#MambaForever: Local celebs mourn NBA legend Kobe Bryant’s passing

MANILA, Philippines — Showbiz personalities on Monday poured accolades for the late basketball icon Kobe Bryant who perished in a helicopter crash Monday morning at age 41.

READ: Kobe Bryant, NBA legend, killed in helicopter crash

Among those who mourned his passing was television host and volleyball player Gretchen Ho.

“Kobe Bryant. I cannot believe it. Stunned to wake up to this news,” Ho said in a Twitter post.

Kobe Bryant. I cannot believe it.
Stunned to wake up to this news 😣

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) January 26, 2020

“One of those moments where life slaps you with its finite reality. Life is, indeed, so short. We should never take it for granted,” she said in a separate tweet.

One of those moments where life slaps you with its finite reality. Life is, indeed, so short. We should never take it for granted 😞 #RIPKobeBryant

— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) January 26, 2020

Actress-host Anne Curtis was also surprised upon hearing the news and also grieved the death of Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna who was also killed in the helicopter crash.

“Such sad news to wake up to… to hear about the passing of one of the most celebrated basketball players of all time, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.. and everyone who was on that chopper ride…. May they all Rest In Peace. #RIPKobeBryant,” Curtis said.

Such sad news to wake up to… to hear about the passing of one of the most celebrated basketball players of all time, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.. and everyone who was on that chopper ride….
May they all Rest In Peace. 💔 #RIPKobeBryant

— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) January 26, 2020

Singer Gary Valenciano, meanwhile, reminisced watching Bryant’s last game before retiring in 2016.

“I watched his last game. I sensed it would be one for the books and it certainly was,” Valenciano said in an Instagram post.

“Thank you for the years of passion you put into the game of basketball; lessons we all can apply to the game of life,” he added.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zBkbDF3kb/

While admitting she does not play basketball, host Bianca Gonzalez stressed the basketball player’s impact in her life.

“I’ve never played basketball and yet your impact on my life has been immeasurable,  @kobebryant . LEGENDS NEVER DIE. #MambaForever,” Gonzalez said on Twitter.

Derek Ramsay took to Instagram to express grief over Bryant’s death, saying “Mamba out! This guy is the definition of hardwork and dedication. RIP to one of the greatest basketball players of all-time.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zFRnFJm-M/

KC Concepcion mourned the father and daughter’s death by sharing a photo of the two captioned: “This photo is sooo powerful! A father’s guidance, adoration, support, and unconditional love captured in one moment.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zPNTGniJo/

“Los Angeles has lost 2 Angels. Heaven has gained 2 Mambas,” she added.

Bryant’s sudden death sent shockwaves all over the word, with fellow basketball stars, celebrities, and fans stunned by the news.

GSG