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Everyone wants to be surrounded by good energy and feel refreshed in their homes. Feng Shui addresses this very desire as it helps you figure out how to find balance in your surroundings. It’s a metaphysical practice of understanding your place in the world based on the principles or elements of Taoism. It’s amazing how much you can learn about improving harmony in your home just by simply knowing how to arrange and organize your furniture and decorative pieces.

Looking to Feng Shui your space? We chatted with interior designer and Feng Shui consultant Angel Macalino, who did consulting work for companies and properties such as the GMA Network, Diamond Hotel Philippines, and Makati Diamond Residences, to demystify some misconceptions about the ancient practice. With her help, we've also listed down five tips you can apply to your space to reinstate balance and improve flow into your lives.

Demystifying Feng Shui

For the uninitiated, Feng Shui may seem like a part of cult culture, something against religion and spirituality. However, this could not be farther from the truth.

“Feng Shui is very basic. If religion is asking you to be good and change your life, Feng Shui is asking you to change your table or your door. It’s totally different! Ask any Feng Shui person or consultant, we don’t do magic.”

According to Angel, Feng Shui is more straightforward and though its goals align with making your life better — similar to some spiritual practices, its more concrete goal lies in harnessing energy forces and establishing harmony between you and your environment.

“Feng Shui is based on geometry. It’s an ancient Chinese tradition of learning how to position yourself in accordance with the four directions. You honor the four directions: north, south, east, and west. Every section and every direction has its own strengths and weaknesses. It doesn’t have a spiritual aspect and is more about fixing the energies of your life, learning what’s wrong, how to fix it, and what you want to attract.”

Now that we’ve gotten that down, here are some things you can apply to your own space that will promote positive energy flow.

Remove Clutter

There’s a popular proverb that says, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” It’s not much different from Feng Shui practices. In fact, Angel’s first advice is to keep clutter out and not crowd your entryway.

In Feng Shui, the entrance is how energy enters your home. The front door is known as the "mouth of qi” and is the place to start if you want to create good Feng Shui in your home.

Remove any obstacles in your path, sweep and clean up the area, and make it more inviting by making sure the space is well-lit. We wouldn’t want to block any good energy as they try to enter your home so it’s important to free up space for them to collect and gather and make it as inviting as possible.

Know Your Space

One of the first tips Angel told us was to “take care of your wealth and relationship areas.”

But how exactly would you know? In Feng Shui, there is such a thing called a Bagua or the energy map that shows you which areas of your home relate to the different areas of your life.

You can also find your wealth and relationship areas by standing at the front door facing into the room or building. The Feng Shui wealth sector is in the back left corner while the relationship sector is in the farthest corner on the right.

Angel noted that placing a bathroom in your money corner can have a negative impact as it drains away good luck, fortune, and prosperity from the house. The same goes for having a bathroom in your relationship area.

“No amount of Feng Shui can fix it,” she warned. If you want love to prosper in your life, you should keep the relationship corner full of happy memories, soft and lush décor items, or artworks that portray love and harmony.

Understand that Mirrors Matter

In Feng Shui, mirrors play a crucial role as they are believed to amplify and reflect energy. They can be great tools to adjust the flow of energy through your house to create a more balanced and harmonious environment. They also have the ability to expand space and invite natural light in.

“Don’t put mirrors facing the door,” Angel instructed, as mirrors can reflect surroundings. Putting one opposite your main door can cause energy to bounce back out of the room.

“In the practical sense, why would you want to see yourself the moment you walk inside your house? You’ll surprise yourself all the time!” Angel added. “Put your mirror on the side of the main door instead, so before you head out, you can beautify yourself.”

Another mirror placement don’t she taught us was to never point a mirror to your bed as it creates a sense of restlessness and can also disrupt your sleep.

“You shouldn’t be able to see yourself while you’re lying down on your bed. Doing so weakens your energy. In the practical sense, why would you want to see yourself first thing in the morning?”

A good advice is to place them on the side of your bed instead, as it promotes relaxation and reflection.

Avoid Putting Chimes Indoors

Wind Chimes in Feng Shui are known to be carriers of positive energy and produce a sound that creates a soothing atmosphere. However, just like other pieces of furniture, they only work if they are put in the right place.

While Angel is a professional interior designer and Feng Shui consultant, she also dabbles in psychic readings and fortune telling. One piece of advice she has for chimes (the tubular kind) is to avoid putting them inside the house.

“Chimes, spiritually, call on spirits,” she said. “And most of the time, people cannot handle that.” In a practical sense, wind chimes make a sound when the wind hits them, so they are made to be outdoor decorative pieces. Chimes made from steel, wood, or ceramics can also help to minimize the negative energy from the environment by getting rid of harsh noises.

If you want to add sound inside your home, Angel recommends using bells instead. For business owners, putting bells on doors is great for attracting more customers.

Energize Your Space with Greenery

Plants embody life energy (a.k.a. “chi”) in Feng Shui and symbolize growth and vitality. They can improve the flow of energy in your space, promote balance, and enhance overall well-being. Plants also naturally filter the air, reducing toxins and promoting healthier environments which is key to good chi.

Just make sure to choose plants appropriate for your space. Some plants according to Feng Shui are more beneficial than others like round-leafed plants are often preferred because sharp or pointed leaves may disrupt the flow of energy.

Also, make sure that these are plants you can care for. Dead or wilting plants should be removed immediately as they can introduce stagnant or negative energy. If you’re not a green thumb or are new plant parents, try some easy or low-maintenance ones. We have a few listed here.

Want to know more about these Feng Shui practices? You can consult with Angel today by sending her a message on Instagram.

The world, as we know it, was just never the same post-pandemic. Everything, even people’s traveling preferences and priorities, have shifted. But experts from the leisure and hospitality industry are not too worried because the direction, dare we say, is all kinds of good. Not just for the tourists and hotel guests, but also for the environment and local communities. Need we say more?

Recently, the future of travel was part of the series of panel discussions during the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Philippines Annual Conference. The event, which was held at Shangri-la the Fort in Taguig City, featured experts and ULI members from all over the world — some flying in from the United States (US), China, etc.

More than half of the event participants could be classified as frequent fliers and expert travelers who’ve seen nearly every corner of the world. Fortunately, though, this wealth of experience in the room fueled a dynamic discussion on the future of a hobby that almost everyone loves.

Moderated by TAJARA Leisure and Hospitality Group CEO Cyndy Tan Jarabata, the panel discussion included Robinsons Hotels and Resorts SVP Barun Jolly, WATG Managing Principal on Planning and Landscape Chris Panfil, Megaworld Hotels and Resorts Managing Director Cleofe Albiso, and AP Hospitality Advisors CEO and Founder Dan Voellm.

Placemaking & Authentic Experiences

It’s all about location. Guests’ experience and design of a resort are now heavily influenced by its location. Furthermore, placemaking refers to deliberate efforts as part of a multi-faceted approach that aims to enhance a destination — its competitiveness, identity, and attractiveness — by working with local communities, leveraging its natural and cultural environment, and conserving heritage sites.

Panfil shared, “Placemaking is far more than just how physical spaces make things happen. It’s a very conscious effort to think: ‘Who are my guests? What are they engaged in? And how do I create a set of activities and programs that make the destination?’”

“Placemaking is nowadays the holy grail for master planning,” Voellm echoed. “The magic sauce, so to speak, of a tourism experience is now an intangible part [of planning]. Obviously, the master plan is important, but the content of that is critical for people to go visit the destination, and more importantly, [for them] to come back. It’s the memories that people have of a place [which draws them to return]. You can have a pool and a room in any resort in the world. The question is: ‘What else happens?’ Outside the hotel, beyond the service, what makes the destination exciting?"

Some resorts, however, can survive on their own — as a standalone destination. But Voellm stressed that given the future of traveling, a destination as a whole has to be better than the sum of its parts. In the past, placemaking was an organic process and the lack of intention led to destinations being developed in the span of 20 (or more) years.

Voellm cited several examples such as the Philippines’ Boracay island (which was discovered as a tourism site in the 80s, then boomed into a mainstream destination in the 90s and 2000s), Thailand’s Phuket, and Indonesia’s Bali. All of which developed (unevenly) within the past three to five decades.

All-in-One Destination

For Albiso, however, placemaking can also be about offering amenities that are not present in the community. She cited Boracay Newcoast (as a competitor to the usual Stations 1, 2, and 3). The massive 150-hectare site features a convention center and, quite unexpectedly, a Wolfgang’s Steakhouse Grill.

Key purposes for traveling, Jolly shared, can be classified into: Leisure (spa, swimming, etc.), Entertainment (casinos, shopping, live entertainment), and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions).

“We need to combine the key purposes of travel into one location. If you want to travel for a conference, for leisure, or travel with your family — [with our integrated resort], it’s all in one location,” Jolly said.

Sustainable Travelling

Global Travel and Tourism (T&T) sector accounts for roughly 8 to 11% of global GHG (Greenhouse Gas) emissions — with most emissions stemming from the aviation and cruise industries.

On the flip side, more and more companies are committing to implementing sustainable solutions. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)’s report (A Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism), around 42% of the 250 T&T companies they have analyzed have a public climate target. Out of that, 20% have targets aligned with the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) — a collaboration between the UN Global Compact, World Resources Institute, World Wide Fund for Nature, and the international non-profit organization, CDP.

“ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) is so important now. It’s the byword for everyone. But it has also gained importance, even with bookers. 76% of travelers have expressed the desire to travel more sustainably. However, 50% say that they believe that sustainable travel costs more money,” Jarabata revealed.

Fortunately, sustainable travel will soon be the norm rather than the exception in tourism. In terms of design and development, the ESG aspect has been at the center (or at least a major part) of the planning and execution of a new tourism development. And while green technology is on the rise, there are plenty of efforts that have a historical basis.

“From a design perspective, one example was brought up earlier by one of the panelists, certification is increasingly important. But there are also very simple things. Our forefathers, before air conditioning, developed places and buildings in order to create a better microclimatic environment. Doing so also contributes to creating a sense of place, to placemaking,” Panfil added.

He also mentioned how travel developers are including local communities, as part of ESG efforts: “Local communities contribute in economic terms by offering something authentic that ties back to the meaning of the place. Also, certain activities that [are a part of the] master plan. You think beyond your property; how do you engage people outside of it?”

Jolly also cited some examples of how they implement ESG which are also tied to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). One aspect, Goal #12, is to encourage responsible consumption (and production). With the help of guest participation, Jolly hopes that hotels and resorts can help achieve this SDG.

“My favorite example is the most basic, which most hotels are doing. Asking a guest to inform us if they don’t want to reuse their linen. If you were to do this eight years back, people would say it’s a must to change linen. And my answer always was: ‘Do you change your towels and linen every day at home?’ You don’t,” Jolly explained.

He also mentioned the reduction of single-use plastics by shifting to bulk amenities that are reusable or replacing plastic with glass. Echoing Panfil, Jolly also revealed their efforts to help the local community: “In Iligan, 100% of staff are from the local community. Not a single outsider. We engage local fishermen and divers to offer snorkeling and scuba diving experiences to our guests and they talk about their stories on the boat. That’s the insider experience.”

Still, sustainability efforts — especially long-term ones — often don’t come cheap. Owners and developers, however, are now past the point of dismissing sustainability and now regard it as an essential part of the planning process. Albiso shares that most of Megaworld’s projects in the pipeline have sustainability features.

“We’ve seen how much rainwater collection will save us from water usage, how much sensors can save you electricity. All these things have been given importance, not just by the owners, but also by the operators because, in the long run, it saves us a lot,” she shared.

Plus, Albiso stressed that the new generation of travelers is very conscious of sustainability efforts and is willing to promote and give patronage when resorts are also supporting the cause. Voellm also echoed her sentiments, adding that the mindset of people in acquisition has also shifted.

“You could fake authenticity, but you definitely shouldn’t fake sustainability. By now, there are enough players in the industry which has evolved. You can measure if a property is sustainable or not. From the consumers’ and investors’ side, they can test your property through various programs and certifications. From an investment point of view, we call it brown discount,” he explained.

Even in operations, more people are looking for green-certified locations similar to office spaces where firms are less willing to rent if a place is not platinum-certified. Similar could be said for the hotel industry which eventually trickles down to the investors.

“You won’t catch the highest quality demand if you’re not certified. While the ‘green’ premium may not be tangible where people are willing to pay more, but they’re certainly not willing to pay the same [amount] if the building is not certified. We’re seeing that more [also] in the office space and other asset classes.”

Multi-Generational Travel

Filipinos are not unfamiliar with this, as our culture places much importance on close family ties that include extended relatives. But in the hospitality industry, this trend is on the rise, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic where people want to travel with their families as much as they can. Good news is hotels and resorts are adjusting their offerings to cater to these big groups that have a wide array of ages.

“Before, it was a very nuclear family set-up: parents and kids. Now, you see grandparents, cousins, so in one group checking in as a family you have children that are as young as three to four all the way to somebody in their 60s or 70s,” Jolly revealed.

Some examples he cited that Robinsons tested successfully in Dusit Thani Mactan (Cebu) include adding poolside activities such as Zumba and Aqua Aerobics (for the younger crowd), play area (for children), and Tai Chi and Yoga sessions (for the older adults).

“We are providing all those experiences under one roof and that’s what makes multi-generational travel purposeful. We don’t want [our guests] to be sedentary, to be passive guests that are not really able to enjoy their travel. We want everybody to come back with either better health, memorable experiences, or something to look forward to,” Jolly added.

Holistic Wellness

Our definition of wellness has never been the same since the pandemic. Having a spa and vegetarian options on the menu are bare minimum for a resort’s wellness program. What can guests expect from the world’s best resorts? For some hotels, guests can look forward to better sleep, healthy food (featuring fresh vegetables), and more fitness activities.

“Farm to table. Everyone’s been talking about it for years, but now it’s not [just for guests’ food] but it’s an engaging activity for parents and kids. You’re letting guests participate in the process and as we become ever more urbanized, the value [of farming] is significant to kids,” Panfil shared.

Albiso announced that they also launched a Sampaguita project which caters to the holistic customer experience that goes beyond offering a spa. She added that spas have been a requirement across all their resorts and they’re also working on partnering with wellness institutions.

“Medical tourism is also something that’s becoming more popular. And we’re hoping to [cater] to that [need], providing that service and comprehensive wellness. Plus adjusting to the changes of the generational demands and preferences, like our sun loungers now have USB ports because even when people are lounging under the sun, they still want to be connected,” she explained.

Wellness, Jolly explained, is composed of Relax, Rejuvenate, and Refresh. He underscored that one of the most overlooked wellness factors is sleep: “So you’ve gone down to the basics in planning. A pillow menu, sleep scents, [and] noise reduction. Sleep is the benchmark [for relaxation]. Next up is nutrition. All our hotels have a wellness menu so you’re refreshed. Then comes rejuvenation which is from the spa. But it’s also from physical activity — gyms, Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates.”

One of the starkest differences between pre-pandemic and post-pandemic times has been the work setup. Before 2020, most were accustomed to coming into the office five times a week, now, most offices have adapted a hybrid work setup. But that’s not the only difference that’s come to pass during those unpredictable years.

Work trends are ever-evolving and research done by Gensler Singapore, a global design and architecture firm, has proven that personal choice and even spatial design influence how people work. Surveying and studying people from different continents – from Singapore and the Philippines in Southeast Asia, Saudia Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Middle East, UK and Germany from Europe, Canada and the United States (US) from North America, and Mexico from South America – Gensler has found some interesting work trends and implications that may help team effectivity and productivity.

During the ULI Philippines Annual Conference 2024 held at Shangri-la The Fort in Manila, Gensler Client Relationship Director Carlos Venegas shared several interesting insights from their 2023 Global Workplace Survey:

Global workers are mobile, spending only half of of their time at the office

It comes as no surprise that the modern worker is an agile worker. These days, it’s easier to stay connected and thereby, flexible. For countries across the world, the trend has consistently shown that most people spend between 45 to 50 percent of their time at the office. The second most popular place to work is at home, followed by other sites such as a co-working space, on business travel, or in a third space such as a café or library.

It seems then that despite the popularity of the work from home setup, that the office space is also here to stay. This is particularly true for those working in certain sectors such as government and defense or finance. Employees from those sectors for more likely to spend time in the office than those in media, not-for-profit, or sciences whose work often entails travelling.

Workers who prefer to go to the office list “focus” as the top reason for doing so

During the pandemic, most office workers were required to work from home for safety and health reasons. At this time, the most important reason to come into the office had been to work in-person with colleagues, making social connection an important factor for return to office endeavours. This seemed to be particularly important for younger people than older employees.

However, these days, a different pattern is emerging. Across Asian, American, and European countries, the reason many workers prefer to return is “to focus on my work.” For collectivist countries such as Singapore and the Philippines, employees prioritise professional development opportunities and mentorship engagement while individualist countries such as the US rank access to technology and in-person meetings as more important.

Most workers spend majority of their time working with others

The fact remains that most work is done as a team. Though each person may have individual tasks or deliverables to accomplish, Gensler’s report shows that most people across the world use an average of 40 percent of their time working with others.

Segmenting work into five different modes that comprise of working alone, working with others in-person, working with others virtually, learning and professional development, and socialisation (which also includes networking), Gensler found that in all countries, working with others (both virtually and in-person) outweighs the times of working alone. This is particularly true for Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, where only 28 percent of the time is spent working alone and 44 percent is spent working with others, either virtually or in-person.

This finding highlights the importance of connectedness within the team and perhaps even emphasises the reason as to why the office space itself continues to find longevity amid a world of digital nomads.

Having a variety of spaces in the work area results in higher performance

Gensler has found that there are four kinds of spaces that best support workplace experience and effectiveness. These include: quiet individual workspaces such as libraries and focus rooms, connect and recharge areas such as office gyms or cafes, places for creative group work, and sites where one can reflect or rest.

Having a mix of all four spaces will result in higher performance and effectivity from workers as these promote positive impacts on a worker’s personal health, wellbeing, and work-life balance. Of course, workplaces such as these are often found in amenity-rich neighbourhoods, which gives bigger companies an advantage over smaller ones especially considering price of real estate per city.

As we usher in the year 2024, the celestial energies bring forth the Year of the Wood Dragon in the Chinese zodiac.

Legend has it that the dragon’s fifth-place finish in the Jade Emperor's zodiac race was attributed to its altruistic nature, often ready to help neighbouring communities. This enduring tale reflects the dragon's inherent kindness and helpful spirit.

If you're born under the Dragon sign, you embody charm, energy, intelligence, and the willingness to tackle challenges. You are born with natural leadership qualities that equate to adept managers and resilient group leaders.

As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon on Feb. 10, we’ve put together a quick guide to give you a sneak peek at what the do’s and don’ts are for 2024.

Do’s

Incorporate lucky colours to your lifestyle in 2024

Jazz up your living space and bring in good vibes by learning how colours play a pivotal role in the art of Feng Shui.

Let’s focus on emerald green, which is one of Wood Dragon's main colours. This shade serves as a superhero cape that represents self-renewal, growth, and prosperity and attracts wealth.

For golden vibes, check out the imperial yellow which is like the Beyoncé of colours — warm, vibrant, and full of life. In the Year of the Wood Dragon, this golden hue brings good luck and wealth.

Most importantly, Chinese culture reveres red as the secret sauce to happiness and celebration as it is everywhere, from festivals and weddings to Chinese New Year envelopes. So, whether it's a deep maroon or a fiery crimson, sprinkle some red around for that extra dash of radiant aura for the Year of the Wood Dragon.

Consider lucky dates when moving houses

Calling all future home movers! When it comes to making that big leap to a new place in 2024, it's not just about hauling boxes; it's about setting up your living space with harmony and prosperity. Feng Shui isn't just about arranging furniture; it's about catching the wave of cosmic energies. Think of it as syncing up with the universe for a smooth transition into your new space.

The optimal time depends on your zodiac sign and house orientation, and this 2024, it favours northwestern and southern orientations. For the full scoop on lucky moving dates each month, read more at Wise Move.

Learn about Period 9’s fire dominance for businesses

For business-savvy folks, you may boost your company’s success by making use of Feng Shui techniques like workspace cleaning, wood components, and dragon symbols.

First things first, desk positions and directions are important, as these affect energy flow and stress. Keep your desk away from the entrance, but make sure it is visible across your space. Additionally, spin your furniture according to Feng Shui’s commanding position or away from doors while facing them. This will generate a positive environment, which may boost staff productivity and business success.

The adjustment to Period 9's fire dominance will start on Feb. 4. With the market's high competition and the need to innovate, knowing how the Power of Fire affects business dynamics can help organisations capitalise on trends and prepare for change.

To ride the fire wave for your business, throw in some lights, bright colours, and candles. Arrange your desk with a wide view of space and add flowers and plants in fiery shades — red or flames — that symbolise wealth and passion. For complete details, read more on Sleek.

Pop these green pals around your place

Say hello to the magic of lucky plants in 2024! More than just décor, adding wood to your home can promote family harmony and progress.

Some Feng Shui-approved plants that may bring luck and wealth include the following: rubber plant (wealth and prosperity), snake plant (shield against negative energy), basil (calm and temperament), bamboo (financial abundance), money tree (solve dearth-of-money dilemmas), jade plant (financial growth), and rosemary (peaceful home).

Don’ts

Southeast wealth area with fire elements

In the Feng Shui world, each nook and cranny has its own personality, and you should avoid disturbing the overall harmony of their environment. If your wealth zone is situated in the southeast (linked to the wood element), adding fire elements (such as the colour red, lights, and candles) could potentially make you lose your wealth rather than fostering its growth. In 2024, keep your eagle eyes on the elemental friendships by making thoughtful choices in your decorations and colour schemes.

Too many Feng Shui enhancements

Feng Shui revolves around achieving balance and harmony, and going overboard with all those Chinese enhancements might throw that whole zen vibe out of whack. For example, pendulum clocks, cuckoo clocks, and aquariums can serve as effective wealth enhancers in specific areas, but putting them in the wrong spot or having an excessive number could stir up some not-so-great energy. In 2024, keep the moderation memo in mind when enhancing your space with Feng Shui goodness.

Ignoring directional influences

Every year, certain directions might get a bit moody, according to the Flying Star chart, a kind of energy map. Not taking notice of these directional shifts and forgetting to use the right fixes area Feng Shui oopsie you want to avoid.

Now, if a particular area has a not-so-great star, it means it's carrying some negative energy baggage. So, let's say the East direction on your map has this grumpy star in 2024, you might want to chill a bit in that East area. And, to kick out the bad vibes, you may use some Feng Shui tricks like giving your space a good energy makeover. For more details, check out God of Wealth.