Though there was a looming threat brought about by the pandemic during the April event—not to mention the delay in logistics—De Vera and his team pulled through. "We try to communicate with fellow merchants and help each other any way we can, but to be honest nothing can beat a live event," says the co-founder. Moreover, the community needed a boost during these precarious times, and it seemed everyone was waiting for the right moment to step out with their freshest pair.

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The expo just had its second run—a successful one at that—with performances from local artists known in the community like rapper Because, Mike Swift, and Omar Baliw. Guests also took their time while enjoying music by famous sneaker collector and DJ Bigboy Cheng, Ace Ramos, Jerik Platon, and Mervin Kei.

See also: Sneaker Culture In The Philippines: What's With The Obsession With These Thousand-Peso Shoes?

The organisers were also giving away PHP25,000 worth of gift checks to those who arrived wearing head-turning outfits. But the "Guess the Sneaker" challenge in the event drew a larger crowd as it came with a twist: players had to guess the sneaker with a blindfold to win a lump sum of PHP100,000. 

Win or lose, attendees came to the expo for one reason. It's the same reason that has brought sneakerheads together in one momentous day.

De Vera would agree. He relates, "It’s such a vibrant community with people from all walks of life. The love for sneakers is something universal and we have seen the growth thru the events we mount."

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