TINA ARCEO-DUMLAO GIVES YOU A RUN-DOWN OF LUCKY CHARMS, FESTIVALS AND RITUALS HAPPENING ACROSS THE CEBU PACIFIC NETWORK
Filipinos are famous — or infamous — for their bahala na attitude, that inclination to leaving everything to chance, and literally let God (the word bathala means God.) Yet, this does not mean they will not try to convince the forces of the universe and gods of all persuasions to act in their favor. That’s why, despite these challenging economic times, Filipinos will still spend their money on lucky charms, amulets and trinkets in the wholehearted belief that these have the power to bring them fortune in many facets of their life. Right here, Smile broadens the arena of Lady Luck’s good side by flying you around the region for good fortune in every aspect of life.
Looking for loves
Pearls of romance. Head to the Shanghai Hongqiao International Pearl City and get your hands on a peach pearl, which symbolizes romance. Make a wish on the pearl before donning it as a pendant to release its mystical powers. Hongqiao Craft Market, 2nd fl, 3721 Hongmei Rd, Hongqiao.
Order gayuma (love potion). These concoctions made from plant roots, herbs and other natural ingredients are believed to possess special powers. Quiapo church and Baclaran church in Manila have stalls nearby selling these.
Seek out a seer. Fly to Hong Kong’s Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple in Kowloon. Fortune tellers in Soothsayer’s Arcade predict the future for a few dollars. The temple is open from 7am to 5.30pm.
Love ducks. Mandarin ducks are symbols of fidelity, because they mate for life. Buy them at House of Feng Shui. 1 Kim Seng Promenade, #B2-01 Great World City
money money money
Wish on a tree… the golden Tree of Prosperity at the Wynn Macau casino, to be exact. This amazing creation of kinetic sculptures, light, music and video is designed to channel auspiciousness. www.wynnmacau.com
Buy a cat. The maneki neko or Japanese beckoning cat comes in different versions. A cat with its left paw raised is meant to attract customers while a cat with its right paw raised is meant to let the money flow in. Buy these lucky cats in tourist shops across Japan.
Lucky chips. In Quiapo, Manila, members of the Kankana-ey tribe peddle sinag araw (sun ray) wood chips for PHP10. Keep the chips in your wallet so money will keep flowing into your life.
Good fortune fest. The annual Toka Ebisu Festival from January 9 to 11 in Osaka honors Ebessan, the god of business. Tie lucky charms like small bags of rice onto bamboo branches handed out at the shrine. Take these branches back to your home or office to attract more abundance in your life.
For good health
Health insurance. The Taiwanese believe there is nothing more powerful than Pi Xiu, a fierce looking Chinese mythical creature, which draws fortune from five different directions, bringing extra money and thwarting disease. Get one at the Chinese Handicraft Mart of the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center, Chungshan S Rd and Hsuchow Rd.
Life’s a peach. In Singapore, people prepare chang shuo mien, a dish with egg and noodle, for an older person’s birthday. The egg represents birth, and the noodle symbolizes longevity. Shuo tao, a bun shaped like a peach (below), should top off the celebrant’s meal. Both dishes can be ordered in most Chinese restaurants.
Wanted: children
Dance, dance evolution. Couples who long to get pregnant join the annual Obando Fertility Dance in Bulacan, Philippines from May 17 to 19. People do this to please the Virgin of Salambao, San Pascual de Bailon and Sta Clara and hope to be rewarded with a child. Take a one-hour drive from Metro Manila to get to Valenzuela in Bulacan.
Get a doll. According to African legend, the bearer of a fertility doll will give birth to a beautiful child 24 inches tall. This one (at right) is available for purchase at Strangelets in Singapore. www.strangelets.com
Tote a charm. In Bangkok, make your way to the famous amulet market across the Wat Mahathat, between Maharat Road and the Chao Phraya river. Men seeking to up their chances of having a big family buy the amulet shaped like a phallus, said to ensure potency.
bye bye, bad luck
Bathe for good luck. In Indonesia, people cleanse with a ritual called mandi kambang — water mixed with flowers — to ward off bad luck. In Jakarta, head to a local day spa and immerse yourself in a flower bath soak. Check out the Jakarta InterContinetal Mid Plaza’s Wellness Centre and Spa, www.intercontinental.com
Fly a kite. Koreans cast their unique kites up in the sky from lunar New Year Day, so as to “fly away” all their anxieties, worries and bad luck, and to usher in good fortune.
Food luck. When visiting friends at home in Vietnam during the Tet festival, take along presents of food: rice cakes (right), fruits, nuts, sweets, wines and teas. These are tokens of prosperity and abundant food in the new year.
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