THE MAN BEHIND THE CLOTHES

by Dennis Sun

During their graduation day, the class gifted me with a pair of t-shirts labeled BAYANIHON. I felt surprised as the name is a combination of Filipino and Japanese elements. I also loved the fabric and the shirts fit my body well so I have been wearing the shirts whenever I go out during summer season.

Actually, the creator of Bayanihon is one of my students in the Japanese class. His name is Norman Nicolai Olandez Afuang. Wow! That’s four names. You see, in Japan, people have only two names. So if you have more than two, that’s a lot for them already. So for new parents, try giving your children one given name and a family name. So they won’t have a hard time filling up forms just writing their names––especially in katakana.

And speaking about names, according to Norman, Bayanihon comes from Bayani sa Nihon. At first, I related the title to Bayanihan and Nihon. But now that I know where the name came from, (Filipino) Heroes in Japan, I thought it was even a better idea. Norman thinks that Filipinos who come to Japan suddenly realize how to become good ambassadors of their country here by projecting a good image to their new adopted home. Suddenly, Filipinos here become good citizens. They don’t throw their trash out on the streets. They follow the traffic signs of this country. They try to come on time. Several things that they don’t follow at home but suddenly, they changed for the better.

Norman and his son went to Japan after his wife found a job in Japan. Unlike in the Philippines where there is help everywhere, in Japan, they faced their first hardship in life. Life was difficult at the start but gradually, they found good-hearted friends who helped them adjust with their new life in Japan.

Like some people who started small and started online, Bayanihon was actually made for personal use only. Norman sadly said that it never got a good feedback in Japan the way it did with Filipinos in the Philippines. After so many help from friends and influencers, Norman now created the Bayanihon Clothing brand.

Norman considers himself more of an artist than a businessman. He explained that for him, to see people wearing his clothes is more than a reward in itself.

As one of my former students, I wish Norman the best on his business and creative venture. I feel happy when my fellow Filipino is working hard to capture his dream in this land. Ganbatte, Norman!

Norman and his family in Japan