Doing business with the Water Dragon

LION dance performs at Binondo, Manila during the eve of Chinese New Year.

The dragon is a symbol of power and success while water is a medium of money, according to Taoist Grand Minister Wongsengtian, which means that this new Lunar Year of the Water Dragon is generally an opportune period.

But as to which businesses will likely thrive most this year, Wongsengtian—a geomancer who has advised some of the country’s wealthiest taipans—listed food, banking and credit, real estate,  communication.

On communication, the volatility in gasoline prices could bring some headache at times, says the geomancer, who was guest speaker at the Lunar turnover party hosted by Gotianun-led East West Bank recently.

Wongsengtian says “communications”  refer to businesses such as telecommunications and IT/computer businesses.

Stocks favored by the ancient Chinese “Tung Shu” or almanac have indeed performed well recently and helped power the local stock market to new heights recently, especially if we use index heavyweight Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. to represent the communication business.

Because of PLDT’s stellar rise in previous weeks and its large weight on the local stock barometer, the Philippine Stock Exchange index has hit a new all-time high of 4,747.90 on Jan. 20, the last trading day before the new Lunar Year.

Banking and real estate, laggards in the stock market last year, have also generated improved interest among bargain-hunters early this year especially amid the downtrend in interest rates locally and globally. Many equities analysts are still more cautious rather than bullish on this counter, though.

CALENDARS for sale along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.

The geomancer, for his part, points out that luck on property will depend on the area, suggesting that developers must also consider the auspicious directions.

Meanwhile, it must also be the good Feng Shui vibes for banking that has encouraged Wongsengtian’s host, East West Bank, to make plans for a stock market debut this 2012.

The bank filed last week an application at the Securities and Exchange Commission to sell shares worth up to P6.63 billion. This will be the first time in eight years that a local bank will conduct an initial public offering.

The geomancer specifically notes that the change in the bank’s logo—a double chevron —was lucky because it suggested “collect and collect” money.

High cost inputs dampened the profitability of “food” companies last year but based on the geomancer’s outlook, this sector will be very “lucky” this year.

He didn’t cite any specific company but browsing through listed companies, among the major food players are Jollibee Foods Corp., Universal Robina Corp. and San Miguel PureFoods Co.

There are also conglomerate Alliance Global Group Inc. (which has McDonald’s master franchisee Golden Arches Development Corp. in its portfolio) and Alliance Select Foods International Inc.

Asked about how the stock markets will perform this year, Wongsentian says he has been getting a lot of texts about this.

FOOD, banking and credit, real estate, communi-cation are good buys this year, accoding to a geoman- cer.

“In general, stock markets globally don’t look too good but in Asia, it’s good.  So you have to look at what kind of company (you’re investing in).

In Asia, in the Philippines, there’s opportunity.  That’s why if you’re in the stock market, it will be busy but it’s also possible to have slight declines,” the Chinese geomancer says in Filipino.

Doing business in Asia, he adds, would be generally good and would bode well for the region’s taipans.

‘Lucky’ Signs

All signs can find some luck this year depending on the day and time of their moves, says Wongsentian, who has published a day-to-day fortune analysis/guide to Chinese astrology “Authentic Annual Prediction 2012.”

In this book, he compiled the astrological charts and tables to guide people how to direct their energies towards happiness, good fortune and success.

For instance, the book pinpoints the specific lucky dates for opening a business, negotiating deals, groundbreaking, travels, wedding, engagement, raising livestock, demolition or moving to a new place.

Asked during last week’s party which animal signs will likely be most lucky to enter new businesses, he says it would be the ox, followed by the pig and sheep.

Here are some excerpts from Wongsentian’s book for each animal sign to keep in mind specifically when it comes to wealth management. (For forecasts on health and love life, completely monthly and day-to-day fortune analysis, you’ve got to read the book yourself).

Rat

“There is money for you this year but apparently, it is insufficient.  This could be due to the fact that you are spending too much.  Do not be extravagant and observe your budget. Collection will be rather difficult on some months.”

Ox

“The trend is unstable with all those ups and downs.  Do not rush into business deals. Careful planning before implementation will ensure success but do not expect big return.  Beware of con-men who will pose as buyer then run off with your stocks without payment.”

Tiger

“The status of your finance is not good but because of good management you did in the past year you will not immediately feel the burden.  Learn to say no and do not lend money irresponsibly.  By yearend, you will feel the dwindling of your funds.  Be thrifty to avoid being sorry.”

Rabbit

“There are many opportunities so be alert to be able to benefit from them. You have some luck in gambling this year but this does not mean large sum of money.”

Dragon

“Unstable financial status will be felt. Borrowing and lending money must be avoided.  Do not gamble and avoid being a guarantor for others.”

Snake

“Do not entertain any good offer of good investment.  Maintain proper work habits and don’t be too anxious to make a big money in a short time. Betting on game of chance like lotto can give you small winnings.  Just keep yourself busy working and be a good companion to avoid envy, jealousy or quarrels which could lead to loss of job.”

Horse

“(You) need to work very hard and diligently.  Avoid lending money and do not go into expansion without prior planning or studies.”

Sheep

“Your fortune will be average, at least you will earn.  Be very careful against swindlers.”

Monkey

“Not a favorable one since money will be spent quite easily. Caution must be exercised towards relationship with subordinates and workers who will cheat you and cause loss (of) income.  You might get into trouble at work.”

Rooster

“There are good prospects for earning money and you will have your share of it.  However handling financial matter must be done carefully to avoid losing hardearned money in a flash!  For the employed, stay away from trouble; intrigue could cost your job.”

Dog

“You have bright prospect in legitimate line of business. Gambling is a big NO NO! Avoid loans so that you will not have problems later on.”

Pig

“The earnings will be steady but not in large amount.  The latter half of the year will be better than the first.”