In the Year of the Earth Dog, the dynamics of Philippine politics will be, as the adage goes, “same dog but with a different collar,” says feng shui consultant Andy Tan.
“The economy will prosper. Politics will be noisy and chaotic as usual, but not violent. People are free to demonstrate. The NPA’s (New People’s Army) power will decline. Infrastructure projects will bring more jobs. The high prices and taxes are collateral damage. I’m more concerned about 2019,” he adds.
Springboard
The Year of the Earth Dog, which runs from Feb. 16, 2018 to Feb. 4, 2019, will be a springboard for the Year of the Water Pig (Feb. 5, 2019).
The Dog (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018) is the 11th animal among the 12 Chinese horoscope signs, and the Dog month is the last month of the fall season in the Chinese calendar. Winter is the season of Water, which starts in 2019. Hence, play your cards right if you want to succeed next year, says Tan.
“The Dog symbolizes loyalty. The Earth Dog is grounded. He is the Chihuahua, not the Doberman. Hence, it will be a mild year. Dogs, in general, will experience stability in life or in finances. Earth Dogs will win respect. Metal Dogs have to be careful about what they say. Water Dogs have to watch their temper. Still, the year looks rosy for Dogs,” says Tan.
The Dog’s best friends are the Tigers and Horses, says Tan.
In the 12-year zodiac cycle, the Dragon lies opposite the Dog, thus making it the clash or conflict animal.
While 2018 will be stable for most Dogs, the Dragons (1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012) will face many challenges. “Kahit dehado ’yung Dragon, mamimilit pa rin sila. They’re used to being stressed. It will be a year for a lot of explaining. Although they might be in the limelight, it won’t always be positive. They could get burned out,” says Tan.
“If Dragons will invest this year, they should be silent partners so as not to invite questioning,” he advises.
Tan predicts that Vice President Leni Robredo, a Wood Dragon (1964), will face a roller-coaster year. “She hasn’t been doing anything, yet people say hateful things about her. It’s going to get worse this year.”
Proud animal sign
It will also be a good year for the Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) as it brings regeneration and good omens for new projects.
President Duterte, a Wood Rooster (1945), will surmount obstacles facing him, although he has to watch his health. “The Rooster is the proudest animal sign. Tuka nang tuka, putak nang putak,” says Tan.
The Earth element will highlight the year of the populist president. “Wood Roosters like Duterte are flamboyant. They don’t like to be told what to do. Tira nang tira. Bira nang bira. They say something, then retract to maintain some diplomacy,” says Tan.
Typical of a Fire Rooster, former Senator Bongbong Marcos will continue his protests. If luck is on his side, he has strong chances of being in government.
“If Marcos joins the government, it will be good for the country because it’s his horoscope, not his personality,” says Tan.
Tan points out the interesting makeup of the government. Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez is a Rooster, as are Senators Franklin Drilon and Chiz Escudero.
“A minimum of three of the same animal signs in one roof is a sign of a progressive organization. The only problem with Drilon and Escudero is that they may be in the right place at the wrong time,” he says.
Quick thinking
Rats such as Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno and former President Noynoy Aquino (both born in 1960) will predictably have to work double-time to fight for their dignity. Tan forecasts that Sereno will eventually “fade away” from the scene.
“Rats will survive with their quick thinking and resourcefulness,” he says.
With the influence of the Earth element, the government’s Build, Build, Build projects will be well underway. “Earth gives the feeling of productivity. People will feel that the government is doing something.”
Pigs (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019) will be facing up to their past actions. Still, they are the fighters in the zodiac.
“Rep. Gloria Arroyo will get what she wants despite the charges against her. She will peak in 2019, the Year of the Pig, if there will be elections,” says Tan.
Since the Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010) is an ally of the Dog, it will be blessed with luck that will make one impervious to obstacles. Tan predicts that Jinggoy Estrada will be back in politics soon.
Another Dog ally, the Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014) will be galloping under the Earth element’s influence of good management and organization. Sen. Manny Pacquiao will continue to pursue his political ambitions.
Incompatible
In international politics, although Trump is a Fire Dog, Fire is incompatible with the Earth element. “He might not be able to finish his term,” says Tan.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin, a Dragon, will be putting up a front. China’s President Xi Jinping, a Water Snake (1953), is a silent player. He befriends everyone, works quietly and moves in for the kill. It will be a good year for the Snake (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013) with their calm efforts.
“North Korea’s Kim Jong-un is a Water Pig. That’s why he’s always colliding with the Fire Dog in Trump. But 2019 will be his year.”
Tan says industries and businesses with Earth elements will thrive—real estate, construction for high-end projects, interior design, leasing for malls, infrastructure and media. The business process outsourcing companies combine Metal and Earth, which are compatible elements.
He warns that it will be a risky year for online gaming operations. “There could be dollar salting. As an earth sign, this business will thrive, but operators might run away because the game is electronic. You don’t see cash.”
Tan doesn’t believe that federalism will push through this year. “It is influenced by Water which can’t be accepted by the Earth unless the populist leader pushes it. I’m more worried about 2019. The Water Pig is very bullish. It’s all or nothing.”
Forecasts
Rat: There will be more disadvantages than advantages in daily activities. With quick thinking and an imaginative mind-set, you can overcome challenges.
Ox: You will continuously bring joy and luck to family and friends. Despite an increased work load and challenges, your diligence and strong-willed attitude will help you cope.
Tiger: Business undertakings and career will progress smoothly. Financial conditions will be stable. This is a good time for expansion.
Rabbit: It’s a challenging time in business and finance, but you’ll get better cash flow. It’s not the right time for a career shift unless you seek opportunities abroad.
Dragon: There will be lots of unexpected, unwanted expenses. It’s not an ideal time for career movement, and the energies are not favorable to new ventures or expansions.
Snake: Although financial conditions are favorable, expect more expenses than income generated. Be more attentive and patient with health, work and family affairs.
Horse: Happy progressive and productive 2018! It’s an ideal time for career movement, the best time for business expansion and a good time to marry or settle down.
Sheep: You will be blessed with good health and productive wealth. Lucky stars and guardian angels are on your side. It will be a good year to implement plans and expand investments.
Monkey: It will be a roller-coaster ride in terms of career and business dealings, which can be alleviated by using your cleverness and resourcefulness. Avoid confrontations.
Rooster: Though there are more career and professional challenges, you will get better results than in 2017. Stay focused, use your mind and not your emotions to find your fulfillment.
Dog: Financial conditions will be steady but due diligence is needed for expenses. Health will be affected by household or domestic matters. Keep all communication lines open.
Pig: Money matters will be stable. If managed properly, wealth will flourish till 2019. Keep a low profile and work diligently. Luck shines on your career and love life. —CONTRIBUTED
