The former NBA MVP will be back in town on November 5 to coach other former NBA veterans plus a group of AND1 streetballers in a charity game at the Mall of Asia Arena. It’s been 16 years since Allen Iverson’s visit, and boy has Manila—and his fortune—changed since. To keep his energy up, Coconuts Manila has made plans for the 39-year-old basketball legend. AI, let’s bounce.
Reebok Fithub Shop
Allen Iverson’s career decline has not been fun to watch, especially for his loyal fans who admired him for being a tough “shooting guard who didn’t even have a nice outside shot but had the heart of a heavyweight champion.” (Bleacher Report’s words, not ours). Good thing Reebok signed him to a lifetime endorsement contract in 1996. The fashion brand also reportedly set aside a US$30-million trust fund for the former All-Star which he can’t touch until 2030. While we wait for it to vest, let’s hang out at Reebok Fithub Shop and talk about the good old days—maybe try on a pair of The Answer for size? 2/F Glorietta 4 (Royal Sporting House), Ayala Center, Bgy San Lorenzo, Makati; +63 2 8450138. Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-9pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10pm.
Auntie Anne’s
Ann Iverson was pregnant with Allen at 15 years old and raised him as a single mother. Despite a hard life and mounting bills, she never forgot to motivate her son. “I never looked up to no one but my mom. She always told me I could be somebody and I could do something with my life with the talent God gave me, and I always believed it,” says AI. Let’s drop by Auntie Anne’s for a selfie. AI, make sure your height covers up the last three letters, okay? Your reward: a Glazin’ Raisin premium pretzel (PHP65). 2/F Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Bgy San Lorenzo, Makati. Daily 10am-10pm.
Tribal Gear
Let’s get you some threads here. Many believe AI’s doo-rag school of fashion was the reason the league enforced a dress code. The barely six-feet tall 11-time NBA all-star preferred baggy clothes (long tees, jackets and hoodies) over the formal suits the rest wore during game days. At this made-in-The-Philippines, big-in-the-US streetwear brand, this bad boy can pop some tags on fashion inspired by graffiti, hip hop music and the street culture. Fist bump, dude! 1/F Market! Market!, Bgy Fort Bonifacio, BGC, Taguig.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co
Time for lunch. Iverson is often called “The Answer” or AI, but he goes by a different nickname with his family: “Bubba Chuck,” derived from the names of his two uncles. Bubba Gump serves up huge and delicious servings of seafood and other American cuisine, and we have a big day ahead of us. We’ll have the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Dixie Style Baby Back Ribs. Have you watched Forrest Gump, bro? I’m sure this place reminds you of that Tom Hanks classic. 2/L Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Bgy San Lorenzo, Makati City. Mon-Thu & Sun 11am-12pm, Fri & Sat 11am-1am.
RONAC Art Center Basketball Court
“Practice? We talking about practice, man?” These are immortal lines from a 2002 interview when Iverson was still with the Philadelphia 76ers. It was reported then that his former head coach, Larry Brown, wanted his franchise player to set an example for his teammates. Now retired from the game, Iverson is being eyed by the Sixers to be an assistant coach. He won’t have any trouble liking this basketball court, as most of our local PBA teams (like recent Finals foes San Mig Coffee Super Mixers and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters) use this venue to sharpen their game. This court definitely got swag, man. Ball up! 3/F RONAC Art Center, Ortigas Avenue, North Greenhills, San Juan; +63 2 5709815 or +63 917 6214974. Daily 7am-12am. PHP1,800 per hour.
The Cheese Steak Shop
Iverson spent most of his basketball career in Philadelphia where he was was first overall in the celebrated 1996 class. He stayed there until 2006 before being traded to Denver and reunited with the Sixers in the 2009-2010 season. Let’s take a step down memory lane with a Philly Cheese Steak. Let’s chomp on the King of Philly Cheese Steak, for you used to rule the city of Brotherly Love. You can also have a Cherry Coke float to whet your appetite. 40 Amorsolo St, Bgy Legaspi Village, Makati City; +63 2 5550325. Mon-Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-8:30pm.
Titan 22 Barber Shop
Iverson’s hairstyle was the in-thing back in the early 2000s. Most African-Americans tried growing their hair out to get “braided up.” He even had his personal braider with him always so he could have a fresh ‘do. This first and only basketball specialty store in the Philippines also happens to be a traditional men’s barbershop. Yo, AI, they even have Reeboks here. It’s definitely legit! The Deck, RONAC Art Center, Ortigas Avenue, North Greenhills, San Juan. Daily 12nn-9pm. PHP200-PHP700 depending on the service.
NBA Café
This NBA-themed American sports bar and grill is the first of its kind outside of the US. It features a lot of NBA memorabilia and a community hall where you can watch NBA games together with other NBA fans. AI’s press conference before his actual charity game will be held here. After answering questions and giving out autographs to fans, let’s have some Ultimate Winning Play Combos. This place actually has value meals called Isolation, Post-up and Pick & Roll (to name a few). While we’re at it, let’s catch a live NBA game here while chilling out bro, yes? Oh, and is that your jersey framed on the wall? 5/F SM Aura Premier, C5 Road corner 26th Street, Bgy Fort Bonifacio, BGC, Taguig. Mon-Thu & Sun 10am-11pm, Fri & Sat 10am-1am. PHP900-PHP1,500 for two people (approx.)
Republiq Club
AI tried starting a rap career back in 2000. He even had a rapper monicker, Jewelz, and a single titled “40 Bars” that ended up not being released because of its controversial lyrics. Iverson definitely loves music and he’d want to visit a club to party hard before he leaves Manila. We’ll drop by Republiq, a Las Vegas-style nightclub that often hosts special events with big international EDM DJs. AI will definitely have a blast here also chilling out to his type of music on a Wednesday night (after his charity game), when they play mashups of hip-hop and R&B hits. Let’s go with the flow, bro. 2/F Newport Mall, Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay City; +63 2 8561299. Wed, Fri & Sat 10pm till very late.
Snow Tattoo
It’s no secret that AI has an infatuation with tattoos. He had just one tattoo before entering the NBA, but increased the number of his body ink as he progressed in his basketball career. If he decides to get a commemorative one here in Manila, Snow Tattoo is it. Sarah Gaugler (a DOH-certified and New York City-licensed tattoo artist) will work with our guest for the new tattoo he wants. Better make sure to schedule in advance as Gaugler works strictly by appointment, although we’re pretty sure she can make an exception. Hey AI, try getting a Pinoy-inspired tattoo, that would be the real deal. 7612 Gujio St, Bgy San Antonio, Makati City. From PHP2000. By appointment only via +63 916 6001659.
