What’s in Store for the Philippine Economy in the Year of the Wood Snake?

“Change and reformation” will be the main the traits of the Year of the Wood Snake, which slithers in on January 29, 2025, affecting our economy and personal wealth prospects. 

In a recent chat with reporters, Hong Kong-based master geomancer Joseph Chau said we had entered Period 9 of Feng Shui in 2024, which is ruled by the fire element until 2044, bringing passion, creativity, inspiration, as well as anger, assertiveness, and power. “People are [prone] to have mood swings and creating fights,” he added, so there may be conflicts between countries, leading to wars or economic disputes. 

“The economic situation is frustrating and inflation [will prevail]. Therefore, we have to [improve] ourselves and be flexible to adapt to the local situation, to have a new breakthrough in our development,” he advised. 

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The upside is, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was born in the year of the Rooster (1957), and has a good alliance with the Snake, which makes him “lucky” this year. To further boost his luck, the large fountain located in the southwest of  Malacañan Palace should be switched on at all hours, everyday.  

Chau also said that if the Philippines wants to be the “biggest country in Southeast Asia,” a new office should be constructed for the President that “faces a good direction. Because now, the office direction [Northeast] is not so good.” Thus, the new office should face either the Southwest, where the Wealth Star currently resides, or the West (Promotion Star). This year, the Northeast is where Disaster Star flies.

Lucky, unlucky signs

“Good prospects” this year are seen for businesses such as tourism or tourism-related like hotels and travel agencies, but also those in fashion, furniture, restaurant, television, as well as information technology, computers, and those dealing in artificial intelligence. However, “banking, trading, and construction businesses are weak this year; they are full of challenges and competition. For their survival, they have to change their business strategy and service to attract more clients,” said Chau.

The Wood Snake isn’t an auspicious year to invest in the stock market, he noted, as the Philippines is already a tropical country, which means it, too, is ruled by the fire element. Also, with President Donald J. Trump now sitting in the White House, “You don’t know what will happen, how he will affect the whole world. So it’s hard to predict where to invest. I don’t advise people to buy stocks or deal in the stock market,” he explained.

Chau’s prediction for the 12 animal signs this year: 

SNAKE (1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

People born in the year of the Snake offend the Grand Duke (or Tai Suey) this year. Financially, it is not a fortunate year; money is easy come, easy go. They need to budget their expenses carefully. They should try to broaden their sources of incomes and reduce the unnecessary expenditures. It is not a good time to develop new investments or expand businesses. Special caution should be taken when signing contracts to avoid financial fraud. They need to be particularly careful in the lunar months of January, March, and October. Famous Snakes include Taylor Swift, Michael Dell (Dell Computers), and China’s President Xi Jinping. 

HORSE (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

Financially, things look good and optimistic; however, money will come easily and go just as quickly. They should keep a close eye on their expenses and try to save money for the rainy days. Avoid high-risk investments and gambling as these could lead to economic crisis. Be particularly cautious in the lunar months of May, November, and December when signing contracts, making sure everything is clearly documented to avoid misunderstandings or problems. Popular Horses include San Miguel chair Ramon S. Ang, JG Summit president  Lance Y. Gokongwei, and billionaire Warren Buffet. 

GOAT (1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

Those born in the Year of the Goat are financially stable. But they should save money for any emergencies and ensure they don’t spend more than what they earn. A lucky year for starting a new business or expanding abroad. Stay away from personal disputes and office politics, and be alert when signing contracts to avoid falling into a financial trap. They need to be especially cautious in the lunar months of August, October, November, and December. Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, singer Olivia Rodrigo, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch are Goats.

MONKEY (1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

Good money luck, with many opportunities for investment and starting their own businesses. However, their luck in the stock market is inconsistent. They should avoid greed to prevent financial loss and remember that contentment brings happiness. If entering joint ventures, agreements should be in writing to avoid any misunderstanding. Be particularly cautious in the lunar months of January, February, July, and August. Yuchengo Group president Helen Yuchengo Dee, musician Dave Grohl, and Homer Simpson were born in this year.

ROOSTER (1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

The Rooster is in alliance with the Snake this year, bringing good fortune and optimism. They will gain both fame and wealth. The “Golden Treasure’ lucky star shines brightly, bringing stable and promising money luck. They will benefit from diversified investments. However, avoid speculative investments and be cautious when signing contracts to avoid traps. The lunar months of March and August require extra caution. Other Roosters include Malacañang Special Assistant for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go, Alliance Global Inc. CEO Kevin Tan, and LT Group President Lucio Tan III. 

DOG (1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

The financial outlook is smooth and promising. However, the existence of the antagonistic star “Gradual Drain” suggests that it may be difficult to accumulate wealth. Therefore, they should save money for unexpected expenses. It is important not be too greedy, otherwise, they may be prone to be poverty. Fortune from speculative income is not ideal and it would be wise not to insist on pursing it. Be especially cautious during the lunar months of March, June, and September. US President Trump and his wife Melania are both Dogs, as well as business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan, and film director Christopher Nolan. 

PIG (1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

Money luck is not favorable, and the “Huge Drain” unlucky star suggests the risk of significant financial loss. They should avoid speculative investments and be cautious when signing contracts to avoid traps. Pigs should monitor their budget closely, cut unnecessary expenses, and refuse to act guarantors. Extra caution is needed in the lunar months of January, March, May, and August. Well-known Pigs are billionaire Elon Musk, Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and singer-songwriter Doja Cat.

RAT (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)

This year is prosperous in both business and speculative incomes, with the financial star shining brightly. However, it is crucial not be too greedy. Rats must know when to advance and when to retreat. Accepting a modest gain when offered is the way to avoid falling into a financial crisis. Caution is advised in the lunar months of March, April, May, and December. Business tycoons Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala and Enrique K. Razon were born this year, as well as actor Sofia Vergara. 

OX (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)

The Ox is in half alliance with the Snake this year, bringing luck in their career. Money luck is also quite good. Wealth comes from the right sources. They will see good profits from their hard work and investments. Remember not be too greedy, or they might fall into poverty. B careful when signing contracts to avoid falling into financial traps. Also, refuse to act as a guarantor for friends to avoid creating problems. Be cautious in the lunar months of May, July, August, and November. Well-known Oxen include Google co-founder Larry Page, Trung Nguyen Group co-founder Le Hoang Diep Thao, and musician Bruno Mars.

TIGER (1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022)

Expect prosperous money luck. They should leverage their current wealth to earn more and grow their finances, leading to substantial gains. Business income is likely to be abundant, and there are favorable conditions for making investments. However, they should be mindful that their increased wealth could attract attention from robbers or thieves. Caution is advised during the lunar months of April, May, July, and August. BDO Chair Teresita Sy Coson, UK business magnate Richard Branson, steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal are celebrated Tigers. 

RABBIT (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023)

Financially, the wealth star is shining this year, despite the presence of some unlucky stars. Rabbits will see substantial income from their hard work. However, save money for unexpected expenses. Special care should be taken when signing contracts to avoid falling victim to monetary fraud. Ensure all agreements are documented to prevent future issues. Caution is advised during the lunar months of July, August, and November. Important Rabbits include Megawide Construction Corp. CEO Edgar B. Saavedra, Soho China co-founder Pan Shiyin, and actor Michael B. Jordan.

DRAGON (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024)

Their fortunes have improved significantly from last year, and they are receiving consistent support from their benefactors (i.e., other people with lucky signs). Expect stability and reasonable profits from their investments. The path to wealth is open, and their financial luck is promising. It is essential for them to save money for unexpected expenses. The best months for financial gains are April, June, July, and August. Examples of Dragons are Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Gov. Eli Remolona, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. 

Chau said good business partnerships or alliances are between the Dragon and Rooster, Snake and Rooster, Horse and Tiger, Goat and Horse, Monkey and Rat, Dog and Rabbit, Pig and Rat, Ox and Rooster, also Monkey and Snake.