Kobe Bryant on Manila: 'Of all the places that I've traveled, this has so much passion and enthusiasm for the game

Kobe Bryant's tragic death on Monday morning (Manila time) shocked the world.

Bryant died in a helicopter crash near Calabasas along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others on board. He is survived by his wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka and Capri. 

Bryant, also known as the Black Mamba, has been instrumental in raising basketball's profile around the world, including the Philippines.

The 41-year-old Bryant, who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, is no doubt one of the most accomplished basketball players in history after being a two-time NBA Finals MVP, an 18-time All-Star and an Olympic gold medalist.

With his feat, the basketball-loving Filipinos idolized the basketball superstar and even showered Bryant with love every time he visited Manila.

In a 2011 episode of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," Chris Adora, one of Bryant's fans, said the NBA legend is the reason why he is playing the sport.

"Napanood ko kasi siya noong rookie pa lang siya and magaling na siya. May mga move na siya na parang kakaiba sa mga naglalaro sa NBA," he said.

Meanwhile, Mau Medina, another fan of Bryant, said her love for the Black Mamba started when she was in 8th grade because of her brothers.

Mau also collected Bryant's jerseys, shirts, sleep wear, lanyards, posters and playing cards.

For her 18th birthday, Mau even threw a Kobe Bryant-inspired party, complete with a life-sized standee of the NBA legend.

The two were lucky enough to catch their idol when Bryant visited Manila in July 2011. 

Fans from different parts of the country gathered in the Araneta Coliseum to witness the greatness of Bryant, who played with UAAP teams and the Philippine team during his 2011 visit.

"I enjoy sharing the game of basketball and you know, Manila, of all the places that I've traveled, this has so much passion and enthusiasm for the game," he said.

"That's why I love coming back because I enjoy being around kids. I enjoy being around people who have the same passion," Bryant added.

Bryant was a frequent visitor of the country. He first came to Manila in August 1998.

Bryant then returned after nine years in September 2007. He also visited the Philippines in July 2009, July 2011 and August 2013. His last visit was in June 2016.

READ: In Photos: Kobe Bryant's past visits to the Philippines 

— Ma. Angelica Garcia/LA, GMA News