Kobe Bryant meets former president Joseph Estrada in 1998

Kobe Bryant visited the Philippines as a young NBA player in 1998, marking the start of his connection with Filipino fans who became ardent supporters of his Los Angeles Lakers.

The future Hall of Famer met then president Joseph Estrada, presenting him with a ball and gamely posing for pictures as if they are going against each other on the court.

WATCH: Kobe Bryant during his visit in Malacañang in August 14, 1998 (Video c/o RTVM) @gmanews pic.twitter.com/GnWA3m0fMt

— Joseph Morong ???????? (@Joseph_Morong) January 27, 2020

Bryant, 41, was killed on a helicopter crash on Monday morning (PHL time). He and his daughter Gianna, 13, were among the nine people who died in the tragic accident which stunned the sports world.

In his last visit to the Philippines in 2016, he was honored with a tarpaulin on the rafters of Araneta Coliseum as the Filipino fans lit up the court with their mobile phones.

Tributes from all over the world continue to pour in for the five-time NBA champion and former Most Valuable Player, including Pinoy fans who flocked to the newly inaugurated "The House of Kobe" in Valenzuela City.

Bryant is survived by wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri. —MGP, GMA News