MANILA - Numerologists, astrologists, and doomsayers may have had a field day with Wednesday's date, but one astrologist says it is all just a coincidence.
Astrologer Henry Palacios said the date is not as lucky (or unlucky) as people tend to believe because the perfect line of 9's in "09/09/09" is actually broken by the number 2 in "September 9, 2009."
Though the date marked Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's much-awaited announcement that he is running for President in 2010, Palacios said this had more to do with the late former President "Cory" Aquino's 40th day of mourning than the "09/09/09" coincidence.
He said Sen. Aquino's parents had a "strong presence" that day, particularly dealing with "an emotional connection and finishing a legacy."
As far as significant dates for birthdays go, Palacios said the "luckiest" time of the year is December.
Superstition
According to a report by of LiveScience.com, a science and technology website, the number 9 held special significance to numerologists and ancient mathematicians alike, due to the number's "unique properties."
"As the final numeral, the number 9 holds special rank. It is associated with forgiveness, compassion, and success on the positive side as well as arrogance and self-righteousness on the negative, according to numerologists," the report stated.
Cultural beliefs about the number also vary. The Chinese associate it with long life, while the Japanese associate the number with unluckiness and suffering.
Though many have dismissed the numerological symmetry of "09/09/09" as bogus, people around the world have joined in on the craze.
Reports said Apple Inc. took advantage of the date to release a new addition to their iPod line, while Focus Features released a film about the apocalypse called "9" on the date. The release date of the "Beatles: Rock Band" game was also set for Sept. 9. Report by TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News.