Taguig Mall Glows Purple And Gold To Honor Kobe Bryant

Uptown Mall in Uptown Bonifacio, Taguig City paid tribute to NBA star Kobe Bryant by lighting its facade gold and purple on January 27, 2020, the same day the athlete died in a tragic helicopter crash. The word KOBE also glowed across the building together with the number 24, which is the late player’s jersey number during the later part of his career. Purple and gold are the official colors of the LA Lakers team.

His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria Onore Bryant, died with him along with several others when their helicopter crashed due to foggy conditions at Calabasas, California.

The mall also released a statement, as per GMA News Online, saying: "Uptown Bonifacio pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, who also touched and inspired so many lives when he visited the Philippines for several occasions."

The shooting guard, also known by the nickname 'Black Mamba’, visited the country several times over the years to connect with his fans. He even participated in several sports clinics to promote the basketball to kids.

"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," the star once said in an interview as reported by GMA News Online.

Coincidentally, a basketball court dubbed as the “House of Kobe” was inaugurated in Valenzuela City just hours before the star’s death was announced. Pinoy fans have since paid their respects to the NBA legend by leaving flowers and lighting candles in the new court.

Follow Karen on Instagram.