Kobe Bryant is in Manila

MANILA, Philippines -- American basketball superstar Kobe Bryant flew to Manila via private jet on Tuesday, arriving amid protocols more restrictive than those enforced during visits of heads of state, diplomats and other dignitaries.

Only a select group of photographers and television crew were allowed to cover the arrival of Bryant's party who arrived at past 6 p.m. Tuesday at the ramp near the International Cargo Terminal of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Organizers of Bryant's Manila visit allowed handpicked photojournalists of selected major broadsheets, the Philippine Daily Inquirer included, to cover the ball player's arrival for a one-day stop here as part of a promotional Asian tour for sports brand.

However, no interviews were allowed.

Media coordinators withheld flight details but airport sources said Bryant arrived via a light plane, an 8- to 10-seater Gulf Stream, from Honolulu, Hawaii. The L.A. Lakers' star reportedly shared the plane with five other passengers.

Bryant's Manila stop is part of his Supernatural Asia Tour 2007, which launches a basketball footwear named after him, organizers said.

He is expected to mingle with children from a Pampanga elementary school at The Fort at 2 p.m. and then “share his training regimen” to young Filipino basketball players at the Philippine Sports Arena later in the afternoon.

Bryant will then continue his tour in Taipei, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.