The New Silk Road: The Ancient Trading Route Revisited

Back then; this is the only trading route that is not just about trading but also the source of exchanging knowledge and bridging cultures. This route was interrupted many times because of many wars that occurred.

 

Professor Zhang Yuyan

Long before the Spaniards colonizers, there was an existing trading relation between China and the Philippines. Back to the present, I was invited to attend at forum at Asian Institute of Management or AIM in Makati City to hear Professor Zhang Yuyan to present China's Economy of Global Context.

Before you react first, you heard it right. I said China. But Professor Zhang is an economist. He speaks here in an economic perspective. I am not going to bore you with the technical details, I will just narrate the sequence, Prof. Zhang narrated the economic situation of China as well as how it affects the world economy.

From this, he is able to present a plan for economic growth not just for China but for the world. He suggests reviving the Silk Road and taking advantage of the digital technology that we have. This will not only contribute to economy but it may also help build bridges and understand each other culturally just like in the old Silk Road.

Who knows, this may also be the key to end any conflicts we are currently in. This is the kind of topics that is discussed in AIM. It may be controversial but it also helps widen our perspective. For more forums like these, feel free to inquire at AIM or receive updates from this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

ADIDAS RELEASES LIMITED EDITION ULTRABOOST METALLIC PACK

Press release

PHILIPPINES – adidas has recently unveiled three unique limited edition versions of its leading UltraBOOST running shoe with the launch of the Metallic Pack.

The shoes feature a striking metallic styling, giving the iconic UltraBOOST a premium look and feel. Each shoe has been given sophisticated gold, silver or bronze detailing – making the Metallic Pack one of the most premium looking UltraBOOST’s available.

The range combines a black adidas Primeknit upper construction as well as, exclusively for the gold edition, a high quality leather cage and contrasting white BOOST sole. Each version is given an added touch of quality with tonal laces.

The limited edition shoes are already available via adidas.com and select retailers for P8,995.

Join the adidas Energy running movement by following @adidasrunning on Twitter and Instagram using #UltraBOOST.

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NATIONAL STRATEGY TO CONSERVE ELUSIVE NATIVE RAFFLES’ BANDED LANGUR LAUNCHED

Press release

Collaborative effort between Wildlife Reserves Singapore and National Parks Board to save critically endangered primate; only one of three primates found in Singapore a valued part of country’s natural heritage

SINGAPORE – Singapore’s Raffles’ Banded Langur (Presbytis femoralis femoralis) is getting a boost this National Day month, with the launch of a national conservation strategy for the critically endangered species. Ambassador-at-Large Professor Tommy Koh, who will serve as patron of the project, launched the initiative during a ceremony at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Immediate priorities include managing the habitat and population through habitat enhancement such as establishing green corridors and exploring options for providing connectivity across forest fragments, focused enrichment plantings based on our understanding of the dietary requirements of the langurs, gathering data to understand more about the movements and habitat  preferences of the langurs, and securing the necessary commitment and resources to ensure the long-term conservation of the Raffles’ Banded Langur in Singapore and Malaysia. 

A workshop was held at the Singapore Zoo in early August in which over 30 stakeholders from 15 organisations, including representatives from Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), National Parks Board (NParks), International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) Primate Specialist Group, Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia, conservation NGOs and universities came together to jointly develop a conservation strategy for the Raffles’ Banded Langur. The workshop was funded by WRS and facilitated by IUCN.

Securing a future for the Raffles’ Banded Langur will require targeted action in a number of areas. Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund will engage Ms Andie Ang, who has studied the langurs since 2008, and is a member of IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group, to set up and chair a Raffles’ Banded Langur Working Group. The working group will glean outputs from the recent workshop to map out a Species Action Plan, which will be used to guide and implement the conservation work for this species in the coming years. The project is fully supported by Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund over the next two years.

One of only three non-human primates to be found locally, the Raffles’ Banded Langur was first discovered by Sir Stamford Raffles 194 years ago. Up to the 1920s, they were still reported to be common in Singapore across Changi, Tampines, Bukit Timah, Pandan and Tuas. Deforestation for urban development led to the shrinking of their habitat such that the Raffles’ Banded Langurs were confined to only the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (BTNR) and Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) in the 1980s. In 1987, the last member of a troop living in BTNR was reportedly mauled to death by a pack of dogs.

By 2010, it was estimated that there were 40-60 Raffles’ Banded Langurs left in Singapore. This subspecies can also be found in southern Peninsular Malaysia, where a number of isolated populations continue to be threatened by habitat loss and conversion. Small and isolated populations have a heightened risk of extinction from the effects of genetic deterioration, extreme weather, disease outbreak and other catastrophic events.

Dr Sonja Luz, Director, Conservation and Research, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, said: “It is a fitting time to embark on a consolidated, comprehensive and integrated conservation strategy for the Raffles’ Banded Langur, to ensure the continued survival of this highly charismatic primate. This conservation project is of national importance for Singapore, and together with NParks, we are fully committed to be a part of the pioneering approach to manage the species over the long-term so Singapore does not have a primate going extinct on our watch.”

Dr Adrian Loo, Director (Terrestrial), National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board, said: “Reforestation, setting aside buffer parks such as the upcoming Thomson Nature Park and enrichment planting over the years have improved the rainforest habitat of the endangered Raffles’ Banded Langur. This will further help increase the foraging area and connectivity for the species, which saw an increase since the early 1990s. Even so, a multi-pronged approach is required to ensure the full recovery of the species. Thus, NParks looks forward to working with our stakeholders to guide the development of long-term conservation and management strategies for this shy, elusive species. We hope to see these animals thrive in our forests one day.”

Primatologist Ms Andie Ang, of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group said: “The development of a regional Species Action Plan signifies a first collaboration between Singaporean and Malaysian authorities, universities, and NGOs in the research and conservation of the Raffles’ Banded Langurs. Besides ensuring that the habitat of the langurs is protected and restored, we hope that this joint effort can also help raise public awareness and appreciation of this primate and the natural heritage in both countries.”

ED STAFFORD MAROONED IN PALAWAN IN SECOND INSTALLMENT OF UNMISSABLE HIT SERIES

Press release

August 15, 2016 – Adventurer and survivalist Ed Stafford is back, pushing his survival skills to the limit and pitting himself once again versus Mother Nature in the brand new second season of MAROONED, premiering August 30, 8:10pm on Discovery Channel.Watch as Ed tackles six new challenges in which he is left high and dry in some of the most inhospitable and extreme environments – equipped with nothing but an emergency phone, medical kit and his camera to record his adventures.

Shot in remote locations ranging from the arid and rocky Gobi Desert in Mongolia to the tropical jungles of Guatemala and the Namibian bushveld, each location presents a unique and deadly test as Ed strives to not just survive, but thrive in some of the world’s toughest environments.

Having become the first man to walk the length of the Amazon in an incredible 860 day feat featured in Discovery Channel series WALKING THE AMAZON, and having spent 60 days alone with just a camera on a desert island for NAKED AND MAROONED,Ed is back again, putting his life in danger as he proves to himself that he can devise a plan to survive in any environment.

Helen Hawken, Vice President Production & Development at Discovery Networks International, commented: “This new season captures Ed doing what he does best – pushing his survival skills to the limits in his true inimitable style. Despite crossing the Amazon and spending 60 days alone on a deserted island, Ed still manages to prove that he can survive and even thrive in even more inhospitable terrains than ever before.”

MAROONED is produced for Discovery Networks International by Tigress Productions. For Discovery Networks International, Helen Hawken is commissioning editor and Tom Gorham is executive producer. For Tigress Productions, Dick Colthurst is executive producer and Tim Walker is series producer.

Marooned With Ed Stafford 2 – SeriesDescription

On the back of his incredible 860-day feat traversing the jungle featured in Discovery Channel series Walking the Amazon and 60 days spent alone with just a camera on a desert island for Naked and Marooned, Ed Stafford faced eight of the world’s toughest environments in Marooned and is now back with this all-new second installment of the series.

In each self-contained episode of Marooned, Ed goes into isolation for approximately 10 days in a remote and potentially deadly location. He’s completely on his own – unless extreme circumstances take hold. All he’s got is a camera to capture his adventure and his survival know-how.

There are critical things every survivor must master in their first few days, starting with water, shelter, food and fire. Ed must rapidly assess his situation and draw up a survival plan that takes him beyond the basics to being in control of himself and his environment. No two episodes are the same as Ed confronts challenges unique to each environment that require him to use every survival trick in the book.

Each location – Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, Guatemala and Namibia – arid rocky desert, tropical jungle, and unique African forest – is difficult and dangerous in a different way and requires Ed to adopt different strategies in each place.

Samsung’s Noteworthy Affair

Press release

MANILA, Philippines - Samsung Electronics Philippines (SEPCO) officially launched the arrival of its newest flagship smartphone: the Samsung Galaxy Note7. Pegged as the smartphone that thinks big, guests at the Noteworthy Affair were treated to an out-of-this-world experience when they finally got to meet the Korean tech giant’s newest flagship phone

Mr. Ivan Pua, Smartphone Category Head of Samsung Electronics

Hosted by Bianca Gonzales-Intal – who is also an ambassador of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 – greeted guests, media partners, and Samsung lovers alike at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort.

SEPCO’sIT and Mobile Business Head, RhinnPiczon, emphasized that the Note series has come a long way. Although critics first doubted the Galaxy Note for its large screen and S Pen, the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is proof that perseverance pays off as the tech giant continues to pave the way for innovation, especially in the phablet category.

“Bigger is indeed better when it comes to those who want to get the most out of a single mobile device on their hands, and that’s what we’ve taken into consideration when the Samsung Galaxy Note7 was created,” said Piczon.

“The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is truly the smartphone that thinks big. The phablet combines best of both work and play rolled into one gadget, which continues to provide the necessary tools that every change-maker needs,” added Chad Sotelo, Marketing Director of Samsung Philippines.

He continued, “With its enhanced functions, the most intelligent smartphone to date makes not just work, but life as whole, much easier and much more convenient. It enables consumers to create a noteworthy idea out of small inspirations and big thinking – and that’s what the Note7 is all about.”

TESTAMENT TO GREATNESS

Touted to be the most intelligent smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7 boasts of four compelling features not otherwise seen in any other device: the most intelligent S-Pen, the most intelligent entertainment, the most intelligent protection, and the most intelligent security.

Effortlessly combining intelligence and style, just like themselves, it’s no wonder that Samsung ambassadors SolennHeussaffand Georgina Wilson have remained loyal to the brand. Both Solenn and Georgina agreed that life has been much easier since they made the switch to Samsung a few years back – attributing it to the innovative features that the Galaxy line provides with its products.

“Samsung’s Galaxy line has always been about going beyond limits, which is why I love their products. There’s a reason why Samsung has been a leader in mobile technology and we can clearly see that in the Galaxy Note7, with its enhanced S Pen, its iris scanner, its dust and water resistance and even its HDR video capabilities,” explained Solenn.

Georgina chimed in. “Samsung has always designed smartphones that allow me to do much, much more than I can, whether I’m working or relaxing during my “me” time. It lets me achieve a lot more, while also being able to express myself.”

A NOTEWORTHY AFFAIR

Bathed in Samsung colors, the grand ballroom was designed to make a statement, using state-of-the-art technology to take the event to the next level.These pieces of technology were then used in a grand reveal of the Galaxy Note7, highlightingitsmost impressive features – the enhanced S Pen, the iris scanner for best security, & the IP68water and dust resistance.

Truly a noteworthy affair, esteemed guests from different industries have come to witness how an exemplary piece of innovation the Galaxy Note7 is. The ballroom was packed with notable guests such as Samsung’s Philippine President Kevin Lee and Samsung ambassadors Solenn Heussaff, Georgina Wilson, Bianca Gonzales, and ErwanHeussaff.

The overall grand display all lends to the fact that Samsung is an innovation pioneer. With the Galaxy Note7 as the smartphone that thinks big, there is no doubt that this will once again set the bar even higher than any smartphone has ever done.

RIVER SAFARI’S KAI AND JUNIOR TAKE FLIGHT FOR LANDMARK MANATEE CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Press release

Manatee duo and best of friends set off early morning on 8 August
on a 34-hour chartered flight to Guadeloupe; Entourage includes two vets and an aquarist

LEFT: River Safari Singapore’s team of aquarists, keepers and vets coaxing Junior into the canvas stretcher, for transfer into the travelling crate. Junior and his best friend Kai are bound for Guadeloupe as pioneer manatees for the world’s first manatee repopulation programme spearheaded by the National Park of Guadeloupe.

RIGHT: Jayce Chua, Assistant Curator, River Safari Singapore, making a final check on Kai before he and Junior are loaded onto the chartered freighter aircraft for the 19,600km journey to Guadeloupe which will take 34 hours. Kai and Junior will be the first of 15 manatees globally to arrive for the world’s first manatee repopulation programme in the creatures’ historic range in the Caribbean, where the species have not been sighted in over a century. PHOTOS CREDIT: WILDLIFE RESERVES SINGAPORE

SINGAPORE – River Safari Singapore’s Kai and Junior have set off on their historic journey to become the first two manatees in over a century to arrive in Guadeloupe as pioneers for the world’s first manatee repopulation programme. The pair departed Singapore at 4.50amlast August 8.

At a farewell ceremony on Sunday, Mr. Mike Barclay, Group CEO of Mandai Park Holdings presented a special flight comfort kit consisting of the manatees’ favourite treats—high fibre pellets—to Mrs. Laurence Beau, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of France in Singapore, symbolically signifying the handing over of River Safari’s two male manatees to Guadeloupe, a French territory in the Caribbean.

The journey to Guadeloupe took 34 hours, and Kai and Junior traveled 19,600km across the globe before finally arriving last 9 August 2016, at 1:30am local time.

Under the Antillean manatee repopulation project spearheaded by the National Park of Guadeloupe, 15 manatees from zoos around the world will be sent to their historic home in the Grand Cul-de-sac Marin, a protected bay which measures 15,000 hectares and will shield the manatee collection from boating traffic by way of an enforced no-entry zone. In addition to age and temperament considerations, genetic diversity is also key in the selection of the founding group. The future offspring from the initial 15 manatees will be reintroduced to the wild, eventually repopulating the Caribbean region. Kai and Junior from River Safari will be the first arrivals for the landmark project.

Mr Mike Barclay, Group CEO, Mandai Park Holdings, said, “As operators of four world-class wildlife parks – Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari, and Singapore Zoo – we are committed to offering the best possible care to the animals under our charge. Aside from maintaining a healthy living collection to educate and inspire an appreciation for wildlife among our park guests, we are also committed to breeding assurance populations for threatened species and, where possible, reintroducing them back into the wild. We are happy to have the opportunity to contribute towards repopulating part of the manatees’ historic range in the Caribbean, where they have not been sighted in over a century. Projects like this allow us to do our bit to protect and conserve the world’s biodiversity.”

In the last 20 years, more than 10 manatees were bred under human care in River Safari and Singapore Zoo. Among them, Kai and Junior have been selected for the repopulation programme in Guadeloupe as they have reached sexual maturity, and are best pals inside the aquarium. Their relative young age also makes it easier for the pair to adapt to a new environment. Kai was born on 8 October 2009 and Junior was born on 2 February 2010. 

ABOVE: The breeding grounds for the 15 manatees, aptly shaped in the form of a manatee, in Guadeloupe. 

Due to Kai and Junior’s massive weight, River Safari’s team of aquarists, keepers, and vets took extra care as they placed the pair into travelling crates for transportation. These crates are lined with thick sponge to ensure that Kai and Junior remain comfortable throughout the journey, and also to absorb water which has to be periodically sprayed on the manatees to keep their skin moist. As an added measure for the manatees’ comfort, the National Park of Guadeloupe and River Safari opted for a chartered flight for Kai and Junior to minimise travel time.

Two veterinarians from the National Park of Guadeloupe and River Safari’s Deputy Head Aquarist, Keith So, are accompanying Kai and Junior throughout the 34-hour journey. Kai and Junior’s favourite aquarist at River Safari, Doris Su, will depart for Guadeloupe on a separate passenger flight this evening, to help ensure they settle down well in their new environment.

Manatees are currently listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their numbers have declined in the last century due to hunting pressures, entrapment in commercial nets, and collisions with propellers and motorboats.

adidas launches the Creator Studio giving young fans the chance to design third kits for world’s biggest clubs

Press release

- Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus, AC Milan and Flamengo part of adidas’ new digital design experience -

- Creator Studio can be accessed by anyone, including stars from adidas’ global roster -

- Winning designs will be used as clubs’ third jerseys for 2017/18 season -

9^th August 2016 – adidas has today launched an initiative giving football fans around the world a unique chance to design the third jersey for some of the world’s biggest football clubs.

Called the Creator Studio, the digital platform will give fans the chance to be responsible for the third shirts that will be worn by some of the best players in the world at Real Madrid, FC Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Juventus, AC Milan and Flamengo.

Fans will be able to upload and share their design online with their community through the Creator Studio, and use it as a platform to campaign for votes. Once the designs have been submitted the kits will enter Battle Mode, where fans will be given the chance to vote for their favourite kit. The kits with the most likes will be entered into a top 100 gallery per club.

The winning shirt for each team will be decided by a judging panel of some of the clubs’ most iconic players, with the winning kits going into production as the official third jersey to be worn on pitch by each team during the 2017/18 season.

Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale, said of the Creator Studio: “It’s an amazing opportunity for fans from all over the world to make their mark on their favourite club, and to be a part of the club’s history. Madrid fans are some of the most passionate in the world and I’m particularly excited to see what the club’s winning kit design looks like.”

This is the first time that adidas has put the design of its clubs’ kits into the hands of fans, providing supporters and aspiring designers with an opportunity to be a part of sporting history.

Markus Baumann, General Manager Football at adidas said: “We are giving people a blank canvas and allowing them to create something exciting and unique. The Creator Studio is an opportunity for fans to become part of the history of some of the biggest global clubs; it’s a true first. We hope the idea of seeing their design on field next year, being worn by the players and by fans around the world, will fuel imagination and creativity.”

The Creator Studio is a mobile-optimised experience, allowing fans to submit designs on the go as well as from desktop computers. The digital experience allows creators to design the jersey of each club but excludes the shorts or socks.

To start creating your own design, visit: www.adidas.com/creatorstudio/

Ballet Philippines Kicks Off The 47th Season With Firebird and Other Ballets

After the recent Dance Manila and Dance Cup, Ballet Philippines opens its 47^th season. BP is not only the oldest ballet company in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia. Wings is the theme for this season. The season kicks off starting with Firebird which is the suitable for the season’s theme.  It is one of the known ballet dances that is popular in the ballet world.

Firebird will be choreographed by Mr. Birkadze and the costumes are designed by Mr. Mark Higgins of Slims Fashion School.  For Mr. Birdkadze, he will present Firebird and recreate it to give it a different look and feel.

Just like Mr. Birkadze, Mr. Higgins designed the costumes in Asian context. Mr. Higgins wants to create costumes for Firebird that is already telling the story. It is the first time he is designing costumes for ballet. Each costume is made specifically for one wearer only. The dancers love the costumes and they can still dance without worrying about the costumes.

This only shows that this Ballet Philippines’ production of Firebird is truly a world class standard. Firebird will run on limited time from August 19-21 at CCP Main Theater (Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo). The rest of the line up this season are Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun in October, Awitin Mo at Isayaw Mo in December, Swan Lake in 2017 and more.

For more update about Ballet Philippines, follow this blog and like L.E.N.S. blogs on Facebook.

ADIDAS AND DERRICK ROSE LAUNCH D ROSE 7 SIGNATURE BASKETBALL SHOE

Press release

New York Knicks Point Guard Pays Homage to Chicago with Seventh Signature Shoe as He Begins New Chapter in His Career 

As Derrick Rose prepares for the bright lights of New York City, adidas Basketball starts the next chapter of his signature series with the D Rose 7.  Inspired by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the D Rose 7 is a tribute to Derrick’s beloved hometown of Chicago and the city that raised him.

The D Rose 7 echoes the resilience of Rose’s passion for the game and perseverance through every challenge. The silhouette introduces unique elements of strength and for the first time, incorporates full-length BOOST through a design inspired by fire and one’s willingness to rise from the ashes.  Built for unmatched flexibility and comfort, the D Rose 7 is designed to harness the raw energy of Derrick’s style of play, including powerful strikes against defenders in traffic and speed at both ends of the floor.

“Chicago’s always been my home and this shoe represents the city that made me the man I am today. From how I play the game, how I live my life and how it’s prepared me for my next step in New York,” said Rose.  “It’s the perfect tribute to the city and fans that helped raise and support me.  It’s built for my game and gives me an added incentive knowing that I’m carrying my city with me on every play.”

True to the history of the Great Chicago Fire and the city’s spirit to rebuild, the D Rose 7 embraces cues from the fluid, yet sharp and unpredictable, shape and motion of fire through a variety of Primeknit color combinations. The silhouette also displays four stars on the heel cage honoring the Chicago flag plus a flame-inspired TPU shank and D Rose signature.

“For each D Rose signature shoe, we focus on a very specific element of storytelling behind what inspires Derrick on and off the court,” said Brian Foresta, vice president of Global Design, adidas Basketball. “With the D Rose 7, we’re ensuring that Derrick’s hometown is never far from him on and off the court. His perseverance and passion to rise above every challenge is what makes him special, so we focused on bringing that to life.”

The D Rose 7 reimagines the brand’s most innovative technology, delivering endless comfort and unrivaled performance:

Full-Length BOOST

The D Rose 7 is the first in the Rose franchise to feature full-length BOOST cushioning for long-lasting comfort and infinite energy return. Incorporating a reinforced TPU shank for stability throughout the outsole, the D Rose 7 is tuned for hard cuts against defenders.

Smoke Traction

Inspired by smoke rising from flames, the D Rose 7 is primed with herringbone traction that delivers optimum grip and control for one of the game’s quickest and most explosive players.

Lockdown Support

To support rapid drives to the rim and speed at both ends of the court, a hinged mid-foot lacing panel attaches to a split heel cage and GEOFIT molded collar to increase stability, lockdown and sock-like fit.

D Rose 7 is available in Solar Red on August 11 for P7,995 with additional colors dropping throughout the season, including: Smoke Gray (August 13), Hydration (September 16), Black/White/Red (October 1), and White/Black/Red (October 15).

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adidas launches Crazy Explosive for the next generation of basketball superstars

Press release

adidas Basketball officially unveils Crazy Explosive, a new franchise built for players with explosive moves that play above the rim. The introduction of Crazy Explosive is part of the brand’s new design and collaboration strategy that combines unique design and style elements that stand out from the crowd.

The mid-top silhouette featuring full-length BOOST allows players like Minnesota Timberwolves star Andrew Wiggins to change the game, propel slashing drives to the basket and embarrass defenders in the air. Crazy Explosive will be worn by Wiggins, Harrison Barnes, Iman Shumpert, Serge Ibaka, Marcus Smart and Justise Winslow, among others.

“adidas came to me with a shoe to make me more explosive on the court. When I tried this shoe for the first time, I really felt the difference when attacking the basket,” said Wiggins. “And we all care about style. You haven’t seen adidas shoes like this before, these shoes are dope.”

Crazy Explosive was designed to challenge the look of the conventional basketball shoe and make a style statement on and off the court.  The silhouette features a Primeknit upper that enhances comfort, fit and durability, while offering striking color combinations that make statements on the court.

“We designed Crazy Explosive to stand out from every other basketball shoe ever released, so when I saw the initial response on social media by fans and media, I knew that we accomplished our goal,” said Jesse Rademacher, design director, adidas Basketball.  “As players get bigger, faster and stronger, they need footwear that harnesses their raw power and explosiveness.  For Crazy Explosive, we tuned our best BOOST and Primeknit technologies to meet the needs of these players that are too versatile to be contained and thrive on unpredictability.  We packaged it with an equally stunning silhouette and Crazy Explosive was born.”

Crazy Explosive was designed from the inside out, loaded with a full-length BOOST midsole, energy enhancing roll cage and power traction:

First Full-Length Boost Mid-Top Shoe
Crazy Explosive features BOOST cushioning from heel-to-toe for industry-leading comfort and infinite energy return.  True to adidas’ mission to make athletes better, BOOST features innovative material made up of thousands of capsules that help store and release energy efficiently as athletes perform.  Crazy Explosive features a full-length infinity-shaped torsion plate that provides basketball tuned stability.

Energy Enhancing Roll Cage
The Crazy Explosive silhouette is stabilized with a lateral TPU roll cage that provides forefront stability to harness BOOST cushioning for explosive cuts and takeoff to the basket.

Power Traction
Crazy Explosive utilizes an entirely new traction pattern based upon reaction-diffusion that provides commanding grip and stability on the court.  The result is a natural traction pattern that stands up to even the most explosive player’s moves to the basket.

Controlled Lockdown Support and Comfort
Crazy Explosive is designed with dynamic lacing and a Primeknit upper to maximize breathability and lockdown on the court and in the air.  Tuned for infinite comfort, Crazy Explosive features an internal bootie construction that delivers an enhanced layer of comfort and support with GEOFIT foam along the tongue.

Crazy Explosive Solar Red is already available in Titan and NBA Store for P8,795, with additional drops throughout the year, including: Andrew Wiggins Home PE (October 1) and Triple Black (October 10).

Karlie Kloss announced as the face of adidas by Stella McCartney

Press release

- Athlete and supermodel set to launch the Fall/Winter 2016 Collection campaign - New campaign showcases a collection fusing cutting-edge technology and style to inspire and empower today’s strong, multi-faceted women -

Manila, Philippines – adidas by Stella McCartney has announced that supermodel Karlie Kloss has joined adidas by Stella McCartney as the face of its Fall/Winter 2016 campaign. Karlie Kloss pushes the boundaries in her career as a model and in sports where she demonstrates her broad athletic skills. She encourages a generation of women worldwide to accomplish more through her impressive list of talents, including modelling, sports, coding and philanthropy.  With her values and ethos in line with the brands, the 23-year-old inspires athletic women everywhere by showcasing her natural sporting ability in the collection’s key looks. 

A fusion of targeted technology and cutting-edge style, the adidas by Stella McCartney Fall/Winter 2016 Collection pushes the boundaries of sportswear to its limit, encouraging today’s strong, multi-faceted women to break the barrier and achieve the most from every workout.

Sharing her excitement on her collaboration with adidas by Stella McCartney, Karlie Kloss comments:

‘It is truly an honour to be working with adidas by Stella McCartney. I am someone who constantly strives to make the most of every opportunity, and I never want to compromise on the things that I love – particularly fashion and fitness. The ethos of the brand feels like such a natural fit for me.’

Stella McCartney comments:

“Karlie is a true adidas by Stella McCartney woman. She has that unique energy that drives others whether she is in front of the camera or challenging herself in the gym or on the track, all the while expressing her own individual style. I am thrilled to have her as the face of the Fall/Winter 2016 collection, she inspires and empowers a new generation of women to push themselves further in achieving their goals without compromise.”

The Fall/Winter 16 collection will be available from July 2016 onwards. Watch Karlie Kloss breaks boundaries here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kowvLd72NTc. For further information, please visit www.adidas.com/stella andwww.stellamccartney.com.