Super moon and lunatics

It was not intentional, but last night, after I had seen the super moon rise, I listened to tales of “moonies” and lunatics.

I had earlier expected that the major topic would be about P-Noy’s visit here and the oath-taking of many in the Liberal Party. But it seems that was something which did not agitate a people as much as did stories of “moonies” and lunatics.

Which only proves the point that we are still a superstitious people and pay more attention to folks tales and similar stories rather than the hard facts of life.

But the strangest tale was the one from my son-in-law, Manuel Engallado (the husband of my eldest daughter Grace). We were discussing the Super Moon spectacle and its beauty when he interjected with his tale of a former bakery hand who had to be restrained whenever the moon was full. He had to be held back by companions because he was “disturbed”.

That immediately drew stories of more unease among so-called “lunatics”. The term, incidentally, was because of the firm belief that the wax and wane of the moon to a certain extent, exerts pressure on the temperament of some human beings.

Oh, I suppose all of you have heard similar tales. And I’d rather keep those stories under the table than give them the credence I was expected to believe.

If you have anything to add to these tales, perhaps you can write them to me for inclusion in future columns.

***

Mayor Evelio Leonardia had the chance to arrange with DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo a meeting on the complaints of local business establishments about the retroactive law requiring the installation of a water sprinkling system.

And I thought all the time that there is no such thing as a retroactive law because on only expensive (sic) but could not be enforced because it imposes a condition which does not affect buildings constructed a long time ago.

I hope that Leonardia had also discussed with the businessmen their suit against the city controversial city ordinance on taxes.

This one is more important and should have been taken up with Robredo. Although the businessmen would have preferred their case to be settled once and for all by the Justice department.

But since the oath-taking of provincial recruits into the LP was a political affair, it was understandable why Leonardia had not been invited to it. After all, the city has its LP chapter. Of course, tongues will wag over the absence of Leonardia in such a big affair the President, himself, was present. (Leonardia was personally invited by LP President Rep. Albee Benitez to the occasion and was present at the oath taking and left only for the meeting with Robredo. Gov. Marañon, also a non-LP, was also present – ED)

So, what gives?

***

Let’s be honest about it. The plan to beef up our military is way behind the efforts by out ASEAN neighbors to reinforce their security in terms of equipment and armaments.

We talk about the beefing up of BRP Gregorio del Pilar, a 378 foot high endurance cutter of the United States coast guard as if it were a major accomplishment. Too little and too late.

Singapore, Taiwan, and even Vietnam are better armed and could readily tackle the lastly superior China.

The Bacolod City Police and Investigation and Detection Management Branch reportedly recovered yesterday from Valladolid town and Talisay City some P7.5 million jewelry which a jewelry seller seems to have endorsed to a faith healer.

Vivencia Alanagaban, alias “Bebing”, 55, of Barangay Palaka, Valladolid, yielded the allegedly stolen jewelry valued about P4.4 million. What puzzled me was how somebody could entrust to a faith healer that huge amount of jewelry. Of course, this is not the first time that has happened. But one is often amazed at the number of jewelry traders who are often beguiled into entrusting trove to unknown personalities.

If they soon find themselves swindled, they have no one to blame except themselves. Did the faith healer really know the value of the jewelry entrusted to her by the complainant?

I wonder.*

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