Marites Allen on prosperous, joyous retailing
WIDELY renowned “Real Feng Shui Queen,” Marites Allen, discloses that in the Year of the Wood Dragon, harmony, renewal and unity will prevail.
Just as the new year signals a fresh start, this transition will bring about a new phase, marked by uncertainties and newfound possibilities.
In general, Allen says embracing change is one way to survive and thrive in the Year of the Wood Dragon.
In this delicate dance, change not only holds the promise of discovery and learning, but also a fresh stage upon which life can step into unexplored spaces and movements toward growth and transformation.
“It is a good year for individuals ready to take daring risks and embark on ambitious ventures,” says Allen at a press event.
The feng shui expert adds this may involve exploring new career paths, starting a business, and putting resources into promising sectors such as technology, real estate, renewable energy, jewelry and retailing.
Embracing change, finding right directions
To draw in wealth and abundance, Allen recommends strategically implementing intentional changes in surroundings, career or appearance.
As changes require careful calculation to achieve success, various considerations play a crucial role in every step. In the context of feng shui, directions are the major considerations.
The deity of wealth, Caishen, is believed to bring prosperity when welcomed in the northeast on the eve of the Year of the Wood Dragon.
For areas not facing this auspicious direction, including south, west and southwest, Allen said positive energies can be restored by incorporating colors and materials synonymous with wealth such as silver, gold and white.
If feasible, the most favorable approach is undertaking a renovation or relocation. Nevertheless, cosmetic changes hold equal significance, offering an alternative for those seeking financial harmony.
Strategically place or face furniture pieces such as sofas and beds to the north to harness luck as disclosed by the geomancer. Introduce symbols of wealth in the northern direction to enhance the flow of abundance.
Allen reveals that misalignment in living and working spaces is foreseen to result in conflicts among families and colleagues. This, in turn, is believed to offer ample opportunities for lawyers to be occupied, representing disputes stemming from these issues; which is why, Allen believes that the forewarned are best armed with feng shui cures.
Welcoming luck with green
In the Year of the Wood Dragon, the color green becomes a representation of affluence. Green not only signifies wealth and abundance, but is commonly perceived as an inherent symbol of nature and sustainability.
A retail giant that embodies and understands the essence of change, direction and all things green is SM Supermalls.
When it comes to “green” initiatives, SM demonstrates a strong adhesion to environmental preservation by integrating eco-friendly practices and programs into its operations. Pioneering the way toward a greener future, SM gears its efforts toward the conscientious use of energy, water conservation and efficient waste management.
In particular, SM Supermalls has installed rainwater catchment systems across its properties, which are capable of collecting and storing rainwater with the volume of 32 olympic-size swimming pools. This initiative not only ensures water security for communities, but also mitigates flood risks. Similar systems have been installed in various health facilities across the country.
With such green efforts, blessings abound within SM’s operations and extend beyond communities and the environment.
SM Supermalls
While SM’s business engagements have grown to real estate and banking, retail has always been its precursor. Just like how wood is a precursor of fire, retailing has sparked and lit the variant and brilliant business interests of SM.
Since the establishment of its first supermall in 1985, SM has consistently remained the preferred one-stop shopping, dining and entertainment destination of many Filipinos across all seasons and celebrations.
This Lunar New Year, SM presents a variety of products from food, clothing, ornaments and other essentials throughout its network of malls to cater to every family’s needs as they get ready for the upcoming celebration.
Welcoming the Year of the Wood Dragon, SM Home offers a curated selection of home essentials available for those who are planning to declutter and clean.
Styling and redecorating the household with consideration to this year’s feng shui lucky directions are believed to invite harmonious flow of energies that attract prosperity. Adorn the living space with festive decorations to set the stage for a fresh start and fully immerse the family in the spirit of Lunar New Year.
And, of course, no Chinese New Year celebration can be complete without serving the staple tikoy (glutinous rice cake), a symbolic delicacy, representing togetherness and fortune. Different flavors and sizes of this rice cake are available in SM Supermalls.
Ultimately, incorporate this year’s auspicious colors — green and blue as Allen suggests — into the family’s attire on Chinese New Year’s Eve as they are perceived to bring in luck and welcome the year on a favorable note. SM Store boasts an assortment of fashion brands that can match each family member’s style preferences and complete their look for the new year’s festivities.
Green and blue may also be utilized as a general theme of the household through throw pillows, rugs, decorations, curtains, bed sheets and the like.
February festivities
February will be an eventful month for SM Malls with its jam-packed schedule filled with love and luck. It prepares activities and events that are not only a feast for the eyes, but also a treat for the mouth and heart.
Throughout the month, SM Malls will host the Luck in Love feast, gathering families and friends together over a delightful array of food and dining deals.
While roaming around the mall, mallgoers will also witness SM Malls transform into a fitting destination for two big celebrations this month: Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. There will be bazaars, featuring traditional trinkets, modern interpretations and a lot more, leaving everyone with a plethora of choices and activities to enjoy.
SM Malls will be adorned with dragon installations from February 1 to 18, providing everyone with a perfect backdrop to capture and create memorable pictures and videos.
There will be special activities in celebration of Chinese New Year. This includes the Lucky Forecast, which will provide Chinese zodiac predictions for each individual to discover what the Year of the Wood Dragon offers them.
Lion and dragon dance performances will also make their way through the malls, spreading positive energy and good luck to everyone.
At night, select SM Malls will light up the sky with a breathtaking fireworks display to mark the celebration.
It doesn’t end there. Free feng shui consultations will also be offered in designated SM Malls, providing an exclusive opportunity for the public to gain insights into maximizing the potential of the Year of the Wood Dragon. Secure a spot for this thrilling experience by registering at the SM Malls Online app.
Furry friends will not be left behind in all the festivities in February as they will be the highlight of SM Malls’ “Pets in love,” where Super Pet Club members can participate in activities such as a costume contest, parade and more.