Actually, the American dream for the individual citizenÃs pursuit of happiness. Thanks to colonization? Hmm, to think Colon in downtown Cebu is the oldest commercial street in the Philippines!
By natural selection, punsoy for the poor evolves and continues to evolve for the survival of the fittest! From folk practices (not even influenced by Chinese geomancy or feng shui), the calendar of Honorio Lopez bought outside Quiapo Church guides many a Tagalog follower of this tradition in Luzon. People in the Visayas, especially in Cebu also follow traditions for luck and prosperity. Rep. Gwen GarciaÃs brother told me about it but it slipped my mind. I would be glad if our readers would fill us in on this well-kept folklore for luck and prosperity in building houses and a life.
So much history. Let us go to the 1-2-3 tips on how we, in the daily grind for economic survival and pursuit of happiness for loved ones, can be achievable through punsoy inclusive of our goodselves:
1. Look Before You Leap. Leap of Faith or Fate! Out of quiet desperation, many of our poor brothers and sisters are so gullible. Picking up trendy charms whether truly lucky or not, even copying the practices of their prosperous friends or neighbors, Chinese or not.
DonÃt be me-too in punsoy. Knowledge is power and courage, but a little knowledge is dangerous. It can kill you or a loved one, especially with wrong punsoy. Without much ado or running around the bush, you may opt to follow this fingertip tips weekly here to learn the right way in your leap of fate or faith to progress!
2. Punsoy need not be expensive; it is practical. Price does not dictate progress and happiness in punsoy. ItÃs the simple things that make a life. Example: If you cannot afford an Arowana, start off with a simple fighting fish in a plastic cup (cost is only 40 to 60 pesos). No need for aquarium and expensive accessories for oxygen for it thrives without airpumps.
3. Avoid superstitions. Stevie Wonder sings: When you believe in things you don't understand then you suffer. Superstition ain't the way. Example: Turtles are unlucky since they are slow is a superstition. Untrue in punsoy. Turtles promote progress, protection and wealthy careers. Even singer Bimbo Cerrudo upped his career using turtle pendant! Harley Sy, now SMIC President, has 250 pet turtles.
Do new moons bring luck? ThatÃs wrong, itÃs full moon in punsoy. If superstitious, life can be phony if not funny. Just like saying to a year of the horse person, if you want to be lucky, change your shoesÖ wear horse shoes!
Want more? Next week ñ Feng Shui for the Jobless!