FEARED as the Month of Ghosts, August is not the auspicious time to make major decisions. It is believed to be a time when evil as manifested in bad luck, accidents, misfortunes and disputes strikes without warning.
Although predominantly Chinese like feng shui, the ghost month is Buddhist in origin, with aspects of Indian culture. During the month your friendly neighborhood money lenders (called Bombay) go in a bank holiday. They experienced bad business with welshing (balasubas Pnoys) who stall their payments instead of installing their debts.
I do not believe in the taboos and karma arising from the month of ghosts but certain events seemed to convince me of the cause and effect of the devil at work. In Pampanga, the satanic culture has sunk deep into our youth who are heavy into drugs, marijuana, and strong drinks.
The unfortunate “nanlaban” victims in the anti-drug campaign took a heavy toll in Metro Manila and Central Luzon last week.
Kapampangan genius is at work in the ghost month. Our cabalen, former President Arroyo was catapulted as House Speaker in a congressional bloodless coup that left the Session Hall soaked with tears from supporters of the dethroned speaker.
The ghost month has started heads to roll after a Palace purging of top and middle class officials. The country’s chief tourism official and the deputy Ombudsman were fired due to corruption charges.
In Pampanga, Vice Gov. Delta attempted to declare his candidacy for governor. The aspirants avoided an announcement in August for fear of mythical bad luck. Ninoy Aquino perished in August, Jesse Robredo, too.
Bacolor Mayor Jomar, Pampanga’s Best, has deferred announcing his plans although he has been sending signals that he is intending to succeed the vice governor. Colleagues at the CSF council, l Kimmy Lazatin and Angie Hizon are in for a tight race for vice mayor.
Former San Simon residents reported the heavy flooding of the town and other difficulties are the karma of the local officials’ bad governance. Anomalies at the Quezon Road factory sides and a polluting steel plant as well as illegal activities related to cigarette distribution. Watch out for the mayora’s chosen candidate.
The godfather of basketball MVP thumbed down an offer to send a PBA team to the Asean games. A wise decision, it will avoid national embarrassment by the expected performance of the team.
Fans of future congressman Ed Pamintuan are happy that he has not declared his aspiration in the ghost month thereby escaping the evil spirits of the lunar madness. Will Lebron James turn around the fate of the Lakers with his joining them in August? I hope my favorite politician Alex “the great” Cauguiran will postpone his official announcement (candidacy) to another month to assure good luck to his journey.