By Alex Y. Vergara

The country’s two most powerful public officials will continue to face a number of seemingly huge challenges in 2018. But the good news is none of these hurdles would be insurmountable enough, as to lead the country to instability or cause them and their loved ones sleepless nights.

Psychic reader and Umagang Kay Ganda resident astrologer Hanz Cua (t6322 829 0382; 02 717 0054), who practices tarot reading, palm reading, and face reading to divine a person’s future, shared several fearless forecasts for 2018 involving a number of famous and influential people. According to Chinese astrology, which Cua based his predictions from, 2018 also happens to be the Year of the Earth Dog.

Chinese astrology, said Cua, is different and shouldn’t be confused with feng shui (the Chinese words for wind and water), which, although partly based on a person’s Chinese zodiac sign, is more focused on lucky or conducive elements, sectors, and positions to maximize the flow of energy and prosperity in the home and office.

President Rodrigo Duterte, for instance, a Wood Rooster born on Mar. 28, 1945, is teeming with “resource element” in the form of brilliant and well-meaning advisers, said Cua. He also has the support of a number of male foreign leaders. But since Roosters this year are somewhat hobbled by the so-called illness star, the President should also watch out for his health.

“The illness star is not limited or unique to President Duterte, as almost all people born in the Year of the Rooster has it,” Cua explained. “Although their health could sometimes be vulnerable, it doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to overcome whatever ails them.”

He sees the country’s chief executive overcoming any health issues in 2018. At the same time, Cua gave him unsolicited advice to listen more to his advisers, especially to the competent and well-meaning ones, because President Duterte’s success or accomplishment star will also shine brightly this year. Thanks to this success star, Cua also sees positive economic growth ahead for the country under the President’s leadership.

Vice President Leni Robredo, a Wood Dragon born on April 23, 1964, may be swamped with a negative or problem star because the Dragon and the Dog aren’t exactly the best of friends.

“The Vice President may witness some form of clashes and even backstabbing within her turf,” said Cua. “She may need President Duterte, a Rooster, to help her resolve some of these issues.”

Partnerships or collaborations and businesses involving digital technology, including online trading of goods and services, as well as construction, hardware, jewelry, and other forms of metal works also have a good chance of flourishing in 2018.

How come? Because the Year of the Earth Dog, said Cua, has a counterpart “wealth element in the form of metal.”

This also partly explains why metallic and neutral colors like gold, silver, and white are lucky shades in 2018. Cua advises people to wear touches of gold, either in the form of jewelry or gold-colored articles of clothing, to “enhance their wealth luck.”

Since the “double earth” element is also prominent in 2018, the country as a whole should prepare and brace itself for earth-related disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and even fires.

“But these negatives are offset by plenty of positive developments,” Cua said. “Based on my readings, the economy would continue to flourish, thanks in no small way to the entry of new investors.”

OFWs shouldn’t worry too much because there would be enough work for many of them abroad, he assured. Many of those who chose to stay here would also enjoy stable careers because local businesses would continue to hum with activity.

Politics, as expected, as well as lawsuits, accusations, and counter accusations among politicians, public officials, and prominent bureaucrats, would continue to divide the country and hog headlines.

As for a number of prominent show biz personalities, Cua offered this set of predictions.

• Born on March 31, 1976, comedian Vice Ganda, a Fire Dragon, is blessed with a traveling star. He would embark on a successful world tour as well as move into a new, more luxurious home. Since Vice is also a Dragon like Vice President Robredo, he might also encounter a number of conflicting issues in 2018. From one Vice to another, from one Dragon to the next, they’re both likely to prevail.
• Born on Jan. 6, 1966, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, a Wood Snake, is blessed as well as seemingly cursed with a marriage star and a lonely star. Cua sees Sharon moving from one problem to another and overcoming them. Let’s just hope she stays away from Twitter.
• Born on March 31, 1981, Coco Martin, a Metal Rooster, should take advantage of his marriage star by planning to start a family. If the new Panday does, he would be blessed with a baby boy, said Cua. The astrologer also predicts that Coco’s lucky streak in show biz will continue. Some guys do have all the luck.
• Born on March 30, 1992, Enrique Gil, a Water Monkey, would be recognized for his work with an acting award. Enrique might even reveal the state of a particular relationship prior to starting a show. Ang ratings!
• Born on Jan. 4, 1998, Liza Soberano, a Fire Ox, would enjoy continuous success in her movie and TV projects. With a face like that, she won’t have trouble finding work.
• Born on May 11, 1993, James Reid, a Water Rooster, could encounter conflicts at home and his love life. A third party could even totally ruin it, said Cua. Not to worry since James would be “blessed” in his career. Well, you can’t win ’em all.
• Born on Oct. 31, 1993, Nadine Lustre, a Water Rooster, needs to handle emotional stress before embarking on big plans. Girl, don’t put your illness star to the test.
• Born on March 7, 1989, Gerald Anderson, an Earth Snake, will also see his marriage star shine in 2018, said Cua. It’s also a good year for him to marry and even have a baby.
• Born on April 19, 1990, Kim Chiu, a Metal Horse, is also blessed with a marriage star this year. Cua sees Kim’s “strong, happy relationship” culminating in a wedding abroad.
• Born on Feb. 17, 1985, Anne Curtis, a Wood Ox, could give birth to a baby boy this year. The presence of a traveling star could make life more interesting for Anne and her new husband Erwan Heussaff.
• Born on Jan. 20, 1984, Toni Gonzaga, a Water Pig, is also hobbled by the illness star. She should take care of her health. On the plus side, Cua said that the actress-singer is ready to have a baby.
• Born on Oct. 17, 1987, Bea Alonzo, a Fire Rabbit, could emerge strong in the love department. Like a number of celebrities in Cua’s list, she should consider marrying and focusing on family this year. Being wife and mother could be Bea’s most challenging real-life role yet.