The Michael Jordan Effect!

 "I grew up in Cebu City, Philippines. Bully was not a popular word back then, but I believe I've been a victim" . 

 - Mr. Moonrider

My country was occupied by countless of invaders for so many many years, I can name but a few. Spanish, Chinese, Americans, and the Japanese. These are the most invaders who colonized my country as far as I can remember from our History Books. 

So, using these races to convey in bullying a kid or a person was easy because, we have the clear Idea who and what they are. 

Bully was not a popular word back then, but I believe I've been a victim. We call that in our place as Sungog or Bugal-Bugal. BugalgBugal is heavier than sungog - so that must be the best equal word to bully. 

When I was a  little boy, people use to call me Insik(Chinese) , Hapon(Japanese) and worse of all it was the race that never invaded my country, "Negro". 

Well, to the people I know it was a compliment,  just for fun, but for the people that not related to me, I must say, it was a bully. I don't have any Idea how Negro became part of that racial bully. 

Anyway, I was so disturbed every time people call me those three major names. Honestly, I am a dark brown in complexion, So, calling me a Negro was perfect, except that I have a Chinese and a bit Japanese eyes. Which is very confusing.  

"Hapon-Insik-Negro" 

Think about that! Hearing those three names everyday! 

I struggled how to overcome that insecurity for many years. Although I have heard a lot of good names coming  from people I know, mostly from older Men, mentioning names like Jabbar, Eljaro and Magic Johnson as a quick reference, still it did not change my insecurity or even boost my confidence. 

Insik, Hapon, Negro are the most annoying and disturbing. I couldn't carry that all through the years. It has a negative impact on me. 

But, in 1991, I was about 11 years old, things are about to change...

There was a new NBA team champion against the Lakers of Magic Johnson. This team also swept their all time rivals the Bad Boys (Pistons.) Which I don't know exactly what happen at that age. I only learned the story after 20 years.

This great team was weak as Cows but suddenly in 1991 they finally became the powerful Toros. And that is The Bulls. And one player made that possible and his name is Michael Jeffrey Jordan.

Michael Jordan totally became an athlete sensation in 1992 Season (as far as I can remember) as he and the Bulls won another championship. Although he was already popular in America since 1984, he was not known around globe until 8 years later. 

1992 was a big year ever, not only for Michael Jordan and The Bulls but also for me. Everyone starts calling me Michael Jordan! 

Even though I am not good in basketball, but because I look almost like MJ in the eyes of the Cebuanos, I am Michael Jordan every where I go, especially on the court. That's when I was interested to know who he really was and why they call me that name with a big smile. 

My families and friends showed me replays of his games on tv, newspapers and especially showing me his face on poster ads. He definitely amazes me. 

His greatness ignites my confidence!

Because of his existence, people start to notice the beauty in me. 

Thanks to MJ and The Bulls!

On the other hand, the Japanese had catch up with almost anything. From appliances, motorcycles, gadgets, vehicles and spare parts. In the 90's The Japanese technology is widely recognized. Strong, long lasting and great quality. And we have learned that they are one of the most disciplined and diligent people. Because of that the Japanese are becoming richer and wealthier. 

In a very funny and negative way. Older moms use to say " Hapa kai naay hapon" it means "Hide because the Japanese are here". This saying refers to as a warning to all as the Japanese are one of the invaders during the world war 2 - Now, because that the Japanese are rich, they change it to "Tuwad kai naay Hapon" this saying means you need to lie down because the Japanese are here, it also means to accept and embrace the Japanese with arms wide open. This is jokingly refers to women that they will open their soul freely for the Japanese. That saying goes the same when you see Americans, Chinese, and right now Black Americans. From that moment on all the races I've mentioned are loved by the people in my country.

Michael Jordan is one of the greatest, talented and good looking man who change the game of basketball, that once again the most loved and popular sport in the world. And that really explodes a positive lifetime effect- not only for me but for all the dark brown complexion Filipino men. 

Take a closer look on how I have that funny resemblance with MJ. It is only the baldness I guess hehe