Kobe keeps coming back to Manila

The Black Mamba is back in Manila.
(Photo by Ricky Castillo)

Last month's announcement of Kobe Bryant's much awaited return to Manila was abuzz among Kobe-heads and hoops fans alike. The tickets were completely sold out. Those given away by Nike BHS and Titan were gone in about an hour of July 2. Perhaps the fans that missed out on his 2009 visit made sure they get to see him this year. Nike Philippines knew that fan attendance would double for Kobe's one-day visit, so they decided to get the Big Dome as their venue.

On Wednesday, July 13 was the big day. The Swoosh brand held a press conference for the media at the Manile Peninsula Hotel that morning. As Kobe Bryant gamely questions not only from the scribes but also the international press covering his tour. He didn't hesitate on letting everybody inside the room know that "Manila is his second home" and "favorite city in the world".

Kobe Bryant with the kids from SIGA, Gawad Kalinga's youth developmental program.
(Photo by Ricky Castillo)

The 5-time NBA champ then made his way to Gawad Kalinga in Taguig City for a charity event. The media that attended the press con earlier were given a rare opportunity to witness the Black Mamba's mini-basketball camp for the kids of GK's youth developmental program called 'SIGA' -- a word that means "to start a fire" in Filipino. He gave the young ballers some inspiration ans a few tips on how to improve their game -- even joined them for some push ups.

His next stop was Nike Park at Bonifacio High Street where fans waited to see THE Kobe Bryant in the flesh. As expected, it was a packed house and the Kobe love was all over the place. The crowd reaction even louder when the Black Mamba finally appeared on stage. It was an absolute treat for the fans. He even threw some basketballs to the crowd before heading to the Araneta Coliseum for the main event.

Kobe answering a few questions from the media
at the press conference held at the Manila Peninsula hotel.
(Photo by Ricky Castillo)

From Nike BHS, fans trooped the Big Dome for another chance of seeing the LA Lakers star. Even non-Kobe fans went there just for the heck of it. The Big Dome was filled with Lakers and Kobe fans alike even the bleachers were full.

Kobe gave a short speech and thanked the fans attendance for all the love and support throughout his basketball career. He did the ceremonial toss for the 10-minute exhibition game between the UAAP All-Stars and Smart Gilas Pilipinas. The National Team dominated the UAAP All Stars in the game -- then Kobe decided to play some ball and joined the UAAP All-Stars for another 8 minutes of hoops fun.

Show the Black Mamba some love.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Fans didn't expect such a rare chance to see the Black Mamba in action. What suprised all is that he donned a yellow FEU jersey -- maybe not. The color yellow is a no-brainer as it is close to the Lakers trademark gold home jersey. He could've chosen Ateneo's but everybody knows -- even non-Kobe fans -- there's no way he'd pick La Salle's colors. Boston Celtics anyone?

He did some practice shots before officially starting the game. At 6'6", he towered all of his teammates from the UAAP squad -- Greg Slaughter is an exception, of course. He seemed like he was gonna play PF (Power Forward) but it was easy to predict that he'd inevitably play the 3. There was no coaching needed from La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren. All he had to do was sit back at the bench and watch Kobe run the show.

The throw down from Kobe at the Big Dome.
(Photo by Paul Ryan Tan)

A couple of jumpers here and there for Kobe even dropped dimes for Ateneo's Greg Slaughter for two-handed flush. Smart Gilas players were obviously star-strucked on the Black Mamba even JVee Casio hesitated on trying to cross him and passed the ball to his teammate instead. Perhaps he knew the ball was gonna get stolen by Kobe in an instant. Big man Japeth Aguilar was notably the only guy who has no fear in guarding Kobe down low.

He electrified the crowd when he made his first dunk of the game. If that wasn't enough, he made a two-handed throw-down in transition and hung on to the rim. The crowd just went bananas.

Kobe on the BLOCK.
(Photo by Ricky Castillo)

The UAAP All-Stars may have lost even with the aid of Kobe Bryant -- he obviously had a great time playing alongside and against the finest ballers in the Philippines. The fans went home happy and got their money's worth. Big ups to Nike Philippines for bringing back Kobe Bean Bryant in Manila.

Indeed, Kobe Bryant loves the Philippines so much. It won't long for his next visit in the country though.

This time however he'll be joined by his NBA buddies for an exhibition game in a few days.

One thing's for sure, Filipino hoops fans will witness the Black Mamba play basketball for more than 8 minutes.