Kobe Bryant glad to be in ‘second home away from home’

A DAY WITH KOBE. Kobe Bryant, in his third visit to the Philippines, hopes to inspire and encourage the young Filipino athletes to do their best and reach for their dreams. Bryant on his one-day visit, had a full day answering the questions from the press, visiting kids from the Gawad Kalinga’s youth developmental program, getting up-close and personal with his fans at the Nike Park in Taguig and, coaching an exhibition game to selected members of Nike sponsored teams. Video by INQUIRER.net’s Cathy Miranda

MANILA, Philippines — NBA superstar Kobe Bryant considers this city his second home.

“Everytime I go here, I’m  always welcomed with open arms. This is my second home away from home,” said the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard who is visiting Manila  for the third time through Nike Philippines to kick-off his five-city Asian tour which also includes Seoul and three Chinese cities.

The 6’6″ cager addressed the residents of Gawad Kalinga village in Taguig City before conducting his basketball clinic where he taught new tips to the young athletes of the SIGA youth developmental program.

Bryant facilitated a friendly match among the out-of-school kids who were divided into two teams. The winning team got cheered by the Black Mamba while he joined the members of the losing team in doing push-up and sit-up exercises.

The 2007-2008 NBA most valuable player said he hoped to be back in Manila next summer to see how the kids he trained progress.