Game of life

Haven’t you noticed that most celebrities are seen sporting athletic fashion pieces, which they wear to the gym or even for grocery shopping? Yes, there is just nothing as satisfying as wearing versatile Sporty Spice getups – just you with the most comfy pair of sweats, and of course, fabulous sneakers.

Fact is, the sporting apparel industry has never gone out of style. It has become a lifestyle industry as well. One particular brand that is constantly evolving, making designs hipper and more wearable, is Fila. For years, the brand’s heritage has defined style, passion and creativity.

So, what makes Fila special? Just one look at their collection shows exactly what they mean – their clothes boast an Italian flair for style. Expect unobtrusive fashion without being unremarkable. Plus, the sophisticated and classic silhouettes are sourced with fine fabrics from around the world.

Ana Bitong, Fila advertising head, says, "Fila has grown in style but kept the core value of how the company started – vintage with a classic touch. We keep our roots, but we develop fantastic styles that are very affordable."

Sitting somewhere between performance wear and street fashion, Fila is a casual lifestyle brand that can cater to anyone. The new collection is very fluid with suede-paneled cotton polos and sweaters, brightly colored warm-up suits, and an eye-catching range of outerwear.

Since Fila is partly about performance wear, it is natural for the company to endorse international star athletes who are good in their craft like tennis players Bjorn Borg and Monica Seles, basketball star Grant Hill, Alpine skier Ingmar Stenmark, and Kenyan runners.

However, the other part of Fila’s aura is more geared to a casual lifestyle. So, the brand got on-the-go, young, couture-savvy edorsers like Bianca Araneta, Mary Jean Maycon, Pepon Marave, Chase Tinio, Robbie Mananquil, and JR Wacker. They all have diverse personalities and share one thing in common – "a passion for something."

"We like the balance between the endorsers. They are very passionate about something and at the same time, they enjoy other things in life," Bitong explains.

The great thing about Fila is that it is very versatile. Not only can the apparel, footwear, and accessories be worn for every occasion, each piece also truly reflects the lifestyle that embodies the whole spirit of the brand. That’s the philosophy of a brand at the top of its game.

BIANCA ARANETA, model, VJ and sports addict

What are your passions?

Photography and traveling.

In five words, I am…

Outgoing, vivacious, energetic, introspective, passionate.

Ultimate chill-out activities are…

Playing with my dogs and going to the beach.

Sports that keep me fit...

Soccer, volleyball, badminton, horseback riding, squash, jet skiing and wakeboarding.

Guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate.

My style...

Confused! I’m a jeans girl. I am not fussy when it comes to dressing up. I’m more into comfort.

Must-have Fila products?

Rubber shoes, really cool jackets, and accessories.

PEPON MARAVE, go speed race car driver

What are your passions?

Race-car driving, golf, frustrated musician.

In five words, I am…

Shy, wise, experienced, athletic, sensitive.

Ultimate chill-out activities are…

Playing golf, going to bars.

Sports that keep me fit...

Billiards, basketball, badminton.

Guiltiest pleasure?

Girls!!!

My style...

I’m sporty. I go for clothes that are comfortable.

Must-have Fila products?

Sneakers are my favorite.

Mary Jean Maycon, part-time actress and model

What are your passions?

Cooking and sporty stuff.

In five words, I am…

Independent, strong, humble, sensitive, sincere.

Ultimate chill-out activities are…

DVD marathon at home with my cat, J-Lo.

Sports that keep me fit...

Badminton, swimming, bowling and wall-climbing.

Guiltiest pleasure?

Eating ice cream.

My style...

It depends on my mood but jeans and a tank top are my favorite combination.

Must-have Fila products?

Rubber shoes and jackets.

Ana Bitong, Fila’s advertising head and theater actress

What are your passions?

Theater, definitely!

In five words, I am…

Passionate, loyal, moody, spontaneous, excessive.

Ultimate chill-out activities are…

I love to go to restaurants and bars, scuba diving, spending time with my kids and traveling with my family.

Sports that keep me fit...

I go to the gym and work out but I love to run.

Guiltiest pleasure?

Carbs!

My style...

Constantly changing depending on my moods. I try anything once but I love classic cuts.

Must-have Fila products...

New Fila rubber shoes that conform to the feet.

Chase Tinio, tennis jock and musician

What are your passions?

Tennis (I have been playing this sport for 11 years) and music (I play the guitar and piano).

In five words, I am…

Bubbly, happy, determined, motivated, passionate.

Ultimate chill-out activities?

Acoustic sessions with my guitarist.

Sports that keep me fit...

Tennis, of course. I play basketball but I find it too rough sometimes.

Guiltiest pleasure?

Anything sweet! My favorite is chocolate cake with caramel on top.

My style is...

Sporty by day and rocker by night.

Must-have Fila products?

Tennis shoes!!!

JR Wacker, PlayStation fanatic and basketball player

What are your passions?

Basketball.

In five words, I am…

Funny, athletic, serious, friendly, makulit.

Ultimate chill-out activities are…

PlayStation.

Sports that keep me fit...

Just basketball.

Guiltiest pleasure...

Secret!!!

My style...

Shirt, shorts and sneakers.

Must-have Fila products...

Ferrari rubber shoes.

Robby Mananquil, model, artist and music lover

What are your passions?

Music is my life but I also love to paint.

In five words, I am…

Gentle, original, kind, strong, positive.

Ultimate chill-out activities are…

Watching DVDs, playing with my dog, jamming with my band, doing yoga and meditation.

Sports that keep me fit...

I go to the gym and play basketball.

Guiltiest pleasure...

A big banana split with everything on it.

My style...

Comfort with a bit of vanity.

Must-have Fila products...

Shirts and jogging pants.