Feng shui expert offers 2009 advice

By Anna Valmero INQUIRER.NET WITH the strong influence of Chinese culture, Filipinos borrow several traditions from the Asian neighbor in celebrating the New Year. Over time, it has been part of our culture as well as other parts of the world to watch out for forecasts from Feng shui experts so we can better be guided in the following year. 2009 is the year of the Earth Ox in the Chinese Zodiac. For the coming year, growth will be slow but it will be sure, says Feng shui expert Master Aldric Dalumpines of Punsoy.com. Dalumpines says there are three elements to reading the upcoming year. First, the earth element -- signals earth related industries will have a rosy outlook. These include real estate, memorial parks, agriculture, mining and related businesses like construction, and even oil. Another good area for business is aqua farming, since water is a stronger element than earth, he says. Another element in the forecast is the animal sign, says Dalumpines. Ox, in Asian culture, refers to the carabao or water buffalo and not the Western bull. As a beast of burden, the carabao is the engine of growth especially in agricultural countries. The third part is the cyclical pattern of the sign, in which years falling under the Sign of the Ox are also years of crises. The Chinese are optimistic about 2009 since a crisis also provides opportunities. To rise above the challenges, he advises everyone to be patient and diligent and to save money. 2009 is also a time of harvest for people who have worked hard over the last three years. “2009 is the best time for the country to lay foundations strongly for the future -- as seen before when Filipinos have become creative and resilient over time,” the Feng shui expert says. “With the United States and other parts of the world suffer in the global recession, now is the best time for the country to shine since we are already vaccinated and immune to meltdowns, thanks to our training under our previous national leaders,” he says. He says the upcoming elections is boon for national projects since there will be no hoarding of resources to support infrastructure and healthcare projects. He cautions though that there will be political figures who will try to remain in power even after 2010. On the bright side, he says there will be a pool of fresh faces in the local politics, as in the case of newly elected U.S. President Barrack Obama. “Manny Pacquiao will be a dark horse in 2010, more so if he will be able to win his next two bouts,” he adds. When asked about the chances of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to win in 2010, he cautioned that the national leader should not push her luck too much or take unnecessary risks, such as the Charter Change. He says the president was able to benefit from the perfect Feng shui of the late Diosdado Macapagal’s burial site He says it is too early to speculate who will claim leadership. But two things will happen. First, religious groups will sell block voting of its members to the highest political bidder. Secondly, it spins a different turn for the entertainment industry ironically and paradoxically as comedy will be highly favored by masses who will seek temporary relief from the situation. As with other spiritual practices like religion, Feng shui serves as guide -- one way of allowing the signs of the universe or nature to speak to us -- and it is all tied up to that “One Great Power” above, he says.