The Year of the Ox

I have always been fascinated by star signs, especially after I read Linda Goodman’s book on astrology which is quite accurate in describing the characteristics of people. I’m not a feng shui expert like Joseph Chau or Zeny Seva, but it’s interesting to contemplate on predictions for the Chinese New Year which starts tomorrow. This is the Year of the Ox, and people born under this sign are said to be hardworking, resolute, calm and persevering — characteristics needed to survive the economic and financial hurdles brought by the global financial slump.

Feng shui masters foresee worsening recession, unemployment and a continued drop in stock prices all over the world. The Chinese consider the number “4” to be unlucky because it sounds like “death” in Chinese, which is why some are saying that 2009 will not be a good year for Barack Obama since he is the 44th US president. However, an Indonesian numerology expert and feng shui master contradicted the dire predictions about the new US president (who incidentally was born in the Year of the Ox) pointing out that in Chinese numerology, 4 + 4 equals “8” — a lucky number.

In the Philippines, seers predict a better outlook particularly when it comes to money, although this is tempered with admonitions to save since it could become a case of “easy come, easy go.” Standard & Poor’s also had a positive outlook for the country, saying our economy is in a much better shape than our neighbors’ and that we have better chances to weather the global financial storm.

Industries expected to do well despite the financial crisis include banking, entertainment, restaurant, transportation and electronics. The Philippine real estate sector also foresees brighter prospects this year, expecting opportunities from foreign investors who are looking for alternatives to US and European markets. 

In any case, 2009 will definitely be a year for all sorts of politics in this country. Even market analyst Astro del Castillo seems to think so, saying the economy will be propped up by “political spending” with politicians gearing up early for the 2010 elections. Politics certainly started as early as the sunrise of January 2, and it will continue until the advent of the elections in May 2010.

Considering that predictions seem to be the order of the day, we’ll share some of the “gut feel” predictions we have for this year. The administration will very likely deploy divide and conquer tactics and push for Charter Change but not necessarily to extend GMA’s term but more to keep everybody in tow, and ultimately have a constitutional convention after the 2010 elections.

There’s a strong indication that the administration will be looking around for a candidate — and it’s not necessarily Noli de Castro — making sure that the administration bet is someone who will not be motivated by retribution or vengeance. The fact of the matter is, Loren Legarda and Chiz Escudero are frontrunners, and Nationalist People’s Coalition titular head Danding Cojuangco has repeatedly said that the NPC will support Chiz and Loren if they stick together. 

It’s very clear that Chiz and Loren will make a formidable tandem because they continue to have the strong base of support from the youth, the women and the lower sector. But if Joseph Estrada seriously decides to run, he will divide that solid voting block from the masa — which will ultimately benefit Manny Villar and add to Noli de Castro’s rating. Manny is running high at the moment but he could lose steam towards the end, so he must keep from running too fast.

There are strong rumors however about moves to get Kabayan as Manny Villar’s running mate. If that happens, then a team up between Loren and Chiz going against the tandem of Manny and Noli will make for a strong presidential fight. But for those who would be unhappy with such a match-up, there’s a “third force” combining Chief Justice Reynato Puno and El Shaddai leader Brother Mike Velarde who has a solid voting block of five million. And from what we’re told, Ka Erdie Manalo of the Iglesia ni Cristo is prepared to support the tandem, which could easily add up the votes to 10 million.

Feng shui says the Year of the Ox will be exciting for this country. By the end of this year, we will have a clear indication on who would most likely be the new president. And as they say in Tagalog, “sana oks na oks.”

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The Manila Overseas Press Club held its first invitational golf tournament dubbed as “Tee for Press Freedom” last Friday to raise scholarship funds for deserving students and aspiring journalists. It was very gracious of the President to allow us to hold the event at the Malacañang Palace Golf Course, and it was a pleasant surprise to find the golf course well maintained and in very good condition — all thanks to the volunteer work of Ching Montinola who has been helping organize Malacañang golf events since the time of FVR.

The First Gentleman joined us for the tee off, while the President hosted a luncheon at the newly-renovated Pangarap Guest House. Members of the diplomatic circle, businessmen, MOPC members and other guests joined us. The Pangarap Guest House was built during the time of President Diosdado Macapagal, and the President told us the impressive renovations were supervised by her social secretary Bettina Aboitiz. The place is currently used as a guest house for heads of state and other dignitaries and for informal luncheons and dinners for VIPs.

Our sincere thanks to all those who supported the scholarship fund and other programs of the MOPC.

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