■ GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CHINESE GOOD LUCK CHARMS
What do a three-legged frog, an arowana, a horse, a money tree and a dog have in common? According to Mary Grace Lomundang, an employee in charge of CA Exhibits, they are all Chinese good luck charms. For an entrepreneur just starting out, it doesn’t hurt to have extra help from a money tree, which is best for those opening new stores. Or from a three-legged frog, which catches money. Or from an arowana if the business involves bars and restaurants. A horse makes a business prosper faster as long as its legs do not face the door to kick the luck away. As for a dog—figurine, that is—well, it’s the Year of the Dog. And it chases away bad luck and invites good ones.
The Chinese are famous for their good luck charms.
For many new entrepreneurs, it can’t hurt to arm themselves with luck when they are just starting.
For those who are just starting out, it is best to buy these charms at the start of the year, says Mary Grace Lomundang, an employee in charge of CA Exhibits.
“Kung bumili ka ng lucky charms pag-Chinese New Year or before ibig sabihin magwelcome ka ng swerte (When you buy lucky charms on or before Chinese New Years it means that you’re inviting luck in).” With eight years’ experience selling Chinese lucky charms and familiarizing herself with the business, Lomugdang believes that the three-legged frog is the best for business, as it catches money.
Lomugdang said that the frog should be facing outside with its coin placed in its mouth when business opens in the morning and face inside in the evening, removing the coin from its mouth.
The arowana reportedly helps in running bars and restaurants. Placed as a center piece, it demands attention in order for it to bring about luck in business.
Lomugdang also said that a horse is a must, as it makes a business prosper faster. However, she warned that its legs should not face the door, as it might kick the luck away.
And if one wants to open new stores, Lomugdang suggests one should definitely buy the money tree. The tree, she says, becomes fruitful, which is good for those planning to branch out. The owner has to fold a P50 bill under it to lighten the flow of money.
Lomugdang also that it is also important to buy a dog figurine this year, as it is the year of the Dog. It is a good charm for chasing away bad luck and inviting good ones.
Lomugdang also explained the importance of having a beckoning cat. The Lucky Cat figurine waves its paws because it fans competition and welcomes money. She says it should be placed by the cashier booth or drawers.
The happy Buddha in a fountain is also good. She explains how water means money for Chi- nese. The crystal ball rotating in it also means how money flows in.
Wearable charms are also important, Lomugdang assures. They are assigned by zodiac signs, with individual beads having different luck points.
Lucky charms like the tiger-eyed jade is also a charm for money and business. She advised that bracelets should be worn with care, as one takes care of oneself.
For Lomungdang, running a business like this requires dedication to study feng shui and years of experience to determine a customer’s aura.
Figurines also vary in sizes, as some business owners believe that the bigger the charm, the more it brings forth money. Prices ranges P150 to P15,000. But in spite of all these charms, feng shui experts always warn that all these will not replace the need for hard work.