WASHINGTON Wizards mainstay Kyle Kuzma visited the Philippines recently for his “KuzManila” tour and was warmly received by fans in a series of activities, including a promotional event sponsored by a local coffee shop chain and a press conference.
Amid his hectic schedule, including dropping by at the NBA store at the SM Mall of Asia, the 29-year-old 6-foot-9 forward squeezed in a visit to the Navitas Learning Haus, a hidden oasis in Poblacion, Makati which provides a space for all creatives, designers, artists, project visionaries, hobbyists, and interest-based clubs to promote immersive learning.
Navitas was founded during the pandemic by former preschool teacher Elo Coronel-Quiambao to reframe learning beyond traditional boundaries.
Coronel-Quiambao gave Kuzma, a self-confessed art enthusiast and a fashion icon, a tour of the renovated 50-year-old house, particularly its renowned spaces such as the common room used for creative meetings and workshops, the kitchen used for small cooking classes, the story room used for storytelling sessions, and the quriocity at the 2nd floor which is used for lectures, and exhibits, among others.
Kuzma was also briefed about the various programs offered by Navitas such as Math is Not the Villain, Auntie’s Artnest, and Teacher Jack, which are related to mathematics, arts, and counseling, respectively.
Kuzma also shared his stories, especially the value of play, community, gratitude, creativity, non-linear thinking, and childhood as some of the vital foundations for one’s core, and lauded the importance of having a learning home, such as Navitas.
After visiting Navitas, Kuzma proceeded to the Belarmino Sports Complex to grace a basketball clinic for 80 young athletes from Quezon City.
Kuzma, who averaged 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and shot 33 percent in three-pointers in the last NBA season, played with the young athletes and displayed savvy basketball moves. The participants also performed offensive and defensive drills with the help of local coaches. The activity ended with Kuzma signing some of the participants’ sports items.
Kuzma shared the value of giving back by fulfilling his mission to help others elevate their games and themselves to the next level. He stressed that helping somebody improve is a true sign of a great player.
The basketball clinic, co-sponsored by Stradcom Corporation CEO Anthony Quiambao, was graced by Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Quezon City Sports Action Officer Benjamin Afuang, and SK Federation President Councilor Sami Neri.
