The special-edition pair has been labeled “Magpakitang Gilas”. Photo from adidas Philippines
A Philippine-market edition of NBA star Anthony Edwards’ signature basketball shoe incorporates references to Filipino culture, national colors and the country’s passion for the sport.
Adidas released the Anthony Edwards 2 “Magpakitang Gilas,” designed by Filipino creative Melvin Rodas.
Edwards is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Born in Atlanta, he played at the University of Georgia before Minnesota selected him first overall in the 2020 NBA draft.
The Tagalog phrase “magpakitang gilas” broadly means to demonstrate skill, ability or competitive spirit. It also recalls Gilas Pilipinas, the name widely used for the Philippine national basketball program.
According to Adidas, the shoe’s changing shades of blue represent bayanihan, the Filipino tradition of working toward a shared purpose. Red interior accents and yellow-green stitching reference colors associated with the Philippine flag.
The inner tongues carry “Magpakitang Gilas” and “Shine for the Squad,” while “Pilipinas” and “Basketball” appear on the lace tips.
Rodas said the concept drew on pride, teamwork and bayanihan. Adidas says the model combines Lightstrike and Boost cushioning with a textile-and-synthetic upper and rubber outsole.
The shoe was released in the Philippines in late June 26.
