CULTURE

Forever 08. 24 | An Ode to The Bryant Family by Hussein Abdullahi

FOREVER 08.24.

The last few days has been a mere tragedy, with the devastating news of helicopter crash that killed former NBA star Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna, and 7 others. The plane crashed on a hill located above Calabasas, California, sources say Kobe was heading to a basketball game with 13- year old daughter Gianna and teammates. The reports stated that LA county Coroner Forensic sciences are conducting ongoing investigations on the recovered bodies from the tragic incident. Sources explains the severity of the accident, which some believe can be linked to the excess fog and bad weather. The world is still in disbelief and many have paid their condolences to the victims of this horrific incident.

FOREVER_08-24.jpg
His seed that he planted in all of us will continue to grow. I’m just gonna continue to carry the torch.
— Kyrie Irving

The current to of reality for our world is to accept the devastating world events. It’s very difficult to turn the other cheek and become insensitive to these current events. Emotions run deep as many innocent lives were lost in the Australian Wildfires, Iran’s plane crash, and the eruption of Taal volcano. In totality millions are families have lost their loved ones and peace for humanity. With the high volume of tragic events in the span of a month, many have forgotten the magnitude of repercussions that each event holds. From a societal standpoint individuals are stuck questioning the current state of our world. With the helicopter crash circulating around all news headlines, we remain hopeful that the time will heal all wounds. As for the millions of families that are heavily affected by this it’s time to rally together.

TGQ-GRAPHICS-23.png
We are not okay. But we will find the strength to pull through this together because that’s what Kobe would want us to do.
— Allen Iverson

Bryant’s illustrious career with the Lakers lasted 20 years, it’s safe to say that he’s the greatest athlete we’ve seen in this generation. Kobe has won 5 NBA championships (1 3-peat), 1 NBA MVP award, and is a 18-time All-star. Despite growing up on foreign soil in Italy, Kobe defied all the odds by becoming an outlier. At just 17 year of age Kobe Bryant embark on an emphatic journey in LA, but his opportunity of playing were very slim. 4 years later, he was on route to winning his first championship title and he never looked back since that moment in 2000. In 2006 Bryant introduced the world to his alter ego “The Black Mamba”, and from that moment on we’ve watched a master at work. Bryant also shared his abnormal way of thinking with the “Mamba Mentality”. Kobe Bryant epitomizes a true champion, his sheer determination and fixation on being the greatest player ever truly inspired the sports worlds for generations to come. Current NBA players share the memories on the significant impact Kobe has had on their lives. People identify with the careers of athletes because sports is the number one unifying tool in the world bringing people together for all walks of life.

D9CjhgqVUAAnlXa.jpg

KOBE

Bryant celebrates his 3-peat after defeating the New Jersey Nets in 2002.

It’s because of those raw emotions, his fixational success that the basketball world loved him back.. Thankful for all the moments he’s giving us throughout the years.
— Stephen A. Smith

Kobe Bryant has taught millions of people across the globe the importance of working diligently and breaking the stigmas that limit one’s capability. For That we commemorate his unique contributions made to our world. For several years many individuals created their own generalized perceptions of who Kobe Bryant was and failed to see the true essence of his character. Some may mistaken his confidence for brass arrogance, but behind the competitive spirit was a heart full of love and positive intent. Bryant was an ambassador for the sport of basketball, a pop-cultural icon, a loving father, mentor, brother, and husband. Too many times as humans beings we often associate people for the things they do in their respective fields, which leads to creating false narratives. Kobe Bryant’s admirers have expressed their deepest gratitude and condolences for the tragic loss of Gigi, Kobe, and the seven other victims.

53a515c284ffa4207630c63f6d2d7301.jpg

LEGACY

Bryant and family during the historic jersey retirement.

We wake up each day trying to keep pushing because Kobe and our Baby Girl Gigi, are shining on us to light the way
— Venessa Bryant

r658291_1071x602_16-9.jpg

Daddy’s Little Girl

Artist dedicates a mural to honour the passing of Kobe and Gigi.

What was a refreshing sight to see was how Bryant compartmentalized his life, as a former athlete Bryant was able to diversify himself within fields of business, philanthropy, and sport. Investing his time to coach daughter Gigi’s middle school team, as well as opening the Mamba Sports Academy. Early this month Bryant also announces a partnership with the MLS and Body Armour Sports drink. The trajectory of Bryant’s life after basketball was very promising and to have his life come to a halt at age 41 is heartfelt. Ultimately, Bryant’s commitment to inspire the next generation of women in sport has sparked the advancement of WNBA’s new pay equity rules. We are thankful for 20 years of lasting memories and iconic moments in history, instead of mourning let’s celebrate the life and legacy of the late great Kobe Bryant and daughter GIGI. Also it’s important that we remember seven other victims were killed as a result of the incident and that we keep them in prayers as well. We send our deepest condolences to Vanessa and the Bryant Family for the loss of beloved Gianna “GIGI” Bryant and Kobe.

Kobe Bryant (August 23 1978- January 26 2020)

Gianna “GIGI” Maria-Onroe Bryant (May 1 2006- January 26 2020)

Forever 08.24


Gilas Pilipinas | Sincerely Yours by Hussein Abdullahi

Early on this year I tried to get out from the city to see what world experiences I needed to capture for myself. One thing for sure and two things for certain, connecting with the world is an incredible feeling that we as humans shall not take for granted. My experiences of traveling, seeing different environments, and different people shaped your perspectives, and even world views at times. As you mature you understand the importance of “BALANCE”, and how to escape the self-isolation of your world. Being in the realm of sports, I’ve had the unique pleasure to travel all around different continents (North America, Europe, and Asia). Every new country that I’ve visited reminds me how big our world is. The Philippines is a special place for myself because it replicates a culture similar to the one I grew up in. Throughout my trip I’ve created lasting memories that I’ll share with the world as well as my audience. From the Philippines unique food culture, sneakers, art, basketball, and fashion.

IMG_4702.JPG

BASKETBALL NEVER STOPS

Location: Ronac Art Centre


  1. Nike Hypercourt (Manila)

    Manila has become publicly acknowledged for it’s unique basketball culture. Anyone that knows about Filipino culture knows their appreciation for food, family, and basketball. The historical Nike Hypercourt in BGC opened its doors to the basketball community in early 2017. Hypercourt is embedded in the Filipino basketball culture as it served several hoopers in Manila, Nike did a great job implementing something of great significance for the community. With the emergence of the PBA (Philippines Basketball Association) several basketball fans have flooded the courts of manila in hopes of starting a new hobby. Unfortunately, the news is out the Hypercourt is set to close at the end of 2019. Due to the city’s redevelopment plans the landowners will reclaim its property. In commemoration of the court Nike Manila hosted a 3x3 tournament as a grand closing of their iconic court. Special guests from Team Nike and the Gold Medal Men’s Seas Games team were all in attendance. Rumors are out that new courts are being designed in the south of Manila and will be open in late 2020.

d4397aa9-a421-4020-b1d9-69246a262b98.JPG

NIKE MANILA 3x3

Since Hyper Court launched 2 years ago at the BGC, it has cemented its position as a thriving hub for Filipino ballers.
— Jino Ferrer (Nike Manila Marketing Manager)

2.Ronac Art Centre (Manila)

The Greenhills district in Manila is known for its rich art culture, shopping and fine cuisine. We had the pleasure of visiting the Ronac Art Centre, which is a four story facility with a private art lounge, basketball court, apparel store, and restaurant. Iconic legends such as @djbigboycheng helped garner traction through the Ronac Art Centre, with the addition of his Secret Fresh brand and Rif Manila store. The architectural structure of Ronac is one of a kind, curating a lifestyle for modern day Filipinos. Owner Bigboy Cheng and assistant John Roy have done a phenomenal job cultivating their brands ( F&F art lounge, Secret Fresh Gallery, RiF Manila) and engaging with the Manila community. Over the years I’ve found my deep appreciation for Art; It’s a unique representation of what our world looks like. Local artist throughout Manila get the chance to showcase their art at Ronac’s Live shows and events. So many dope artist around Manila get to benefit of the likeness of their work as well as show the world their beautiful work of art.

Ronac Art Centre Owner @johnroy68 with @revibeto Founders (@justizokeke, @joshprehab), & @twingq

Ronac Art Centre Owner @johnroy68 with @revibeto Founders (@justizokeke, @joshprehab), & @twingq


3. Sea Games 2019

Manila was home to the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games). The Sea games is a multi-sports event that was held in the Philippines in hopes of building there unique sports culture. With over 5,000 participating athletes the Philippines won an astonishing 387 medals, including 149 Gold medals. Nike Athlete and Toronto native Matthew Wright shared a special moment with his family as he accepted the gold medal shortly after defeating Thailand. For the Women’s they claimed it’s first ever-gold medal at the 2019 Sea games. Both Women and Men’s Basketball squads captured gold medals, a very iconic moment for Pilipinas Basketball. With the Men’s capturing their gold medal at the Sea Games, will they use this momentum to punch their ticket to the 2020 Tokyo Games? The last time we seen team Pilipinas in the Olympics was 2016 in Rio. Some may say that playing in front of your hometown is the ultimate advantage, but History was made at the 30th SEA games.

I thought basketball in North America was big, until I seen everyone wearing basketball jerseys
— Twingq (Founder of TGQ Inc.
20191210SMV23.jpg

GOLDEN MOMENT

2019 Sea Games Champions

Thanks: @nikebasketball,@rif.manila, @2019seagamesphiliphines,

Figures: @djbigboycheng, @johnroy68,

Photography by: @kyoshinn

Produced by: @tgq.inc