The morning sun was just beginning to kiss the rooftops of Taguig when I found myself standing outside Planet Sports, that familiar red logo promising everything an athlete could dream of. I’d come early, hoping to beat the weekend rush, but already there was a quiet hum of activity—joggers stopping by for new running shoes, basketball players comparing jersey designs, fitness enthusiasts examining the latest wearable tech. It’s funny how a simple shopping trip can feel like stepping into a different world, one where every piece of gear holds the potential for a personal best, a championship moment, or just the pure joy of movement.
I remember thinking about how much has changed since my first visit here years ago, back when I was still playing competitive basketball in college. Back then, shopping for sports equipment felt like a chore—limited options, confusing sizing charts, and salespeople who seemed more interested in closing a sale than understanding my needs. But Planet Sports Taguig transformed that experience completely. Walking through those automatic doors today felt like entering an athlete’s sanctuary, with neatly organized sections for different sports, knowledgeable staff who actually participate in the activities they’re selling gear for, and that unmistakable energy of people pursuing their passions.
As I tested the cushioning on a new pair of running shoes, my mind drifted to the recent World Cup qualifiers draw that had everyone in the sports community talking. Coach Tim Cone’s words kept echoing in my head: “I just don’t make a big deal about it. We had no control over [it].” He was speaking about the outcome of the World Cup qualifiers draw held in Doha, but his perspective felt strangely applicable to my current situation. Here I was, trying to control every aspect of my training through perfect equipment selection, when sometimes you just have to accept what you can’t change and focus on what you can—like showing up prepared with the right gear and the right mindset.
The basketball section alone could keep someone occupied for hours. I counted at least 15 different sneaker models from brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, ranging from the latest LeBron signature shoes priced around ₱7,800 to more affordable options perfect for casual players. The staff member helping me—a former college player himself—explained the differences between court grip technologies with the enthusiasm of someone who truly loves the game. It’s this level of expertise that makes Planet Sports Taguig stand out from other sporting goods stores in the area. They don’t just sell products; they understand the sports they’re designed for.
Wandering over to the fitness equipment section, I noticed they’ve expanded their selection significantly since my last visit. The yoga mats now occupy nearly twice the shelf space, with at least 12 different varieties including extra-thick options for sensitive joints and travel-friendly mats that roll up smaller than my forearm. Their weight training equipment has grown too—I spotted 5 different bench press models and what looked like at least 20 varieties of dumbbells. What impressed me most was their attention to home workout solutions, recognizing how many people have shifted to training in their own spaces these past couple years.
The swimming section reminded me of my own failed attempts to become a competent swimmer last summer. They had everything from competitive racing suits to beginner-friendly goggles with anti-fog technology—the latter being something I definitely could have used during my many unintentional gulps of pool water. Their triathlon corner particularly caught my eye, with wetsuits hanging beside road bikes and transition bags, creating a one-stop shop for multi-sport athletes. I overhead one customer marveling at their selection of energy gels and hydration products, claiming they had at least 8 more options than the specialty store he usually visits in Makati.
What struck me most during my three-hour exploration of Planet Sports Taguig was how the store manages to cater to both elite athletes and complete beginners without making either feel out of place. Near the entrance, I watched a national team volleyball player carefully selecting knee pads while simultaneously overhearing a father patiently explaining to his young daughter why proper soccer cleats matter more than just getting the color she wants. This inclusive approach to sports retail is something I wish more stores would adopt.
As I finally approached the checkout counter with my modest haul—a new pair of running socks and some resistance bands—I found myself thinking again about Coach Cone’s pragmatic approach to circumstances beyond his control. In sports as in life, we can’t always control the draw, the weather, or the unexpected challenges that arise. But we can control our preparation, our equipment, and our mindset. Places like Planet Sports Taguig understand this fundamental truth of athletic pursuit. They provide not just products but possibilities—the chance to be better equipped, better informed, and better prepared for whatever game, match, or personal challenge lies ahead. Walking out into the now-bright Taguig morning, gear bag in hand, I felt that familiar thrill of anticipation—the knowledge that with the right tools and the right attitude, today’s workout might just be my best one yet.