"The rooster is known to announce the start of the brand-new day with all the connotations of a fresh start," says Marites Allen, certified feng shui expert and owner of the World of Feng Shui boutique at The Podium's ground floor.
"That augurs well in Chinese geomancy and represents the birth of new beginnings."
To rid of bad luck and to welcome a prosperous year ahead, Allen recommends wearing this year’s lucky colors-red, black and blue; giving out and carrying angpows; and these five must have:
- A figure or image of a rooster. Keep this around the
house all year-round to make up for the luck of a lap chun. Having the
rooster around is believed to dispel the gloom and misery of winter
while promising the arrival of sunnier days.
The rooster’s feng shui potency is attributed to the glorious comb on his head and sharp claws on his feet.
Place a sculpture, image, or painting of the rooster in the west of the home to usher in good fortune and to safeguard and protect the home. Also, place a red rooster cutout on one’s main doors or entrances.
- Period 8 Birds. These vermilion colored birds have
been inscribed with the 8 symbol, which is the "infinity sign" that
brings endless opportunities and luck not only during the Year of the
Rooster, but for the next 20 years. Their bright red color strengthens
the earth energy of Period 8, which enhances one's luck in matters of
wealth.
- Astrological allies and secret friends. Each of the
signs has what are known as allies and secret friends. Those born under
the Tiger sign, for example, have the Pig as their secret friend and
the Horse and the Dog as their allies.
"It is important to know your sign’s friends and allies so that when the year is not a very good one for your astrological sign, you should turn to feng shui symbols that work in easing the bad chi of the year," Allen says. Wear the astrological allies and secret friends as charm bracelets or accessories for protection and strength.
- The mystic knot. This powerful knot, which looks like
the infinity sign trebled brings everlasting health, wealth, and
happiness. Wear this as a pendant or an accessory for protection,
longevity, and good fortune.
- The money wallet. The money wallets which come in red for "wealth" and gold for "money" can help enhance one’s financial outlook.
Marites Allen will be giving astrological updates in the Feng Shui Extravaganza on Feb.4, at The Podium’s lounge area.
Excerpts from the musicale Flower Drum Song will follow.
Capping the festivities is a Dragon Dance at the mall area on Feb.9.
Shoppers can also celebrate Chinese New Year with family and friends at the Podium's specialty restaurants.
Lolo Mao Restaurant will serve Yu Sheng Salad, the star of Chinese New Year dinners, on Feb.1-13.
Yu Sheng, a colorful vegetable salads, consists of shredded white radish, carrots, pomelos, winter melons, ginger, papaya, chopped roaster peanuts, sesame seeds, and crispy crackers.
This salad is accompanied by thinly sliced salmon topped with a sweet sour plum sauce with a drizzle of vegetable oil, lime juice, and a dash of white pepper.
It is customary to eat Yu Sheng Salad with everyone gathered around the table and tossing the salad together with their chopstick while shouting "Lo!He!", which are expressions of goodwill, good fortune, and prosperity.
It is believed that the higher you toss the salad, the higher the level of prosperity and success achieved by those who participate.
Also, an Eat-All-You-Can Dimsum Buffet Festival is offered at Master’s Wok until Jan.31.
Diners can choose from crab rice in a pot, stuffed prawns, and braised stuffed beancurd.
A free mango pudding dessert will be offered at China Star for orders of ginger chicken in a pot, hot chicken salad, or half soya chicken.
While at Banana Leaf Curry House, sago pudding comes free orders of half Hainanese chicken, banana leaf chicken curry, and crispy chicken and mango.
You can visit WOFS Philippines at:
Address:
Ground Floor,
The Podium 18 ADB Avenue,
Ortigas Center Mandaluyong City,
Metro Manila Philippines
Contact:
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