First, let me say that the Converse Asia Crown event held two weeks ago was the BEST skate event I have been to locally. I can refute any claims that it wasn't. Why? Because I was there from 11am to 9pm and saw how many people enjoyed the competition even with the rain delay and poorly built skate park.

Now why did it take me two weeks to post this? Allow me to list the reasons one by one.

I waited for other media outlets/bloggers that they favored over me (that know nothing about skate or don't represent the scene in any way) to post their materials before I did. Now that I've seen them all I can safely say that mine trumps theirs (modesty side). Scroll down if you don't believe me and compare it to the links posted on Converse Philippines' facebook page HERE. I offered to cover the event from Kenny Anderson's arrival to his departure but was surprisingly turned down.

Instead I saw Converse "fashion" bloggers with their denim jacket, purple jeans and Bench Fix Salon hairdo looking like their life-size cutouts (with their legal names and urls boldly displayed) came to life. I'm not joking about the cut-outs. They do exist and I had no choice but to stare at them for 2 hours after I got stuck in a tent because of the rain. I think it's funny how they pretend to do work when all they are after are free stuff.

The rain was one of the things that really got me. I know Converse had nothing to do with that but praying against mother nature even when the forecast the whole week was thunderstorm after thunderstorm and believing Kuya Kim aka the reincarnation of Steve Irwin (rest in peace) aka the local version of "The Weather Man" were really foolish, if not arrogant. "Hey we spent a lot of money for this event it better not rain!"

Now to the presscon, you gotta love how reporters ask the same dumb question every single time there's a foreign act in town. "What do you think of Filipino ________." If it's a handsome pop group the word "women" will fill the blank. You've all seen it on Sunday noontime television but since the guests were skaters... Umh, dude, they just got here and you got a degree in journalism. Couldn't you think of a better question to ask? I mean shit, do your homework at least so you can do your job properly. If a preschooler can Google so can you.

Let's go to the main course. The skate course! I bet every single skater, including Kenny Anderson and Mike Anderson, said to themselves upon seeing how poorly built it was "WTF, I have to skate on that?" I'm not even gonna comment on the design but SMH the quality of the construction! During practice I saw 2nd placer Jeff Gonzales' body slam on the ramp after his front wheels got caught in a gap between the ramp and the floor. Also during the demo one part of the ramp caved in after Mike Anderson's foot pressed against it while attempting to land a trick. The solution to fix it? Sew it back on! I didn't even know that wood could be sewn back together. For some reason I was embarrassed while dying from laughter.

Can I also talk about the PR company? Can I? Can I? What up Full Circle Communications, Inc! Thank you for that swag bag filled with crap I have no use for. I love how it came with a pair of size 8 flip-flops. Thank you also for handing me a lunch plate (transparent cover) with the smallest piece of chicken with no drink. You didn't have to bother as I could've easily paid for a better meal, just like what I did twice to last until 9pm. Last but not the least thank you for telling me to go to the bookstore 10 minutes away by foot after I POLITELY asked if I could borrow a marker. I don't even know why you bother inviting people like me if your people think so lowly of "bloggers." (which I never consider myself to be one)

Was it because I was dressed like a skater? I don't skate anymore (I can ride) but I've been one of the biggest purveyors of the local skate scene through my work with we Legendary. Are skaters supposed to be some lower form of athletes? You do know that skaters are decent people too, right? Some are doctors, lawyers while others are sons and daughters of doctors, lawyers, etc. How much do you think it costs to be in this sport? You have no idea, huh? Well let me tell you this - it's more than what you pay your average account executive a month. It's not looking so jeje after all, huh?

Lastly, BIG SHOUT OUT goes to the jerk who tried to kick me out from Kenny Anderson's tent. Apparently, the media sticker provided by the PR company wasn't good enough for him. "You're not supposed to be here you blogger," said the man. I asked if he was part of the PR team and he replied in a condescending manner, "I'm with Converse." I said I wasn't bothering no one and if he still wanted me gone call  the boss and ask her to kick me out. He quickly tucked his tail between his legs. 

See I don't understand why some are quick to label others. If I always tow around a camera I'm automatically a photographer and because I have a blog I'm just a lowly blogger? If we're gonna go that route then the jerk from that night was the waterboy? I saw him holding a bag of bottled water for VIPs throughout the competition. An engineer turned waterboy. See how labeling works? No bueno at all. And ______ please, I am no lowly blogger. What if I tell you that each ad box you see on my site is worth at least 6 digits a year? What if I tell you that I've made millions for your company? What does that make me now? An arrogant and pretentious jerk? Like you?

I am not even gonna talk about why the two MCs were almost lynched by the skate mob. I know Rjay through UNSCHLD and the other one only did what he was paid to do. I won't even complain why it is always impossible for me to get a Converse event shirt when even beatboxers that can't fit into it can easily get one. Shoot, just tell me if I have to pay for one and I will. It doesn't make sense how I get free Converse shoes regularly but I can't even get one t-shirt that I will proudly wear. Oh wait, I'm just a lowly blogger.

In the end, it was still pure fun for me. It took so much effort on my part not to post a biased recap. I love Converse Skateboarding and have been one of its loyal supporters since the brand debuted locally a few years ago but I will not turn my back on the skate community for free shoes I can afford to pay for.

Thanks a million to Converse (Hi Kit and Jen!) and congratulations to all the winners. Sheed taking 1st (ex-we Legendary rider) and we Legendary rider Akuma placed 5th out of 170 plus contestants. The event organizer also did a good job. I loved the first two bands!

Shout outs to Kenny Anderson, Mike Anderson, Jon Coulthard, Eric Lai, Jeremy with his mom, and the rest of the great people I met.

See you in Shanghai!

Pictures and videos galore. No captions because I am done with words.

Peace out