Throwback: The times Kobe Bryant showed his love for Filipino fans in Manila
- Kobe Bryant or the Black Mamba had a soft spot for his Filipino fans
- Through the years, Bryant visited the Philippines to show his love for his fans in Manila
- His first visit was in 1998, just two years after he had his debut in the NBA
- Bryant’s last visit in the Philippines was in 2016, a few months after his retirement from NBA
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In 1998, NBA legend Kobe Bryant already flew in Manila to show his love for his Filipino fans. During that time, it was just two years after Bryant debuted in NBA.
KAMI learned that Bryant has visited the country multiple times, even after he retired from the NBA.
In a report by Rappler, the NBA superstar posed beside former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada when he paid a courtesy call on August 14, 1998, in the Malacanan Palace
Bryant also played with street kids in Manila when he visited on August 16, 1998.
In a video shared on YouTube, Bryant was seen dancing the Filipino dance, Tinikling.
On September 5, 2007, Bryant went back to Manila for his one-day visit.
Meanwhile, on July 21, 2009, Bryant joined a basketball clinic during his Manila Asian Tour.
Two years after, on July 13, 2011, Bryant played in an exhibition game with Filipino collegiate and professional basketball players. He was wearing the jersey of Far Eastern University.
On July 24, 2011, an exhibition game was held in Manila where NBA superstars united for the Ultimate All-Star Weekend. During that time, Bryant also shared a moment with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.
Last August 12, 2013, Bryant flew back to Manila and he held a press conference.
The final visit of Bryant in Manila was on June 25, 2016. It was months after he retired from the NBA.
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In a previous report by KAMI, Bryant died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
Kobe Bryant was a famous player of the Los Angeles Lakers. He was the first guard to play 20 seasons in the NBA. In 2016, he finally decided to retire from the NBA.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh