MANILA, Philippines—One reads the Chinese zodiac, the other watches the stock market, but these two “seers” agree: Filipinos weighed down by last year’s economic slump still have a reason to be bullish in 2009.

Because all the elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth are coming together in the coming Year of the Yin Earth Ox, the Philippines can expect a very good year especially when it comes to money, feng shui master Joseph Chau said Wednesday.

Easy come, easy go

In another forum, market analyst Astro del Castillo said “political spending” could significantly prop up the local economy this year, while the telecommunications sector and certain blue chip companies would still prove strong despite the economic slowdown.

In a presentation at the Mandarin Oriental in Makati City, Chau noted that the Philippines, being a tropical country hospitable to the Earth Ox, could look forward to a year of “harmony, cooperation and good vibes.”

“This year is G-O-O-D for the Philippines … There will be no problem in earning money this year,” Chau said, noting that the country, like the rest of Southeast Asia, is in a lucky position according to feng shui charts.

“But like what they say about money—easy come, easy go. The problem is (how) to conserve money.”

Under the Chinese lunar calendar, the Ox takes over and brings the Year of the Rat to a close on Jan. 26.

Chau said the Philippines may even turn out to be luckier than most Southeast Asian nations because Malacañang itself is in an auspicious location on the feng shui magic square.

Fortune favors parents

“The Philippine government should do something to attract more investors, so that the country will bloom. As I mention every year, tourism is one of the big sources of money for the country and this country has a lot of natural resources that can be developed,” he said.

Noting that fortune also favors parents in 2009, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, “because she is a mother, can bring in more business for the Philippines this year,” Chau said.

And like others born in the Year of the Pig, Ms Arroyo can expect a very busy year marked by change and movement, he said.

Aside from tourism, Chau said, sectors representing the metal, water and fire elements can be considered lucky this year. These are banking, automotive, entertainment, hotels, trading, transportation, logistics, spas, restaurants, call centers, electronics and petroleum exploration.

Earth and wood

Industries of the earth and wood elements, like construction, real estate, garments, textiles, agriculture and education, may not be as feng shui-powered but would still manage to post some growth in the coming year, Chau said.

Speaking at the weekly Newsmakers forum at the Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Center, Del Castillo said gains could be posted by the infrastructure and business process outsourcing (BPO) sectors.

“We expect a continued slowdown. But at the moment, we’ve managed to move forward, which shows investor confidence,” he said.

Del Castillo said political spending related to the 2010 national elections and the implementation of fiscal reforms would help the economy bounce back by end-2009 or early 2010.

Asked what stocks would be “good buys” this year, Castillo said: “Across the board, all are attractive enough. But the telcos and the blue chip companies are recommended.”

He cited the Pangilinan companies as well as Ayala ventures such as Globe Telecom and Bank of the Philippine Islands as among the stocks to watch.

Of luck and lovers

On a personal level, Chau had some words of caution for persons aged 18 to 40 years old. People in this age bracket may not be as lucky this year because of the presence of the “Conflict Star,” which portends the spread of gossip, envy, criticisms and fighting.

“They should be more humble and patient to avoid fighting or conflicts. They should be more open to communication to avoid any misunderstandings. They should exercise self-control and discipline and try to avoid drinking too much alcohol and indulging in too much night life,” he said.

For couples planning to get married, Chau said 2009 is it: The “Wedding Star” is at the center of the magic square this year, which means people will generally be lucky in love.

For eligible bachelors, Chau suggested that they put flowers in a long-necked vase and place it on the right side of the main door of the house if they wish to attract women.

Women looking for a little romance, on the other hand, may consider putting flowers in a vase made of metal, especially brass, and have them displayed on the left side of the door.

The Year of the Yin Earth Ox will be lucky for those born in the Year of the Rat, Tiger, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Monkey and Rooster, Chau added.