Pinoy fans visit 'The House of Kobe' to say goodbye to Bryant

Filipino fans of Kobe Bryant flocked to the newly inaugurated "The House of Kobe" to pay their respects to the basketball legend, who was killed on a helicopter crash on Monday morning (PHL time).

The court in Valenzuela City, also known as the Karuhatan Convention Center, was launched on Sunday, the day before Bryant's tragic death.

Photos from the Valenzuela City Facebook page showed a drawing of Bryant on a wall, where dozens of tribute messages were also written for the five-time NBA champion and former Most Valuable Player.

Flowers and candles were also offered on the wall, which became an impromptu memorial for Filipino fans of the Black Mamba.

“The moment this reaches you, Kobe, please come back to Manila. Sana makita mo naman itong convention center that was named after you," said Rep. Eric Martinez during the court's inauguration.

But Bryant would never learn of "The House of Kobe" let alone visit, as he and his daughter Gianna, 13, were among the nine people who perished when their helicopter crashed on the hills of Calabasas, California.

The father and daughter were on their way to Thousand Oaks to coach and play a basketball game, living their dream in the sport they both loved.

Authorities said there were visibility issues as the foggy weather forced the Los Angeles Police Department to ground their own helicopter fleet.

Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, who is only seven months old. —MGP, GMA News