WOULD you believe it. LeBron James is a rat. James Harden is a hissing snake. And Kyrie Irving amuses and entertains because he’s a certified monkey.
I’m talking about these athletes’ Chinese zodiac signs, of course, which are about to become the center of attention again when the Year of the faithful Dog, which we are currently in, gives way to the Year of the prosperous Pig on February 5, 2019. Intrigued by the thought of what animals famous athletes could be, we did a little research on their birthdays to find out. Do they exhibit the traits traditionally associated with their zodiac signs? We researched further.
According to the Chinese zodiac, the most athletic of the animal signs is the Horse. And true enough, we did find some great specimens of sportsmen in that animal category. What do you think of Manny Pacquiao, Kobe Bryant, John Wall, Damian Lillard, Paul George and our very own Efren “Bata” Reyes. Truly skilled and talented, aren’t they? Horses are said to be cheerful, popular, quick-witted, but can be hot-tempered and headstrong at times. They fall in and out of love easily and they definitely love sports, the great outdoors and animals. They are sharp, performance and success oriented and have a tendency to play the field. As for their luck this year, Horses are advised to take it easy and study everything carefully. Not a year to go galloping around.
The Rat, however, not the Horse, is the first sign in the Chinese zodiac. They are charming, innovative and love to be first. They excel in business and are alert to opportunities, hardworking, ambitious and careful with money. They are generous to those they are fond of. They’re fun-loving, inquisitive and get along with others quite easily. This year, Rats have the go signal to take chances and go after their dreams. This goes not just for LeBron James, but for Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics, as well.
The Ox, the second sign, represents those who become prosperous because of hard work and courage. They can be depended on because they prefer to stick to routine and time-tested formula. They’re patient, calm, work hard and always do their homework. Footballer Ronaldo, racer Lewis Hamilton, swimmer Michael Phelps and hockey legend Wayne Gretsky are Oxen who are not afraid of hard work and doing all the necessary nitty-gritty. The Ox will have lots of money-making opportunities in the Year of the Pig.
Compared to the Ox, Tigers are a more colorful lot. They have passion, pride and energy to match. They love to rebel and make their own rules so that makes them unpredictable but always exciting. Tigers are adventurous and can be impulsive, as well. They love being the center of attention and don’t mind it one bit what other people say. Rafael Nadal, Trae Young, Jayson Tatum and the PBA’s Jayson Ccastro are all Tigers who will catch a lot of attention and experience success this year.
Although the Rabbit is traditionally soft-spoken, graceful and reserved, we found a lot of swashbuckling sportsmen and women under the sign of the Rabbit. David Beckham, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Lionel Messi, Maria Sharapova, Margielyn Didal, Luka Doncic and Andy Murray are Rabbits. These strong-willed but graceful people will have the best of luck in 2019 because they are good friends of the happy Pig.
Dragons are the VIPs of the Chinese zodiac. They’re eminent, proud and sometimes imperious. They’re intense, enthusiastic and exude power. They are extremely loyal and expect the same from their friends. Thus, it isn’t strange to learn that Russell Westbrook is a Dragon. But Kevin Durant also is. Other Dragons are Steph Curry, Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Calvin Abueva of the Phoenix Fuel Masters. It’s green and go for Dragons this year.
Snakes in the Chinese zodiac are classy animals who are revered for their grace, wisdom and political acumen. However, they’re always plotting and planning and looking for the most advantageous outcomes. They have magnetic appeal and are good to have as allies. Floyd Mayweather, DeMar De Rozan, Jimmy Butler, Tom Brady and James Harden are Snakes. So is the oh-so-soft-spoken June Mar Fajardo. Snakes should lie low in the Year of the Pig.
Sheep are well-mannered, shy and compassionate. They’re suckers for a sob story, but are themselves always looking for someone to take care of them. They tend to worry and like it best when others make the decisions for them. Amazingly, they have a knack for turning their weakness into strength. Kahwi Leonard and Hidilyn Diaz are Sheep who will have an amazing year this year.
Monkeys never fail to charm people. They’re sharp, intelligent, witty and mischievous, as well. They can solve intricate problems with ease and can talk themselves out of any situation. Kyrie Irving and Venus Williams are Monkeys who are extremely self-confident. Monkeys will have a good year, but should prepare well for any possible hiccups.
Roosters are outstanding performers that shine when they are the center of attention. They have tremendous drive and ambition and are masters of survival. They can be aggressive when pursuing a goal. Meticulous and organized, they are all for justice and fair play. Roger Federer, Paeng Nepomuceno, Anthony Davis and Serena Williams are Roosters. They’re going to feel strong and confident this year.
Dogs are very likable because they’re honest, amiable and loyal. At times they will protect the interest of others more than themselves. But wait, they can flash anger too at times, but they won’t hold grudges. Dogs like Paul Mickelson and Giannis Antetokounmpo will have a relaxing year. They should take stock of their strengths and assets.
As for Pigs, this year will be an important one when they should decide what to do with their lives and where they want to go. Always lovable, these individuals seek harmony, pleasure and the good life. Loyal and thoughtful, they aspire for friendship and lasting relationships. Pigs like Andrew Wiggins, Karl Anthony Towns and Jabari Parker will have a very important year that could see them making gains or significant changes. It’s their year!