Nalzaro: Soleng’s predictions

DESPITE the development of science and the advent of new technology, there are a lot of things in this world that we cannot explain. How do you explain the “barang” and “pactol” (sorcerer) experts in Siquijor? How do you explain those persons who claim to possess supernatural powers, like psychics and those with third eye; the paranormal; and those with the sixth sense, who can predict the future, see and talk to spirits and fairies?

Mayor Tomas Osmeña is a believer of these kinds of persons who supposedly possess supernatural powers because he hired a water diviner, a person who can identify underground water sources. Imagine if the Commission on Audit did not reject his recommendation. The City Government could have hired Soledad “Soleng” Legaspi, 80, as one of its consultants.

Click here for Election 2010 updates

This octogenarian, who is a native of Laguna, claims she can see things buried underground. In fact, she saw water under the South Road Properties (SRP), albeit she did not say whether this is salty or potable. Well, even non-psychics and I can conclude that there is water at the SRP because it is a reclaimed area. If she is really gifted, why don’t mining firms and treasure hunters hire her to identify areas where minerals are abundant and where the Yamashita treasure is buried? Our government could have unearthed those buried treasures during the Japanese occupation, especially the original “Golden Buddha,” with her help.

What a total waste of government funds if the City hired Madame Soleng for nothing. This is not to belittle her supernatural power. But what is her track record? She only surveyed those places, which she identified as sources of water, through her naked eyes and crystal ball. Is she sure of her prediction that there is water in those areas? Other psychics use vibrations and card reading. We can never confirm that there is water until we dig up the place and install water pipes. 

With all due respect, Madame Soleng is no different from other “psychics” in the entertainment world, like Madame Auring, Jojo Acuin and others. They predict something based on generalities, like someone will die that year or a famous couple will separate. We take their predictions at face value. They’re there for our entertainment.

Tomas is going primitive and native. His hiring of Madame Soleng is a big insult to our water engineers and experts here. I think it’s high time that our scientists develop a gadget that will detect water sources underground. Busay Barangay Captain and broadcaster Yody Sanchez was able to identify a water source enough to supply residents in his barangay without hiring a “water psychic.” Yody’s source is just along the road.

My friend Kito Obeso, a taxi operator, was able to set up his own water system in his old residence outside Beverly Hills. He now supplies the entire community because Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) failed to provide water connection in that area. MCWD filed a petition against him before the Local Water Utilities Administration because he competed with the water district. But Obeso won the case. Residents in the area enjoy Obeso’s water at a minimum rate. Before I joined GMA 7 13 years ago, its broadcast complex in Nivel Hills, Apas already had its own water well. And mind you, the complex is located in an upland area.

Maybe Thelma Chiong, mother of rape victims Marijoy and Jacqueline, can hire Madame Soleng to locate the place where Jacky was buried by her abductors. Relatives of victims of summary executions by communist rebels can do the same. As Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago put it, “They are entitled to their own entertainment.” Good that Madame Soleng is not Shirley Oberreiter. She could have fooled our city officials. Pagkatoytoy!

(bobby@sunstar.com.ph/bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com)