What the future holds in ’09

By Wilhelmina S. Orozco

Filipinos are the least scientific in dealing with their futures. Half of the population, or even more, probably rely on manghuhulas or those who look at the stars, read tarot cards, or who use their intuition, and consult certain natural objects to divine their future.

What makes all these more credible than a scientific analysis of the future? Why do people consult them at all? Ironically, even foreigners are into this. Arman Cubano, a faith healer and manghuhula (fortune teller) for 26 years, narrated that he has both local and foreign clients seeking his hula or predictions on what could happen to them.

Cubano was born in Siquijor Island, a small island with magnificent natural scenery, and grew up learning much about the occult there. According to Cubano, he and his four sisters are all manghuhula. He is also a self-confessed healer and feng shui expert, who has the ability to remove negative spirits from the home.

“I can make an estranged spouse return home and exorcise curses,” he adds.

Cubano (who does not use his real name) says he has snagged clients from as far away as Italy (where he is set to journey in a few weeks at the behest of a client) especially because Siquijor is “known all over the world as the center of fortune tellers and those well versed in the art of witchcraft.”

2009 predictions

Many of Cubano’s predictions have already come true (including that of the death of a singer—Didith Reyes), some of them have even resulted in good fortune not only for his client but for himself as well (an affluent client whom he had given a lucky charm and whom he predicted would amass great wealth gifted him with a house in Alabang which today remains his abode).

Among many things, he offers the following predictions:

•That should Manny Pacquiao, the boxer, run for a political position, he could win;

•That President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will finish her term but will not run;

•That Senator Loren Legarda would have a hard time winning because the people of Mindanao are doubtful of her intentions (as a result of her involvement in the Ces Drilon kidnap case);

•That should former President Erap Estrada run, he could win;

•That the First Gentleman, Mike Arroyo, may suffer a grave illness;

•That a senator could die this year;

•That the spectre of pregnancy hangs over several of today’s young stars;

•That there would be an exodus of ABS- CBN talents to GMA;

•That a popular actress would get pregnant by her leading man;

•That the careers of Ruffa and Richard Gutierrez, as well as Angel Locsin, will soar this year.

Cubano also predicts that an earthquake will hit the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Oriental, Cagayan de Oro, Quezon and Misamis Oriental as well as many countries in Asia like Thailand, China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. There will also be an earthquake coupled with tsunami waves that will hit the Visayas islands and Zamboanga.

Among the viable industries, he believes that the following will be best for investing: buy-and-sell business; sari-sari store and the food business. In manufacturing, steel and cement industries will lord it over in the market. There will be a boom in construction. Also communications technology will continue to get better.

Arman’s fortune telling reaches many aspects of life which appear to be frightening at times. However, to counter any ill effects of his predictions, he tells people to pray and if they are able to consult him, he prays over them as he has a Latin prayer that can ensure a positive outcome.

“Just call me,” he says.

(Those who wish to consult Cubano may reach him at 0919-6016198 or 357-0207.)