The tiger roars

The Year of the Metal Tiger, or the Golden Tiger as some prefer to call it, begins on Feb. 14, 2010 and will end on Feb. 2, 2011. The whole of humanity may be celebrating on this auspicious day with back-to-back Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year festivities. But is there really reason to celebrate this year? The answer is – it depends.

The Tiger is a powerful, fast and mysterious animal. He commands respect and fear. Add to these characteristics the Metal element and we have an active, aggressive and unpredictable animal. Much of this year’s events will be governed by his drastic and unorthodox nature. The key strategies this year therefore are to be alert and adaptive to rapid changes that may occur in our lives.

Prospects for 2010

The Year of the Tiger is a period of change characterized by intense activity, dramatic developments and political conflicts. Let us go back in time and see what transpired in previous years of the Tiger.

World War I erupted in the year of the Tiger. And so did the Cuban missile crisis with the United States and the war in Kosovo. This year will be no different. A major political and religious conflict will erupt in the Middle East and will cause a realignment of forces. On the positive side, a lingering armed conflict will see its historic settlement at the end of this year, bringing much hoped for peace in the region. 

There will also be major changes in some governments as political leaders face tough scrutiny and would be made accountable for past actions and wrongdoings. It will be noted that it was during a Tiger year when President Richard Nixon resigned over the Watergate scandal and President Bill Clinton faced impeachment charges.

In the Philippines, the May elections will bring in a new set of leaders who will usher in renewed hope for our country. Major policy and organizational changes will be made, including a clear and definite call to make past leaders accountable for their actions.

Similarly, expect some drastic changes in many major companies and institutions. Resistance will not alter the course of these developments. Rather, adapting to these changes and looking at the opportunities that may arise out of these sudden developments would work best.

The world economy will see some ups and downs throughout the year. There will be intense pressure to restructure and reform some industries. Some will recover within the year while others will take a longer period before progress can be enjoyed.

One positive area is technology and ICT (information and communications technologies), which will continue to give us new innovative products and services that will have a widespread impact on our daily lives. It should be noted that it was in previous Tiger years that Google launched its Internet search engine, the first digital terrestrial TV was seen, and the ballpen and audio cassette were invented. 

Other industries with positive outlook this year are entertainment, mass media, real estate and the creative industry. In real estate development, we will see the successful completion of major infrastructure projects that will widely benefit the public. The launching of projects that regenerate inner areas of the metropolis and industrial wasteland is also fortuitous.

The stock market, on the other hand, will be volatile during the first two quarters of the year but will experience a slow but steady growth during the second half of the Tiger year. Traders and investors must be careful about speculative investments and should study the market carefully. Big fortunes could be lost, but with care and timing, a windfall could be made as well. 

The environment will still hug the spotlight this year. Mother Nature will not be spared by the aggressive and powerful nature of the Tiger. We will see her acting on the extreme as in previous Tiger years. Some parts of the world will experience major volcanic eruptions that will displace thousands of people. In other areas, major earthquakes will shatter lives and communities. With continued global warming, some areas will be devastated by massive hurricanes and flooding. On the other hand, with these developments there will be an important breakthrough in the international effort to prevent global warming. This will have a positive impact in the years to come.

RAT

Jan. 24, 1936 to Feb. 10, 1937- Fire Rat

Feb. 10, 1948 to Jan. 28, 1949 - Earth Rat

Jan. 28, 1960 to Feb. 14, 1961 - Metal Rat

Feb. 15, 1972 to Feb. 2, 1973 - Water Rat

Feb. 2, 1984 to Feb. 19, 1985 - Wood Rat

Feb. 18, 1996 to Feb. 6, 1997 - Fire Rat

Feb. 7, 2008 to Jan. 25, 2009 Earth Rat

The person born in the year of the Rat is hardworking and thrifty. He rarely lets an opportunity pass and is constantly involved in many plans and schemes. Charming, intelligent and sociable, he is easy to get along with and enjoys parties and social gatherings. He cherishes friends, associates and family relations and often gets enmeshed in people’s lives and affairs.

The Year of the Tiger is a moderately good year for you. You may not be comfortable with developments of the past year, but 2010 will be an important period for you as far as career development, travel prospects and romance are concerned.

In your professional life, expect some significant changes. In your present work, there will be some beneficial opportunities that will arise out of these changes. Do not resist them. Rather, you should ride out these changes and pluck the opportunities as they come. Those wanting to shift careers will see some excellent opportunities in April, June, September and October. Do not be choosy. You will see these opportunities propel you to new heights in your professional career. In money matters, be careful with your spending. Avoid risky investments as you can lose your shirt in the process. There will be prospects for work-related travel but it will also be good for you to take pleasure trips with your loved ones.

With the dramatic turn of events this year, it is wise to be attentive to the needs and concerns of your family and friends. Misunderstandings could ensue from careless words. At home, you will be confronted with a major problem. Do not avoid it but rather work on its early resolution with the help of other family members and close friends. There will be many opportunities for you to socialize and meet new friends during the year. For the single Rat, an exciting prospective romance will present itself during the latter part of the year.

OX

Feb. 11, 1937 to Jan. 30, 1938 - Fire Ox

Jan. 29, 1949 to Feb. 16, 1950 - Earth Ox

Feb. 15, 1961 to Feb. 4, 1962 - Metal Ox

Feb. 3, 1973 to Jan. 22, 1974 - Water Ox

Feb. 20, 1985 to Feb. 8, 1986 - Wood Ox

Feb. 7, 1997 to Jan. 27, 1998 - Fire Ox

Jan. 26, 2009 to Feb. 13, 2010 - Earth Ox

The Ox is an animal that symbolizes prosperity through determination and hard work. A person born under the Ox sign is therefore dependable, calm and methodical. He is a tireless worker and can be entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility. Strong-willed and persistent, he can sometimes exhibit bad temper.

The Year of the Tiger will be a challenging time for the Ox. You are naturally organized and systematic so the erratic and fast-paced nature of the year will prove disconcerting for you. You will be confronted with volatile situations that will at times unnerve you. Keep your cool and presence of mind rather than reacting impulsively.

At work, you will encounter obstacles, delays and red tape which would normally irritate you. Be rational in your approach to solving problems this year. Patience and persistence will prove beneficial to you in the end. For those employed in companies, it will help if you adapt to new work procedures and endeavor to learn new aspects of your company’s operations. The same is true for financial matters. There will be unexpected and unbudgeted expenses that will crop up during the year. It will help if you save early on to provide a leeway for these expenses. Investments should also be carefully studied beforehand.

Your personal life will be quite rewarding and pleasurable though. You will enjoy many family and friendly gatherings. Local or foreign travels with loved ones are encouraged this year for they will strengthen bonds. Friends will also be a source of comfort and relaxation. Try to nurture them and build new ones. For the attached Oxen, be especially attentive to your partners and avoid casual remarks that may hurt their feelings.

TIGER

Feb. 13, 1926 to Feb. 1, 1927- Fire Tiger

Jan. 31, 1938 to Feb. 18, 1939 - Earth Tiger

Feb. 17, 1950 to Feb. 5, 1951 - Metal Tiger

Feb. 5, 1962 to Jan. 24, 1963 - Water Tiger

Jan. 23, 1974 to Feb. 10, 1975 - Wood Tiger

Feb. 9, 1986 to Jan. 28, 1987 - Fire Tiger

Jan. 28, 1998 to Feb. 15, 1999- Earth Tiger

The Tiger symbolizes power, passion and daring. A Tiger therefore usually displays a rebellious, colorful and unpredictable character. He is a fearless and fiery fighter but on the other hand has a humanitarian and romantic streak in him. At his best, he is warm, sensitive and sympathetic; at his worst, he is obstinate, unreasonable and selfish.

Rejoice! Good things are coming up for you this year. This is your year so make the most out of it. You can now put past disappointments behind you and focus on the present.

At work, your efforts during the past year will be rewarded through a promotion or a reassignment to a more challenging position. Those who’ve been seeking work will see several opportunities opening up in March, May, July and September. Prepare for your new job well and if necessary go into specialized training for career advancement. Your progress at work will bring you a steady increase in income in the course of the year. Some Tigers will even benefit from an unexpected windfall. Pay your past obligations and keep some in savings. Despite your good financial fortune, try to avoid or postpone big, non-urgent expenditures. But do treat yourself to a holiday. You certainly deserve one. 

Tigers will enjoy plenty of social activities that will keep them very busy this year. These will also provide wonderful opportunities to make new friends and meet business partners. You will be the center of attention this year so spend lots of time with your family and friends. For those intending to move residence, the Year of the Tiger is an opportune time to do so. For the unattached Tiger, a longed-for romance will finally come and sweep you off your feet.

RABBIT

Feb. 2, 1927 to Jan. 22, 1928 - Fire Rabbit

Feb. 19, 1939 to Feb. 7, 1940 - Earth Rabbit

Feb. 6, 1951 to Jan. 26, 1952- Metal Rabbit

Jan. 25, 1963 to Feb. 12, 1964 - Water Rabbit

Feb. 11, 1975 to Jan. 30, 1976 - Wood Rabbit

Jan. 29, 1987 to Feb. 16, 1988 - Fire Rabbit

-Feb. 16, 1999 to Feb. 4, 2000 Earth Rabbit

To the Chinese, the Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty. The Rabbit is a witty and intelligent speaker and loves being involved in a good discussion. He is an efficient worker and has an extremely good memory.

You can now relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor during the past year. The Tiger year will be an interesting one for you. Your natural sensitivity and efficiency will work well for you this year and the rapid turn of events will bring you progress on many fronts.

At work, there will be good chances of promotion, so be alert for these opportunities and make yourself ready and available for sudden vacancies. Rabbits intending to shift careers will also see exciting possibilities particularly in the months of April, June, October and December. It will help if you can avail of training programs or higher education courses. As far as finances are concerned, you should be careful when dealing with large financial transactions. Check the details carefully and go through the paperwork thoroughly. Your finances will improve but try not to be profligate in your spending.

It will be wise to keep your lifestyle balanced this year. Pursue a hobby or learn a new skill that will be beneficial to you in the long run. You will also have a busy social life this year. Home activities will preoccupy you and there will be opportunities for foreign travel with your loved ones. A close friend will need your help and counsel. Be sure to accommodate him and help him through his problem. The last quarter of the year, prior to the Year of the Rabbit, will be specially enjoyable and progressive for you.

DRAGON

Jan. 23, 1928 to Feb. 9, 1929 - Earth Dragon

Feb. 8, 1940 to Jan. 26, 1941 - Metal Dragon

Jan. 27, 1952 to Feb. 13, 1953- Water Dragon

Feb. 13, 1964 to Feb. 1, 1965- Wood Dragon

Jan. 31, 1976 to Feb. 17, 1977 - Fire Dragon

Feb. 17, 1988 to Feb. 5, 1989- Earth Dragon

Feb. 5, 2000 to Jan. 23, 2001- Metal Dragon

The Dragon is born under the sign of good luck and will do well in practically anything he attempts. He is magnanimous, full of vitality and is constantly on the go. Proud and aristocratic, the Dragon possesses an assertive personality. He could be egotistical, eccentric, dogmatic, whimsical, terribly demanding or unreasonable, but is never without a band of admirers.

The Year of the Tiger will have the vitality and energy that will suit the Dragon. Although the year will prove to be hectic and taxing for you, you will nevertheless experience a year full of promise and some well-deserved progress. 

There is much to look forward to in your professional life. There will be opportunities for progress but not after hurdling major challenges. Do not face these challenges alone. Work with your colleagues to minimize the risks. Many Dragons will seek new work prospects during the first quarter of the year. Some will be lucky while some will meet obstacles. Do not give up for the rest of the year will offer more exciting possibilities. Many Dragons will enjoy improved financial standings. Some may even benefit from an unexpected sum during the year. Avoid major expenses or purchases. This is also not the year for you to make impulsive investments. 

Your domestic life will give you much enjoyment with many family gatherings to attend and celebrate. It will also be a good time to go on a local or foreign vacation with your loved ones. However, you need to be careful in your dealings with friends and colleagues as some problems may arise in your relationship with them. Be extra considerate of their concerns and communicate with them well. Single Dragons will see prospects for romance in March, April, July and August. Take care of your health this year through exercise and proper diet.

SNAKE

Feb. 10, 1929 to Jan. 29, 1930- Earth Snake

Jan. 27, 1941 to Feb. 14, 1942- Metal Snake

Feb. 14, 1953 to Feb. 2, 1954- Water Snake

Feb. 2, 1965 to Jan. 20, 1966 - Wood Snake

Feb. 18, 1977 to Feb. 6, 1978 - Fire Snake

Feb. 6, 1989 to Jan. 26, 1990 - Earth Snake

Jan. 24, 2001 to Feb. 11, 2002 Metal Snake

The Snake is the deepest thinker and the most mysterious in the Chinese zodiac. He is endowed with an inborn wisdom and intelligence. He treasures his privacy and possesses a calm and placid nature. Graceful, soft-spoken but with a good sense of humor, he loves good books, food, music and theater.

Snakes like to move at a steady and measured pace. During the year they will find themselves caught up in a swiftly and erratically changing environment that they will need to adapt to. Although this will be a busy year for you, you will proceed with mixed results. 

There will be new developments and considerable changes in your present work. You’ll need to be alert and adapt to these changes in order to achieve progress. Try to avoid tendencies to be independent and team up with your colleagues. For those seeking work or change of career, the year will present some obstacles. Be patient and vigilant for opportunities that may suddenly arise. Snakes also need to apply caution as far as money matters are concerned. Unexpected expenses will crop up during the year. You’ll need to plan ahead for your regular expenses and save up for any unforeseen expenditure. If you haven’t done so yet, get an insurance or pension plan. 

You will, however, enjoy a busy home life. The year of the Tiger is one for sharing with other members of your family. Keep regular contacts with your friends and attend social events with them. Listen to your loved ones and always seek their advice on major decisions. This is also the year to take on new interests and learn new skills that will do you well mentally and psychologically. A long holiday will also do you good, so plan for it soon!

HORSE

Jan. 30, 1930 to Feb. 16, 1931- Metal Horse

Feb. 15, 1942 to Feb. 4, 1943- Water Horse

Feb. 3, 1954 to Jan. 23, 1955- Wood Horse

Jan. 21, 1966 to Feb. 8, 1967- Fire Horse

Feb. 7, 1978 to Jan. 27, 1979 - Earth Horse

Jan. 27, 1990 to Feb. 14, 1991- Metal Horse

Feb. 12, 2002 to Jan. 31, 2003- Water Horse

The Horse is cheerful, popular and quick-witted. He is very perceptive and loves to talk. He is quite physical and exudes raw sex appeal – the type who will fall in love easily and fall out of love just as easily. Impulsive and stubborn, he will want to have things done his way.

The Year of the Tiger will be a favorable and happy year for you. It is the time to use your experience to your advantage and enjoy considerable progress in your work and in your personal relations. 

Horses will reap the rewards of their tireless efforts made during the previous years. There will be great chances for a long-awaited promotion and even a reassignment to a better position. Be sure to show your flexibility and willingness to adapt to change and you will be rewarded. On money matters, this will be an expensive year for you if you do not take precaution. You will be faced with heavy expenditures related to family commitments or home improvements. Be also wary of new business investments. Study them carefully before plunging in.

On the personal side, you will find yourself in demand most of the year. You’ll experience a busy but quite enjoyable domestic and social life. Spend quality time with friends and relatives. Your hectic professional and social life will oftentimes leave you tired and irritable. Be careful with what you say and avoid taking it out on others, specially your loved ones. Otherwise, personal relationships could be undermined. For the single Horse, April, August, November and December will present good prospects for an intense romantic encounter.

SHEEP

Feb. 17, 1931 to Feb. 5, 1932 - Metal Sheep

Feb. 5, 1943 to Jan. 24, 1944- Water Sheep

Jan. 24, 1955 to Feb. 11, 1956- Wood Sheep

Feb. 9, 1967 to Jan. 29, 1968 - Fire Sheep

Jan. 28, 1979 to Feb. 15, 1980- Earth Sheep

Feb. 15, 1991 to Feb. 3, 1992 - Metal Sheep

Feb. 1, 2003 to Jan. 21, 2004 Water Sheep

The Sheep is the most feminine sign in the Chinese zodiac. Known for his gentle and compassionate ways, he is considered the good Samaritan in the cycle. He is righteous, sincere and is easily affected by sob stories. Although he enjoys being with nature, the Sheep is usually a homebody.

The Sheep likes to live life on an even keel and does not like dramatic changes or rapid turn of events. This may therefore be an unsettling year for you but if you are able to adapt to the changes, the year can have far-reaching significance for you. The year of the Tiger is a time for venturing out into new territories.

There will be considerable activity at work as well as pressures. Be open to new prospects or reassignments. These will improve your standing in the organization. Avail of training opportunities as well. For those seeking jobs, April, July, September and November will offer important possibilities. Sheep involved in the arts will see their creativity flourish and bring them recognition. You should pay close attention to financial transactions. Do not delay or be inattentive to financial obligations. This is also not a year for risky investments.

On the personal front, you will enjoy a busy social life. You will meet new friends in social gatherings and one of them could become an important person in your life. At home you will be engaged in some domestic projects that will bring you much satisfaction. Involve members of your family and you will see family bonds strengthen in the course of the year. Take care of your health and get that much needed medical check up.

MONKEY

Feb. 6, 1932 to Jan. 25, 1933- Water Monkey

Jan. 25, 1944 to Feb. 12, 1945- Wood Monkey

Feb. 12, 1956 to Jan. 30, 1957- Fire Monkey

Jan. 30, 1968 to Feb. 16, 1969- Earth Monkey

Feb. 16, 1980 to Feb. 4, 1981- Metal Monkey

Feb. 4, 1992 to Jan. 22, 1993- Water Monkey

-Jan. 22, 2004 to Feb. 8, 2005 Wood Monkey

The Monkey has the closest affinity to man and therefore inherits most of his intelligence. He is quick-witted, clever and innovative, and can solve intricate problems with ease. The Monkey is innately warm, natural and spontaneous. He exudes self-confidence and has an enviable joie de vivre.

This will be a rewarding year for you. Monkeys like action and this augurs well with the fast-paced and action-filled year of the Tiger. Progress will be made in many aspects of your life but do not take too many risks in your career, your business or personal life.

Your ability to come up with new ideas and solutions to problems will benefit your work, particularly in the second and third quarters of the year. A much-anticipated promotion will be forthcoming towards the end of the year. For those intending to change professions or are seeking work for the first time, the second half of the year will present many opportunities for you. While your financial situation will be stable, it will do you good to think twice before making any large purchases. If you are an entrepreneur, study carefully any speculative venture you wish to enter. 

You will need to take a good look at your physical wellbeing. Exercise and undergo a full medical check up. A break or holiday will do you good. Your domestic life will be hectic with lots of family and social activities. A previously planned home project may have to be postponed though. Single Monkeys will see a wonderful possibility for romance arising from a chance encounter in the fourth quarter of the year.

ROOSTER

Jan. 26, 1933 to Feb. 13, 1934- Water Rooster

Feb. 13, 1945 to Feb. 1, 1946 - Wood Rooster

Jan. 31, 1957 to Feb. 17, 1958- Fire Rooster

Feb. 17, 1969 to Feb. 5, 1970- Earth Rooster

Feb. 5, 1981 to Jan. 24, 1982 - Metal Rooster

Jan. 23, 1993 to Feb. 9, 1994- Water Rooster

Feb. 9, 2005 to Jan. 28, 2006- Wood Rooster

The Rooster is the most misunderstood of all the animal signs. Outwardly, he exhibits self-assurance and aggression; but at heart, he could be conservative and old-fashioned. Rooster men are usually attractive, even dashingly handsome. On the whole, the Rooster is sharp, neat, precise, organized, decisive, and is good at handling money. He loves to budget everything he could lay his hands on.

This will be a roller coaster year for you with some exciting highlights and some unwanted surprises. For sure there will be dramatic changes in some aspects of your life that will disconcert you, but with perseverance and luck, you will overcome them and make the most of these developments.

You will find some facets of your current work disconcerting. Keep your wits, be observant and perceptive and you will overcome problems. Roosters seeking a change of career or new job opportunities will encounter excellent opportunities in the second quarter of the year. Grab them even if they don’t appear too appealing. Change will do you good in the long term. Your financial situation will steadily improve in the course of the year. Do not squander the benefits of your hard labor. While you have a tendency to spend freely, it is wise to exercise financial control this year.

On the personal side, consultation, cooperation and communication are your key words this year. Do be careful with what you say. Joint projects, social gatherings and family activities will bring you good fortune and much personal satisfaction. Your love relations will also flourish during the year. Single Roosters could find prospective life partners in a family gathering in February, March, August or September.

DOG

Feb. 14, 1934 to Feb. 3, 1935 - Wood Pig

Feb. 2, 1946 to Jan. 21, 1947 - Fire Dog

Feb. 18, 1958 to Feb. 7, 1959 - Earth Dog

Feb. 6, 1970 to Jan. 26, 1971- Metal Dog

Jan. 25, 1982 to Feb. 12, 1983 - Water Dog

Feb. 10, 1994 to Jan. 30, 1995- Wood Dog

Jan. 29, 2006 to Feb. 17, 2007- Fire Dog

The Dog is honest, genuine, loyal, sincere and respects law and order – qualities of an ideal citizen of the country! He is not materialistic and possesses humanitarian instincts. He is the type who will lay down his life for a friend or relative. However, he can suffer bouts of melancholy or when the situation calls for it, show flashes of temper.

Time for celebration! The year of the Tiger will be a lucky one for you, a time to enjoy an upturn in your fortunes. With a positive and open approach to developments in your life, you can forget last year’s woes and tackle an exciting year ahead.

The year holds a considerable potential for your career or business. Take positive action and don’t be locked in by past disappointments. You will see progress and those who are employed will see a likely promotion in the course of the year. Business prospects will be good during the second quarter of the year. It will also be a good time to enter into a new venture but do study carefully any new financial commitments. Most Dogs will enjoy a steady increase in income. Some will even be surprised with a bonus or windfall. Of course, it is advised that you manage your fortune well. As they say, “easy come, easy go.”

Being loyal and caring, the Dog will see his past efforts rewarded with much love and attention from family members and close friends. Spend quality time with them and engage in social activities that will strengthen bonds. For single Dogs, the year holds a much-awaited romance for you through a chance encounter. Those who have partners could experience a romantic squabble but try hard to communicate and sacrifice to avoid any permanent damage to your relationship.

PIG

Feb. 4, 1935 to Jan. 23, 1936- Wood Pig

Jan. 22, 1947 to Feb. 9, 1948 - Fire Pig

Feb. 8. 1959 to Jan. 27, 1960- Earth Pig

Jan. 27, 1971 to Feb. 14, 1972- Metal Pig

Feb. 13, 1983 to Feb. 1, 1984- Water Pig

Jan. 31, 1995 to Feb. 18, 1996- Wood Pig

Feb. 18, 2007 to Feb. 6, 2008 Fire Pig

The Pig is the most easy-going and laid-back of all the signs. Cheerful, friendly and overflowing with good intentions, he does not bear grudges. He is the connoisseur of the Chinese zodiac and thus enjoys good food and has healthy appetite. Despite lacking strong ambitions, he is hardworking and is generally successful in life.

Although the Pig likes activity, the rapid turn of events in the Year of the Tiger will oftentimes be too demanding for him. You will be faced with many challenges in the course of the year. But do not be frustrated. Perseverance and patience will in the end give you something new to look forward to. 

Progress at work will not be easy this year. There will be lots of pressure, increased bureaucracy and colleagues who are hard to deal with. Maintain your conscientious ways and be flexible in dealing with your superiors and colleagues. You will see some positive developments in July and in the last months of the year. This is also not the right time to change jobs or careers. You’ll also need to be careful with money matters. There will be some unexpected demands on your resources particular to accommodation or family matters. Exercise tight financial control and save up early on in the year. Avoid making loans as well.

There will be a surprise family event or activity that will give you much enjoyment. Relish the company of your family and friends. However, be wary of passing on confidential matters as this could lead to disastrous consequences.