One sad day for Pinoys

January 26, 2020 was a sad day for Filipinos. One of NBA's greatest--Kobe Bryant died by a chopper crash! Kobe and his second daughter Gianna "Gigi," only 13 years old and already a very promising basketball player died along with seven others, pilot included.

That morning, most Pinoys were still sleepy and just tuning in on their radios, or TVs or their smart phones and wham, news about Kobe's death was all over.  Coffee and breakfast was temporarily forgotten, at least by most, it was very shocking news indeed!

Filipinos have a great love for basketball and Kobe was greatly loved by Pinoys. He was a frequent visitor--the very first time in August 1998, then September 2007, July 2009, July 2011, August 2013 and last was in June 25, 2016, few months after his retirement. 

On that last visit, Kobe was warmly welcomed by thousands of Pinoys in Araneta Coliseum. And Kobe was overwhelmed: "Thank you so much. I'm deeply honored by that. I'm speechless about it. I love you. I will see you soon."

On many interviews long before his untimely demise, Kobe has been vocal in saying that he loved the Filipinos as well. 

"To the Philippines, thank you so much for the tremendous honor… the love that you guys have shown me, the way that you guys have embraced me, something that I will always, always remember. So thank you so much for that. Then secondly, I hope that you guys remember to always demand more of yourself, to always push yourself beyond what your expectations are, and demand more, love the hate, Mamba out!"

Kobe was no saint, he had personal and legal issues of his own but he surpassed that period in his life.  He became a greater person and he was able to inspire more people. It was part of his charisma. He was an excellent player, dedicated and hard-working but his strongest point was being an inspiration to others throughout his 20 years career.   

According to the man himself, "It's about inspiring… I think the important thing is when you leave your mark, you return that favor and then you inspire the next generation."

And Filipinos who love basketball was inspired and had that special connection with Kobe, the Black Mamba.    

After his death, more endearing Kobe stories circulated of how he was as a colleague, as a friend and as a father to Gigi and the three girls he left behind and it made the heartache even greater. 

Now that emotions have gone down, owed mostly by the next big news affecting the Filipinos--the novel coronavirus (nCoV) fever, it's time to finally leave Kobe to his eternal rest with his beloved child Gigi, his Mambacita. 

A great player can be forgotten in time but for Filipinos who love basketball, Kobe was a legend and a legend forever lives on… in our minds, in our hearts.