Does feng shui really work? Of course! Every year, the Marites Allen Annual Feng Shui Convention is my veritable source to prep for the Chinese New Year. Marites is the first Filipino woman feng shui master accredited by the International Feng Shui Association.

 

The Feng Shui Convention was held at the Marco Polo Hotel last weekend, and the focus was on the Year of the Fire Monkey, which starts on Feb. 8. Marites shared prosperity tips to the rapt audience. Here are some of those tips.

 

The lucky signs of the year are Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep and Monkey, those where the numbers 1, 6 and 8 are directed.

 

The Monkey year is very fortunate for all Monkey-born people. The zodiac ally of the Monkey, the Dragon, and the Monkey’s secret friend, the Snake, may share the same good fortune.

 

Other favored animal signs are Rooster and Rabbit.

 

The Rat is also a zodiac ally but this is not a favorable year because the number 7 is in its star, which stands for robbery and violence.

 

The Tiger, who is the conflict animal of the Monkey, may have difficulties as well.

 

Other zodiac animals that need to take care are the Ox, Boar and Dog.

 

Marites has written 12 horoscope books for the Year of the Fire Monkey, which allow all the animal signs to be guided in detail as to how to maximize the positive energies and deflect negative ones.

 

Let me give all you the “CliffNotes” version of each book:

 

Rat: Very encouraging personal luck and very strong vitality levels.

 

Ox: Certain forces in your chart will test your motivation and resolve.

 

Tiger: Inner vitality may be weak, but there are sufficient levels of success.

 

Rabbit: Auspicious stars indicate exciting events in your life.

 

Dragon: So many positive indications, it is almost unbelievable!

 

Snake: The presence of your astrological allies in this year’s chart has positive indications for you.

 

Horse: Your confidence will get a boost, filling everything you get involved in with positivity.

 

Sheep: Opportunities will come thick and fast. Grab them because they might not last long.

 

Monkey: Fabulous luck brings potential wealth and abundance in everything you do.

 

Rooster: Average prospects; still, you have a lot to look forward to this year.

 

Dog: Auspiciousness comes from your allies who could wield important influence on your life this year.

 

Boar: Excellent elements spell an incredibly lucky year for you.

 

Of course, each book has much more detail, providing monthly readings for one’s career, business, health, and relationships.

 

Also inside are feng shui suggestions for the home, auspicious fashion and accessories, guide to the lucky and unlucky house orientations for each month, and many more useful tips.

(Call 0920-9509390 or visit a Frigga store to get a book.)

 

Charms, cures

 

Boy Abunda hosted the Feng Shui Convention, which delved into each animal sign’s needed charms and cures.

 

There was also a fashion show of Frigga clothes, a collaboration between Marites and fashion designer Frederick Peralta.

 

Frigga now includes a “home” collection of lucky furnishings.

 

So what happens if your animal sign is not favorable this year? Marites suggests travel or engaging in charity.

 

Although the Rabbit has good chi this year, fellow Rabbit Tessa Alindogan will be auctioning one of her modern, abstract paintings at her exhibit in Discovery Primea on March 8. Proceeds will go to the Assumption 81 Foundation. She will be holding the exhibit along with contemporary artists Tina Gonzales and Tessa Mendoza.

 

Last month, Tessa A. flexed her designing skills at a special Crate & Barrel dining and entertaining event with Metro Home editor in chief Anton Barretto. They showcased breathtaking tablescapes, shared holiday entertaining tips, and chose gift ideas for family and friends.

 

Each setting was a beautifully stylish table arrangement that could be set for the entire year.

(Visit Crate&Barrel at SM Aura, SM Mega Fashion Hall and SM Makati.)

 

Global trends expert

 

Speaking of forecasts, I recently met Daniel Levine of the Avant-Guide Institute in New York City. He is the premier global trends expert and has also spoken at over 300 events worldwide.

 

Daniel’s ability to distill trends to their essence and articulate them is the result of his access to an extensive network of over 9,000 researchers around the world.

 

He came to the Philippines to discuss how social trends drive consumer behavior and to share his knowledge on what people want and need to furnish their living, working and other spaces.

 

His ideas will be showcased at the Philippine International Furniture Show 2016 (PIFS) ot be held at the SMX Convention Center from March 11-13.

 

The event will be a coming together of the three most important regional furniture manufacturing associations—Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation, Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines and Pampanga Furniture, Industries Foundation.

 

Our mix

 

Back to the question: Does feng shui really work?

 

My hubby Dennis is an Ox and I’m a Rabbit, and this is what Marites had to say about our mix: “They seem like they’re made for each other, having several similarities in personality and life. Both of them can tolerate everything of each other, as long as they have enough space and freedom. Their love lives are full of fun because they have a strong sense of curiosity to get to know each other. Usually, they share common attitudes and opinions about life.”

 

I guess that’s just one of the reasons why I love feng shui.

 

Follow @tessavaldes on Twitter and @seaprincess888 on Instagram.