We chat to Audiology and ENT Supervisor, basketball enthusiast and Offspring Community member @jah.bong
Tell us about yourself
Hi! I’m Jarvis, I was born and raised in a country that is composed of 7,641 islands, the Philippines! But now I live in Cambridge with my family. I’m an Audiology & ENT Supervisor in the hospital by day and during my free time, I get busy building my new sneaker crate brand which is ‘Sole Secured’. I’m so excited to launch this soon!
How long have you been into sneakers and how did you get into them?
When I started playing basketball and I was 10 years old. I grew up watching basketball games with my uncle, like every one of them wearing different models of Nike and Jordans! I told myself when I get a chance to play in front of hundreds of people, I wanted to wear the best sneaker on the court. But I remember the first pair that got me from collecting sneakers is the Jordan Son of Mars because of how it looks, its laced lock, and strap.
Do you have any early sneaker memory?
Yes, growing up in a third-world country and in the streets of Manila getting a pair of sneakers is not a main priority of our family. So, I will never forget when I finally joined my first league, and my mum brought me to a Nike outlet where I got my first pair of basketball sneakers, and it was the Jordan 13 Retro Navy. I know my Mum saved some money for months just to buy me that pair. I’m not sure what year it was but being a kid that feeling is priceless.
Do you have any sneaker regrets and what is your sneaker grail?
I hate this sneaker regret story and I know a lot of you in the Community can relate to this. I had a chance to buy a pair of sneakers for RETAIL at that time and I didn’t get them. It turns out it will be one of my personal grails now, it’s the Air Jordan 1 Union Black Toe. The other grails on my list are the Nike Air Yeezy Red Octobers, for me, the ‘Hype’ started on this pair, and Jordan 4 Manila represents my country which only released 150 limited pairs.
What sneakers are in your rotation currently?
I believe our rotations should change every season. The pairs in my rotation currently are the Nike x Sacai LD Waffle Summit White, A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3, New Balance 2002R, Jordan 1 Chicago and Jordan 3 White Cement Reimagined.
Aside from sneakers what else are you into?
Basketball is my first love. We just finished 1st runner up on a one-day league against 7 teams from different towns in Derby and we have an on-going league here in Cambridge. I can say I’m into of fashion as well, I like discovering new trends and try it on myself. I also love cooking and you should try my sweet and spicy Pork Adobo HQ!
What does community mean to you?
There is a lot of deeper meanings in the word community. Growing up we also experienced different types of community, some of them leaves us a lesson and some of them put us in a better situation. The essence of community for me is how they support and guide you on the right path, shares you their knowledge and everyone has a voice. I’m thankful that I’m part of this Offspring Community, that continues to drive the sneaker culture and gives us excitement on each sneaker release. I’ve met people in the community that I’m comfortable talking about life with, conversations more than just sneakers.
Check out more from Jarvis on Instagram @jah.bong
