::: Chief Chapree :::

A Visit to 21 Mercer, New York: The First Ever Nike Sportswear Flagship Store

2012-02-02T03:25:00.000+08:00

Opened in 2008, the famed 21 Mercer is the first stand-alone Nike Sportswear (NSW) flagship store in the world and I managed to squeeze some time between my uber busy schedule at Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2011 World Finals last July to check out the store which is located at the world famous SoHo neighborhood of New York City.

Mercer Street!

The 21 Mercer is pretty special in the sense that it is not only the first NSW outlet but it is also the home of NikeiD Bespoke Studio. If you not familiar with the NikeiD name, it is customization service* offered by Nike for a number of their products including footwear, clothing and equipment.

Just a small preview of what NikeiD Bespoke is all about.

However, the Bespoke program at 21 Mercer which revolves around the iconic Air Force 1 goes beyond the standard NikeID service where at the outlet, it involved 1-on-1 consultation session with Nike designers who would guide the customer on designing his or her custom AF1 from A-Z using huge selection of materials. In short, the Bespoke program is about making a pair of one-off shoes that is designed by you and made for you. Of course, it is not cheap though at USD 800.

By appointment only: 21 Mercer's NikeiD studio.

But unfortunately, I was not able to check out the Bespoke studio myself because one, I didn't make any appointment - it's not an official trip or anything and I obviously can't afford one xD - and second, the studio is only open at certain days according to one of the staff.

Oh la la...

The 21 Mercer also houses some NSW collection that are exclusive to them which were a little bit pricey for me to cop. That being said, I was actually damn tempted to purchase a pair of Nike SB Koston 1 signature model and Nike 6.0 Zoom Primo because they were so damn cheap but in the end, I went home with just a Nike 6.0 t-shirt which was still superbly cheap at USD 12 even though the price tag was USD 20.

Yup, still kept my 21 Mercer receipt!

Why I just didn't empty my wallet right there? Because there were also a number of other streetwear stores at SoHo that I visited such as The Hundreds and Supreme. Not to forget, there was also Flight Club and Niketown NYC - more on them later on, if time permits me to do long blog post again.

I would give more thumbs up if I've more hands...

Nevertheless, I was obviously more than happy - manly tears, man...manly tears - to be able to check out the world famous 21 Mercer myself even though it was just a short visit. I do hope that one fine day, I'll be able to return to 21 Mercer once again and that time...to design and build my own pair of Bespoke Air Force 1! xD

*This service is not available in Malaysia though - the nearest is in Singapore for t-shirt and Hong Kong for footwear.

Many thanks for my old buddy (now a New Yorker) - YZ - who was willing enough to bring me around SoHo and also, patient enough to see me went crazy at 21 Mercer as well as other store at SoHo.

All images taken with Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc except for the receipt which was with Sony Ericsson Xperia Active.

Music Wednesday Fresh Edition: Yuna's Live Your Life, Produced By Pharrell

2012-01-25T01:51:00.000+08:00

While Yuna might has just launched her latest album - Terukir Di Bintang - but truth to be told, I'm more interested (or rather curious) on the work that she did in United States recently especially with the renowned Grammy-winning producer, Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes/N.E.R.D fame. Live Your Life happens to be one of them which was just released on iTunes yesterday.

Click play to listen to Yuna's Live Your Life.

I really love the song's infectious hip-hop/RnB-infused drum beats which works in hand with the song's groovy basslines and laid back piano tunes. It's very fresh - something that is very different from Yuna's usual melodic acoustic-based pieces - but make not mistake, it is still Yuna's there and there due to her signature voice.

Apparently, this is just one of five tracks that she and Pharrell worked on together. Can't wait to check the rest of them as well as Yuna's new release this spring.

Source: Yuna Music, Fader, eCentral, and Budiey.com.

Chap Run Chap: 2012 Is The Year to #MakeItCount

2012-01-24T23:47:00.000+08:00

Towards the finish line at Nike We Run KL 2011. (Photo courtesy of Cheem Photography)

Just like what I've mentioned in previous post, it has been almost one month since I last ran. Hence, it is now time to get my butt off the chair (as well as the non-stop food munching) and kick start the program for 2012.

For the time being, I've yet to decide which event I'm going to participate in 2012 but standard events such as Standard Chartered KL Marathon, Penang Bridge International Marathon, Malakoff 12K KL and Nike We Run KL are already shortlisted by default in my calendar. I also plan to participate in Nike We Run series in other countries such as Singapore and South Korea (yes, blame Running Man for this! xD ) but of course, that depends on available time and financial resources.

In terms of distance, I want to keep it within 15km once again but this year, the target is to DESTROY and ANNIHILATE my Personal Best (PB) for 10K which currently stands at 1h 10m 15s. I want to make sure that I set a good benchmark before I move on to longer distance.

So in summary, my objectives in 2012 are very simple: go faster and finish stronger. Not to forget, it is also the year to make it count. Let's do this! :D

Don't forget to add me on Nike+ through this profile: my.nike.com/chapree. See you on the road! :D

Chap Run Chap: 2011 vs 2010 - Statistically Speaking

2012-01-24T23:13:00.000+08:00

2010 (left) vs 2011 (right) in numbers according to my Nike+ stats.

I always knew that I ran less in 2011 but I never knew that the difference between 2011 and 2010 was really significant until I took a look at my Nike+ stats earlier today. It was 100km shorter! Bad Chap, bad! >.<

On another hand, it seems that my pace was slightly faster than 2010. Not by much though but I take whatever I can. :D

Meanwhile, it has been one month since I last ran in 2011. With February looming around, it is time to get back on the road to clock the mileage. The first stride after a long break is always the hardest, urgh.

Don't forget to add me on Nike+ through this profile: my.nike.com/chapree. See you on the road! :D

Music Monday: Foo Fighters' The Pretender

2012-01-23T23:58:00.000+08:00

"Keep you in the dark,
You know they all pretend..."

Truth to be told, all of us are just a pretender. It's just a matter how good is one at pretending as well as the purpose.

Scary thoughts aside, if you haven't heard of it yet...Foo Fighters is coming to our region this coming March! Even though they are going to perform in Singapore instead of Kuala Lumpur, I already secured my ticket with the help of a friend. The ticket is pretty expensive after currency conversion but come on...it's the Foos, man!.

Looking forward to catch the show this March! \m/

Video-sauce: Foo Fighters.

FFFUUU Tales: Not Sure If She's...

2012-01-22T22:06:00.000+08:00

...and just like that I think I just heard my saham among girls went down the drain. So totally worth it though. xD

Created with: Memebase.com

Annoying Mandarin Orange: The Long Lost Cousin of Annoying Orange

2012-01-21T08:43:00.000+08:00

If there is a fruit that is closely associated with Chinese New Year, that would be mandarin orange - thanks to its status as the symbol for abundance and good fortune. Somehow, there is a troll among many mandarin oranges in this world...its the Annoying Mandarin Orange! *gasp*

Truth to be told, this is one of the better spoof of the world famous Annoying Orange. One might ask what's with all those product placements? Well, Naga DDB is an advertising agency - one of the largest in the country too - and those are all their clients. Still, this is one awesome CNY message or commercial if you want to call it that way.

Meanwhile, Happy Chinese New Year to all who visited my joint. Yeah, you. All seven of you. xD Have a great break and catch up with you very soon. :D

Video-sauce: YouTiup.

True Story Bro: Sh*t Gamers Say

2012-01-20T22:43:00.000+08:00

Its funny but heck, I believe I've said every single sentence that were portrayed on the video above (minus the IGN promo at the end of the video, of course). True story there, bro.

Source: IGN.

Don't Sleep On This: CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC Launch At Juice KL Tomorrow

2012-01-19T22:53:00.001+08:00

Oh hey, more kicks for Chinese New Year! This time around, it is a product of collaboration between Hong Kong streetwear powerhouse CLOT and Nike Sportswear. Using the evergreen Tennis Classic as base model, CLOT draped it with suede upper together with red inner, heel tab and Swoosh.

Apparently it will be released in a very limited quantity throughout the world and Juice KL in Bangsar happens to be one of the drop venue. Priced at RM 359, the CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC will be released at the store from 12 noon onwards. If you plan to cop one, make sure that you...DON'T SLEEP ON THIS!

Product shots: Juice KL and Nike Malaysia

#MakeItCount Teaser: What Is Nike Cooking for 19 Jan 2012?

2012-01-19T02:26:00.000+08:00

Today, Nike will be unveiling a new product that is said to be "designed for all kinds of playmakers" and judging for this trailer, it belongs to Nike+ family. Here is where it get interesting: Nike+ technology and products currently revolved around running (and to some extent, football) but the teaser trailer also showed quite a number of sports outside of running such skateboarding, basketball and aerobic.

I really eager to see what is this all about because as you can see, I'm a Nike+ user as well as a big fan of the technology. After all, it was one of the reason why I started running again. It will be awesome to see the technology being applied to other sports.

Well, let's see how it goes. Only few hours left before it is revealed anyway.

Source: Nike

Don't Sleep On This: Nike Air Force 1 Year of The Dragon Hits Malaysia Tomorrow

2012-01-18T22:32:00.000+08:00

2012 - it's the year of the dragon, baby! So, in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, the Swoosh fam has come up with a four shoe collection to celebrate the arrival of the Year of The Dragon and one of them is coming exclusively to Sole What 1 Utama tomorrow.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low Supreme "Year of The Dragon" is essentially made of a black upper with a white sole that are enhanced with lots of reference to the legendary being such as dragon and clouds embroidery around its upper as well as the word "Dragon" in Chinese character on the heel panel. Not to forget, the dragon-themed motives on its tongue and insole.

On top of all that, you just got to love the XXX deubré on the shoe and AF1-XXX shoe box which signifies the 30th anniversary of the legendary Air Force 1 series this year.

Do visit Sole What 1 Utama as soon as possible tomorrow if you planning to cop them to hype up your Chinese New Year celebration. So...DON'T SLEEP ON THIS!

The Nike Air Force 1 "Year of the Dragon" is priced at RM 579, exclusively at Sole What 1 Utama.

Apart from Air Force 1 Supreme, the collection is also made of Air Jordan 2012, Nike Kobe VII System Supreme and Nike Zoom KD IV. It is not known whether these three are coming to Malaysia or not but if you are a sneaker head, I'm sure you have a way to get them anyway.

Actual product image shot: Sole What. Ad: Nike Taiwan via Sneaker Freaker.

Music Monday: LeeSsang's The Girl Who Can't Break Up, The Boy Who Can't Leave

2012-01-16T22:23:00.000+08:00

Oh hey, first post of 2012.

Some of you that followed me on Twitter might have heard my recent obsession with a Korean variety show called Running Man. As weird as it might sound, I actually discovered some new music through the show.

Apart from SNSD (DON'T JUDGE ME! :p ), I also started to listen to a rap/R&B duo called LeeSsang - thanks to the fact that one of its members, Kang Gary is part of Running Man's cast. I didn't pay attention at first - was busy laughing at all the hilarious stuff happening in Running Man - until one day, I was curious enough to browse around YouTube for LeeSsang's songs and was hooked up immediately.

Furthermore, many of their lyrics mean something to me which made their music pretty enjoyable to say the least. Am currently still going through its latest album Asura Balbalta and some of their older well-known hits like the one above. So, really looking forward to dive deeper into their discography very soon. :D

Closing Time: So Long 2011, Hello 2012.

2011-12-31T20:40:00.000+08:00

"Closing time...every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end."

This song perfectly summed up what I think of today - the last day of 2011. Thank you each one of you that stopped by my humble blog. Hope you have a great new year celebration wherever you may be and see you in 2012. Cheers! :D

When A K-Pop Song Receives Literal Translation of Bahasa Melayu

2011-12-31T00:35:00.000+08:00

"Bila aku muncul, semua jeritlah OPPA OPPA!"

Despite the awkwardness of the lyrics, my K-Pop crazy sister told me that the translation is actually correct. You can't imagine my reaction when I finally saw the video above - it's just too damn hillarious!

Never in my heart and my mind that I look down on Bahasa Melayu but truth to be told, there are a lot of times where direct translations really sounds so hilarious. I guess that is why Malay love songs usually use deep and beautiful words; often with deep meanings. Some example: Dato' Siti Nurhaliza's Bukan Cinta Biasa, Krisdayanti's Mencintaimu and Tan Sri P.Ramlee's Tunggu Sekejap (this version was sung by his wife, Puan Sri Saloma); just to name a few.

Source: KpopMalaySub.

Video Game Commercial...You Doing It Right.

2011-12-27T22:57:00.000+08:00

C4 on a vehicle? Classic. One thing though...that god damn skid steer loader is too damn slow in the actual Battlefield 3! xD

If you are playing the game on PC, look for "chapree" and add me to your Battlelog/Origin. See you in the game! :D

Source: FreddieW's YouTube

FFFUUU Tales: I'm Fat and I Know It.

2011-12-26T22:49:00.000+08:00

So...yesterday, I went for a workout over at the gym. Since I haven't weight myself for quite sometime, I decided to check out how heavy I am these days. The number that I received was...82KG. O MAI GAS, SO HEAVY. :o

My weight reminded me of this song.

That being said, I admit that I slacked a lot in 2011 in terms of health as I failed to balance between work (you can't burn midnight oil without snacks! xD) and fitness despite participating in many runs. Obviously, nothing going to change when it comes to work; in fact, am going to keep on pushing for the win - go forth! - but I believe I definitely can do something about my fitness next year.

Hence, one of my resolutions for 2012 is shed couple of kilos or at least maintain it to be under 80kg. I would also like to achieve better time in my runs next year, hence I hope to set new PB for my 10K and 12K. At the same time, will I move on to further distance in 2012? Well...nah, I don't think so. I would like my body to be lighter before I go further - for the sake of my knees and joints.

Alrighty, here's to 2012! *clinches fist*

Image: Weird Al @ Wikia.com. Video: YouTube.

Players in World of WarCraft Exist Only Because Chuck Norris Allows Them To Live

2011-11-22T22:53:00.000+08:00

Chuck Norris Facts meme might be very very very old but man, they are still funny like its 2005. Just don't repeat it too much though because by then, its not that funny anymore and Chuck Norris himself will roundhouse kick your face.

Apparently, Blizzard has acquired the service of Mr. Norris for one of their recent commercial for World of Warcraft and used the meme as the subject for the ad. Not bad, Blizzard. Not bad indeed.

Source: YouTube

Weekend Road Trippin: Back To Penang Bridge Marathon 10K Once Again

2011-11-16T23:04:00.001+08:00

I had a great time during last year's Penang International Bridge Marathon, so I make sure that I'll be back once again this year. As per last year, I will be taking part in the 10KM category once again and judging from the route, I believe the experience is most probably going to be same as well. Of course, last year's race was pretty wet thanks to unexpected torrential storm and I kinda like that rather than a dry event.

I didn't put any target or even have intention to break the time I did last year which was around 1 hour and 10 minutes. My aim is just to have fun and enjoy the sights. If you participating as well, see you at Queensbay Mall this weekend then. :D

This Is Not How You Ask A (Gamer) Girl Out For A Date

2011-11-15T22:06:00.000+08:00

Desperate much, isn't it? xD

By the way, Alice "ali" Liew is an actual professional gamer. Part of the renowned SK-Gaming, she got couple of title under her sleeves including multiple Electronic World Sports Cup title in Counter-Strike and has been featured in MTV True Life: I'm A Professional Gamer. Mad respect there.

Source: Kingston HyperX

Music + Sad Short Movie Tuesday: The Long Distance Relationship

2011-11-15T02:01:00.000+08:00

I admit, the first time I watched this short movie I got teary eyes but must maintain my poker face because I was at the office. Hey, don't judge me. See it for yourself, tersentap jiwa weh.

First, it was "oh, so sweeett", "woah, such determination"...then, suddenly at the end, WHAT? WHY? NO WAY. Enter teary eyes. It just shows that perfect love does not always end perfectly. Wuu wuu wuuu T.T *sniff*

Excellent but sad movie aside, the band behind the music for this excellent short movie - titled "Cupid's Fall" - is called Once Upon A Time There Was A Sausage Named Bob and they will be having charity gigs (yup, gigS) dubbed as SAUSAGEFEST! to benefit the StART Society for the next two weeks. My band The Wishing will be playing at the first part of the gig this coming Thursday, 17 November at The Bee in Jaya One, Petaling Jaya.

Although I'm gonna be missing from the lineup this time around, am still gonna be at the gig to show support for my two bandmates George and Jason as well as the rest of the lineup and of course, the gig organizer - Bob The Sausage! Not to forget, the cheap sausages. So, come over and check out the gigs. For more details, check out THIS Facebook listing. Be there! :D

Who Run KL? We Run KL. You Run KL. I RUN KL.

2011-11-11T19:30:00.000+08:00

Yup, I just got my Nike We Run KL race kit today which include a Nike Dri-Fit running top specially produced for the event. So, drivers in KL who is going to drive around on the morning of 27 November please be alert of my bib number - 17955 - and DON'T LANGGAR ME PLEASE! Ok, I know the bib number might be too small but still... xD

Also in the pack which comes in a handy bag are a Nike water bottle, event guidelines and of course, the ever important timing chip.

See you at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur on 27 November! :D

Sneak Peek of Nike We Run KL Kit Collection Booth, Mid Valley

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000+08:00

Nike's We Run KL returns again this year! Just like last year, the 10KM run will take over the city of Kuala Lumpur again on 27 November. Last year's event was so much fun; so it is pretty obvious that I'm participating again this year and man, I almost didn't get to secure my slot because the registration was full in just 60 hours! Crazy!

But just like all other running events out there, race kit collection comes first or else, you can't run at the actual event. Since the Nike We Run KL booth is just around the corner - Lowyat.NET HQ located in Mid Valley City woh - at Mid Valley Megamall, so I decided to pay the booth a visit yesterday before I collect my actual race kit later today. So, here are what they got to offer apart from distributing the Nike We Run KL race kit to the runners.

Bunch of iPads for visitors to sign up for free access to Nike+ community.

Free computerized foot scan complete with printout to detect your foot type, in which the staff use as guide to match which Nike Running shoes is suitable for you. That is mine and it said that my foot is rather neutral, heh.

The Nike Running's new Shield range of shoes - including the LunarGlide+ 3 Shield - are also on display.

I personally really like this bib numbers deco. Think when I've enough bib numbers in my collection, I might do the same thing at home. xD

Well, that's all for now. If you picking up your Nike We Run KL racing kit later on, don't forget to say hi. :D

Images were snapped with Sony Ericsson Xperia Active.

Nothing Much: Just Me and the Awesome-tastic Back To The Future T-Shirt

2011-11-08T21:37:00.000+08:00

On the day before my birthday, I received an early birthday present from a nyan-tastic friend named Audra. It is...a Back To The Future t-shirt. O MAI GAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH *dances*

Too bad I don’t have a DMC Delorean and Nike MAG to go together with this awesome shirt. Thank you once again Audra, you are far too kind. *hugs* Its even more awesome when its also the only birthday present I received this year. *manly tears*

Edit: Well, there was actually another birthday present from one of our good friends...a drink...that I can't actually drink. Still, appreciate the thought. xD *LOL*

Cookie Monster’s Baby Cousin Is A Vegan? WHAT IS THIS.

2011-11-04T23:30:00.000+08:00

Am in no way dissing vegetarians everywhere but Cookie Monster’s baby cousin no like cookie? WHAT IS THIS, I AM DISSAPOINT IN YOU COOKIE MONSTER BABY COUSIN.

But then again, just like what Ernie pointed out, you just can’t force one to eat if the person don’t like it. There, yet another lesson for all of us from Sesame Street.

Source: YouTube.

My Personal Picks from Nike Sportswear Holiday 2011 Men's Collection

2011-11-04T22:53:00.001+08:00

Another new season, another set of new collection. Nike Sportswear has dropped huge amount of new designs for this holiday season across all kinds of clothing such as polo tees and t-shirts as well as kicks. They are quite a number of them around - in which you can see in this gallery - but here are some of my personal favorites:

The Grand Slam Polo

Nike Sportswear Tees

Nike Running Tees

Nike Lunar Flow

They are readily available at Nike Stores and your favourite sports retailers nationwide. For ladies, stay tuned; the folks at Nike Sportswear got something for you as well. ;)