No dull moment for Black Mamba in 7 trips to Manila

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:08:49 +0000

By JONAS TERRADO

The local basketball scene was left heartbroken Monday after waking up to the news of NBA great and frequent Manila visitor Kobe Bryant’s death. 

Bryant left a lasting impression among Filipino hoop fans after leaving no dull moment during his seven trips to Manila in 1998, 2007, 2009, twice in 2011, 2013 and 2016.

While all visits were nothing short of memorable, many still recall the time when Bryant, fondly called “Black Mamba”, got a chance to showcase his talents on full display in front of a packed crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in July 2011.

He was part of a group of NBA cagers who faced a PBA selection and the original Gilas Pilipinas during the two-day event dubbed as the Ultimate All-Star Weekend.

“His handful of trips to the Philippines has made him one of the most beloved NBA players among Filipino fans and we all remember these moments fondly, especially the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend where he amazed us with his authentic personality,” said Manny V. Pangilinan, whose company bankrolled and organized the two-day exhibition.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel coach Tim Cone also had a chance to see Bryant in 1998 when the then-19-year-old made his first trip to the Philippines.

Bryant was on hand for Game 6 of the 1998 Commissioner’s Cup between Cone’s Alaska Milkmen and the San Miguel Beermen at the Big Dome wh
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