LeBron honored in Manila trip with Pinoy-inspired shoes

MANILA, Philippines -- LeBron James commemorated his second Manila tour with a Filipino-inspired limited shoe designed by part-Filipino Nike designer Erick Goto.

James, who came over Manila for over two days last weekend, went to the Nike store at Bonifacio High Street to unveil the LeBron 12 Low that is part of the special Rise Collection. 

The Filipino-inspired shoe 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 specially designed shoe has only been released in limited quantities in the Philippines. 

The Cleveland Cavaliers' star visited Manila to mentor the Rise players, inspiring them and young Filipinos to realize their true potential. 

"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," said James during his second visit in the country.

Aside from joining the exhibition game in the Mall of Asia Arena with the Rise kids and local Nike Athletes, James also met with local street-ball children of the Tenement Court, a community in Western Bicutan. The people in Tenement welcomed James with a newly refurbished hardcourt that sports a full image of LeBron James in action.

James posted the photo of the hardcourt and paid homage to his Filipino fans. 

"Visited this amazing place in Manila today. An abandoned parking garage that’s been taken over by more than 5,000 displaced family members. This basketball court is its heart and soul, and if it weren’t for basketball giving the kids a distraction from the bad influences around them the state would tear it down. Honored to have my likeness grace this space. Until next time Philippines. #RiseAboveAll #StriveForGreatness," James wrote on his Instagram account. 

Thank you guys!! Truly special to be with u guys the Philippines. Love you guys!! https://t.co/hY8ng3BtVA

— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 22, 2015

James' fans can relive his visit as he stars in the final episode of Rise documentary on Sunday, August 30 at 6 PM, on TV5.