It's Kinda early for the 2009 Fiba Asia championships but nike has recently released its clothing line for Team Pilipinas 2009. The new jersey is similar to most nike jerseys seen in the last olympics which carries nike's swift system of dress.
But then again, there is a renewed sense of nationalism in this country. From the top level international brands, to the major local brands and the cheap or even fake brands seen in the tiangges or bazaars, most of them sport on a new take, Filipino Pride. Some Fashion Fags and crazy government officials may be against it, but everybody else aren't.
That's more than enough reason to release them on an earlier date and make them available towards the public.
The front
The front design features a Team Pilipinas crest at the left and a Nike swoosh mark on the right. It also contains the name "pilipinas" on the chest which has a similar font with the nike 2007 SEA Games Jerseys.
The back
The back is also similar with the designs seen in the Olympic jerseys of China, USA and germany with the aerographics design at the back. What is wierd with the RP Aerographics is that the Abstract vector graphic design that it used to have is not visible at the back of the jersey.
Shown here is the design as seen in the press releases and the launching event:
Shown here is the actual back design of the jersey and compares with the aerographics of the team usa jersey:
The number Issue
The general release jerseys does not have numbers printed in them (like the Regular release Ateneo and La Salle Adidas Jerseys). However, Nike has Provided a month long limited edition printing events for the number on the jersey. For December 2008, 3 Branches will be accepting Printing services (while supplies last) Via heat transfer printing machine. They will also include a small pilipinas at the back. Bonifacio High Street, Mall of Asia and trinoma are the said branches but it is better to call them first because these 3 outlets are sharing 1 printing machine.
In comparison with the 2008 USA Beijing Olympics Jersey
Pros
1. Similar to the USA, germany and China Jerseys, employs nike's swift system of dress.
2. Still cheaper compared to adidas replica and swingman jerseys
3. Released in a wider quantity and is more available.
Cons
1. Graphics on the back are not as good as compared to the Olympic bound teams.
2. Jerseys are of rubberized material while the ones from the other teams are stiched.
3. Jerseys are not printed with numbers and you have to go through the hassle of going to the selected stores just to have them printed. What's worse is that this is a limited thing only.
