IN its own small way, the ‘House of Kobe’ celebrated the life of the late NBA great Kobe Bryant on Monday.
The training facility located in Valenzuela City and named after the legendary Los Angeles Laker guard glowed and came to life after a simple celebration was held on the day Bryant was to turn 42.
Congressman Eric Martinez, the brains behind the construction of the colorful ‘Mamba-themed’ gymnasium, led the commemoration of Bryant’s birthday that comes seven months following his shocking death together with his daughter Gianna and eight others in a helicopter crash in Los Angeles.
A purple-colored cake with various images of Bryant was brought inside the gym. A short dedication that read ‘Happy Birthday KOBE BEAN BRYANT from the people of Valenzuela City,’ was written below the cake.
“Kobe will always be part of our daily lives, including birthdays and other significant milestones of a great career that molded the Mamba mentality among millions of fans worldwide,” said Martinez, who represents the second district of Valenzuela City in Congress.
The lawmaker ended his message with the hashtag #MambaForever.
Kobe mementos such as jerseys, photos, sneakers, portraits, and basketball balls were put beside a pair of chairs on display at center court, while a mini video wall played some of Bryant’s memorable NBA moments in the background.
At exactly 8:24 a.m. the buzzer was sounded in tribute to one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
“Number 8 and 24, kaya 8:24 a.m. to remember his birthday,” said Martinez.
The House of Kobe was inaugurated by Martinez on the evening of January 26 in tribute to Bryant, the young lawmaker being a big fan of the five-time NBA champion.
A few hours after after the inauguration came news about Bryant’s harrowing death.
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