'Year of the Dragon auspicious for Erstrada'

The year of the Golden Dragon, which occurs once every 60 years, was ushered in with much fanfare last night from Binondo to Beijing and in Chinatowns the world over.

In China, the mythical Dragon represents power. Those born during a Dragon year are said to wear "the horns of destiny."

And while some people lined up for hours on Ongpin street to purchase ube tikoy (Chinese purple yam rice cake), at least one seeress in Manila said the conjunction of a Golden Dragon year with that of the first year of the millennium "couldn't be more auspicious."

The seeress, who asked not to be named, said it would be an auspicious year for President Estrada as well as for actress Joyce Jimenez.

But Mr. Estrada would be well-advised to hold office with more circumspection, as 2000 could be a make-or-break year for him, the seeress said. She declined to elaborate, instead pointing out quotes from a book by Neil Somerville entitled "Your Chinese Horoscope 2000" (Thorsons 1999).

For Mr. Estrada, who is a Fire Ox (born 1937), it said:

"This can be a pleasant and productive year for the Fire Ox provided he set about his activities with care and consideration. If, however, he succumbs to the more negative aspects of his character, it could prove a disappointment. The reason why the year is so finely balanced is that the Dragon year is rarely straightforward for the Ox and problems can and do arise.

"Many times this can be quickly dealt with but sometimes the Fire Ox takes hold of an issue and tackles it in such a manner that it assumes a far greater importance than necessary and takes up a lot of his time. If he is not careful, this could happen in the year 2000.

"When and if problems arise, no matter what area of life they may concern, the Fire Ox should look at them in their true light, consider his options and try to work out a speedy and effective solution. Also, rather than tackle awkward matters single-handedly, he should consult those around him and, if the situation calls for it, seek professional advice."

As for Jimenez, who is an Earth Horse (born 1978), Somerville says 2000 will be an important year for those born under her sign:

"While she can look forward to pleasing results in many areas of her life, they will often require a great deal of effort on her part. One of the more favorably aspected areas of her life, however, is personal matters and her relations with others will bring her much happiness over the year.

"Indeed, many Earth Horses will have excellent cause for a personal celebration, with the prospects being good for new friendships, engagement, marriage, or an addition to the family."

It can also be recalled that during the last Dragon year (1988), the Philippines won its first Olympic gold medal, albeit in the exhibition sport of bowling, in the Seoul Games. Could that perhaps have been a dry run for the real gold in the Sydney Games this year?

The dragon dance that wound around the streets of Chinatown yesterday could only hope as much.

Famous Dragons include Francisco Arcellana, Pepito Bosch, Count Basie, Bo Didley, Fats Domino, John Lennon, Graham Greene, Neneh Cherry, Faye Dunaway, Che Guevara, Roald Dahl and Salvador Dali.