Why Not by Leah Puyat: Coca-Cola reveals LeBron's new mix for Sprite

I may not have a huge talent for sports but when it comes to watching all the action, I am sooo game! Especially when it's basketball. I mean watching all the excitement while sitting on a bleacher with a snack and Sprite in hand, and then you suddenly feel the urge to jump up and shout as a favorite team makes that winning shot. C'mon. Who doesn't enjoy that, right?

And speaking of winning shots, last July 26, I was able to attend an exclusive media debut of the new Sprite LeBron's Mix at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati City. It's the first-ever limited edition Sprite drink in the Philippines made with collaboration from the champion NBA superstar and King of Diskarte, LeBron James!

It's a whole new and electrifying experience for me as the taste has that certain twist of natural cherry and orange flavors combined with the signature crisp and refreshing lemon-lime taste of Sprite. Its packaging is also done very handsomely as the cans and PET bottles for this product are made with LeBron's initials and of course, King James' iconic crown.

During the launch, media guests like me, Coca-Cola partners and some of our favorite personalities like heartthrob UAAP basketball player Jeron Teng, PBA players Sudan Daniel, LA Revilla and his girlfriend Denden Lazaro, actors and sports fanatics Young JV and Carlo Guevara were the firsts to experience this whole new level of diskarte as we got to join in the fun of playing basketball inspired games like the Doble Diskarte and Spot your Diskarte Shot. As exciting as these were, I was not able to win a prize like the others did but I'm still glad I was still able to take home Sprite premium and limited edition items, ha!

Familiar faces from the Philippine sports world added more excitement to the air as PBA courtside reporter Mara Aquino and UAAP sports commentator Boom Gonzalez energetically hosted the event, as well.

Though, what's truly amazing is how Sprite is deeply connected with street culture including sports in the Philippines and in other countries as well. It has become a popular favorite among sports fans and innovators like LeBron himself especially when he started his relationship the brand, beginning collaborations with it back in 2003 before this NBA superstar started his first professional game. 13 years later, his relationship with Sprite still seems strong, especially now with the success of this new collaboration. Like what Coca-Cola Philippines VP for Marketing Stephan Czypionka said, “Sprite is deeply rooted in its intense refreshment. Drinking an ice-cold Sprite clears your mind and helps you make your diskarte. In addition, the brand has always been grounded in the country’s street culture – and there is no better way to bring street culture to life here in the Philippines that with the sport that everyone loves, basketball.”

And with the continuation of the NBA starplayer's partnership with Sprite, its legacy strengthens like a king or queen's indisputable empire.

Thank you Coca-Cola for this whole new feeling with Sprite LeBron’s Mix.

Sprite LeBron's Mix's big reveal!

This calls for a celebratory toast for Sprite with Coca-Cola FEMSA Phils. VisMin Commercial Director Manrique Cerdas; Coca-Cola FEMSA Marketing Director Juan Pablo Rodriguez; Coca-Cola FEMSA Franchise Director Carlos Alfredo Gonzales, Coca-Cola FEMSA National Key Accounts Director Patricia Gamboa; Coca-Cola Philippines Strategic Planning Director Steve Bonz; Coca-Cola Philippines Commercial Director Bruce Burnett, Coca-Cola Philippines Vice-President for Marketing Stephan Czypionka and Coca-Cola Philippines President & General Manager Diego Granizo