“Everything you judge about yourself served a purpose at the time.” —Dr. Gabor Maté K ung hei fat choi! Welcome the Year of the Water Rabbit, which begins today, Jan. 22. In Chinese culture, the Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity. Predicted to be a year of hope, 2023 will bring qualities that may have been lacking in the previous year, such as peace and success. Feng shui experts expect this year to be less dramatic or tumultuous than the last, Year of the Tiger.

There will be a shift of energies where we will see a positive influence on impulsive people, as they become more practical and level-headed. It is an excellent time to make crucial decisions and carefully weigh the options beforehand to best achieve goals and realize plans.

At our first ever Chinese New Year celebration after the pandemic crisis, we transformed our house into a Chinese astrology showcase for guests to enjoy the auspicious setup and join the games for more luck this year. From today until Feb. 9, try to celebrate with family and friends to set a lucky 2023. Always share your blessings to promote more luck!

If your “life force” or chi is not favorable this time, enhance luck and fortune by doing acts of kindness and generosity so the good chi will follow your way. According to Marites Allen, feng shui queen of the Philippines, have a feast of many round fruits and dishes to capture the auspicious energy, and wear red.

Marites shared that we can expect success in love and career advancement, with no significant health concerns. Additionally, financial success will be easier to achieve this year. With love in the center of the Flying Chart of 2023, this year is going to be a favorable time for most zodiac signs. Bringing peace, harmony and tranquility to the New Year, the Year of the Rabbit is one we can all look forward to!

Change will definitely come—although for people with a Rabbit sign like me, things are a little less clear-cut. A Chinese belief states that change occurs every 12 years in the Jupiter cycle of a person’s life, whether it is positive or negative. It is important to harness this change and grow into a more focused and purposeful being.

Challenging

The Snake and Dragon signs may have a challenging year compared to 2022, but because they are driven and hardworking, their luck will still be positive. Even if it is not too lucky, Rooster is also tenacious and high achieving, as an animal that greets the morning sun. The resourceful and quick-witted Rat may be able to adapt to the surprises coming their way. Improving feng shui could help unlucky signs survive this year.

People born in the Ox, Horse and Goat years generally won’t experience any extreme highs or lows in 2023. Ox’s determination and Horse’s energy should be able to handle what the year throws at them. Comparably, Goat’s perseverance should propel them through their challenges. But Tigers may face some ups and downs. Tiger’s enthusiasm and boldness may or may not work to their advantage when it comes to the surprises that a Rabbit year brings.

My partner in crime, Tim Yap, who is a Dragon, is always lucky! He never fails to celebrate in the grandest way, sharing all his blessings and living life to the fullest. The day after his birthday, Jan. 17, eventologist Tim hosted an unforgettable birthday celebration at the luxurious Admiral Hotel Manila MGallery. The star-studded entourage of celebrities and personalities arrived at El Atrio, lobby of Admiral Hotel, dressed to impress following Tim’s vision for the night: “Fire and Ice.”

The night began with guests coming together at the lobby with DJ Eva Smalls kicking things off with a killer set. Guests were ushered into the Admiral Club for a multi-course culinary showcase by executive chef Paul Lenz and executive sous chef Loic Brun.

Starting the entertainment, LA-based Ryan Gallagher sang ballads and rising star Zephanie showed off her vocals, which thrilled everyone in the audience. Dancers from the A Team and surprise songs from the best and brightest flowed all through the night. The dinner climaxed with a spectacular pyromusical display, designed by director and Tim’s husband, Javi Martinez, at the Coconut Grove, as everyone raised a glass to the birthday celebrant.

But it wasn’t the end of the night!

Secret location

Everyone that evening knew that a party would be taking place in a secret location, but not everyone knew it was right in the lobby of the hotel. Through a secret door hidden behind a bookcase was the intriguing world of Ruby Wong’s, a never-before-seen bar in the heart of Manila.

Guests were transported to another time and place, like the old streets of Hong Kong, complete with a noodle bar and an alley full of lamps and Chinoiserie pin-ups. DJs Joey Osmeña, Bombi Balquiedra and Jason Soong took over Ruby Wong’s decks. Before the night ended, the evening’s hottest and coolest were awarded with gifts from Admiral Hotel Manila MGallery.

The night wasn’t all pomp and pageantry. The main goal that evening was to raise funds for kids with cleft palates. In lieu of gifts, Tim requested that donations be made to Smile Train Philippines Foundation Inc. This has been Tim’s charity since he ran the Berlin and New York marathons. This year, he, along with husband Javi and Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, formed Yaparazzi Smiles Team and are raising funds for kids while running the London Marathon this April.

Tim always has a knack for throwing the best parties, and in true Tim fashion, had an evening that left everyone full of good memories. Special thanks to Frontrow and Ultra Green Coffee Company, Dave Sandoval for styling, Remy Martin, Botanist and Boozy for reinforcements that night. The event was produced by Tim’s events and public relations agency, Yaparazzi Events + PR.

Clarity is power! Tim is very clear with his life vision—just like his fellow Capricorn, my daughter Jordan Prieto-Valdes who turned 25 on Jan. 19, and is equally as determined and driven. Highly competitive, they fight harder for their true causes and climb higher to achieve their focused goals. Their genuine and strong love of nature make them want to make this world a better place. Shine on and make that change!

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