Category: Sports

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Celebrating Brotherhood and Philanthropy: The 17th Annual Reggie Padua Cup

 

Under the sun-drenched skies of Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course, nearly 100 participants gathered for the 17th Annual Reggie Padua Cup, a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and a commitment to philanthropy. Organized by UP TAI and expertly managed by SOCEX Consulting Corp., this year’s tournament raised vital funds for the National Children’s Hospital, showcasing the profound strength of community bonds and the joy of uniting for a noble cause.

The event was more than just a golf tournament; it was a vibrant celebration of friendship and generosity. As golfers teed off, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, each swing echoing the underlying message that true brotherhood thrives in connection and support. Participants celebrated not only their love for the game but also their dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Adding a layer of thrill to the day, two brand-new cars and a premium Cobra golf set were up for grabs in the highly anticipated hole-in-one challenge. While none claimed these impressive prizes this year, the excitement was palpable as participants came close to driving home in style. The day’s spirit remained undeterred, with over 100 raffle prizes ensuring everyone left with smiles and a sense of accomplishment.

As the sun began to set, participants took a moment to reflect on their shared experiences. The laughter and stories exchanged on the greens created lasting memories, a testament to the enduring legacy of Reggie Padua. This year’s tournament held special significance as it coincided with the 56th anniversary of the Tau Gamma Phi, making the event a moving reminder of the power of community and compassion in action.

 

The 17th Annual Reggie Padua Cup was more than just a golf competition; it was a sentimental occasion honoring the community’s enduring brotherhood and giving back mentality. Along with the trophies and awards, the participants also left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that they had honored the legacy of a beloved local figure and made a contribution to the National Children’s Hospital.

 

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Ja Morant’s Second Signature Shoe, the Ja 2, is Built for the Next Generation of Playmakers

Quick, high-flying, anon d elusive, Ja Morant needs a shoe that keeps pace with his game and helps him get up.

Enter the Ja 2, Nike’s solution for Morant and the next generation of playmakers whose dynamic performance demands the highest levels of support, bounce, responsiveness, and control.

Building off the success of Morant’s first signature shoe, the Ja 1, Nike designers created a second-generation silhouette that maximizes comfort and support, defending against the rigors of a full season of takeoffs, landings, and lateral movement.

“From the Ja 1 to the Ja 2, the core things remain the same. The work ethic doesn’t change,” Morant says. “It’s about comfort, more bounce, and bringing my fans into some different storytelling they may not know. We tell those stories through the colorways of my shoe.”

The Ja 2’s forefoot Air Zoom unit delivers extra bounce and effortlessly guides athletes through quick shifts on the court, while a molded midfoot panel drives lockdown responsiveness and control for hoopers who run the break or break off defenders one on one. An underfoot traction pattern — inspired by the semitrailer tires Morant used to train in his childhood backyard — further allows athletes to cut with confidence.

The silhouette’s sidewall guardrail is designed to protect and stabilize, giving players the confidence to take off unexpectedly, and a waterfall-inspired collar lining and ankle padding add comfort for any kind of movement. A ballistic mesh upper improves breathability all the while, no matter how much heat the game brings.

Morant’s hands-on creative approach shows up in several design elements of the Ja 2, including colorways that reflect the feeling of watching him compete and his background as Nike Basketball’s first Gen Z signature athlete. The “Purple Sky” launch colorway, for example, is inspired by the fact that watching Morant in action — with his high-flying dunks, flashy ball handling skills, and intense energy — is as mesmerizing as looking up at a purple night sky.

The silhouette further reflects Morant’s story as a person and a player: It’s about his roots, his connection to the next generation, and how his drive to get up after getting knocked down can inspire us all.

Similar influences extend to the Ja 2 apparel collection, which speaks to Morant’s personal style, swagger, and connection to youth culture through energetic, artistic prints on his signature fleece hoodie and pants.

In a nod to Morant’s widespread influence on the game, his second signature silhouette will include kids’ sizes, and his fleece hoodie and pants will be available in extended sizes.

“In Nike Basketball, we get to work with the world’s best athletes, help them be even better on the court, and create a canvas to tell stories. We are excited for the world to wear the Ja 2 and to continue to be inspired by his growth and electric style of play,” says Josh Wachtel, VP/GM, Global Men’s Basketball. “The Ja 2 gives hoopers everything they need — it’s bouncy, fast, stable, looks great, and is available in kids’ sizes to serve the next generation.”

The Nike Ja 2 will be available on SNKRS and in select markets on September 26. The silhouette and apparel collection will be available globally at nike.com and select retailers on October 8.

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Jordan Brand’s New Tatum 3 Delivers a Lightweight Feel and Adaptable Performance

A gold medal. A championship ring. A hunger for more.

After winning on the greatest stages in the game this summer, Jayson Tatum is back for another NBA season—ready to rise to the occasion in his latest signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 3.

The new, court-ready silhouette has all the features fit for a champion while delivering unmatched style and continuing the Tatum series’ reign as the lightest in the Jordan Brand basketball collection.

“I don’t take having a signature shoe for granted,” Jayson says. “I’m grateful to be in a position where I can co-create with Jordan Brand and have fans connect with me through my shoe. My favourite part of the 3s is the way they take on colour, so my hope is that we inspire and energise a lot of people through the colourway storytelling.”

The Tatum 3 is the result of Jayson’s extensive collaboration with Jordan Brand’s footwear designers, who met his needs with a shoe that feels broken in right out of the box and adapts to the foot without restrictions or pressure. A new upper incorporates insights from athletes’ on-court moves in the Nike Sport Research Lab, layering materials where they matter most for power and comfort, creating a supportive, conforming fit without feeling bulky or stiff.

Cushion 3.0 foam and a Zoom Air insert work alongside the upper’s firm frame to promote lateral movements that feel smooth and secure, and a herringbone traction pattern propels a superior first step and quick cut while helping hoopers stop on a dime.

The smoothness of Jayson’s play and his commitment to his family are built into the Tatum 3, reflected in fluid lines that represent his uninterrupted approach to the game and the foundation of his family tree. Like the Tatum 2, the name of Jayson’s son, Deuce, is featured on the inside of the tongue, opposite his signature JT logo, and his number 0 is included on the heel along with unique sayings on the heel tabs, specific to each colourway. His popular “Find a Way” quote from his 2023 “humbly” interview is also included on the medial side of the shoe.

The launch colourway, Welcome to the Garden, showcases growth in all areas of Jayson’s life—his family, his game, and his pursuit of greatness—in a floral pattern that nods to his home and personal garden, where he’s surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.

Jayson first unveiled the new silhouette via the NBA 2K25 cover and during his summer tour of China, where he teamed up with fellow Jordan Brand athletes Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, and Paolo Banchero to connect with local youth and foster their love for the game.

The Tatum 3 will be available globally on Jordan.com and select retailers on October 10.