Becoming Feng Shui master

OVER lunch a couple of months ago, Aa and I had the chance to have world fa mous Feng Shui Grandmaster Raymond Lo and his lovely wife Maureen, just to ourselves.

Usually, GM Lo is surrounded and much in demand. Many are eager for his time, his knowledge, and his expertise.

I am amazed at his humility and good humor. Most of all, I am grateful. He is a generous teacher, a great mentor, sharing his wisdom, knowledge and expertise, and supporting his students to reach farther.

Because of him, and what he has taught, Aa is now a certified Feng Shui Master.

How do you call a Master’s mother, and technically, the Master’s boss? I am now officially that.

Feng Shui Master Adriel Jose-Angelo Trinidad. Baguio’s first IFSA Accredited Feng Shui Master. Our very own home grown local boy. And the youngest.

Considering the stringent requirements from the International Feng Shui Association, I wonder if he is the first in Northern Luzon! How about first male in the entire Philippines! The only other IFSA accredited Feng Shui Master I know who are from the Philippines is Master Marites Allen and US based Master Jen Stone.

You see, there are Feng Shui Practitioners who call themselves “master” after having attended one or two courses. And there are some who just read books or took studies online, and declare themselves masters. Be wary with these “masters”. In Feng Shui, a little learning is a dangerous thing. The wrong advice can bring more trouble than good.

I remember how, a few years back, we were called to ‘redo’ the Feng Shui of several homes. They all instituted changes recommended by their Feng Shui master, from installing paintings and placing 5 rod windchimes.

They weren’t doing well, and were actually experiencing varying forms of difficulty.

First to go from their homes were the windchimes which, instead of activating the good, were strengthening the negative energies.

Proper Feng Shui you see, requires careful study and analysis. Unlike what most people think, Feng Shui is not just furniture placement, or east and west directions, but the interplay of energies brought about by time, direction, space, environment. There are calculations involved that require exact measurement.

I heard of one practicing Feng Shui so called “master” who goes into homes burning paper and threatens clients with bad luck if they do not buy his cures. Scary.

That is why you have IFSA accredited Feng Shui Masters.

They are a breed apart. To become one, you must have at least 3 years Feng Shui experience. You must have taken courses that are accredited from mentors recognized by the international Feng Shui Association.

Then you must pass the examination given, and finally, submit a Feng Shui audit on an actual Feng Shui project that has to pass the scrutiny and approval of the internationally acclaimed Feng Shui Grandmasters: our mentor GM Raymond Lo, GM Stephen Skinner, GM Vincent Koh and GM Tan Khoon Yong.

Whew. And did I mention? Aa was recommended for accreditation by GM Raymond Lo.

Wow. Doesn’t becoming IFSA accredited Feng Shui Master impress you? It titillates me no end.

Receiving this acknowledgment from the our mentor and the Accreditation body is an honor indeed. To be recognized and affirmed as a master by today’s Feng Shui greats is a source of pride and accomplishment.

Aa, Chiara and I, together with our good friends and clients Anna and Fe, were in Osaka last week to attend International Feng Shui Convention to be held in Okayama, Japan.

And did I mention? Master Aa was one of the handpicked speakers to give a talk during the convention. Part of the talk was about his journey to becoming an IFSA accredited Feng Shui Master.

I am filled with maternal pride. He joined a roster of the most distinguished and respected Feng Shui Grandmasters, Masters and speakers from around the world.

So, what do I call myself now? Master’s mother Tess? Mother’s master Tess?

Hmmm. My kids have always called me Supreme Overlord. ince, and Abra Chapters.

As we observe the Month of Overseas Filipinos, let us thank all the OFWS like the members of Cordillerans UAE for all the efforts they are doing for their family, country, and for the communities that needed help in the country.

For comments and suggestions email alahsungduan@gmail.com