YOUR ZODIAC SIGN HOLDS THE KEY TO THE IDEAL VACATION. CLAIRE MIRANDA MAKES SOME HELPFUL PREDICTIONS USING BASIC FENG SHUI
ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCES ALCARAZ
PHOTOLIBRARY
According to Chinese philosophy, each of us is governed by one of five elements: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth or Metal, as determined by the time, date and location of our birth. And these elements influence us.
When you put together complementary elements, you can achieve harmonious relationships and a beneficial flow of qi, or energy. Vivian Chang, a feng shui consultant, is a Taiwanese graphic designer by day. Her eye for space and balance sparked an interest in studying the complementary forces that lie at the root of feng shui.
“Feng shui is about the harmony and balance that is necessary in our everyday life,”
Vivian explains. “It’s important to surround yourself with elements that complement yours.” By applying simple principles of feng shui, one can maximize the flow of energy within one’s natural surroundings. Identify your dominant element and this will point you in the right direction, for a wonderful vacation that’s quite plainly written in the stars.
Those dominated by the element of fire are flamboyant, charismatic and love a good puzzle
FIRE
Those dominated by the element of fire are flamboyant and charismatic types who love to be mystified by a good puzzle. Whether you’re in a formal suit or rugged outdoorsy attire, you are likely to command attention.
The elements recommend…
An exhilarating mountain trek is in your future. The challenge: Mount Talinis, the 1,800m peak nicknamed Cuernos de Negros, or the cliffs on Apo Island. The Cuernos de Negros Mountaineering Club organize a three-day trek up Mount Talinis. Sights along the trail are Lake Yagumyum, an ancient crater, and the Tolkien-esque forests of mossy maribuhok trees. Sleep under the stars by majestic Lake Nailig. To organize your customized mountain trek, visit www.pinoymountaineer.com
Take a side trip to Apo Island, a short boat ride off the coast of Dumaguete. The limestone cliffs that surround the 12-hectare island are a rock climber’s dream. Scale them and then dive 12m into the ocean. Book a rustic hillside cottage on Apo Island Resort’s private cove, www.apoislandresort.com
The enigma of Siquijor. With its long history of faith healers and mysticism, it may appeal to your analytical mind. Just a short ferry trip from Dumaguete, the smallest island province in Central Visayas was named “Isla del Fuego” – the island of fire — by enraptured Spanish explorers. Embark on a challenging trek through Cantabon Cave with its underground stream and huge chambers dripping with rock formations. Be mesmerized by the droves of fireflies that give the island’s mangroves an eerie glow at nightfall. Then ignite fires of a different kind at the romantic Coco Grove Beach Resort (www.cocogrovebeachresort.com)
Cebu Pacific flies to Dumaguete from Manila twice a day. www.cebupacificair.com
Wood types blossom with the infusion of heat and moisture, so a sunny holiday by the sea is perfect
WOOD
Artistic types born under the element of wood exhibit an inner strength and stability. The infusion of heat and moisture brings blossoms forth from wood, so the cards advise a rejuvenating, sun-drenched holiday by the sea.
The elements recommend…
A quiet weekend soaking up the rays in Bohol. Bohol is bounded by an endless coastline of blindingly white beaches, with a myriad more to discover on its 73 surrounding islands. In the spectrum of the country’s many spectacular beaches, few come close to the 1km stretch of white sands of Alona Beach on Panglao Island.
Book yourself a villa at Amorita Resort with its 180˚ view of the Bohol Sea. Laze on a private sundeck, dip into a private plunge pool, and sample local delicacies such as the seashell creature sa-anganon, fresh off a sizzling grill. Tel: +63 (2) 910 0294, www.amoritaresort.com
Dip in the healing waters of Camiguin Island’s natural hot springs. The volcanic island of Camiguin has a coastline dotted with beaches and secluded swimming holes. Esperanza Ardent Hot Springs, which can hit temperatures of 40˚C, bubbles from the depths of dormant Mount HibokHibok. Bathe in mist-shrouded pools rich with sulphur, believed to have healing properties. Take a deep breath and focus on the rejuvenating atmosphere, and focus on restoring whatever ails you. Spend evenings at Bahay Bakasyunan, a former private villa featuring a beachfront pool. Tel: +63 (35) 225 5490, www.islandcamiguin.com
Cebu Pacific flies to Tagbilaran twice daily and to Cagayan de Oro five times daily from Manila. Hire a car to bring you to Balingoan, Misamis Oriental, the jump-off point to Camiguin Island. www.cebupacificair.com
Metal people, stay away from heat, which can melt even the mightiest ores
METAL
Your steely resolve and determination indicates that metal is your dominant element. You are self-reliant and a born leader. Make sure you stay away from heat, which can melt even the mightiest ores.
The elements recommend…
A challenging dive trip to El Nido, Palawan. At 96,000 hectares, these waters surrounding the pretty islets of El Nido form the largest marine sanctuary in the country, where sightings of manta rays and the rare dugong are common. Seasoned divers will find comfortable accommodations at the new El Nido Cove Resort and Spa (tel: +63 (918) 908 1204/(917) 822 2645, www.elnidocove.com) which offers nighttime dive packages and a 15-day dive master course.
The rush of a rugged island adventure in Caramoan. Koh-Lanta, the French edition of Survivor, shot its eighth season last year on the Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur. Producers praised the unspoiled, off-the-radar appeal of Caramoan, which led contestants to believe they were truly lost in the wild.
The idea is to move out of your comfort zone and test your physical limits. The Camsur Watersports Complex in nearby Naga City (www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com) a water-sports park designed for wakeboarding, attracts enthusiasts of the sport from all over the world. Villa Del Rey offers tiki huts and villas just steps from all the wakeboarding action (tel: +63 (54) 477 3344, infocamsur@gmail.com).
Cebu Pacific flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila thrice daily. Hire a private shuttle for the five-hour trip from San Jose Terminal to El Nido (book with Fortwally Shuttle Company, tel: +63 (920) 981 5702). Cebu Pacific also flies thrice daily to Naga. For transfers to CWC and Caramoan, contact the Camsur Tourism Office. www.camarinessur.gov.ph, www.cebupacificair.com
Water is a gentle element, yet nurturing, bringing entire forests to life
WATER
People who are water-dominant prefer an indirect approach to getting things done. Water is a gentle element, yet nurturing, bringing entire forests to life.
The elements recommend…
Birdwatching in Bais. The Bird Sanctuary and Mangrove Park is 400 hectares of lush forest that hugs the Bais coastline. To spy the Philippine Mallard and White Heron in their natural habitat, hop on a short boat ride from South Bais City, then take a stroll on raised walkways of split bamboo. For more information, contact the Bais Tourism Office, tel: +63 (35) 541 5161, www.dumagueteinfo.com. Book a beachfront bungalow at Dumaguete Springs Resort, tel: +63 (35) 225 9961, www.dumaguetesprings.com. The staff can arrange a car or motorbike rental.
A trek through Bulusan Volcano National Park. Three supreme peaks dot the 3,600 hectares of rainforest of Bulusan Volcano National Park, declared a wildlife sanctuary in the 1930s. Pristine Lake Bulusan, one of two lakes in the park, is steeped in local legend. Tread softly on quiet trails shaded by a canopy of wild orchids and giant ferns, being careful not to disturb monitor lizards and geckos. Watch the skies for rare birds such as the flame-breasted dove and Philippine hawk eagle.
Book a room at the delightful family-run Villa Luisa Celeste. Named for the daughters of a retired sea captain, the mansion is clean, comfortable and charming, and boasts of views of Mount Bulusan and the Pacific Ocean, and is located just 20 minutes from
Cebu Pacific flies to Dumaguete twice daily. A 40-minute road trip by bus or rental van takes you to Bais City. Cebu Pacific also flies to Legazpi from Manila thrice daily. From Legazpi, it’s a two-hour road trip to Bulusan. www.cebupacificair.com
Earth people are naturally drawn to fire
EARTH
The person born under the earth element is practical, methodical and hardworking. You are naturally drawn to fire.
The elements recommend…
A gastronomical foray into the fiery Bicolano cuisine. Try spicy-creamy dishes made with chilli and coconut milk — laing or Bicol Express, pork stewed in coconut milk, and a stingray dish called kinunot.
A tour of Pampanga’s heritage kitchens. Viajeng Cusinang Matua (www.traveltalesinc.wordpress.com) is a hearth-side visit into the old kitchens of Pampanga, the culinary capital of the country. The day trip begins at dawn in Manila, with stops for breakfast, lunch, dinner and two teatimes. Sample native tsokolate, dinuguan, galantina and tamales, and kamaru or deep-fried crickets. Historian and chef Lillian Borromeo offers a baking demonstration of San Nicolas cookies, and a glimpse at her family’s heirloom cooking tools and a history of food.
Cebu Pacific flies thrice daily to Legazpi from Manila, and to Clark from Bangkok, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore, www.cebupacificair.com
FIND YOUR ELEMENT
Every set of two years is governed by Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth. If your birth year ends in 0 or 1, you are a Metal person; those born in a year ending in 2 or 3 are under the Water element, and so on. The cycle ends with a year ending in 9 (Earth) and starts all over again with a Metal year.
Birth year ending in 0: Yang Metal
Birth year ending in 1 : Yin Metal
Birth year ending in 2: Yang Water
Birth year ending in 3: Yin Water
Birth year ending in 4: Yang Wood
Birth year ending in 5: Yin Wood
Birth year ending in 6: Yang Fire
Birth year ending in 7: Yin Fire
Birth year ending in 8: Yang Earth
Birth year ending in 9: Yin Earth
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