Friday, March 30, 2007
Seares: Feng shui and pray
By Pachico A. Seares
News Sense
PEOPLE see a mix of religious faith and good sense in filing certificates of candidacy (COCs).
Thus the hoopla of marches, bands, balloons, and loud t-shirts, which catch the public eye.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007
Thus the ritual of mass, prayer, blessing---and the practice of feng shui (pronounced "feng shwee").
Did they mention feng shui? They did and "they" aren't devotees of the ancient Chinese practice but Comelec officers trained in election law and votes canvassing (though doubts persist about their tallying skill).
Comelec veterans noted the abnormally big number of COC filers, saying aspirants must have thought that numbers 2, 8, and 28 add to a "harmonious arrangement of space in the environment." Translation: Choice of numbers can help them win.
Skeptics doubt how energy of the universe, carried in wind and water, can affect the individual, especially in luck, health, and prosperity. Still, politicians clutch at tricks that might help, which include prayer and feng shui.
God's blessing
The problem is that rivals can employ the same devices. Whom will God bless?
There's this story about two priests arguing over the merits of two 2004 presidential wannabes.
Priest One said, "FPJ will win because he's a praying man." Priest Two said, "So is Gloria Arroyo, she's a praying woman." Priest One rejoined, "But the Lord will think she's joking."
The Lord didn't think so or Glo rigged the polls, which the losers keep saying.
Whatever made Gloria win, it's still money and power that bag elections. Of course, if they fail, little faith and bad feng shui offer a handy excuse.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (March 30, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
