Home is where the luck is

A house with good feng shui channels positive energy, known as “qi,” which helps improve the lives of people who live in it.

“Your home is also an important element of your personal economy,” said feng shui master Hans Cua over a sumptuous lunch at the Mabuhay Palace of  The Manila Hotel.

“Ensuring that it’s comfortable and secure is something we should all focus on, especially in the Year of the Fire Monkey.”

According to Cua, those who are born in the Year of the Horse will receive “unexpected wealth” given by the gods. It could be in the form of a commission (for closing that deal), or as simple as winning the lottery.

“But you should place the bet yourself. Huwag mo iutos sa maid,” advised Cua.

To activate the Horses’ luck, they need to locate the South direction of the house.

“Once you’ve located the South (you can use the compass in your iPhone), place all the santoses there because that’s the direction of the Heaven’s Gate. Even when praying, dapat tama ang feng shui,” he added.

One should also put fire elements — bright lights, crystals or red and yellow-colored things — to enhance the sector’s luck.

“Middle daughters will have unexpected wealth gain,” Cua said.

Those who consider their office their second home must locate where the Success Star is.

“If you want that elusive promotion, place your office table and chair in the Southeast direction. Activate the Success Star by putting water elements like an acquarium or fortune plant in the Southeast part of the office,” Cua explained.

Avoid north

If south is lucky, the three north sectors — North, Northwest, Northeast — are not.

“Feng shui is a flying star, because our lives revolve. Hindi tayo laging nasa taas or nasa ibaba. That’s why we need to constantly move the furniture or appliances in the house so as not to block the positive “qi,” explained Cua.

If the main door of your house is located on the north sector, you’re prone to burglary.

“It affects those born in the Year of the Rat. The cure is to place water (aquarium, fortune plant, blue, black and purple things), fire (bright lights, red, orange and pink things), and wood (green things) elements in the north direction to weaken the energy,” Cua said.

Those born in the Year of the Pig and Dog are considered unlucky this year because these animals sit on the Northwest sector. Patriarchs/fathers are prone to court cases and litigation this year.

“If your bed is in the northwest part of the bedroom, move it. Because that’s where Hostility (the number 3 star) dwells. Hostility is a wood element so it’s best to put metal elements — wind chimes, coins, gold and silver — to cure it,” noted Cua.

Northeast, Cua said, is the unluckiest sector in 2016 because that’s where the five yellow misfortune stars dwell.

“So don’t sit or sleep in that direction to avoid misfortune or loss of income. Your relationships with people dear to you might also get destroyed,” Cua. added.

The Manila Hotel welcomes the year of the fire Monkey

Master Hans Cua gave these short but practical feng shui tips during the launch of  Manila Hotel’s Chinese New Year room packages and set menu offerings at Mabuhay Palace.

While master Hans Cua shared tips on how to increase luck in the home, Mabuhay Palace executive chef Sun Bing prepared an eight-course meal that exemplifies the best of Chinese culinary traditions.

We started off with the roasted suckling pig with bread pan. Roasted pig symbolizes peace. It is known as chun chee (golden pig) and its festive value lies in the auspicious golden red color of the pig’s skin.

Good fortune is what the braised sliced abalone and seafood soup represent, while the deep-fried Mabuhay Palace Long Life Prawns connotes happiness.

On New Year’s Eve, it’s customary to serve a fish dish at the end of every meal because it symbolizes abundance for the coming year. And so chef Sun Bing whipped up Flambe Farm Marine Sea Bass. Wrapped in flaming aluminum foil, the fish is packed with flavor and oozes with freshness.

Also on the menu are crispy fired pigeon Hong Kong-style, braised cucumber and monkey head mushroom, fried rice with Chinese sausage and mushroom.

To cap off the first lucky meal of the New Year, a goldfish tikoy is served, which signifies prosperity and improvements in one’s life.

The Chinese New Year set menu is offered until Feb. 8 at the Mabuhay Palace.

Photos by KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

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For reservations, call 527-0011 local 1175 or visit www.ManilaHotel.com.ph.