Fans from all over the world mourned when news about the tragic death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna broke last January. Tributes were paid in honor of Kobe’s contribution in the field of sports, inspirational ‘mamba’ mentality, and life well lived.
Known to be avid basketball fanatics, Filipinos were among those who were deeply devastated with the incident. Some took their admiration to artworks including Jerson “Jerry” Gabo who spearheaded the creation of a giant mural of Kobe and Gianna on the courtyard of a tenement building in Taguig City. The artist said he’s always been inspired by how Kobe embodied passion and commitment. Unbeknownst to everyone, Jerry himself has a story worth telling.
Narrating Jerry’s life, Maalaala Mo Kaya “Mural” episode opened with the young Jerry envisioning his basketball dreams. An injury and height requirement, however, marked that dream as an impossible feat. He instead embraced his other passion – arts.
Jerry (Sid Lucero) met Sheryl (Gelli de Belen) and married her despite her family’s objection because of his social status and job instability. He tried hard, nonetheless, to provide for his family and prove his worth. But, just as when they’re slowly coping with the challenges of their union, Jerry’s illicit affair with a woman he met at the club spawned a series of ill-fated events in his life. Sheryl and the kids left the family home. His mother died not long after. To make his dilemmas worse, Jerry faced legal charges after almost killing a relative in the middle of a land conflict.
Trying to get his life back on track, Jerry started to take arts seriously, carrying Kobe’s ‘Mamba Mentality’ as inspiration.
Sid Lucero once again displayed his brilliance as an actor by portraying the life of Jerry. Joining him in the cast was Gelli de Belen as his wife and Ryle Santiago, Criza Taa, and Melizza Jimenez as Jerry’s kids. Flip through the photos in this behind-the-scenes album to see the team’s preparation from reviewing the script to taking instructions, and of course, some photo opportunities and fun exchange while in-between takes.