People around the world are paying their respects to NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
He died on Sunday, January 26 (Monday in the Philippines), in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, was also killed.
Filipino-American Andy Digal Doria went to church when he first learned of Kobe Bryant’s death from a news alert on his phone.
“It’s devastating,” said Doria, a Glendale resident who works as insurance broker in California.
“We’ve lost a legend,” he told VRS in an interview on Facebook Messenger.
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| Boholano Andy Digal Doria visited near the crash site in Calabasas in California, USA where Kobe Bryant and his daughter were killed in a helicopter crash. He also paid tribute to the legend at the Staples Center. Photos courtesy: Andy Digal Doria |
Doria, a Los Angeles Lakers fan, immediately went to the crash site in Calabasas, about 30-minute drive from his home.
He said it was foggy and cold on Monday morning but it didn’t hamper fans to visit the crash site.
He said he had seen fans and media and emergency vehicles on Willlow Glen Street and Las Virgenes Road.
Calabasas officials encouraged people to go to the DeAnza Park as Las Virgenes and Lost Hills were off to the public.
Some fans brought LA Lakers jersey and streamers to show their love for Bryant.
He saw smoke from the crash site.
In downtown Los Angeles, thousands of fans gathered outside the Staples Center to remember Bryant.
Doria said the Los Angeles Police Department put restrictions around Staples Center. Fans could not be able to access the area, and some areas around the venue were closed.
Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash along with his daughter and 7 others who were on board.
Staples Center was the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, where Bryant spent all 20 years of his career.
Bryant, 41, an NBA great who retired in 2016, spent his 20-year career with the Lakers, earning five National Basketball Association championships and numerous other honors.
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Protect Bohol from 2019-nCoV
Some Boholanos slammed the slow decision to ban Chinese tourists to prevent the spread of the virus.
Most of them used the hashtags #protectthePhilippines #protectBohol" in their posts on Facebook.
"Remember, temporary lang ni. If okay na then balik sila.Why take the risk when it comes to the health and lives of everyone," said Tagbilaran residenr Joy Bonita Sevilla.
Bohol 2nd district Representative Erico Aristotle Aumentado had already filed a resolution to impose an immediate travel moratorium on flights from China to Bohol.
In House Resolution No. 669, he said as a health measure and to curb the risk of spreading the infection in the country, an immediate travel moratorium must be imposed halting the direct flight from China to Panglao International Airport.
On Friday, January 31, there was no arrival from Chengdu City, China at the Bohol Panglao International Airport.
At least 172 Chinese tourists arrived in Bohol last January 24, while a couple arrived last January 27.
The effect of the ncoV was already felt by a number of travel operators and resort owners who already received booking and tour cancellations from China.
Miraflor Lawangon, 45, proprietor of Wow Bohol Travel and Tours, said she anticipated the cancellations already and the cancellations would somehow affect the tourism industry.
"As of now, we are already expecting more cancellations from our travel agency partners from China. Since the outbreak came, we are expecting more cancellations of their Bohol tours of this month," she said.
" So, somehow we are expecting this will affect our business and it will hurt the tourism industry in Bohol," she added.
She stressed the tour is non-refundable but she is offering re-booking or re-scheduling.
"Tingali makabawi siguro mi sa local tourists since summer is coming," said Lawangon.
According to the Bohol Tourism Office, China is the top source market of foreign tourists in Bohol followed by Koreans.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Now that we have a confirmed case of novel coronavirus (2019 nCoV), the Department of Health has these reminders:
1. Don’t panic.
2. Wash your hands frequently.
3. Facemasks will help.
4. Get enough rest to boost your immune system.
5. Drink a lot of water, make sure your throat is moist so the virus can't attach to it and be absorbed by your body.
6. For zinc supply, put malunggay in your food.
7. Eat food rich in vitamins A, C, E and mineral zinc.
8. Avoid crowded places as much as possible.
9. Stay up to date through credible sources.
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