Nike Did It. Again.
25 September, 2009 08:16pm | Posted in Manny Pacquiao, Nike, Nike BHS, Nike Philippines | No Comments »
Yes, Nike did it. Again. With the public knowing there were only 259 pairs available of the Trainer 1s to be had beginning 9:25 pm, Bonifacio High Street was 500+ deep in heads and MP fans. Despite the rain.
But that’s what it’s all about. That’s the sneaker game for you. Camping out, waiting in line (in the rain), starving your ass off, and unfortunately, not showering for days, are just some of the things people do to get their hands on such coveted pairs.
The MP Pack launch this time around went by much better than the last MP release (5/1/09). The numbering system helped (but not against the dreaded resellers) and made things much more manageable. The MP launch the last time around left a couple hundred MP fans irked and annoyed with the set up. Sneakerheads were prepared, but the general public, especially the hordes of Manny Pacquiao fans, weren’t. I’m sure casual fans never expected such a frenzy the last time around. This time, a numbering system was implemented. Yes, there were lines still (and you still had to camp out for one) but at least people more or less knew what they were getting themselves into.
The first person in line, a mother (along with her family toting numbers 1-5, if I’m not mistaken) was there as early as Wednesday AM for a stub that was going to be distributed a good 24 hours after(imagine that, more than 24 hours in line for a flimsy sheet dictating your sneaker fate). She came prepared, with bottles of water, food and such just to get that no.1 stub. So when she marched into the glowing store, everybody applauded and congratulated her (and her fam) for being dedicated to MP and the Swoosh. So after the initial purchase, we went through the ordeal. Numbers were being called out, lines were forming, and rain was pouring. People were patiently waiting in line for their number to be called. A long and lengthy process, but it was organized. My friends were toting stubs in the mid-100s and weren’t experiencing any panic or anxiety attacks. They were quite confident that by the end of the night, they were more or less assured of a pair and a couple of Tees.
I didn’t have the energy to stay on ’til the end but this launch is really one for the books. Kudos to Nike and to everybody who made this event a huge success. It was a great evening to share sneaker stories, bopping your head to the timeless beats, and just be in the midst of something legendary. I know I’ve been throwing the term around quite loosely lately, but it’s been crazy. I believe 2009 is a landmark year for sneaker culture in the RP. From the multiple Kobe IV drops, the Yeezys, the SB accounts, new sneaker stores sprouting all over, a local sneaker mag (Clavel) and now the MP Trainer 1s, the local sneaker (and streetwear) culture is growing at an amazing rate. With all this happening and so much more to look forward to, I believe you can now mark the Philippines as a destination for sneakerheads and the culture.
photos of the event to follow.