MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – Two of the world’s leading athletic shoe manufacturers are clashing over endorsements by Gilas Philippines, the basketball team in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

On one hand, Gilas Philippines Coach Chot Reyes has proudly displayed the Nike logo on the shirts he wears in the FIBA games.

But a recent announcement by PUMA that Gilas star player Kai Sotto is its new celebrity endorser has upset Nike.

Nike has threatened to pull all of its endorsements and financial support for Gilas unless the PUMA contract with Sotto is withdrawn and cancelled.

Moral of the story: You can only row your boat in one river or ocean. (“Namamangka sa dalawang dagat”).