 |
| A large mural painting at the center of The Tenement in Taguig in honor of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and daughter Gigi who died in a helicopter crash on the afternoon of January 25th (US time) (Image Source: Twitter/NBC News) |
A five-time NBA champion, Kobe Bryant is highly regarded by basketball and sports aficionados as one of the all-time greatest NBA players in the modern era and has forged wonderfully amazing moments as one of Los Angeles Lakers' star players throughout his career. The Philippines is arguably most impacted by the suddenly tragic loss of Black Mamba considering that he has been visiting the country six times during his professional basketball career. His presence and impact to the basketball world became an inspiration for today's generation of Filipino basketball superstars who are influenced by the so-called Mamba mentality that, in any case I believe, is also known around the world.
A few hours after the news of Kobe's tragic death came, Filipino basketball fans are starting to pay their respects to Black Mamba through social media including celebrities, sports analysts and players from other sports while several shopping malls light up their buildings and attractions with the colors purple and green in honor of the legend, more particularly the SM Mall of Asia globe. There are dedication walls in various establishments across the country where people can take their time writing their own dedication to Kobe especially inside the recently-opened House of Kobe in Muntinlupa City and Robinsons Place Lipa's activity area. Perhaps the nation's most impactful way of honoring the legacy of Black Mamba is the mural within the Tenement in Taguig City made by twelve visual artists which has been seen around the world.
Black Mamba may have left the world so suddenly, but I'm certain that the legacy he left behind will inspire the Los Angeles Lakers to continue playing their own game towards the NBA championship and I believe that its new star player Lebron James will make sure that it will be possible. For Filipino basketball fans, Mamba mentality and his phenomenal contributions to the sport he loved will push them to strive harder to fulfill their own goals and become life champions in their own right. Thank you for the memories, Kobe Bryant, and may you and your daughter Gigi watch over us with the Lord Jesus Christ on your side.
