Kung Hei Happy New Year at the Mandarin

The Mandarin Oriental's Charisse Chuidian with the Inquirer's Tessa Prieto Valdes

Can you change your luck?

We like to believe so. Some are braver than others and take their destinies into their own hands. They set goals and start walking the path towards their dreams.

Others like myself are a little more silly. Or not. We believe that our destiny lies in the hands of God and swayed by the forces of nature. So we turn to the east or west or whatever better direction the wind blows that year. And pray for the best.

Having lived a life whose direction has changed more times than my hairstyles over the years, I have reason to believe that while we can swim towards a sighted shore, believing it to be the destination of our dreams, we can determine neither the current nor the direction of the waves. And nature is an unconquerable force whom you would best make your ally.

The Mandarin Oriental's Feng Shui Master Joseph Chau

So we consult the masters of feng shui such as the Mandarin Oriental's Joseph Chau.

At the press launch lunch at Tin Hau, in walked Tessa Prieto Valdes in a sexy modern cheongsam in the color blue in celebration of the Water Snake. Then shrieks. But she is immediately advised against royal blue by Master Chau. "Oh no! We can't wear royal blue!" You can wear blue, Master Chau, says, but other shades of blue - sky blue, midnight blue, but not royal blue. (Apparently because it is a tradition of some Chinese to wear this shade of blue on their heads at funerals.)

Next year we can wear gold, white ("but not plain white with black trousers because you will look like the waiters at a restaurant!" Master Chau very commonsensically advises) like whitegold. But not red unless you were born in the winter months such as December and January.

The year of the water snake will be a good year for investments, especially for the Philippines. The economy will be good. And the luck of the president will be even better. "If he wishes to get married anytime in 2013, 100% he can get married," Master Chau predicted. "Because the romantic star is in his chart."

Master Chau on the left and adopted Feng Shui "master" Julie Yap Daza on the right.

Tina Arceo Dumlao of the Inquirer teased Julie Yap Daza, "O, pwede na kayo." Apparently Ms. Daza is single. And the Horse (Ms. Julie) and the Rat (PNoy) are compatible. "Ay, hindi ko siya type," Ms. Daza retorted. "He hasn't watched Skyfall." Movies apparently are the first indication of compatibility!

Another guest at the table asked about her sign. "Don't drink coffee," Master Chau advised. Hwaat?! LOL. I didn't realize feng shui extended to what you put in your mouth. Thankfully, my own sign allows me to drink coffee!

Chinese New Year's Appetizer Trio: marinated jelly fish, Szechuan style Peking duck rolls, Ngo Hiang rolls, Fu Jian style

On the Chinese New Year's eve, Master Chau advises to put on your dinner table: onions for intelligence, celery for success in work, and bananas, apples, oranges, pineapples and grapefruits for luck.

Steamed Live Garoupa with superior homemade soysauce

But more than this, the Mandarin will be serving a trio of jelly fish, Peking duck rolls, and Ngo Hiang rolls as a symbol of bountiful harvest; abalone to symbolize good fortune; fish because its Chinese term sounds similar to money and profit; rice for fertility (!?); and the Chinese New Year's ever-reliable tikoy for prosperity.

Also, remember to shower on the eve of the New Year (Feb 9 evening) to wash away all the bad vibes of the Year of the Dragon. (And to smell good- hehe.)

Happy Chinese New Year! :)

PS. Check out additional details on the Chinese New Year's celebrations on the Mandarin's Facebook page. (Their announcement pasted below.) There's a raffle for a trip to China!

Diners at the Lunar New Year countdown on 9 February get a chance to win a trip for two to China with a three-day/ two-night stay at Mandarin Oriental’s newest luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Guangzhou, inclusive of roundtrip tickets from Dragonair.

Festivities include: Cocktails + Eye-Dotting Ceremony + Midnight Dinner + Entertainment+ Raffle

Tickets: PHP 2,988 net, adult / PHP 1,588 net, child:
*Adult ticket is also inclusive of Master Chau’s feng shui forecast book

Limited seats. Call 750 8888 ext 2633 for reservations.