Michael Jordan Makes Filipino Artist a Millionaire Just Through His Autograph

Michael Jordan defines the word legend. His contributions to the game of basketball are unmatched. His influence and impact changed the course of the sport of basketball and the NBA. Jordan inspired multiple generations, many of whom have gone to play in the NBA themselves. The things he achieved in his career were not normal. The extraordinary feats, 6 NBA championships, countless records broken, countless records set. In his 15 years as a professional basketball player, he won it all.

There is a reason why we say “Michael Jordan of…” something. It is understood that it means the best of whatever is being talked about. Michael Jordan is the Michael Jordan of greatness.

The impact of Michael Jordan is unmatchable and quite unbelievable. Many have given their fair share of effort in order to give tribute to the GOAT. Christian Oliver Talampas is also one such guy. 

Michael Jordan changes yet another life

A Filipino artist Christian Oliver Talampas created his masterpiece depicting “The Last Shot” Jordan’s last and title-clinching winner in the 1998 NBA finals against Utah Jazz. The iconic moment is of game 6. Chicago Bulls completed their three-peat for the second time in that decade. Nobody has repeated this achievement since then. 

Christian used social media platforms to urge people to share his artwork so that it somehow reaches ‘His Airness.’ Bryan Apodaca, a collector from America, saw the piece and coordinated with Jordan’s representatives on the artist’s behalf. And Christian could not believe his luck when MJ himself loved it and appreciated the artist.

WATCH: 5 things owned by MJ which would surprise you.

“Hiningi ni Michael Jordan ‘yung original artwork ko dahil nagustuhan,” Christian said. “Agad-agad sir pinadala ko agad talaga.”

[“Michael Jordan asked for my original artwork because he liked it. I sent it at once.”]

Michael Jordan appreciated the admiration and sent back the artwork with his signatures on it. Apart from the autograph, Jordan also sent back a photo of him signing it, a shirt, and playing cards, which MJ used himself.

“Ang hirap paniwalaan. Ang ine-expect ko nga, gusto ko sana picture man lang na hawak niya pero sobra-sobra ‘yung binigay niya,” he said. “Sabi nila makakatulong daw ‘to sa career ko as an artist.”

[“It’s hard to believe. I was expecting just a picture of him holding [the piece] but he gave me so much more. They said this will help my career as an artist.”]

He also shared this moment on his Instagram account.

“‘Wag kayong mawawalan ng pag-asa na magtiwala sa sarili n’yo, na maniwala kahit wala nang naniniwala sa ‘yo,” he said.

[“Don’t lose hope to believe in yourself, to believe even when no one else believes in you.”]

ALSO READ: Jordan buys $650k rare car.

Julius Babao, a journalist, featured Christian in his YouTube video and said that it might be worth 50 million. However, for Christian the gesture and appreciation from MJ are priceless.