Giant who cared for the little people

You will be remembered: A mural of Kobe Bryant at the “House of Kobe” basketball court in Valenzuela, north of Manila. Fans left flowers and messages on the walls at the newly inaugurated court after learning of Bryant’s death. — AP

Kobe Bryant may be no more, killed in a tragic helicopter accident. But he has the undying love of the people of rural Philippines. He transformed their lives, bringing his basketball, new facilities and joy to their derelict villages. There, the legend lives.

IN a rundown part of Gawad Kalinga village, in Taguig City, an hour’s drive from Manila, a basketball court stood, looking spanking new. It had been recently refurbished.