Kobe Bryant in Manila

Kobe Manila Tour 2011 : Insider's Story

It's a question I've been asking myself for the past 48 hours; is this for real?

3 days ago, I was virtually unknown outside of blogging, the media was nothing more than an idea, celebrities could be found inside my TV and Kobe Bryant was the guy pictured on most of my shirts, posters and cards.

As I write this, I still can't get over the fact that thanks to one online contest, I saw myself on TV, met most of my local heroes and that the guy printed on my shirt, shook my hand.

Truly it's been almost like a dream because it simply is the best thing that has ever happened to me so far in my time as a writer.

I doubt I will ever forget the events that took place in the two days I spent with the Nike team and Kobe Bryant, so as I must do with all things of note, I shall write about them with utmost enthusiasm in the lines to come.

Kobe's Mission with Gawad Kalinga

Every time Kobe comes over to the Philippines, he never fails to share his blessings with the people who need it most. He said multiple times during his visit that he has really fallen in love with the country and its people. Kobe is an advocate against homelessness, he already does work to fight it in Los Angeles but he said that he plans to expand and reach out worldwide.

So when he came over to the projects in Taguig city, you can only imagine how the entire neighborhood poured out to catch a glimpse of him. The court was surrounded by people and some even went up onto their roofs and windowsills.

Some selected kids from the area were lucky enough to play with him on the basketball court that he and Nike completely re-furbished. From broken down and awry, the court was transformed into a true purple and gold, baller's home.

You could see in the eyes of all the people how much Kobe has really inspired them to keep on going and with a brand new basketball court; they have a new source of hope to keep going after their goals in life.

I was able to meet even more people from the Kobe entourage including an Indonesian blogger from Main Basket. He congratulated me on my blog entry and asked me numerous questions about the Philippines and basketball. I saw how passionate he was with the sport and how much he wanted to learn from us in the Philippines. I told him all about the Filipinos that play pickup games virtually anywhere, from school to the streets to the barrios and explained just how big the sport is in this country. I recommended that he read Rafe Bartholomew's book, Pacific Rims to get a clearer picture of what I was talking about.

It always feels good to help out a fellow writer.

Araneta Coliseum

I was drenched in sweat as we got back on convoy from Taguig City towards the Araneta Coliseum. After hours of racing against the clock, the Nike team and I had snacks at one of the stadium's nearby coffee shops to refuel. I must say, that was one much needed chocolate cake.

We made our way through the tunnels and unto our courtside seats, marking the first time I sat courtside other than those high school basketball games that take place in our school.

The entire arena was jam packed and once the lights and effects started to align with the music, I thought the place was about to explode. Whoever had control of the arena's effects that evening needs to be given a good pat in the back because that was one of the best light shows I've ever seen and was truly worthy for the big leagues.

After a lot of dramatic entrance action, the nation finally saw as a whole, the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant. Needless to say, everyone was screaming and the floor was literally shaking.

He had an on stage discussion with local celebrities Bianca Gonzalez and Boom Gonzales and told everybody how much he appreciated the passion and welcome of the fans.

Having been to the past two Kobe in Manila events, I can confidently say that this was the best show by far. Whereas in Kobe 1 and 2 he simply did a clinic and shot the ball around a couple of times, there was actually a game this time around—an exciting game.

The event showcased the Philippine National basketball team against select UAAP college stars, with Kobe sitting on the sideline to watch the game. The exhibition lasted for 10 minutes, with the Philippine National team blowing out the college kids 33-24.

Kobe being Kobe, probably got restless with competitive juices and asked that 8 minutes be added to the game clock, this time with him playing alongside the UAAP team. The crowd went wild as Kobe took off his shirt and put on a Far Eastern University jersey.

The minutes that followed showed the Philippine team how much practice they needed as Kobe led the way for the close UAAP comeback.

Kobe made fantastic assists, finding open college players from every angle. His jump shot was seemingly off but as he has proven time and again, he can adjust on the go. Kobe attacked the paint with layups and dunks, bringing the crowd to the brink of insanity.

Kobe and the kids cut the lead to 2 at 41-39 but Mark Barroca of the Philippine team hit a jump shot to bring the lead back to 4.

Kobe wouldn't have any of it as he stole the ball with ease and scintillated the crowd with a monster 2-handed jam with the hang.That however would be the last point scored for the UAAP team as the Philippine team ran away with it 45-41 in the final seconds.

Kobe then bid the crowd adieu, removed his jersey and threw it into the stands. Must've been heavy from all the sweat, but whoever got it is one lucky duck.

The press was let out onto the court and we began the wrap up reports and interviews with the local athletes. I got to meet my favorite players from the Ateneo University; Kiefer Ravena, Greg Slaughter and Kirk Long and even former Western Kentucky University Hilltopper, Japeth Aguilar.

I went out into the stands and just as I was packing up, Kat Francisco of GMA News 7 asked me for an interview after which some random people called my name and asked if they could take pictures with me—I didn't expect to be asked, so I happily obliged.

Along with the Nike team, I headed back to the Peninsula to wrap everything up, feeling right off cloud nine.

I came home and back to school to even more people congratulating me for winning such a huge opportunity to learn the ropes and meet my hero. I heard the word "congratulations" more in 2 days than I ever had in my 16 years of existence.

I saw myself on television for the first time and was absolutely ecstatic when they showed a screen shot of The Carlo Chronicles along with the interview on TV 5.

It's truly been an amazing and breathtaking experience that not only holds a permanently cemented sentimental value in my heart but also serves as a gigantic boost to my rising career.

I've always dreamed of big things and all thanks to Kobe Bryant, I got a great chance to go after them.

None of this would have been possible without God's blessing, Nike and of course, Kobe Bryant, so to them I am very much grateful.

I now see how the values of Kobe's tour hold true; for to succeed in any field, all you have to do is step up and take every advantage.

Joseph Carlo Herrera.