Much Ado About 123123

Some may consider the last day of 2023 as meaningless trivia, but nobody can deny the fact that today's event piques Pinoy's tendency to make mountains out of a molehill ... that in their assessment today's numerical sequence is something odd and remarkable it is comparable to Halley's comet in stature and importance. 

To the uninformed ... Halley's Comet is set to reach aphelion, its furthest point from the sun, last Dec 9 2023  as it makes its 76-year trip around our solar system, according to science website EarthSky. Halley's Comet was last visible from Earth in 1986. According to NASA, it is expected to make its next appearance in 2061. 

God forbid ... If Halley's comet were to hit the Earth, it would have catastrophic consequences for the human race and all life on this planet. The impact of a comet of that size would likely cause widespread destruction, including massive tsunamis, wildfires, and a significant impact on the Earth's climate.

In that context, this numerical sequence like this one is not something to be sneezed about. Whether it will bring good or bad ... it reverberates with colossal and cosmic proportions to some Pinoy psyche.

Some of them even think it might be lucky to celebrate New Year's Eve with a big bang ... and WISH something good might come out of it.

Remember this unique numerical hocus-pocus won't happen again in the next 100 years ... so try if you must and celebrate saying goodbye to 2023 ... and hope for a blessed and prosperous 2024 is in store for all of us.

Filipino traditions during New Year’s eve

New Year's Rituals

Pinoys around the world usually try to follow unorthodox and sometimes eccentric observances in New Year.

Some Pinoys believe that the best time to pay your debts is before New Year. So before the clock strikes twelve (ala Cinderella) you should be at least DEBT-FREE.

Failure to do ... would mean status quo which is Latin for your current existing state ... which means NO CHANGE. If you are drowned in debts last year... you will have the same financial status for the rest of the year.

Other Pinoys have the penchant to load their wallet with lots of money ... to the point that it is almost bursting at its seams. This practice allows good budgetary and financial vibes to flow in.

New Year's Ba;oney!

I am not trying to be negative here ... and I am not saying this with sarcasm ... pero kahit punuin mo ang fruit basket ng 20 rounds fruits ... kung ugali mo ay umasa lang sa iba ... at wala kang ginagawa para sa sarili mo ... paano darating ang magandang swerte ... aber?

Nasa tao ang GAWA ... nasa Diyos ang AWA. Ikaw nga hindi naaawa sa sarili mo ... ang nasa Itaas pa kaya?

Pancit at New Year?

Known as Changzhou mian, which means “long-life noodles,” these noodles are up to two feet long. According to Chinese tradition, the longer the noodle, the luckier you'll be. Just be careful not to accidentally break one while you're cooking—that's bad luck because it represents a life cut short. 

Pancit is a must because it symbolizes good health and a long life. Families also serve rice cakes or sticky rice. Filipinos eat sticky treats during the New Year's because they believe they will strengthen family ties.

When Fingers Are Pointed At You

Ang mga chismosa ... wala silang PAKIALAM kung anong mga klaseng basura ang kinakabit sa pangalan mo ... basta scandal at balitang pagpiyestahan  ... aba eh sila ay nasa frontline .. at ini-exagerate pa nila ang mga balita for a much needed impact at para lalo pagusapan.

May PAKIALAM lang sila kung sila na yong pinagchismisan ...  when the tables are turned ... where the accusing fingers are reversed and the weather vanes are pointing to his direction. Lumalabas pati litid nila kung magalit. They cried foul ... and they always declared they were victims. Bakit kaya hindi nila iniisip yan noong bumubula ang bibig nila sa paninira sa iba?

Similarly, self-righteous and sanctimonious people see nothing but WRONG in others but become myopic when they can't see any WRONG in them ... and what they do.

Parang kaso ng ABS CBN at SMNI. When NTC ordered a cease and desist order to stop the network from its broadcast ABS CBN cried foul and said this was an attack on press freedom. Harry Roque (ex-presidential spokesperson) was quick to the rescue and spread himself too wide to counter the narrative. 

When SMNI struck a discordant note with Congress lately ... to the point where its franchise is considered for revocation or suspension ... Harry Roque of all people used the same tactic - the freedom of expression card and called all members of the media to unite and protect SMNI at all costs. 

Gosh, this character ... is fast becoming a caricature. Roque's personality traits have become exaggerated ... and distorted to the point of being absurd.

Abraham's One :Liners