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Kobe Bryant’s death has devastated his fans in the Philippines. Unlike many Asian countries, which are obsessed with football, basketball is the favourite sport in the former US colony, where there is a basketball court in every block.

Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao, a world boxing icon, posted a photo of him with Bryant on his Twitter account. “The world lost a legend today but the impact and legacy he leaves behind will last forever! #RIPMamba,” Pacquiao wrote.

The death of the basketball legend was the banner headline on many news websites in the Philippines. Bryant visited the nation often, where he played exhibition games with local basketball superstars, college players, and even street kids. His last visit was in 2016, months after he retired.

A spokesperson for President Rodrigo Duterte issued a statement: “The Office of the President is saddened after learning about the tragic news of the death of NBA superstar and legend, Kobe Bryant, and his daughter, who were killed in a helicopter crash. Mr. Bryant was a frequent visitor in the Philippines. He was well-loved by his Filipino fans.”

