"I thought all along Mon Tulfo was their dad! Kapatid pala."

Vampinthecity, some tweep

The hype of the supermoon

The barrage of supermoon news already appears excessive. There seems to be too much hype. The moon will be 30% brighter and slightly bigger—so what? All the credible news sources on TV and online would bear out that there's nothing really consequential about the moon reaching its perigee. Everybody's talking about it like it's some highly significant event.

Admittedly, despite the seeming balderdash, the supermoon is an event worth observing. It's like one of those things in your childhood you would love remembering or doing again. The moon's color and fullness as it rises from the horizon provide a majestic view that can catch the attention of anyone. Moreover, the myths and lore surrounding the supermoon can likewise be intriguing.

One of the myths associated with a full moon (especially with an unusually bigger and brighter one) is the alleged ability of the moon to cause insanity. There are those who somewhat invoke science in explaining the myth by saying that the gravitational pull of the moon gets stronger as it comes nearer to Earth, hence causing cerebral abnormalities. Until now, no scientific study proves that the possible rise of the gravitational pull of the moon has any significant effect on Earth other than causing a higher high tide. Gravity does not factor in but insanity is possible to occur among those who ridiculously obsess with the belief that the moon is certain to bring forth sinister consequences.

Another myth involving the supermoon is the increased instances of disasters or calamitous events. Scientific facts readily dispel this myth so there shouldn't be any reason to change your plans simply because a supermoon is looming. Again, the increase of lunar gravitational pull on Earth is too low to cause earthquakes, more lightening, tsunamis, hailstorms, or tornadoes. A big bright full moon is just too beautiful to be linked with rising incidences of calamities.

Furthermore, the association of a full moon with the increased activities of supernatural beings or forces is something that can hardly be ignored. Up to this day, many still believe that there are sinister entities that become more powerful during a full moon—most especially during a supermoon. Needless saying, scientific thinking would lead anyone to easily dismiss such association. However, the undying claims and anecdotes of many people from different parts of the world perpetuate the question and doubts on whether or not there are supernatural beings who manifestly become more active in the presence of a big bright moon.

I am in the belief that the way news are presented about the supermoon diminishes the "prestige" of the event. Observing and savoring the moon's regal and inexplicable beauty is something personal to me so having too much said and insinuated about it smacks of being reductive.

Kase kung yung Kuya ko lang one-on-one kayong dalawa baka yung puwet mo nasa bunganga mo na.

Raffy Tulfo on Raymart Santiago and Claudine Barretto

"Their power voltage goes up and down, it's like they're f*cking."

Teddy Boy Locsin on the problematic power supply of Visayas and Mindano

"Sige Mataba na kung Mataba...Ang Puso Ko"

Text for the ad of Sharon Cuneta's new show on TV5.

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That line's certainly catchy. We're just wondering how that would help bring in the ratings.

"Don Ramon wanted 10 children, so I gave him 10."

Genelyn Magsaysay                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Read more about this on the May 6, 2012 edition of Sunday Inquirer Magazine.

Finally, Scarborough Shoal issue officially reaches UN

Though many are still wondering what took it so long...

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario discussed the issue of Scarborough Shoal with no less than the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The discussion was aimed at emphasizing and advancing the country's commitment to settling the conflict via a rules-based approach following recognized international laws.

The meeting was held in the New York City headquarters of the United Nations. The officials involved were unified on the idea of peaceful settlement and mediation.

The growing presence of Chinese forces and apparent ballyragging in the West Philippine Sea waters have led the Philippines to seek help from the international community despite China's call on avoiding the internationalization of the issue and despite the United States' lukewarm-to-cold expression of support to its main ally in Southeast Asia.

Needless mentioning, the Philippines is incapable of matching the military power of China, not even that of China's "renegade province"—Taiwan. China has been calling for more diplomacy on the issue although its actions have been seemingly contrary to its pronouncements.