There was a time when no NBA team showed interest in Dwight Howard. But it was the fans in the Philippines who embraced the former Lakers star with open arms. Now, the 3x DPOY is making sure to send back that love as the Filipinos need all the support at this time. Especially when they had to suffer a shallow 6.9 magnitude quake, which affected more than 150,000 people.

Using the power of social media and his 5.9 million followers on X, Howard made sure his thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected in the Philippines. “Pray for the Philippines 🙏🏾🇵🇭.” A Filipino seismologist said that the shallow undersea fault line has not moved for at least 400 years. That’s how great an impact the recent natural disaster brought with it. Reportedly, more than 170,000 people were affected, nearly 300 people were injured, and unfortunately, the death count is at least 72 people.

The earthquake has destroyed 87 buildings and nearly 600 houses in Bogo. The Philippines is also called one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, owing to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” Apart from earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, about 20 typhoons and storms also hit the archipelago each year. Even now, there is a strict warning of another natural disaster.

The Philippines’ weather forecaster warned about Tropical Storm Matmo, which will bring winds of 75 kilometers per hour. So, the areas where people are already affected by the earthquake will have to be ready themselves again. As stated, fighting storms, quakes, and cyclones is not new. Typhoon Bualoi killed 37 people and forced 400,000 people out of their homes. Last year, in late September, Typhoon Rääsa claimed the lives of 14 people. That’s why, despite being away, Dwight Howard is sending all the love.

Even though they are surrounded and regularly face big natural disasters, the people showed love to the 3x DPOY. Back in 2024, Dwight Howard stated what made him come back to the Philippines. “I went to Thailand on a visit last year, and I ran into a lot of Filipinos out there. And they said, ‘You gotta come back to the Philippines. We love you.’ And I said, ‘You know what, I gotta come back.’ The former Lakers star not only came back but is also involved with basketball in the Philippines, most notably by playing for Strong Group Athletics in the Dubai International Basketball Championship.

Dwight Howard and his love for the Philippines

As stated earlier, when the NBA closed its doors, the opportunities in foreign countries opened for DH12. From a stint in Taiwan, which is also close to his heart, the Filipinos’ love for the game of basketball made their connection instant. With his larger-than-life personality and the desire to prove himself, it was a natural fit. The former NBA champion received an offer to play in the East Asia Super League (EASL) and quickly became one of the most high-profile international signings in recent memory.

Dwight Howard even gave back the love, as his appearance was not just to collect a check. In turn, he embraced the culture trained with local players, attended grassroots events, and even learned about the country’s rich basketball history, from the PBA legends to the iconic Gilas Pilipinas squads. Plus, he suited to play for the Philippines in the Dubai International Tournament.

Unfortunately, for the past two years, the former Lakers star has lost to Al Riyadi, a powerhouse in the Middle Eastern basketball scene. Still, those losses did not affect his love for the country. Howard then took to social media, sharing a post promising redemption, captioning it, “I can’t go against my Pinoy Fans.” This was in response to getting offers from teams in Dubai.