LeBron fan flies from GenSan, gets hotel surprise

Alexx Esponga

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Paul Rivera traveled from GenSan to Manila to meet his idol, LeBron James. He got a nice surprise at the hotel he's staying in.

DIE-HARD. Rivera flew all the way from General Santos just to see LeBron. Photo by Rappler/Alexx Esponga.

MANILA, Philippines — A few days ago, thousands of fans rushed to the Nike Park in Taguig with the hope of getting tickets to see NBA MVP LeBron James in action.

Many fell in line for days, enduring the changing weather and the huge crowds just to get a stab at witnessing history.

Faithful fan Paul Rivera, though, has a different story to share.

Flying all the way from General Santos City, Rivera had a unique and special way of showing his admiration for his favorite NBA player.

Rivera bought a Lower Box ticket for P5, 000.00 online, shelling out hard-earned money to be able to watch LeBron live in action. He also checked in at the Makati Shangri La Hotel, not knowing that James will be staying in the same area.

When he arrived on Monday, July 22, he was surprised to see bouncers wearing LeBron’s signature shoes. This gave him a clue that the “King James” he traveled around 1, 602 kilometers to see could just be around the corner.

“I really didn’t know he was staying here,” Rivera told Rappler moments after finally seeing his NBA idol in the flesh. “I checked in here because I am from GenSan and just went to Manila to see him at the MOA Arena.”

Right after realizing LeBron is arriving on the same day, the 25-year-old businessman did what every die-hard fan would do: change into his own LeBron signature shirt, shorts and slippers while waiting for his arrival.

So as James strode into the lobby of the Makati Shangri La, Rivera ran and got the rare chance to become one of the few to welcome “The King,” who is visiting the country for the first time. 

“I spent almost P30, 000.00 just to see LeBron,” he said. “I feel so happy because I finally saw him in person.”

“It’s overwhelming, a dream come true for fans seeing their idol face-to-face.”

Never mind the money. Never mind the time. Never mind that he is miles away from home. For Paul Rivera, everything is worth it. – Rappler.com

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