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[av_heading heading=’JUST ANOTHER DAY ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY LUIS BUENAFLOR JR.
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ACCORDING to the Chinese Calendar, 2018 is the “Year of the Dog” which should really not concern you unless you’re Chinese or of Chinese descent. But it seems to have become the trend for most Filipinos to consult the Chinese calendar, particularly the predictions of what’s in store for the New Year.
In fact it has become not only de rigour but fashionable to consult a feng shui expert every New Year. What brought this sudden urge to embrace and emulate Chinese customs, traditions and practices in celebrating the coming of the New Year has nothing to do with culture or art but more on material needs.
It has long been the belief of most Filipinos who are not of Chinese origin that Chinese and Filipinos of Chinese descent are experts in business, particularly in the art of making money and more money.
Just look at the successful business empires in the country from retail trade, airlines and food; 99.9 percent are owned, founded and managed by Filipinos of Chinese descent.
The only other successful industry in the country is politics and this is almost exclusively run by Filipinos who are mostly not of Chinese ethnic origin, although in politics there are huge investments by successful Chinese-Filipino business men in terms of cash donations to the leading candidates.
But most Filipinos would rather not go into politics as although the return of investment is quite high and the profits are huge, it is quite risky and requires a huge overhead in terms of capital.
The average Filipino would rather opt for the small to medium business enterprise which is also the “weapon of choice” of most Chinese-Filipino businessmen.
And that is why we have this sudden surge of interest in Chinese customs and traditions, particularly the Chinese New Year feng shui predictions as they are seen to have an effect on almost all aspects of life, particularly business and finances.
As we are all aware of the Filipinos’ penchant for instant gratification, they naturally wanted to know the secret why most Chinese businesses are successful without bearing in mind that in any enterprise it is hard work, perseverance and the tenacity to succeed that will make one successful and not some feng shui nonsense and a basket of different fruits or some ceramic figurine bought in Chinatown.
Anyway since we’re at it, what is the “Year of the Dog”?
The 2018 is the “Year of the Dog”” and it starts from Feb. 16, 2018 and lasting till Feb. 4, 2019.
According to one so-called feng shui expert that we shall not give undue publicity:
“The Year of the Earth Dog 2018 is a year of social change and also a change to how we live our life; we will see changes in our view on diet, smoking, drinking and junk food and I can predict new laws brought in to let the people know the true dangers associated with eating and drinking. This will be a year of change for the whole world and I can see many good things happening but also some bad things so it is a very important year to place all the necessary feng shui cures and enhancers in 2018.”
Of course, this is a lot of nonsense but take note of the “sales pitch” about “necessary feng shui cures and enhancers.”
Here’s more:
“Ranking as the eleventh animal in Chinese zodiac, Dog is the symbol of loyalty and honesty. People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They are honest, friendly, faithful, loyal, smart, straightforward, and venerable and have a strong sense of responsibility.”
At least the general description of the dog, you know, “man’s best friend”, seems to be correct. Have you ever heard a dog tell a lie?
If it is the “Year of the Dog” then treat them kindly and above all don’t eat them.
And finally, “Dog Day Afternoon” is:
Dog Day Afternoon is a 1975 American crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet, written by Frank Pierson, and produced by Martin Bregman and Martin Elfand. The film stars AL Pacino, John Cazale, Charles Durning, Chris Sarandon, Penelope Allen, James Broderick, Lance Henriksen, and Carol Kane. The title refers to the sultry “dog days” of summer.
The movie is about a man who came to rob a bank to pay for his lover’s sex change operation which turns into a hostage situation and a media circus, so there. (brotherlouie16@gmail.com)/PN
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