Kobe Bryant is back in Manila yet again and in his seventh visit in this basketball-crazy city, the basketball legend is reminded of why he has come to love the Philippines and his Filipino fans.
The 37-year-old Bryant, who retired after 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA, is in town for his Mamba Mentality Tour.
The five-time NBA champion met the media in a press conference before appearing in front of a big crowd at Araneta Coliseum where his legacy now hangs in the rafters of the country’s most iconic sporting stage facing the “Thrilla in Manila” banner.
Bryant didn’t promise anything to his Filipino fans, who frequently screamed his name and chanted MVP, when he gave his parting message, but the way he enjoys himself being in a place he calls “home away from home,” one of the greatest players of all time will return.
Kobe Bryant reacts during the press conference of his Mamba Mentality Tour with Nike at Shangri-La at the Fort in Taguig City. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant smiles during the press conference for his Mamba Mentality Tour in Manila. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant gestures to the crowd at Araneta Coliseum during his Mamba Mentality Tour. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant greets young athletes during his Mamba Mentality Tour at Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant sits along the sidelines with the young athletes during his Mamba Mentality Tour at Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant huddles with his team composed of promising and former UAAP players during his Mamba Mentality Tour at Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant looks up at the Araneta Coliseum rafters where a banner commemorating his seventh visit in Manila now hangs. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
A banner commemorating Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality Tour in Manila now hangs in the rafters of Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant directs his attention to the “Thrilla in Manila” banner hanging in the rafters of Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant looks at the big crowd at Araneta Coliseum during his Mamba Mentality Tour in Manila. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The crowd lights up Araneta Coliseum for Kobe Bryant during the basketball legend’s Mamba Mentality Tour in Manila. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant facing the big crowd at Araneta Coliseum during his Mamba Mentality Tour in Manila. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Kobe Bryant waves at the crowd at Araneta Coliseum during his Mamba Mentality Tour in Manila. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net