Lebron James was back in Manila after 2 years last week, from August 20 to 21, as part of the Nike Lebron Rise Tour to mentor the Rise players, inspiring them and young Filipinos to realize their true potential. The tour started out with a presscon at the House of Rise on thursday afternoon, where James talked with host Boom Gonzales about his own Rise story. He even rocked his latest Lebron 12 collab, the Nikelab x Pigalle Lebron 12 Elite. After that, everyone headed to the Mall of Asia Arena for an exhibition game where Lebron unveiled the 12 final Rise players and joined them on the court along with select Nike athletes. The King did not disappoint and gave the kids and fans what they came for, with spectacular dunks that we only get to see on tv.
James’ message was simple and clear “…more than teaching them skill sets, it’s about the inspiration that comes behind it. The stories that I can give them, tell them about the game. It’s up to them to use that, to better themselves. That is more important than anything else”.
The next day, the two-time champion visited and met with young children and youths of the Tenement Court, a community in Western Bicutan. These children embody the true spirit of Filipino street-ball, playing passionately despite not having the best court, all that matters is the net and their passion for the game. Tenement residents will have their own lasting legacy of the four-time NBA MVP with the newly refurbished hardcourt that sports a full image of LeBron James in action.
Lebron’s last stop was a visit to the Nike store at Fort to unveil the Lebron 12 Low ‘Rise’ with a special Filipino-inspired design. It sports a distinct Filipino blue, a reflection of the blue on the national flag. It also features Filipino elements, and has speckles of the other colors of the flag, red and yellow around it. It delivers a simple but bold message of Filipino pride. The shoe was designed by part-Filipino Nike designer Erick Goto.
Check out the photos below and catch LeBron James in the final episode of Rise and be inspired by his Rise legacy on Sunday, August 30 at 6 PM, on TV5.
