Good night, Cubao!

Even an old tiger retains his fangs and his claws.

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with six syllables in your names: 

"Guard what is yours and what is dependent on you."
--From the oddun for the day

Since when was Nostradamus a fundamentalist Christian, and why do fundamentalist Christians read and interpret his predictions in the context of their fundamentalism?

Isn't that like burning witches at the stake and then declaring their faith in witchcraft?

Good morning, Cubao!

Watch over your children, especially the girls in your house.

Good night, Cubao!

"Don't start a revolution unless you want to see it to its finish."
--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with nine syllables in your name: 

"Let the war drums beat, but let them sound in someone else's backyard."
--From the oddun for the day

Your Messenger message:

"Hi, Tony. Earlier this morning naalimpungatan ako because our dog was barking. I looked at my cellphone and it was a little before 5AM. I went back to sleep and I had a dream, you were in it (I haven't seen you yet but I just felt/knew) and I don't recall the beginning but I felt there was a group in a house but I don't remember seeing any other people in particular. I think you were focusing on me with an exercise which I don't recall what for, but when it ended I knew to get up and look at where I was seated and there were precious items or treasures coming out from the corner of the room where I was seated- like a slot machine, I mostly remember there pearls and also shiny silver or stainless steel earrings in sculptural shapes. There was a lot, I folded up the bottom of my shirt as I picked and hoarded them. Then when I was done I was about to leave the room you were by the exit and you were talking to a friend of mine - a former colleague but he is from UP so I know he must not have been your student in school in real life- he was sorry he was late but he was smiling and so were you, you were not upset about it. And then I think I hugged you and said thank you. And I said please always be with me...and then I woke up at around 730AM.

"I've been in an anxious state recently because of work, a person I rely on for an aspect of what I do for clients bailed out so I have decided to take action and learn and do the things she has been doing. I have some idea and competence in it but a lot depends on relating to other people and their reactions are what's causing me anxiety. Somehow in the dream the feeling of abundance and being given gifts and treasures made me feel reassured and optimistic."

My reply:

Hello_____!

You were in my night class, which was held on our ground floor rather than on the roof deck..

It is all right to not remember lessons I taught in dreams. Sometimes that is more effective because it means that my messages went directly to the Unconscious,.

Everything will be all right. Relax, and go with the flow.

Good morning, Cubao!

The oddun for the day recommends offering three pineapples to the god of iron at your altar.

Watching One Friday Fights 62 live on One Championship Philippines.

Good night, Cubao!

Remember the life of the king of Oyo.
--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with syllables in your names: Use your abilities in being a good speaker.

Plumber back to work bright and early this morning.

I feel safe and secure whenever utility men are working in the house.

Good morning, Cubao!

"Wear a smile today and save your arrows for another day.

--From the oddun for the day

Good night, Cubao!

"In a gold cage, a mockingbird won't live long."
--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with eight syllables in your name:

"Get a hold of your emotions,. Do not confuse love with desire."
--From the oddun for then day

Plumber reported for work this morning., We are having a stainless steel sink installed in the second floor laundry room.

Good morning, Cubao!

Consult the goddess of love via an oracle reader.

Good night, Cubao!

"The (spirit guides) give advice, but the final decision is yours."

--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name:

 

"Beware of flying too high for your own good."

--From the oddun for the day

Good morning, Cubao!

Offer white flowers and  a cup of anisette (if available, otherwise eight joss sticks) to the archer at your altar

The archer will save you from accidents in high places.

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with sour syllables in your name: Praying fervently for the sick is part of the journey toward healing.

Good night, Cubao!

"(Healers are) people who are born to fight and chase evil away."

--From the oddun for the day

Good morning, Cubao!

Someone at a distance will ask for healing.

Good night, Cubao!

"Beware of religious fanatics."
--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3.600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with six syllables in your names:  Note that the beneficent spirit guides are always near you and are making their presence felt.

Back from Maryhill School of Theology. Father Rene picked me up and had me brought home after checking out additional space for paintings on the second floor of the library building. They are converting that space to a coffee shop that will be open to the public.

Good morning, Cubao!

Light joss sticks in your house and in your workplace.

Lilo brings us a bottle of grape juice from Benguet.

Good night, Cubao!

This is a good time to make your best plans reality.

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with sicx syllables in your names: Ensure that you and your family members are in good health.

Three rare mollusks saved from my father's shell collection, which he started putting together after fighting in Korea during World War II.

Good morning, Cubao!

The god of iron brings good fortune to your house.

Good night, Cubao!

"(Do,not) drown in a little glass of water."
--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with six syllables in your names: Avoid being scrupulous.

Yvette, Lilo, and Abie partake of the Sitio Catacutan halu-halo and afterward Twister popsicles that taste like gummy worms from M.'s cafe.

Lilo takes three pages from my student album.

Yvette takes three pages from my student album.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

25th Bilbo Baggins afternoon with Lilo, Yvette, and Abie

Watching One Fight Night 22 on One Championship Philippines.

Ancient Seducers

Left to Right: Bronze frog from Bali, giving a twist to the Brothers Grimm's "The Frog Prince"; brass satyr from Nepal (the age and the gender of the human in its arms are indeterminate); Chinese bedchamber egg for newlyweds

Bottom: Love belt from Thailand, brass and silk cord

I don't want to pass these on to my grandchildren, and so I am putting them up for auction with a small group of mature and responsible male Spirit Questors.

 

Good morning, Cubao!

"Place a small windmill in front of your house."
--From the oddun for the day

Watching One Friday Fights 61 live on One Championship Philippines.

Your Messenger message:

"Good afternoon, Mr. Tony!

"I want to share my peculiar dream with you. It's the first time I drank with many people in the dream and attended a weird bazaar. "I remember seeing a few of my friends that was a chance encounter. I asked them where have they been going together. Weird thing that they didn't like being called 'kayo/they' that implies addressing them as individuals. "In a different place, I was with a few people whom I did not know but I joined them in their get together to have drinks. It was mixing 2 uncolored alcohol with coconut cream and I think there was also coca-cola. Surprisingly, it tasted good in the dream and told the newcomers to try it. I also met their 'friends' but I think they have a civil argument with each other that's why their group does not meet. I told them who I met and said it was one of the 'old god' like you. The guy behind me also spoke his name and called himself 'aeon'0. There was a story between the groups but I can't remember the story. "There was an instance I encountered 2 same looking ladies seeing each other but they are completely different people. "In connection this, after the get together, I was in a bazaar. They were selling old items like big vases, CDs, figurines, and maybe even wooden cabinets. A lady showed me something hidden on the linings of the cabinet that whoever tries to steal it will be immediately known I think. But it was just a small hole with glass that opens. "I was near the big fat vases and cabinets. I noticed I didn't like how I was feeling and told a girl I was with I didn't want to stay longer and I ran. "I hope you can help me interpret this dream. Salamat, Mr. Tony!"

My reply:

Hello _______!

In your present lifetime you have experienced separation from and perhaps even witnessed or heard of the deaths of relatives and friends whom you were especially connected with. All of these goodbyes happened without closure--either closure they could have provided or closure you could have provided.

Your ancestors are telling you that this is a pattern carried over from a previous lifetime, because there is a lesson there that you have not yet learned. What do you think it is? Compassion? Commitment? Reciprocation? Gratitude?

Some of those deceased are lingering as spirit guides. Listen to what they have to say. Offer fresh flowers and fresh drinking water on your altar for all of them.

Should you have further questions, I suggest that you consult an elder psychic of your own gender.

Good night, Cubao!

"(The god of healing) will cleanse you and rid you of what is ailing you."
--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with nine syllables in your name: 

"Do not worry about what evil people are saying against you.'"
--From the oddum for the day

Back from jalan-jalan at the center. M. escorted me. Withdrew money at the bank, changed dollars to pesos, paid our electric bills, and sent some money to my younger son Chito.

This fabulous collar de mazo features the colors and patterns of 43 gods and goddesses. It was made for me by a young student, Christopher. Alas, a week after he completed and delivered this, he disclosed to me that he was at Stage 4 of an incurable illness. He died half a year later, leaving several commissioned projects undone, and I was sorry that he was too embarrassed to tell me of his affliction earlier on.

These are the 43 entities I greet by name in a foribale every morning, upon waking up.

I keep this item in an antique, Pakistani chest plated with chased silver and encrusted with bloodstone cabochons, my birthstone.

Good morning, Cubao!

Check your intentions. Are you living with a clear conscience? 

When the beauty of the body fails, 0the beauty of the mind should take over, though it should have already been there from the very start.

Good night, Cubao!

Never cease fighting for your rights.

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with six syllables in your names: Prevent yourself from splurging and from overeating to escape the heat.

Your Messenger message:

"Good afternoon Sir Tony, i also used your victory talisman's photo as cover on my cp and laptop, and, it's working. Thank you for the kind advice

""

My reply:

Hello ____!

You are most welcome.

Gourd shekeres of six gods arranged as the Circle of Life

Clockwise from Bottom: the god of beginnings and endings; the archer and the hunter; the god of iron and technology; the god of lightning, fire, the dance, and magic; the king of the white cloth and the father; and the god of the crossroads.

Yes, the colors are correct.

Gourd shekeres were originally used to call upon, communicate with, and petition spirit guides, always with the god of beginnings and endings first. However, they are more of symbolic, traditional, ritual implements, because all one needs to do to automatically connect with spirit guides is to THINK of them. No gadgets or wi-fi necessary.

Today the gourds can be used for healing by shaking them over a patient's body. The sound of the beads changes when shaken over the patient's ailing parts. The healer must persist until the sound becomes even.

Good morning, Cubao!

Good news comes from across the sea.

Honor the goddess of the sea by purchasing a white toy duck and placing it inside your bathroom.

Two-hour, deep tissue massage by Arnel. Soft touch. Too soft, if I may say so.

Good night, Cubao!

Do NOT go back to an old relationship.
--From the oddun for the day

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with six syllables in your name: Keep cool on the mountain and come visit me when the heat wave is over.

After you decide that you no longer want to see someone, scare him off with your Posts and your Messages, so that he will stay away from you voluntarily and for good.

It is my favorite turn-off technique.

Of the hundreds if not thousands of arts graduates, how many actually made it after graduation?

--How many had to go abroad in order to be branded a success?

--How many are simply bumming around while waiting for projects to arrive at their doorstep?

--How many ended up working in call centers?

--How many resorted to self-auctions, selling minor works online for a pittance to a general public?

--How many are selling plastic ware and hosting Tupperware parties to survive?

--How many became depressed and even suicidal?

It is fine to be an artist, but one also has to have a sense of economics, not only for oneself but also for one's community. After all, what kind of nation would this be if everyone were an arts graduate?

And, in the last analysis, it is real talent that counts, never the fact that one went to an academy.

When the old feel lonely, unloved, and useless, they will meddle with the affairs of the young.

Jewelry will always be loyal and faithful to their original and rightful owner.

Never lend all or parts of your collection to anyone, especially books.

A major task can get done a little at a time.

Assorted magnifying lenses are always useful.

Do not associate yourself with basically dishonest persons, They are never worth dealing with, unless you are out to teach them a lesson.

Avoid constipation. It raises your blood pressure.

It is impractical to live either too close to the sea or too close to the sky.

If a piece of jewelry consistently brings you bad luck, it is because it was stolen. With or without your knowledge.

Saint Joseph is syncretized with the god of divination, whose colors are green and yellow.

Labor Day, Feast Day of Saint Joseph the Worker in San Jose, Occridental Mindoro and Barangay Kaunlaran, Cubao,

A drum band and higantes are roaming the streets.

Yes, in the heat.

Gourd shekeres of the four goddesses

Good morning, Cubao!

"What was thrown out should remain thrown out, what was left behind should remain left behind.||

--From  the oddun for the day

Good night, Cubao!

The night will be ruled by magic.

One Message For One Of 3, 600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with six syllables in your names: Avoid vices of any kind.

Actually, when  the flesh is willing, the spirit is willing also.

Back to Black

Left to Right: Four pieces Mutya Ng Kidlat from Calabarzon, one with a wooden hilt so that it can be worn as a pendant or used as a pendulum; volcanic rocks from Mount Mayon collected while I was with Abi Valencia of Bicol University; my favorite, round tektite, one of a bagful that Tina Cuyugan gave me from her father's collection; two remaining bulalakaw from an entire bunch I used to keep; and 21 stones, three of which are shown here, from the Ayung River in Ubud, Bali. The river stones are contained in three beaded baskets made by a famous Balinese bead artist, whose name I have forgotten because I could not spell it right.

Black stones are not offensive, negative, or "evil"; on the contrary they are essentially protective and defensive in nature.

 

Good morning, Cubao!

There will always be danger in dark places.

Always turn the table on talk show hosts who impose their religious beliefs on you.

Look across the sea. Where there is no land in sight, that is forever and a day.

Seek out the advantage in every disadvantage, and you will emerge a winner.

Retirement is not only freedom from supervisors and coworkers, it is primarily freedom from atchays.

What, for you in this lifetime, is the Pearl of Great Price?

Ian gives us a bag of Sagada mild coffee from his recent trip to the north.

Good night, Cubao!

Spirit guides can feel neglected too.

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with eleven syllables in your name:

"Do not abandon your protections."

--From the oddun for the day

Your Messenger message:

"Hi Sir Tony, pwedw ko po kayang gawing wallpaper sa fon ko yong Victory Talisman ninyo?pasensya na po sa abala, Salamat po."

My reply:

Hello ____!

Go ahead. Note the positive changes that will occur in your life.

Left, Ngipin Ng Kidlat from Siquijor, harvested from limestone. Limestone is indigenous to islands in the Visayas. It is found not only underwater, but also aboveground.  

Right, Pangil Ng Kidl;at from Calabarzon, a pair typically held in two hands. I brought these only once on travel and afterward never again--they show up in airport X-rays as solid, very black, and made of indeterminate material.

It is said of both versions that when lightning strikes a rock or a tree, these fang-like objects can be found within.

Perhaps the most popular user of Pangil Ng Kidlat (not to be confused with the black, meteor-like Mutya Ng Kidlat) was the legendary Nardong Putik, who wielded them like wands.

Good morning, Cuhao!

Offer candy and coins at your altar to the spirit guide who opens doors.

The next time you are scheduled to come visit me, just sit in silence beside me for ten minutes.

He will choose to be born in his next lifetime as a humble fisherman. The only thing he will retain from his previous life is being gay.

Whenever he gazes at the sea, he will weep.

Good night, Cubao!

Listen to the advice of your spirit guide.

One Message For One Of 3,600 Friends, One Every Night Of The Year

You with five and you with six syllables in your names: Analyze your situation as objectively as you can. Avoid disappointments.

Victory talisman a.k.a. Espiritu Santo. This was brought to me in 2014 by an antique dealer whom I never saw again. He was foster father to a boy whose parents encouraged him to hang out in my house to study painting and hopefully get rid of his vices. 

I'm keeping this talisman in memory of JohnJohn, Lani, Teddy, Dalton, Susan, Bong, Opring, and all the pleasant times I shared with them in the antique shop I frequented in Ermita before I retired from the U.S. Embassy..

It is one of the few, Philippine talismans said to have been influenced by extraterrestrial intelligence. This is my second such talisman; the first was a gift from deceased mage Roy Alvarez, who was probably the only person I knew able to decode their inscriptions.

Good morning, Cubao!

"A woman who lies loses her man,
A man who lies loses his woman."
--From the oddun for the day

Dust, especially when it is invisible, can be deadly.

There is only one way for a man to be sexy, and that is to stop trying to be sexy.

Respect Nature. Only then will Nature respect you.

A mother cat will want only the best for her offspring.

A fresh soup during meals resets your body.

If you can't treat your employees and coworkers better, the future won't treat you better either.

Good night, Cubao!

Never let boredom overtake you, for it will only lead you to a path of destructiveness.