Kobe Bryant's Banner Unveiled in Mamba Mentality Night in Manila

The Araneta Coliseum had a Staples Center vibe during the Mamba Mentality Night on June 25 in Manila. The whole place were pumped up by the awesome mixes from the DJ before video clips of
Kobe Bryant was shown. Fans were excited as amazing shadow plays were performed depicting the story of young ballers and how Kobe has inspired them. There was also a dance number that kept the hype going. Finally the last young baller took the spotlight as he held a big basketball that lights up. As he was raising the ball up, the whole Araneta Coliseum erupted as Kobe Bryant was revealed to the crowed. It was surreal moment. I had goosebumps all over me as the big crowd at Araneta Coliseum roared. Kobe Bryant's entrance was beautiful and beyond perfection.

Kobe Bryant conducted some quick drills for the chosen UAAP and PBA players like running suicides and having them compete for who make more shots faster. Bryant made sure that the players use the fundamentals they do during drills be applied in an in-game situation. The UAAP an PBA players faced each other as the UAAP team started the 10 minute game trailing emulating a fourth quarter with around 10 points deficit against the PBA.

During the exhibition game, Kobe took a lot of time out and gave some advice to his team to keep there spirit up and to motivate them to compete hard as much as they could. Kobe also noticed how Araneta Coliseum made him feel as if he was back in Staples Center with only the basketball court lighted making it look like the center stage. The crowd tried to pursue Kobe of playing for the last few minutes of the exhibition game but he answered "Not a chance.". He told the crowd that he is retired and will not play in the game.

The game ended with a win from the PBA players. Bryant was brought near to the crowd as he was thanked by the emcee and was shown a video clip. No one was expecting that there is a banner that is about to revealed. The "Thrilla in Manila" banner was lighted up and was recognized for a moment until the spotlight changed to the other side of the arena where the banner of Kobe was hanging. It was a special moment for all the fans and for Kobe. Kobe Bryants "Mamba Mentality Tour" banner is the one and only banner alongside the Thrilla in Manila banner that is up in the rafters of Araneta Coliseum.

It is the first time for an NBA player to gain such recognition. This symbolizes how much love Filipinos have for Kobe Bryant and he will always have a special place in the heart of every Filipinos, may it be HATE or LOVE.