Fontanilla and Darling Kink on the spot