MANILA - Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant believes that the Filipino people will recover after taking a beating from the twin tragedies of Typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma).

Bryant, who has visited the country three times, said he was saddened by the plight of Filipinos ravaged by the “twin-typhoons”.

“It's hard to explain because it's something that it's impossible for us to relate to... the typhoon, the tragedy,” Bryant said in a YouTube video posted by Elie Seckbach of Fan House.

Nearly 300 people were killed when Typhoon Ondoy hit the National Capital Region and nearby provinces late last month. This was followed by the arrival of Typhoon Pepeng, which wrecked havoc in Luzon.

“My thoughts are with them,” the 2009 NBA Finals most valuable player said of the Filipino people, whom he considered close to his heart.

Bryant said he learned during his visits to the Philippines that Filipinos are known for their ability to persevere against challenges.

“They have a lot of strength, a lot of pride… the perseverance and the strength they have is remarkable,” he said.

This is the reason he believes that Filipinos will eventually recover from their misfortunes.

“There's no question that they'll bounce back and I can't wait to go back over there and help them out,” said Bryant.

The last time Bryant visited the Philippines was last July when he kicked off his Nike Asia Tour 2009 in Manila.

“It feels great be around people who enjoy the game as much as I do,” he said of Filipinos.

He even described the Philippines as a “home away from home,” much to the delight of his fans.