MANILA, Philippines – Center of Gravity, a specialized skateboarding shop, opened its second store in a ceremony highlighted by the Supra Asian Tour 2012 and a skateboarding competition at the Eton Centris Mall on Quezon Avenue in Quezon City last Saturday.
Founded in December 2010 by owner Will Violago, Center of Gravity was primarily catered to surfing and skateboarding enthusiasts but eventually focused on the latter because of the increasing popularity of skateboarding here.
“We started out with a skate and surf concept but I realized that there is a bigger market for skateboarding so we are now a strictly a skate shop,” said Violago, who was born in Nueva Ecija.
Violago said their second store boasts one of the few skate parks in the country. Additionally, it offers products at competitive prices to attract customers.
“We sell various merchandise and house different brands, from Supra, Nike SB, Vans, Dragon to Alien workshop and many more. We house skateboards, wakeboards, sneakers, caps, pads for the ultimate skate shop,” he said.
“This is my second shop and I believe the only one with a skate park besides the one in Intramuros (Manila),” added Violago, a business management graduate of the University of Michigan.
Center of Gravity charges P15 per person for use of its skate park.
A firm believer of the skating culture and the positive effects of the sport to society, Violago wants to try and change the perception of the skaters in the country.
The Supra Asian Tour 2012, which was a highlight of the store’s opening, saw a huge turnout and even attracted legendary skaters Stevie Williams, Erik Ellington, Neen Williams, Keelan Dadd, Boo Johnson, Kevin Romar and Spencer Hamilton.
“Hopefully, this will be the start of bigger things,” Violago said.