Filipino Building Beliefs

You probably know of certain Filipino building beliefs from friends and relatives while growing up. It's an interesting topic since much of local traditions in both urban and provincial areas there are so many beliefs when it comes to harnessing the luck when building a house.

Of course this is not particularly feng shui, but some are feng shui-influenced. Actually, many things influence or even alter feng shui principles in the actual construction of a building.

Let's use the term 'building' and 'house' generically, and to mean the same in this discussion of native practices or rituals in construction. I wish for readers to feel free to send in comments to share on this topic. My email address is [email protected], or at Facebook via FengShuiAldric.

Any house or building owner wishes good luck and avoidance of misfortune in the construction - before, during and happily ever after! The eight most popular beliefs I know of are:

1. In purchasing a property, a money bag shape or "korteng supot" is lucky.

2. Many are told that a morning-sun-oriented property will be prosperous and happy.

3. Pozo negro or septic tanks should not be within the internal confines of a building, it is best outside within the property lines (but never under roofed areas, even garage in extreme beliefs).

4. Staircases follow the Spanish oro-plata-mata pattern and should end in oro or plata. Oro is gold, Plata is silver. Mata is death. And the count is continuous from first step to last step regardless of landings for every staircase.

5. Padugo or bloodletting rituals prior to the start of construction is done to appease elemental spirit beliefs for peaceful coexistence in a place.

6. Tumbok or T-dead end junction lots are avoided as they are considered bad luck.

7. Never rebuild a burnt house with the recycling of the same materials as it is believed that fire will repeat itself with the same objects used. Always use new materials in rebuilding.

8. Doors facing each other attract death since it facilitates the transport of coffins during burial!

Many more beliefs include: never sleep with head or feet oriented to doors like a burial niche!

Let's have fun educating ourselves together by sharing with me your own knowledge on this topic. So make some noise and let us rediscover these beliefs around the 7,107 fun islands of the Philippines, low tide or high tide!

Wishing you more learning for luck, prosperity and happiness in this life of yours and ours!