The Controversial Bookshelf

Magazine Overview

This issue of "The Controversial Bookshelf" from UFO REVIEW magazine, dated "NEW" (likely January 1987 based on content), presents a wide array of books and articles focused on paranormal phenomena, occultism, and spiritual topics, with a particular emphasis on UFO sightings in the Philippines.

UFOs in the Philippines

The lead article, "UFOS AROUND THE WORLD: THERE ARE SIGHTINGS GALORE IN THE PHILIPPINES" by Rico R. Magda, explores numerous UFO sightings and encounters reported in the Philippines. The article begins by referencing a statement made by former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who expressed a belief in the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors and the vastness of the universe. Marcos's openness to the subject is contrasted with the increasing frequency of UFO landing reports in the Philippines.

The article recounts several specific incidents:

• November 1, 1968: Three Filipino farmers reported seeing a white, low-slung, saucer-shaped vehicle land and take off near a Communications Satellite ground station in Rizal Province. They described two Caucasian-looking passengers inside, one about six feet tall, wearing a white flying suit and glass-like headgear.
• 1923: Two fishermen on Cuyo Island, Palawan, reported seeing fireballs emerge from a rocky area, merge, and then a large fireball followed them, stopping when illuminated by a flashlight. The object was described as pot-sized with a dull orange glow and a second layer of green fire, with a round object with holes inside.
• May 1947: Dr. Gregorio Yabes reported seeing a motionless, cigar-shaped object with portholes leaking light at the Quezon Memorial College (QMC).
• May 1950: Dr. Yabes also reported seeing seven helmet-like flying objects glistening with light over the QMC building.
• June 1967: Newspaperman Rod Villa Jr. claimed to have seen a UFO from a car for over 30 minutes, describing it as an unusual light brighter than any star, soundless, and yellow, hovering over Quezon City and then Cavite.
• April 1974: Unidentified objects flashing streaks of blue, red, green, and white were seen hovering for several minutes in Zamboanga, Masbate, Davao del Sur, and Bohol.
• October 15, 1977: Alfredo Tayo Jr. and students saw a glove-shaped craft with a dark belt, appearing to be made of glass, hovering motionless over Buenavista, Gulmaras Island.
• Undated report from Ormoc, Leyte: An elderly woman reported seeing a spherical spacecraft with six landing legs land, emit smoke, and bore a hole in the ground with a hollow pipe.
• March 1986: Commercial photographer Hernan de Cartagena reportedly saw and photographed a UFO flying over Cubao, Quezon City, with the photographs submitted to the PAG-ASA astronomical division.

The article also touches upon the Filipino belief that the Star of Bethlehem might have been a UFO and mentions the formation of the Flying Saucer and Cosmic Ray Fellowship, Inc. by Dr. Yabes in 1956.

Book Reviews and Features

The majority of the magazine is dedicated to promoting and describing a vast catalog of books available for purchase from "Inner Light Publications." These books cover a wide range of esoteric and paranormal subjects:

• Magic and Spells: Books like "Candle Burning Magic," "Modern Herbal Spellbook," "Secrets of Magical Seals," and "Pow Wows, (or) Long Lost Friend" offer instructions on spells, rituals, and the use of herbs and charms for various purposes.
• Psychic Phenomena and Revelations: Titles such as "Psychic & UFO Revelations in the Last Days," "The Great Pyramid Speaks," and "The Dynamics of Cosmic Relationships" delve into prophecies, contact with spiritual beings, and understanding the universe.
• Ancient Mysteries and Civilizations: Books like "Secrets of the Popes," "Mystery of the Long Lost 8th, 9th and 10th Books of Moses," and "Giants in the Earth" explore hidden histories and ancient knowledge.
• UFOs and Extraterrestrials: "Strange Mutants," "The Boys from Topside," "UFO Conspiracy," and "Flying Saucerama" discuss alien encounters, UFOs, and potential government cover-ups.
• Spiritual and Personal Growth: Books like "Your Passport to Heaven," "Protection Against the Evil Eye," and "Sacred Magic" offer guidance on spiritual development, protection, and achieving personal goals.
• Biographies and Histories: "Count Saint Germain: A Matter of Immortality" and "The Roswell Incident" provide insights into historical figures and significant events.

Several books by authors like Anna Riva, Timothy Green Beckley, Art Crockett, and Diane Tessman are prominently featured.

Special Features and Advertisements

• "The Legendary Love Magnet": An advertisement for a talisman designed to attract love, romance, and happiness, prepared by an occultist named Diana.
• "Doomsday is Around the Corner!": An article warning of impending global disasters, citing prophecies from Nostradamus and Edgar Cayce, and discussing potential threats like atomic war, government collapse, environmental disasters, and extraterrestrial intervention. It promotes the book "Psychic & UFO Revelations in the Last Days."
• "Hopi Revelations": An account of an encounter with a Hopi elder who performed healing rituals and discussed the spiritual connection between Native Americans and "Star People."
• "A Must for Every Star Person & seeker of the New Age...": A description of Dr. Diane Tessman's book, "The Dynamics of Cosmic Relationships," which explores connections with spiritual guardians and soul mates.
• "The Great Pyramid Speaks": An article discussing mysteries surrounding the Great Pyramid, including theories about ancient astronauts, Atlantean influence, and the potential discovery of a spaceship or the cross of Jesus's crucifixion beneath it. It promotes a book of the same title.
• "Christ to Return Soon": An article discussing the prophecy of the "Weeping Angel" and its alleged connection to the Second Coming of Jesus, promoting a report titled "The Weeping Angel Prediction."
• "The Famous Money Magnet": An advertisement for a talisman claimed to attract money, prosperity, and wealth.
• "Know Who You Are and What Life Has in Store for You": An offer for a personal reading from Rev. Diane Tessman.
• "Join the UFO Investigators League": An advertisement seeking qualified researchers to investigate UFO cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a worldview that embraces the paranormal, the occult, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life and influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging readers to explore these subjects, often presenting them as hidden truths or suppressed knowledge. There is a strong emphasis on prophecies, spiritual guidance, and the potential for both catastrophic events and personal transformation. The magazine acts as a catalog and promotional vehicle for books that offer explanations and solutions to life's mysteries through esoteric means. The recurring theme is that conventional understanding is limited, and true knowledge lies in the realms of the supernatural, the unknown, and the extraterrestrial.