Hyped.

A friend of mine recently showed me this video and it got me stoked for the World Cup. Once basketball season is done, I will be trying to catch as many WC matches as possible. Although USA is not a heavy favorite to win it, it's always fun to rep your country. 46 more days.

Air

Nike recently put out this funny video about the air in their shoes. I'm guessing it's for April Fools Day, and it's just another way for Nike to brag about how great all their athletes are. Pretty cool that they included most sports, even skateboarding considering it's not one of their main sports. Watch it, and possibly get a laugh. And if you think it's dumb, at least you got to see Maria Sharapova's beautifulness.

Iron Mike.

I know a lot of you were disappointed in the lackluster boxing match this past weekend, but remember when boxing was one of the biggest sports out? I think it was mostly because of Mr. Iron Mike Tyson. The dude always gave a good fight, and had the best post fight interviews. He was an odd person, but he was the reason why most people even watched boxing. Because of his theatrics, millions of people would tune in just to hear what he would say. Whether he's talking about eating someone's children, or chronically fornicating, he was the king of quotes, but not to mention a super talented boxer. I would also recommend watching the documentary on him that came out sometime last year, Tyson. It's one of the most in depth interviews with Mike ever. But for now, I leave you with this video of some of the best Tyson quotes to date.

and here is a bonus Mike video from one of the best movies, The Hangover.

Bang!

Check out 5'11" high schooler, Trey Starks, dunk over a 6'6" opponent.  Dunk of the year? Oh, why yes!!

O RLY?

Now a days, many shoe companies boast that they have the most comfortable basketball shoes, or if you wear their shoes, you will play like a pro. But now, Athletic Propulsion Labs claims they made a shoe shoe that instantly adds inches to your vertical leap, thanks to their patented "Load N' Launch" technology. Being that I'm only 5'9" and I've always wanted to dunk, I was automatically intrigued. But of course a promise like that isn't going to come cheap. For 300 dollars, you can choose from 2 different colorways of the debut model. I personally think they look like a rip-off of the Air Jordan XXIII, but if they really do work, i might consider getting a pair so i can get my Lebron on. You can pre-order a pair starting on March 24th on their website for the price tag of $300. http://www.athleticpropulsionlabs.com/

Pictures via: Sole Collector

Connected with the earth

You have to be prepared to turn some heads because these are not your conventional running shoes. The Vibram Five Fingers is as close as you can get to barefoot running without actually being barefoot.  Studies show that barefoot running allows you to run faster, build balance, and teach you the correct style of running by forcing you to land on your forefoot.  Vibram Five Fingers acts as second skin to prevent injury and of course keep your feet clean. With a 4mm lining there is no cushioning and you will feel connected with the earth with every step. These shoes are a great training tool for any sport. Five Fingers also carries shoes for yoga, bouldering, strength training, and pilates. Click here for more details.

Fab Five

March Madness always reminds me of Michigan's Fab Five. You remember these guys? Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Jackson. I still recall playing ball in the old neighborhood hoping I would one day be the next Jalen Rose.  Everybody else wanted to be C-Webb.  We can thank Michigan's Fab Five for the baggy shorts and the murdered out basketball sneakers we ball in today.  They revolutionized basketball gear to what it is today.  If not for them, we might still be wearing 2 inch shorts with compression shorts showing underneath.  That would be a shame.  I find it sad that most basketball purists associate the Fab Five with Chris Webber's infamous timeout in the championship game more so than the high flying, rim hangin', and street ballin' style of basketball they brought back to the game.

Madness.

It's that time of year people fill out their NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament brackets. Many people prefer to watch the NCAA tourney because of all the crazy upsets, close games, and how different teams are year after year.The 2 teams that played in the championship last year aren't even ranked and didn't even make the tourney. If you've been keeping up with this season, you'd know that the overall No. 1 spot has been bouncing around to a lot of different teams, but now the brackets are set with Kansas at the No. 1 overall. March Madness gets pretty crazy, so get ready for some great games coming up within the next few weeks.

Poor Becks!!

Looks like there will be no World Cup for David Beckham.  He did everything he can to get on the team and now this injury.  I'm sure England will miss his services. Given he is old in soccer years, he still had a lot to offer to the national squad. Check out this clip of his anticlimactic injury.  Seriously, Becks?

Pack-ee-yow!

GQ recently ran a great piece on Manny Pacquiao.  Being Filipino myself, I should've been automatically a fan by default but it actually took awhile for Manny to grow on me.  I'll be the first to admit that I jumped on the Manny Pacquiao bandwagon WAY late.  My admiration for Pacquiao truly started when I saw what he was capable of doing outside the ropes.  I admire his philanthropic efforts in the Philippines. How one person can give so much hope and lift the spirit of a country is truly remarkable. I see the smiles and the joy he brings to my family every time he kicks some ass and that alone is priceless.  Click here for Pacquiao's detailed interview.

Photo courtesy of GQ

Like I said... GSP vs HARDY

Just be ready.. UFC PRIMETIME 10ET/PT on SPIKE.

Glory Glory Man Utd

Manchester United hosts AC Milan in Old Trafford today in the second leg of their round of 16 match.  Man U being up 3-2 after their first meeting in San Siro.  Aside from the today's important match, this is David Beckham's first visit to Old Trafford in 7 years after leaving the Red Devils.  I'm sure he still wishes he was in a Man Utd jersey.  As a Man U fan I have full confidence they can pull off another win or at least a tie to advance to the quarterfinals.  Especially since the hottest soccer player this year, Wayne Rooney, has been deemed fit to play in today's match.  Let's go!!

Nike x Undefeated Pacquiao Shirt

I normally don't go crazy about tees in general.  Especially graphic tees.  But I'll make an exception for this Nike x Undefeated Pacquiao Shirt.  The image is so simple but yet speaks so much volume. Shirt is one of three collaboration Nike shirts released at Undefeated stores 3.3.2010.  Go get it!!!

Manny fights Clottey this weekend and I'm predicting a 3rd round KO.  Then we start with the Mayweather drama, if he beats Mosley in May, ALL OVER AGAIN.  I say they fight for the biggest payday in boxing history and call it a day. I'm sure the world will be watching.

Open League

Everyone has played in an open basketball league at least once in their life. I've been on and off with these leagues but I did just join another one this past month. MY team has a game today @ 9pm and I'm hyping myself with old "BEYOND THE GLORY" videos on youtube. My personal all time favorite player is NICK "THE QUICK" VAN EXEL. So, without further ado, a segment of Nick's "BEYOND THE GLORY"

Just do it ... AGAIN

Nike makes such brilliant commercials that it's sickening. I've been addicted to Nike Commercials ever since I was a kid. From Mars Blackmon to "Bo Knows" to "Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood" to LT and Polamalu's "Fate", Nike ads are PURE GENIUS. There is something about these ads that just fuels the athlete in all of us. At times the product is just the cherry on top. All I know is regardless who the brilliant minds are who puts these ads together, our man Phil Knight is getting paid.

Here is Nike's latest addition, "Human Chain" ........



Human Chain from NikeSportswear on Vimeo.

THE NHL

As an old hockey buff I was lurking through youtube and found this nice long FIGHT during a game.

Here it is... THE SENATORS vs. THE FLYERS.... literally...

Protect this house - I WILL

I absolutely love this new Under Armour "Protect this House" ad. I was so amped after watching the clip and now I'm ready to wreck major havoc at the gym. Under Armour has a very solid lineup of athletes with Michael Phelps, Georges St. Pierre, and Brandon Jennings. My favorite Under Armour items have to be the compression tights and the HeatGear long sleeve compression shirt. It keeps me super warm when I'm training outdoors during the winter season. Now if you're bold enough to be like GSP, then train in these.

Sport shorts and ventilated footware

I recently purchased a pair of RVCA VA Sport shorts. They're a pretty good buy considering I do everything in them. From running, to lifting, to bouldering, to mma, they hold up well and are insanely comfortable. I'd much rather wear these for overall performance.

Also, you'll see me doing all of that in these NIKE Hyper-Lite ND. The MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES I have had thus far.

It's time to get excited ...

We are exactly 100 days away from World Cup 2010 in South Africa. It has always been one of my dreams to attend the World Cup. I had my chance in '94 but I was young and broke. It's not going to happen this year but 2014 in Brazil looks very promising. So as the world prepares for largest event of the year, Nike recently unveiled the kits for the upcoming World Cup. What's even more amazing is the use of recycled materials (plastic bottles) to create the jerseys. 8 recycled bottles = 1 Futbol shirt. You can find additional photos and a very interesting read at The Original Winger.

Now if I've inspired you to relive your futbol glory days, here are a few of the latest shoes you can enjoy on the pitch ...

Nike Total 90 Strike III










Adidas Predator X AG

Training Day

I'm always in the market for new shoes to train in. I'm not biased to a specific brand, so I'm open to try a wide array of shoes. In the recent months I've been training in a pair of Nike Lunarglide+ . Very lightweight but enough cushion to relieve your precious feet of all the beating. These runners are also very aesthetically pleasing. A great bonus considering most running shoes in the market look like Voltron's feet. So whether you're a serious runner or just in need of a comfortable sneaker, give the Nike Lunarglide+ a try. You and especially your feet can thank me later.

My favorite colorway ..


Also comes in the Livestrong edition for all the Lance Armstrong fanatics ..