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Photo credit: JV Noriega
Photo credit: JV Noriega

Throughout history, mankind has been fascinated with the Moon. In the field of arts alone, the Moon is a constant inspiration, sparking the creation of poems and fantasy stories, love songs, and mythology.

Its symbolism is as rich and varied as its phases—a howling wolf’s shadow cast against a looming full Moon heralds terror, while a sliver of a Moon against a backdrop of brilliant stars spells romance.
But the ultimate proof of our lunar enchantment was when the United States ambitiously sent humans on a mission all the way to the Moon. On July 21, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin held the honor and distinction of being the first men to walk on the Moon.

To the Moon and Back

The Moon is the sole natural satellite of our planet. Second to the sun, it is the brightest thing in our sky. With its diameter of almost 3,500 kilometers, the Moon rotates in time with the Earth, facing our planet with always the same side of its surface, filled with craters and dark plains formed by prehistoric volcanic eruptions.

Once a month, it orbits around the Earth, altering the angle between our planet, the Moon and the Sun. Visually, this translates into the cycle of the Moon’s phases.

Phases of the Moon

In local mythology, the most popular Moon-related figure is Bakunawa, the god of the underworld that comes in the form of a winged giant sea serpent. When a lunar eclipse occurs, Bakunawa is said to have swallowed the Moon with its humongous mouth, the size of a lake. To prevent the creature from devouring the satellite, townsfolk would bang their pots and pans beneath the night sky to scare Bakunawa into spitting out the Moon.

Mad about the Moon

It’s scientifically proven that the Moon affects our planet through the gravitational pull between them. From the vantage point of the Earth’s surface, one can see two bulges created mostly by our oceans (and a bit of the earth’s crust)—the outward bulge in areas nearest to the Moon, and the inward one in areas farthest from the satellite. This is how the Moon generally affects ocean tides.

Still, some believe that the Moon’s influence extends beyond pulling on the ocean’s surface. In connection with how the word lunatic got its name (from the Latin word luna, which means Moon), there are groups that argue that the Moon, particularly its full phase, causes behavioral changes in humans. This is based on the reason that since our bodies are 75% water, the Moon’s gravitational forces also hold influence over us.
Everything from suicides, births, epileptic and heart attacks, to crimes and injuries are said to be Moon-related. But according to livescience.com, there are no conclusive studies that indicate a definite link between such occurrences and the Moon. It even suggests that when strange events happen during the Full Moon, people tend to pay special attention to them, chalking them up to this particular lunar phase. But when the same events occur during the other Moon- phases, they are dismissed or forgotten.

A Salute to the Moon

Photo credit: Heinz Orais
Photo credit: Heinz Orais

In Hatha Yoga, which emphasizes the physical practice of yoga, the Sun represents masculine impulses, shown in sweat-inducing, active yoga poses called asanas.

Meanwhile, the Moon symbolizes our cooler, feminine side—the primary focus of the Moon Salutation or Chandra Namaskara, a fifteen-step sequence that is both gentle and introspective. Here are the slow, mindful steps to achieve the yoga sequence:
1. Stand tall and allow your jaw to relax. Maintain a soft gaze while picturing the Full Moon in your mouth like a soft, soothing lozenge. Allow the sensation of the Moon to drift towards the back of your head and hold it there.
2. Slowly inhale while raising arms overhead.
3. During a long exhalation, gently touch your brow center, heart center then finally fold forward, your palms touching the ground. Step back your left foot and drop your left knee to the ground.
4. Bend your right leg into a forward lunge and raise your arms while inhaling, palms in prayer position overhead.
5. Slowly exhale while lowering your arms, touching your brow center, heart center then the ground. Step back into downward-facing dog pose.
6. Inhale and drop both knees on the floor into table pose. Look up.
7. Exhale and go into child’s pose.
8. Inhale, go up onto your knees, lift your hips and spread your arms. While looking up, allow yourself to be filled with gratitude.
9. Exhale. After bringing your palms in prayer position overhead, touch the back of your neck with your thumbs. Settle back on your heels. Bring your chest toward your thighs and elbows on the floor. Extend arms in front of you and press palms on the ground.
10. Inhale and slide your chest forward, going into upward-facing dog.
11. Exhale and go into downward-facing dog. Bring your left foot between your palms and drop your right knee.
12. Bend your left knee while inhaling and raise your arms in prayer position overhead.
13. Exhale and touch your brow center, heart center. Step your right foot in front of you and fold forward.
14. Inhale and stand up tall. Raise your arms and press palms overhead to salute the Moon.
15. Exhale, allow your palms to touch your brow center, and let them end in prayer position over your heart center.
Upon finishing the sequence, close your eyes and picture the Full Moon resting at the back of your mind. Let its brightness fill your mind, its beam reflecting out through the point between your eyebrows. This sequence aims to calm, and is said to be safe for women undergoing menstruation and pregnancy.
In another yoga system called Ashtanga, asanas are not practiced during the New and Full Moon days. Practitioners believe that these days are “dangerous” because the Sun and Moon’s combined gravitational forces are on an all-time high, creating conflict. Yogis welcome these days to rest from doing their asanas.

The Trending Moon

The Moon has even gone as far as shaping fashion. According to skwirk.com, the first Moon landing influenced 1960s fashion, inspiring designers to use new and exciting materials such as plastic, vinyl and even PVC, a type of resin used in manufacturing garden hoses and floor tiles. Just imagine the creations crafted from these materials!

Fast-forward to today and the Moon is still making waves in the fashion industry, this time, in high-end watches. These days, watches don’t just tell the time, they’re also beefed up with other features that show different time zones and—you guessed it—Moon-phases.
These complications are usually a hit with women, the Moon-phase feature appealing to their eye for beauty.

Audemars Piguet Moon-phase, encased in 18-carat pink gold, indicates the day and current phase of the Moon. (image from watchalyzer.com)
Audemars Piguet Moon-phase, encased in 18-carat pink gold, indicates the day and current phase of the Moon.
(image from watchalyzer.com)

Meanwhile, Maurice Lacroix, a luxury brand of Swiss watches, boasts of pioneering Moon-phase watches in the 1980s—the reason for which was that some of the company’s clients based decisions on whether the Moon is full, waning or waxing.

Its modern version displays not only the Moon-phase, but also the day, the month, and of course, the time. Timepiece connoisseurs are sure to appreciate its built-in jewels such as sapphire crystal and silver gold.

The Masterpiece Phases de Lune showcases the silver Moon against the deep-blue night sky. (image from hodinkee.com)
The Masterpiece Phases de Lune showcases the silver Moon against the deep-blue night sky.
(image from hodinkee.com)

So the next time you find yourself gazing at the Moon, take a moment and marvel at how this celestial body has shaped our culture, and continues to inspire us in ways both whimsical and scientific.
And if the Big Cheese could tell you how it feels about all this attention, it would probably say that it’s simply over the Moon about it.

Sources: Yogainternational.com, Joyisyoga.com, Nytimes.com, Mauricelacroix.com, Pinoy-culture.tumblr.com

Rainy afternoons and evenings are here again.  So before heading out, it’s best to be prepared with rainy weather essentials that are both practical and easy on the eyes. Here are some tips from celebrities on their must-bring and must-wear items when it’s pouring outside.

Photo from official Instagram account of Ginger Conejero

An entertainment reporter and a morning show anchor for more than four years, Ginger Conejero is also known for her impeccable sense of style—something that was honed when she joined Miss Philippines Earth in 2006, where she was declared Runner-up as Miss Philippines Air.

What do you wear on rainy days when you have to go to work?

On rainy days, I try to be as comfortable and warm as I can because the last thing I need is to worry about is my outfit not giving enough protection or being inappropriate for the weather. Printed leggings with a loose top are a go-to for me with comfy boots to keep my feet warm.

If I need to be dressier, I opt for a dress that can be paired with a moto-jacket and booties. If the weather is on the gloomy side, I tend to go for gray, dark blue and maroon to burgundy colors.

How do you keep your things safe and dry? 

Boots or booties are essential rainy weather footwear for me. I really don’t like getting my feet or the inside of my shoes wet because it’s hard to dry them out.  I usually have a bigger, water-resistant bag that I put my stuff into so I can keep my purse and other important things dry.  But if the rainy weather is unexpected, I just go with the flow. Getting wet won’t kill you so there’s no need to get overly maarte about things getting wet.

What’s your stylish rainy day outfit?

Leggings with a stylish top or sweater is the way I tend to dress on rainy days. If I need to wear a skirt or dress, I usually pair it with booties. Also, a scarf always ties an outfit together and is a fave go-to of mine, because it doubles as a shawl over my head in case of sudden downpour.

Photo from official Instagram account of Melissa Ricks

Landing a spot in a reality talent search ten years ago paved the way for Melissa Ricks to fulfill her dream of being an actress. Known for her acting credits on both film and television, Melissa has evolved from playing teenybopper characters to more mature ones, including landing the lead role in Nasaan ka, Elisa? the local adaptation of a popular Chilean drama. Now a mother-to-be, Melissa still makes sure she stays stylish, rain or shine.

What do you wear on rainy days when you go to work?

My jackets, pullovers, leggings or shorts. For my footwear, I go with my jelly boots or Crocs, or any type of shoes that are safe to wear when it’s raining.

How do you keep your things safe and dry?

I use my waterproof bags.

Any advice to have a stylish outfit especially on rainy days?

Just be yourself and wear something that will make you feel comfy and warm.

Photo from official Facebook account of Atom Araullo

Atom Araullo has become known for his daring reports—one of which was his famous live coverage of the devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban City, Leyte. Because of his on-the-go lifestyle, this journalist makes sure that he’s always prepared for changes in the weather.

What do you usually wear on rainy days?

I have a gore-tex rain jacket, boots, and a foldable umbrella. If I’m covering floods or heavy rains, I use office-issued waders. I also wear a baseball hat under my hoodie because it helps keep the rain from dripping down my face. I also bring extra shirts and underwear.

How do you keep your things safe and dry?

I always bring a flashlight with a whistle. I also make sure I have a waterproof cellphone case, car inverter, headlamp, a first aid kit, a dry sack, etc. I use a go-pro camera for getting footage because it’s easy to use and it’s waterproof.

A host and a famous traffic reporter in a morning show, Love Anover’s booming voice can easily wake up the most stubborn of sleepyheads. Being in the business for more than a decade, her extensive experience with the busy roads of Metro Manila has equipped Love with daily girl-scout preparedness.

What do you have in bag when having a coverage outside of your office?

I bring rubber slippers, extra shirt and underwear in case I get wet during my coverage. Instead of lugging around a heavy umbrella, I prefer bringing a raincoat.

How do you keep you and your things safe and dry?

To ensure my safety, I always have my ballpen and keys. Since I go to different places, I make sure that my mind is focused and alert all the time. My Swiss pocketknife and other important things are kept in a ziplock to prevent them and my bag from getting wet.

Being stylish during rainy weather also means being safe from the downpour. Take your cue from these celebrities, who know how to prepare for emergencies while making sure they look good on camera.  Be weather-smart, and poise and confidence will be yours, any day of the season.

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