MANILA, Philippines -- The Year of the Rat, which begins Thursday under the Chinese Lunar calendar, is seen as auspicious for the Philippines as a nation, but people born under some zodiac signs -- including the Horse, Pig, Tiger and Rooster -- are advised to be extra cautious.

Cantonese feng shui master Joseph Chau, the resident geomancer of Mandarin Oriental Hotel, said the New Year would be lucky for the following countries -- Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and China.

The Hong Kong-based feng shui expert said the whole of Southeast Asia (which the Philippines is part of) -- a region which succumbed to a regional financial currency turmoil that caused unprecedented currency devaluations and growth slowdown in 1997 and the succeeding years -- would be generally lucky in 2008.

In a recent presentation before high-networth Citibank clients, Chau also read what the stars had to say for people born in each of the 12 signs of the Chinese calendar as the Rat takes over the Pig.

Rat

For those born in the Year of the Rat (2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924), Chau said there's “money luck” coming this year whether from inheritance or investments.

This year is especially seen as lucky for politicians and government officials under this sign.

But there are also some unlucky stars in the horizon, but they should not harbor negative thoughts. People born in the Year of the Rat are said to be offending the Grand Duke (Tai Suey) of this year.

Rats have to be more patient and flexible in coping with sudden changes. To avoid rumors, jealousy and envy, Rats are advised to keep a low profile. Money affairs are excellent this year. Opportunities for a change in career, moving house or increase in salary shall present themselves. In love affairs, Rats have to spend more time with their family, so that the harmonious force will help remove negative energies.

“Keep away from sharp objects especially if a child, or you can get hurt,” he said.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Elegant by nature. Clever, intelligent, ambitious, determined, seductive, pleasant, playful, generous, alert, suspicious and resourceful. Loves intrigues, riddles and games. Connoisseurs of art. Good business acumen. Cannot resist bargains. A true opportunist just to reach his target.

Ox

For the oxen herd (1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925), this year is projected to be “very lucky.”

“The rat is very happy to assist you. Everything will go smoothly. It's lucky for you to do business,” Chau said.

He said the ox could find a benefactor who can help solve his or her problems one by one.

“For money luck, (there's) no problem. Money comes to you this year,” he said.

Apart from the Ox being the most compatible sign with the Rat, the presence of the lucky stars Pak Yuet, Suey Hap, and Tin Yuet assures the Oxen that things will go smoothly and give them the opportunity to transform bad luck into good fortune. This is seen as a changing year for the Ox; the more they change, the more luck they will have.

Oxen are advised to pay strict attention to their diet and hygiene and encouraged to relax and do more exercise to keep fit.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Hardworking, strong, down-to-earth, reliable, courageous, quiet, loyal, intelligent, helpful, self-confident, easy-going, and brilliant in organizing. A natural-born leader who works systematically, though can be a little slow. They are responsible towards family and believe in authority, but may be stubborn sometimes and not susceptible to changes and new ideas.

Tiger

Chau said those born under the Tiger sign (1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926) would reap more benefits this year if they were to work hard. But he added that it would be lucky for Tigers to take a vacation, to tour this year, or to invest money in foreign currency, in a US property or to go overseas to earn money.

“The Tiger gets support from year of the Rat. You have to put more effort if you have high lifestyle. You have to be more hardworking. The more you work, the more you gain,” Chau said.

This 2008 is seen as a busy and challenging year for Tigers. To gain more, they will have to double their work efforts. It is an especially lucky year for those in PR, marketing, sales, education, publishing, medicine, transportation and hotel business.

It is not seen as a good year for married Tigers, so they are advised to be more understanding with their spouses. Single Tigers on the other hand, will have the opportunity to find love abroad.

Due to the influence of unlucky stars, Tigers should pay special attention to the health of elder members of the family.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Rebellious and dynamic but loyal, a natural leader, champion of liberal causes, overwhelmingly generous, has irresistible magnetism, likeable with traces of vanity, great protector, daring, passionate, courageous, highly sensitive, quarrelsome, active, self-assured, stubborn, quick tempered but considerate and likes freedom.

Rabbit

(1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999)

The year of the Rabbit is in conflict with the year of the Rat. However, the presence of three lucky stars Tin Tak, Hung Luen, and Fuk Sing makes this year manageable for the Rabbits. Career luck will be half good and half bad; therefore they should be careful in handling their relationships with people and avoid getting involved in personnel disputes. Rabbits can look forward to better luck in the months of February and June.

Zodiac's Nature: Clever, tender, sensitive, peace loving, mellow, concerned, understanding, sympathetic, industrious, generous, intuitive, egotistical, and sensitive. Pleasure to have as a friend, thrives in good company, entertaining, charming, has good taste and refined lifestyle, and conventional. Happiest and most content of the Chinese Zodiac. Intelligent in business with great determination and creative ideas, but easily gets into different moods, and is sometimes proud and indifferent.

Dragon

The luck of the Dragon (2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928) is said to be comparable to that of the Rat's.

“The dragon will have better luck in career,” he said.

Chau said this year would be lucky for Dragon artists -- such as painters, actors or musicians -- and politicians.

“But if you are a businessman, be careful with contract signing or you may have trouble and face closure,” Chau said.

The luck of the Dragons is carried on from last year, ensuring that the luck is promising and stable. Both business and career luck will be prosperous, therefore it is advisable for Dragons to start their own businesses. The presence of the Romance Star means Dragons will have more harmony in the family.

But Dragons will face lots of pressure and stress this year, making them quite emotional. Dragons are therefore advised to rest and relax to avoid being too anxious and exhausted.

Zodiac’s Nature :
Independent, enthusiastic, magical, intuitive, shrewd, successful, daring, materialistic, and very lucky. Talkative, tactless, artistic, flirtatious, self-sufficient, idealists, and perfectionists. Dragons represent strength, health, and good fortune, but can be stubborn and impulsive. Somewhat proud and has a sense of superiority with a quick temper, but always attractive.

Snake

For the Snake (2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929), the worst of the signs last year, he said this year could be better and more stable than last year.

He said Snakes had two lucky stars and could be lucky with money if they would invest.

“If you don't take this chance to earn money, you will lose the chance. Do have a lady to assist you. If you're in business, listen to advice of a lady adviser, a consultant,” he said.

There will be many opportunities this year to strengthen their talents and business, as well as to create a new epoch in their industry. Career luck will be smooth, but Snakes should be alert for hidden enemies. Love and romance look promising for the Snakes this year. Single Snakes will have the chance to meet their dream lover during a vacation or while traveling; while married Snakes are cautioned not to get involved in extra-marital affairs, otherwise they will face dire consequences.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Well-bred, attractive, and irresistible. Philosophical, deep thinkers, calm, intelligent, mysterious, emotional, intuitive, possessive, and flirtatious. Admired for their helpfulness, generosity, wisdom, and gentleness, but sometimes self-critical. Naturally lucky, sentimental and romantic, with a subtle sense of humor.

Horse

Chau said the Horse (2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930) would be in conflict with the Rat.

“Be careful to handle business because you will have risks of losing money. So if you do business, you must not be too greedy. Don't get caught in the money trap,” Chau said.

“If you're born under the horse sign, any busness dealing must go through proper procedure. Always consult a lawyer so you won't be cheated. Don't be a negative thinker. You will face many many small obstacles. But this is time for you to train youself how to face problems,” he said.

The year of the Horse clashes with the Tai Suey of the year of the Rat. Because clashing with the Tai Suey is more serious than offending it, the luck of the Horse is seen a bit low and dim. Horses will have to be more patient, flexible and conservative in handling their work or business. Although career luck will be quite tough, through hard work, bad luck can still be changed into good fortune. Horses are warned not to indulge in gambling, otherwise, they will face financial ruin.

Zodiac’s Nature :
Well-groomed and looks terrific. Cheerful, charming, entertaining, diplomatic, amusing, cunning, popular, extrovert, and commands admiration, and respect. Loyal, hard-working, independent, energetic, inconsistent, impatient, subjective, and egocentric.

Goat

In the past two to three years, those under the Goat sign (2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931) were not lucky, But this year is predicted to be promising for them.

Chau counted four lucky stars for the Goat, two of which belonged to the emperor star.

“Imagine, that emperor have more authority, more power to handle the business,” he said.

Although the year of the Goat is in conflict with the year of the Rat, the powerful lucky stars Yuet Tak and Yuk Tong can change their bad luck into good fortune. Goats will have the opportunity to meet good clients or customers in their businesses. Money luck is good for the Goats this year; however they should not take any illegal money or engage in corruption, otherwise they will fall into a disastrous situation.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Honest, sincere, creative, peaceful, artistic, playful, and amorous. Good natured and generous, but sometimes can be undisciplined, and irresponsible. Often feels gloomy and discontented. Also indecisive and at times too passive. Renowned for their grace and creativity, and likes luxury.

Monkey

Chau said this year would be lucky for the Monkey (2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920) in the academic field.

“It's lucky this year, for children who study. In academic studies, you will have chance to get an award, or to go overseas training,” he said.

The Monkey is seen as compatible with the Rat in 2008. Working employees will have the chance for a promotion or a job change in an environment where they will be able to exhibit their talents and abilities. Due to the appearance of unlucky stars, Monkeys should keep away from wicked people. Otherwise, this will cause unfavorable results in their jobs.

Monkeys should not expect too much from love and romance. Married Monkeys should spend more time and show more concern to their spouses, while single Monkeys should not be too stubborn and easily moved by what they see or hear. Otherwise, they will end up breaking off their relationships.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Lively, quick-witted, amusing, vain, resourceful, intelligent, sensible, unconventional, inventive, mischievous, innovative, independent, a fast learner with good memory and social skills, but can be selfish and egoistic. Good at problem solving, ambitious, but prone to laziness.

Rooster

The Rooster (2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921) is also seen a little bit in conflict with the Rat, but those born under this sign have a lucky star.

This is seen as a romantic year for the Rooster while there's no major problem expected in business.

“It's lucky for those with the Rooster sign to go into investment related to banking and finance,” Chau said.

The Rooster is seen as in conflict with the Tai Suey this year, therefore their luck will be bitter first, then sweet later. Although they will face many obstacles and problems, in the end they will be able to settle everything. Despite this being a conflict year, it is still a lucky year for the Roosters. Career luck is good and they will get help to reach their targets.

Since the Romance Star appears under their sign, life will be very colorful. However, they are cautioned not to indulge too much in the night life or their image and reputation will be affected.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Courageous, generous, entertaining, popular, protective, resourceful, unrealistic, capable and confident, with good communication skills. Prone to boast and exaggerate. Dramatic but reputable, works systematically, but does not like routine. Takes good care of their family and can always succeed in the end.

Dog

Those born under the Dog sign (2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922) are advised to beware of the water and be more careful in inter-personal relationships.

“You have to solve problems. Dogs this year have to be careful with relationship with people -- with colleague, subordinate or superior,” Chau said.

“Be careful with water. Don't swim in the ocean. Swim only in the swimming pool or you can get hurt or have an accident.”

Even people who don't like swimming are advised to be careful even in the bathroom, as they could get hurt on the slippery floor.

But overall, this is seen a lucky year for the Dogs because of the presence of three lucky stars Tin Kaai, Pat Choh, and Kaai Shan. Working employees will have a chance of a promotion or of being assigned to a better post. Businessmen should be alert for the latest marketing trends so as not to be defeated by competitors.

Single Dogs should not expect too much from love affairs, while married Dogs should be patient with their spouses to maintain a harmonious family life.

Zodiac’s Nature:
Loyal, honest, discreet, helpful, dependable, devoted, dignified, respectful, attentive, and philosophical. They are also bashful and cynical, not very adventurous but are responsible, sensitive, practical, has a deep sense of justice, moral, trustworthy, generous, and imaginative.

Pig

The Pig (2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923) is seen facing better luck in business this year but are advised to be more health-conscious.

“Be careful of your health but money luck is beautiful, so no need to worry,” he said.

The Pig is seen as fortunate in the beginning of the year, but will occasionally come across some obstacles because of the presence of unlucky stars. This year, male Pigs are luckier than female Pigs, so ladies should ask help from their male colleagues being careful not to fall into any love traps. Although money luck is fluctuating, Pigs can still find opportunities to earn money. They should however budget their expenses well and be careful when engaged in contract signing to avoid business or money traps.

Zodiac’s Nature :
Courageous, gallant, courteous, innocent, gullible, naïve, peace loving, defenseless, trustful, honest, correct, pure, sincere, very devoted, sensitive, indulgent, sensual, cheerful, generous, tolerant, hates quarrels, fortunate, not good in handling money, but can be a perfect friend.

Tips based on month of birth:

Chau have other tips on how to bring out more luck this Year of the Rat based on a person's month of birth.

- People born between Feb 19 and May 4 lack the metal element. They must wear white or gold-colored clothes and increase metal element by eating more chicken and ice cream. Buy a metal rooster or metal monkey to increase luck. If you have a gong in the house, hit the gong everyday. Lucky hours are 3 pm to 6 pm. Those who want to increase business and salary must carry a metal brooch, wear gold necklace or wristwatch or gold or silver earrings.

- People born between May 5 and August 7 lack the water element. Always drink and bring a bottle of water with you. Or bring spritz for face moisturizer. Lucky colors are red, silver, blue, gray, white and gold. It's lucky if your eyes can see a swimming pool or moving water. Inside the house, put an aquarium or water fountain. Eat lots of seafood to increase the water element.

- Those born between Aug. 8 and Nov. 7 lack the element of wood and that means potential liver problems. Eat vegetables, put more plants inside the house. Any color of clothes has a wood element except light colors like white or silver. Lucky hours are between 3 am and 9 am.

- Those born between Nov. 8 and Feb. 18 lack the element of fire. Lucky colors are red, pink, white and orange. Eat shabu-shabu, chili or bell pepper. Lucky hours are between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. It's lucky to keep a little candle inside your pocket.

Lucky Businesses

“No matter what kind of business you are in, as long as you pay attention to good communication, good relationship - you'll have more business this year," said Chau.

But this year is seen as especially lucky for banking and investment as the rat is an earth sign and the earth produces metal.

“Besides banking, real estate, transportation, construction, shipping, hotel, tourism, they are the luckiest industries during year 2008,” he said.

On the other hand, businesses related to wood -- like books, boutiques and medicine -- are seen facing more challenges this year.