Kobe’s Home Away from Home

Tuesday, 21^st of July 2009 kicked off Kobe Bryant fever as he visited Manila for one day only. 1,500 pairs of tickets (a total of 3,000 tickets) were distributed to the public on a first-come-first served basis, to see their basketball icon showcase his skills, just a couple of days beforehand.

This was Kobe’s third visit and marked the start of his Asia Tour. Straight after, he embarked on a whistle-stop tour of Singapore, Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Chengdu.

Kobe’s first stop was an exclusive-by-invitation-only press conference at the Manila Peninsula with the press and media. There he was asked about the LA Laker’s recent NBA Finals win and his MVP performance. During the press conference, Kobe showed his support for fellow Nike endorser and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao. When asked about the Pacman’s forthcoming bout with Cotto, Kobe simply said “Manny all the way.”

Kobe aka the “Black Mamba,” headed to Nike Park at The Fort right after the press conference. He was presented to a mass of adoring fans, and in turn treated two lucky spectators, with each a shoe he had on.

After the mayhem, Kobe went on to meet 17 kids from the Gawad Kalinga who play basketball in their respective communities. Kobe signed autographs and took photographs with them, and the children showed their gratitude as they gave him a compilation of messages and cards. In return, Kobe donated 100,000 pesos to the Gawad Kalinga’s Child and Youth Development program.

Kobe’s final stop was at the PhilSport Arena where he held a basketball camp with Nike Elite Campers, a group of aspiring young basketball players to look out for. Thousands watched as he showcased his skills to former PBA players, local celebrities and the US Ambassador. He showed them a glimpse of his “Blackout” workout which entails a player to make seemingly endless shots over and over from various posts and isolation spots.

As everyone looked on, Kobe articulated that “It feels great to be back… to be around people who enjoy the game as much as I do.” He even expressed that the Philippines is a “home away from home,” much to the delight of his fans. *

The other significance of the Asia Tour was to also unveil the new Nike Dream Season shoe, which is aimed at outdoor basketball with its lightweight but durable design. The shoe had been designed with Kobe’s input.

“Kobe related that a lot of his basketball training when he was growing up was done on the concrete of outdoor courts. He said the Dream Season is endurable and would protect a player’s knees and feet. “It’s gotta look hot,” he said of the new Nike shoe.”*

As the basketball clinic drew to a close, he told his fans, “I love you all… see you next time.” Several lucky fans were able to bring home signed basketballs which Bryant tossed to the screaming crowd.***

Mae Dichupa, Country Marketing Manager for Nike Philippines said that they were proud to welcome Kobe and extremely excited that Manila was his first stop. “Since his last visit, Kobe has further cemented his status as a basketball powerhouse, having been awarded the NBA’s 2007-08 MVP trophy. The Lakers’ clinching the NBA championship and Kobe being named the Finals MVP in the recently concluded season makes the timing of his visit doubly exciting and though brief, we know he will again touch many young lives, inspiring them to reach for their hoop dreams.”****

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LINKS:

Gawad Kalinga
http://www.gawadkalinga.info/

Kobe Asia Tour
http://www.nikebasketball.com.ph/kobetourphil/

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*/**/*** http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/07/21/09/kobe-bryant-caps-manila-leg-asia-tour

**** http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=488687

Posted on 7 August 2009 by Lani in Charity, Sport