Lakers donate to typhoon victims

LOS ANGELES – The Jr. NBA All-Star Philippine Team flew here without a hint of the kind of thrill awaiting them in the Jr. NBA presented by Alaska NBA Experience trip.

They were summoned at midcourt of the Staples Center during a quarter break in Los Angeles-Memphis game and were shocked at being joined in by Lakers star Kobe Bryant in a check-turnover ceremony.

On behalf of the Lakers and their families, Bryant handed a check of $150,000 to the Filipino boys as donation for the relief effort of the Philippine Red Cross in the devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda in southern Philippines.

And Bryant had brief chats with the Filipino boys before leaving the floor.

The precious moment was repeatedly replayed in the giant tele-box inside the venue.

Bryant, still recovering from an injury, was somewhere else – not on the bench – as the Lakers bowed to the Memphis, 86-89, Friday (Saturday in Manila).

“It was an experience of a lifetime,” said Miguel Fortuna of La Salle-Zobel.

“Hair-raising,” said Vince Ferrer of UST.

Earlier, they formed a line on the side where the Lakers were to enter the hardcourt. They were allowed to exchange high fives and low fives with Pau Gasol and company.

A bonus was a meet-and-greet session with Steve Nash, Nick Young and Jodie Meeks after the match. All of them were nice and accommodating despite the loss.

Later, the Filipino boys were granted a shoot-around session at the Staples Center, a welcome warm-up for their friendly match with Maranatha High School Saturday.

“I’m happy for them. It’s a dream experience,” said Alaska Basketball Camp project director Jojo Lastimosa.

Others enjoying the privilege were Samuel Abuhijleh of San Beda, Marco Sario of La Salle Zobel, Gian Mamuyac of Ateneo, Paolo Rivero of La Salle Greenhills, Tyler Tio of Xavier School, Pawandeep Singh from Pampanga, Anthony Sistoza from Gen. Santos City and Mahloney Tarranza from Davao

They’re on an all-expense-paid five-day NBA Experience trip here – their prize for making the All-Star Philippine Team.