When I first heard Calvin Abueva’s now-famous quote—“Yung future naman ‘yung tinitignan ko, ‘yung future ng team”—it struck me how perfectly it captures the spirit behind the PBA Alaska Aces’ jersey designs. As someone who’s been collecting basketball jerseys for over a decade, I’ve seen teams come and go, but Alaska’s visual identity has always stood out. It’s not just about colors or logos; it’s about legacy, loyalty, and that forward-looking mindset Abueva was talking about. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best Alaska jersey designs I’ve come across, from classic editions to limited releases, and share exactly where you can buy them today—whether you’re a die-hard fan or a new collector looking to invest in something special.

Let’s start with the iconic red, white, and blue home jersey, a design that’s been a staple since the early 2000s. I remember picking up my first one back in 2015, and what impressed me wasn’t just the vibrant color blocking but the quality of the fabric. Made from a breathable, moisture-wicking material—often a polyester blend with around 15% spandex for stretch—it’s built to last. The team’s polar bear logo is embroidered with such fine detail that even after dozens of washes, it holds up beautifully. Over the years, I’ve noticed subtle tweaks: the 2018 edition, for example, introduced a sleeker collar and slightly darker shades, which fans like me debated endlessly online. But the core elements remain, and that consistency is part of why these jerseys resonate. They’re not just uniforms; they’re symbols of a team that values tradition while keeping an eye on the future, much like Abueva’s statement suggests.

Now, if you’re after something rarer, the 2022 anniversary jersey is a must-have. Limited to just 5,000 pieces globally, it features gold-accented trim and a commemorative patch on the left sleeve. I was lucky enough to snag one through a pre-order, and it’s easily the crown jewel of my collection. The design incorporates subtle nods to Alaska’s championship wins—like tiny stars along the hemline representing each title—which I only noticed after wearing it a few times. It’s these thoughtful details that make jerseys more than just apparel; they’re wearable history. And honestly, from a collector’s perspective, this one’s already appreciating in value. I’ve seen resale prices hit $150-$200 on platforms like eBay, up from the original $80 retail. If you can find one, grab it—you won’t regret it.

Of course, not every design is a hit, and I’ve got my personal favorites and flops. The 2020 alternate jersey, with its gradient fade from blue to white, divided the fanbase. Some loved the modern twist, but I thought it felt a bit too flashy for Alaska’s understated ethos. Compare that to the 2016 playoff edition, which used a deeper crimson and minimalist branding—that one, in my opinion, is near-perfect. It’s all subjective, though, and that’s what makes jersey collecting so fun. You’re not just buying a piece of merch; you’re engaging with the team’s narrative, much like how Abueva’s focus on the future reflects the Aces’ rebuilding phases. When I wear that 2016 jersey, I’m reminded of specific games and players, and that emotional connection is priceless.

So, where can you get these jerseys today? Based on my experience, official PBA stores and the Alaska Aces’ online shop are your best bets for current-season designs, which typically retail around $60-$70. But for older or limited editions, you’ll need to dig deeper. I’ve scored some gems through Facebook collector groups—like “PBA Jerseys Philippines,” which has over 10,000 members—or on Carousell, where fans often list lightly used jerseys at a discount. Just last month, I found a 2014 away jersey in near-mint condition for $45. Pro tip: Always check the stitching and tags to avoid fakes; I’ve learned the hard way that counterfeiters are getting better at replicating details. If you’re outside the Philippines, sites like Lazada and Shopee offer international shipping, though delivery can take up to three weeks.

In wrapping up, Alaska’s jersey designs are more than just sportswear—they’re a reflection of a team that balances heritage with innovation. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless home jersey or hunting for limited releases, each piece tells a story. And as Abueva’s words remind us, it’s that forward-looking vision that keeps fans invested, season after season. From my collection to yours, I hope this guide helps you find the perfect jersey to celebrate your fandom. Happy hunting!

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.