What do Chinese New Year forecasts say about your fortunes in the Year of the Ox?

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: I’m not impressed by horoscope signs or Chinese numerology. Believing in them makes you lazy, superstitious and distracted.

Leonard Villa, Batac City: I’m not Chinese, so I don’t observe the Chinese New Year nor do I believe in the Year of the Ox. Nevertheless, I do respect the culture and traditions of our Chinese brethren.

A good year for Rats

June Deoferio, Cavite: I was born in the Year of the Rat, and my forecast says it will be a good and lucky year. I hope all my wishes come true.

Manuel Abejero, Pangasinan: The Year of the Ox would be generally favorable daw to people born in the Year of the Rat. We would have daw improvements in our career. Amen to that, someone said.

Deo Durante, Naga City:   I’m supposed to be lucky this year, having been born in the Year of the Rat. However, I don’t believe in forecasts alone. I dismiss them like weather forecasts and announcements of typhoons that may arrive or not, depending on the change in the weather. Why just hope for the bacon to come when we can work double time to institute a better opportunity in our job routines? I just work harder and establish my work plan. This year, I am targeting to become a regular news writer for Phil. STAR if my grammar is acceptable! Anyway, we can’t live on dreams alone. We cannot succeed in life either just by hoping for our good fortune to come. I believe fortune comes if we combine hard work with the blessing of God the Almighty. God spreads the sunshine daily, but many times we decide to stay beneath clouds of uncertainty.

Edwin Castillo, Tanauan City: I was born in the Year of the Rat, and forecasts say that I will still be lucky in the Year of the Ox.

Good fortune never comes

Ed Alawi, Davao City: That I will have good fortune, good health, and good relationships. I hear this every New Year but they never materialize. I am still poor and I still have poor health and bad luck.

Tigers need to toil for profit and gain

Felmar Rowell Singco, Northern Samar: I was born in the Year of the Tiger, with wood as my element. Thus, as a Wooden Tiger, according to Chinese astrology, I am an independent-minded person with an earthly and practical side. This year being the Year of the Ox, I believe that the Chinese forecasts for this New Year bodes well for the tiger, for the ox is a symbol of steadfastness and of toil for profit and gain. Our fortunes for this year therefore rely on our continuing toil and labor in order to reap the harvest of our profits. May we have a more successful year!

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: Forecasts from Chinese horoscope with Zodiac animal signs are plain scientific presumptions based on the formation of heavenly bodies, which they say influence the destinies and behavior of men. I’m not really partial to this because I am a devout Catholic. Nevertheless, me thinks we can use some good advice from it. I was born in the Year of the Tiger. The secret to my success daw will be sticking to a schedule, and although I hate being hemmed in like this, I will gain some valuable skills daw along the way. Being able to deliver excellent work on schedule will cause my reputation to soar, and increase the appreciation of my loved ones. Practicing humility is also important, which won’t be easy for a proud animal like me. Before I throw my paws up in despair, I should keep in mind that Ox years bestow tremendous creativity on Tigers. When Tigers are enthusiastic about a project, they will make it succeed and attract supporters. They will find investors for whatever they promote. Let them rule the game and money will come. Sounds good.

Lydia Reyes, Bataan: Sorry I haven’t read mine yet. I hope the forecasts for the Tiger are quite different.

It won’t fix the financial crisis

Ricardo Tolentino, Laoag City: The Year of the Ox cannot cure the flu of 2008, so I expect myself to be afflicted by the chronic economic sickness.

A progressive Year of the Ox

Jose Fabello Jr., Cagayan de Oro City: Although I am not a believer in forecasts, anything that makes me laugh or smile at the least is always a welcome thing. Opportunities are in abundance in the midst of chaos; one only has to look for these with an open mind. According to Chinese horoscope, the Year of the Ox will be a progressive year for me. Well, it’s nice to daydream and expect showers of blessings in the coming year. However, I am confused at the requirements and must-dos to attract this good luck. I have to rearrange my furniture, wear lucky charms, prepare certain fruits and food and redecorate my house with selected figurines of animals to draw in wealth. 

Cris Rivera, Rizal: I must be a hardworking, frugal and prudent Monkey. Hard work and saving more than I usually do will lead me to a moderately progressive life.

Horses are lucky in the Year of the Ox

Rose Leobrera, Manila: Ay salamat, Horses will be lucky in the Year of the Ox. As I was financially wiped out last year, I’m hoping that this 2009, my own financial meltdown would come to an end and I would be finally out of my cocoon, proudly shouting, “Ako ang nagwagi!” The truth is, last year, when we went to my husband’s home in Laguna, I consulted a manghuhula in Lucban just for fun. I was not really into this, but because of curiosity, I went. What she said was actually what the Chinese astrology guide I read this morning said. She was a complete stranger, but she knew my past and my problems. I considered her words for guidance para makaiwas. She also taught me feng shui. Hopefully, my fortunes will give me a lift this 2009.

Dragons can expect a fluctuation of luck

Anthony Rosco, Metro Manila: “For those born in the Year of the Dragon, you can expect to experience a fluctuation of luck in 2009. This is a year when someone will enter your life and lead to a change in lifestyle. You can expect to receive help from newfound friends or even competitors. Hence, you can expect your work to be smoother with given help. However, for certain Ba Zi combinations, such help may not be a positive event as it could backfire. You can only overcome competitors when you have a stronger self-element compared to your competitors. Otherwise, you may lose your power and become a subordinate instead. This will be a challenging and exciting year for you.” For me, believing in such things will not affect our everyday lives. We are the ones that hold our fate, and not feng shui. Don’t let feng shui hold your life, let your life hold feng shui.

Plain superstition

Alexander Raquepo, Ilocos Sur: I say fortune forecasts are just plain superstition. There is nothing wrong about them, though. What is more important is the way we live our lives and not what fortunetellers say. I firmly believe that each year is made by God for us to live it according to His will.

Aldo Apostol, Quezon City: First of all, these are just myths and presumptions. You cannot depend on soothsayers to predict your future, as they have no authority to control your destiny. Only God has the power to do so.

Bullish in the Year of the Ox

Elpidio Que, Vigan City: Being an Ox-man, and a Metal Ox at that, I should be bullish this year. But I did not consult this year’s forecasts, even those of my brother-in-law feng shui master. All that I will do in this Year of the Earth Ox is to keep doing my best to make ends meet for me and my two kids to survive, while going on with my battle for justice and redress for my violated human and civil rights. But the Ox is said to be principled, even becoming a thunder bull if pushed against the wall. Will this Year of the Ox be the Year of King Rat? As a book says, “To whom the Gods wish to destroy, they will first make them mad.”

Rex Earlou Calmerin, Iligan City: For me, in the Year of the Ox and with wood as my element, career opportunities and personal emotions are tops.

Dennis Acop, Baguio City: Chinese New Year forecasts in the Year of the Ox say that it will take a lot of hard work on my part to achieve my goals in 2009 and perhaps beyond. This suits me just fine as I have not known any other kind of life since I was volunteered into this world. I am one of those who can literally say that whatever fortunes or misfortunes I have now are purely the consequences of my hard work. In retrospect, I would say that indeed hard work or the lack of it ultimately constitutes either a man’s success or failure. Initially in life, it takes hard work to complete one’s formal education. Thereafter, it probably takes even more hard work to get a good job and sustain a long career of gainful employment. When one gets married and raises a family, this too entails a lot of hard work and sacrifice. To continue doing what is right consistent with one’s values throughout life takes a lot of hard work, courage, and sacrifice. And hard work is not easy. As Colonel Slade once said, “I always knew the right path but never took it; because it was too damn hard.” I have no choice. I am an Ox.

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: I was born under the Earth Ox and the depicted character is quite accurate. Some of the forecasts about my fortunes have already been accomplished.

Imee Aglibot, Rizal: I was born in the Year of the Ox. My fortune, according to Chinese forecasts, is quite alarming. It’s said that I’m offending the grand duke, therefore making the year not financially optimistic. It’s best that I avoid high-risk investments, lending money. I should also be cautious about contracts or documents. I must take extra care while driving, keep myself away from sharp objects and avoid dangerous sports as well. Worse, domestic tiffs are likely to haunt us if my stubborn nature prevails. But wait, I also have my creative star that will continue to shine bright and can help me earn abundant money within the year if I’d only be smart enough. So, overall, the year still makes sense, as naturally and by God’s grace, our fate lies in our own hands and zodiacs are here as mere guides. Do the best and leave everything to my Creator would still be my motto!

I don’t believe in forecasts

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: I don’t believe Chinese New Year forecasts about my fortunes. Good and positive things happen when you believe in yourself.

Ric Vergara, Calamba: Sorry, but the ox and other animals in Chinese New Year have nothing to do with my life or my fortune.

Eufrocino Linsangan, Isabela: I’m sorry, but I don’t believe in forecasting one’s fortune or future. I don’t depend on something that’s uncertain to occur.

Good year for Monkeys

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas City: It’s a good year for those born in the Year of the Monkey. The commercialization, however, of this Chinese superstition has eroded the propagation of our own Filipino culture.

We work for our fortunes

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Horoscopes are just inspiration. I still work hard. I also say we should stay smart to have good fortune.

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: Rats like me would have a fairly good year, but nothing spectacular is in the forecast. This is probably because of the financial crisis. Rosy or not, your fortunes depend on how you work for them. We have to sweat to earn the family’s upkeep or die crying.

A good year to start businesses

Dave Velasco, Marinduque: For me, according to Chau’s forecast, this is a good year to develop a business, but I should be careful in handling relationships with clients, friends and benefactors.

My formula for success

Eddie Yap, Kabankalan City: I’ve decided to adopt a simple formula, which I believe will be more effective in attaining a progressive life. These are virtues like hard work, perseverance, patience, loving your fellowmen, thriftiness and trusting God to supply all our daily needs. I find these formulas more sensible than just eating “tikoy” to gain good luck.

C. Gaspar, Laoag City: I’m not a fanatic to believe everything about feng shui, zodiac signs and New Year forecasts. Regardless of my fortune, I still believe hard work, patience and ambition spell success.

Our fate lies in our own hands

Gerii Calupitan, Muntinlupa City: I used to believe in predictions. In 1979, my ex-guru said, “You’ll marry a woman with the letter J in her name.” I met my ex-wife Jo shortly after. We parted ways in 1981 and met my wife Juliet. Liao Fan’s four lessons taught: “Changing your destiny, refrain from all evils and practice all forms of kindness bring about the dispersion of disasters and the coming of fortune.” So, Year of the Ox or not, we reap what we sow.

I leave and lift everything to God

Calata, Parañaque City: In the past, when I was still reading another broadsheet and not Phil. STAR, I used to visit the sections where the horoscope, the comics and the crossword puzzle were last. I’d read them or do the crossword for fun, before putting the paper down for the day. But I’ve lost interest in them since a few years ago. I also don’t follow text and email forwards that carry threats if I don’t forward them to a specified number of people! I delete them. As for Chinese New Year forecasts, I leave and lift everything to God who alone can ordain the direction of our lives. Ishmael

Rey Onate, Palayan City: Ho-hum! I’ve never believed in the Chinese horoscope. It’s either sweet talk or pambobola. I do believe in God and his teachings.

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: I cannot comment on forecasts by either Chinese or Western horoscopes as they are based on science that are Greek to me. Even political or economic forecasts that were concluded through interviews and statistics do not jibe with the actual outcome. I pray, however, for their good forecasts to happen and for the bad ones not to.

Gerry del Cano, Muntinlupa City: Never trust those astrologers; trust God instead. Read the Bible: Isaiah 47:13, 45.21.

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

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