KOBE Bryant is certainly one of the all-time greats in basketball and he once again reminded Manila why.
His presence was felt and his legacy was honored by his thousands of fans in the Philippines after having yet another memorable trip in the country with his Mamba Mentality Tour Manila 2016 this past weekend.
Despite already being retired, the five-time National Basketball Association champion showed that he still has the charisma, and the indelible impact he established lives on as he wowed his Manila fans by sharing the approach, passion and work ethic that propelled him to the top of the basketball world.
Last Saturday, Bryant held court in a day-long event which saw him discussing his outlook on basketball, retirement and life in his press conference at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. He later conducted mini-clinic, while his lasting legacy was remembered and revisited in the Mamba Mentality Night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with over 10,000 in attendance.
With his tons of Filipino followers celebrating his basketball greatness in front of him, Bryant couldn’t help but be emotional and grateful for all the love that he continues to receive.
“I just want to say thank you so much for inspiring me in this journey. It’s really crazy. I started playing basketball when I was two years old and never in my wildest dreams did I envision everything that came after,” Bryant told his adoring fans at the Big Dome.
Bryant followed up by leaving Filipinos with hope and inspiration as he explained his main purpose in his seventh return in Manila.
“If I can leave anything with you guys in my retirement, I want you to understand that dreams do come true. They do come true. I would love for everyone here to follow their dreams. Make sure you work hard every single day. Make today better than yesterday and your dream will come true as well. Thank you from the bottom of my hear. I retired professionally as a basketball player but I’m not retired from coming to Manila and working with you guys to make your dreams come true.”
The crowd then started chanting his name after a huge banner of his likeness was raised to the Big Dome rafters right across the “Thrilla in Manila” streamer. Bryant exited by continuing to thank the Filipino people who witnessed his 20-year legacy.
“Thank you. I’m deeply honored by that. I’m speechless about it. I love you and I will see you soon. God bless,” he said.