Iverson's mom loves Manila sunset

SAN FRANCISCO - National Basketball Association (NBA) star Allen Iverson's mother Ann said she'd love to return to Manila and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

As usual, she cheered herself hoarse as her son played for the East in the All-Star Game at the Oakland Coliseum, about a 30-minute drive from here, last Sunday. "Way to go, baby," she screamed. "That's my boy. Let's go, sweetie pie." Iverson shot a game-high 26 points but the West won, 137-126.

Ann wore an oversized Philadelphia 76ers jersey over a white short-sleeved shirt. It read "Iverson's Mom" on the back. The jersey number - three - was the same as Iverson's.

During the game, Ann entertained reporters from her sixth row sidecourt seat. She posed for pictures, answered questions, and passed out colored pictures of her son in action. The pictures had her autograph, not her son's. She gave me a glossy 8x10 where she wrote: "Ms. Ann I, Allen's Mom, No. 3, 76ers." On top of the picture were the words. "We love you, Bubba Chuck." Apparently, Ann call her son a variety of nicknames.

Ann said she was thrilled by the fans reception during Iverson's trip to Manila in 1997. "When Allen walked inside the coliseum, the fans went wild - it was fantastic," she said, referring to her son's brief visit during a PBA game at the Astrodome.

Ann said she's writing a book on her son's life and it'll be out in the summer with an accompanying video. "The title of the book is a secret," she teased. "The video will be a blockbuster - it'll show footage of Allen as a boy when he was 10 playing ball."

At halftime of the All-Star Game, Ann walked up to her son near the sidelines and crossed his head as he muttered a prayer. Then, Allen kissed his mother on the cheek.

What was that all about? "I gave him a blessing," she replied. "I'm really proud of my son - he's the best."

Ann is a grandmother. The Sixers guard has two children - one who is five years old and the other is two. Is he married? You'll find out when you buy his mother's new book. -