MEDIUM RARE
It’s a new year 11 days from now – going by the Chinese lunar calendar. Following the Gregorian calendar, the date would be Jan. 29, start of the Year of the Serpent, a sign of luxury more than of betrayal that Westerners fear.
As Serpent is a wood sign, green is the color of the year, no matter that Pantone has picked mocca mousse for the fashion-conscious. Patrick Fernandez, investment banker (California, USA time) and feng shui advocate (Manila time) who collects NASA data and interprets them for the earthbound like you and me, is wearing a mandarin jacket in jade-green brocade coutoured by Oliver Tolentino of Hollywood, Calif. Green goes well with red, which is the second best color, especially when worn with sprinkles of gold and silver.
Patrick’s mom, Auntie Baby Fernandez, garbed in red (including her hair) and scarlet prints and shod in glittering sandals, is hosting us feng shui fans with a prosperity lunch at New World Hotel, home of her Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony. Such a meal includes lechon, prawn, scallops, garoupa, chicken and/or duck, oysters, mushrooms, and sweet red bean soup for dessert. (The most prosperous fruit to display on your altar or dining table is pineapple, the Chinese name of which sounds like “Come, good fortune!”
A quick look at Patrick’s advice for the 12 signs. RAT: Diversify your sources of income. A part of your house needs attention. OX: Keep ears open for advice (during a conversation, for example), wait for the right time to act. TIGER: A time for strategic planning. Expect unexpected wealth. Take care of your mental health. RABBIT: Think where you want to be. Seek advice before investing. DRAGON: You’ll surpass your goal. SNAKE: Be grateful. Trust your gut, avoid paralysis by analysis.
HORSE: Take action in daytime, keep learning and don’t give in easily. GOAT: Conflict at home and work. Cherish friendships. MONKEY: Women will be helpful. Snake’s frenemy is ROOSTER!, who’ll foster your leadership style. Rooster’s hard work will be recognized. DOG: A strengthening of relationships. Virtue star shines. People who have wronged you will come around. PIG: Clashing with Snake, you must do good deeds. Travel is good, recharge your energy. You’ll get back assets. (To be continued.)