Title: “Ja in Manila 🇵🇭: Breathtaking Mural Court Honors NBA Star in Explosive Color and Cultural Fusion”
It started with a dunk. It ended with a masterpiece.
In the heart of Manila’s basketball-obsessed community of Taguig City, the iconic Tenement Court has once again transformed into a living canvas—this time to honor one of the NBA’s most electrifying stars, Ja Morant. Painted across the entire concrete surface in explosive detail and vibrant color, the court now features a larger-than-life tribute to the Memphis Grizzlies phenom, capturing both his gravity-defying style and the passionate energy of Filipino hoops culture.
And the result? Nothing short of epic.
The mural, unveiled during Morant’s weeklong visit to the Philippines as part of his “Rise Above” global outreach tour, features Ja mid-flight—legs split, ball cocked back, eyes locked on an imaginary rim—with dynamic motion trails swirling around him. Flames in shades of teal and electric blue explode from his sneakers, giving the illusion that he’s taking off from the very court he now reigns over. Beneath him, traditional Filipino baybayin script spells out the phrase “Lakas at Puso”—Strength and Heart.
Local artist and court muralist Kris Abrigo, the creative genius behind the design, worked with over 20 volunteers, including art students and neighborhood kids, to bring the mural to life in just under five days. “This isn’t just for Ja,” Abrigo said during the unveiling. “This is for every kid who ever dreamed of playing above the rim, even when the court had cracks and the ball was flat.”
Ja’s reaction? Pure awe.
He arrived to cheers from thousands of fans who gathered around rooftops, fences, and sidewalks, just to catch a glimpse of the man himself. When he stepped onto the painted court and saw his likeness staring back in motion, he stood silent for a moment—clearly moved. Then, true to form, he pulled out his phone, filmed a quick video, and broke into his signature “celly” celebration as the crowd roared.
“This is insane,” Morant said in a live interview. “To see my game reflected in this way, in this country, with so much love—it’s humbling. I’ll never forget this.”
Beyond the artwork, the court has become an instant pilgrimage site for fans and streetballers alike. By sundown, local players were already running full-court games, trying to recreate Morant’s signature acrobatic layups and impossible dunks, all while dancing across a court that felt like sacred ground.
The mural is more than a tribute—it’s a movement. It’s Ja Morant, the fearless underdog who became a star, celebrated by a nation that has long seen itself the same way: full of talent, bursting with heart, often overlooked, but always ready to rise.
And now, at the Tenement, every crossover, every three-pointer, every alley-oop comes with a reminder painted beneath their feet: greatness can come from anywhere—and when it takes flight, the whole world watches.
Ja in Manila is next level.
