Kobe Bryant became a longtime friend of Tuloy when he visited Tuloy Sa Don Bosco in Makati in 1998. He played with the kids and fed them, and I even got to play one-on-one basketball where I scored a 3 pointer against the legend himself.

Thank you, Kobe Bryant, for the joy and inspiration you brought to me, our Tuloy kids and the rest of the world. We were thinking of inviting you to our celebration of my 50th anniversary of Priesthood in May as meeting you was one of the highlights of my life and a memory I will never forget.

Our Tuloy family would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Vanessa and the Bryant family as well as the families of those who were affected by this unfortunate tragedy. May their souls rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy,
Fr. Marciano "Rocky" Evangelista, SDB