We are dragons! ~ D' Durian Daily

A FEW hours more, we usher the Chinese New Year day. Though it is customary for the Chinese to utilize the firecrackers to drive away bad luck, the Davao firecracker ban applies with no exceptions. Thus, the local Chinese community will have to make do with banging pots and pans or risk jail time and make a few citizens happier and richer by a few thousands. Or, just like last year, a rehash of the creative alternative of firecracker sights and sounds via the audiovisual system will be perfect.

It is the eve of the Chinese New year tonight but not the start of the Year of the Dragon. The first day of the astrology animal signs is different from the Chinese New Year day. Therefore, the 4709th Chinese year aka the Year of the Dragon won’t come until February 4, 2012, the first day of the Tiger month (the Tiger month is the first month of the year in Chinese Fortune-Telling Calendar system) referred to as the “start of Spring”. It is when the sun enters the 315th degree on the tropical zodiac. (According to www.chinesefortunecalendar.com)

Based on the Chinese Five Element Astrology Calendar, 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon. The color of Water in the Five Elements system is related to black making the coming year a Black Dragon, ergo 2012 is the Black Water Dragon year.

The fifth sign in the Chinese Zodiac and the mightiest, the dragon is legendary and the only imaginary animal in the list, it is revered, the symbol of power from heaven and the symbol of emperor in China. For the Chinese, the dragon is unpredictable and untouchable, it’s cloaked in a mysterious color and its head and tail are never seen at the same time. The 2012 events are to be viewed the same way, mysterious and unexpected.

Those born in the year of the dragon are dominating, driven and ambitious, passionate, hot tempered (dragon breathes fire), a fair warning, they can be sarcastic and biting (dragon’s slithering tongue), compassionate and soft-hearted (dragons soft underbelly), but they make good and loyal allies.

Depending on your sign, element and compatibility to the Water Dragon, you can either be lucky or not this 2012. Fortunately, all my elements are on the luck side, astrologer Ms. Seva said so. I am a Green Wooden Dragon (1964) and a Scorpio (a water sign), making me very compatible with my brother, the Black Water Dragon.

But I say, luck is what you make it. Luck is my bonus for hard work. Remember that the bright side always has the nicer view. Visualize your aspirations, focus and believe.

For centuries, the stars have guided man, but just like what Zenaida Seva keeps reminding us, “Hindi hawak ng mga bituin ang ating kapalaran. Gabay lamang sila. Meron tayong free will, gamitin natin ito.”

Kung Hei Fat Choy!

For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com/ andhttp://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com/

Published in Sun.Star Davao newspaper on January 22, 2012.

Meet the Dragons......

Bogz Sangkola
I see myself getting married this year

Cara delos Santos
To finally meet my ONE TRUE LOVE!

Chin Santos
Travel more & to finally make it to Paris

Elaine & LJ Carr
More championships for LJ...
and, I want another dragon baby para 3 na kami sa family

Eulo Angala
Via mom- to have a beautiful girlfriend daw.

GJ Romero-Salas
That everything I touch will turn to love, happiness & gold

Ian Micabalo
The same as any other year, grow wiser and become a better person...
and, a happy 10th year for Corework

Jing Gavino
Make the most of myself, hone my craft & be the best father & husband

Joel Rodriguez
For Osvaldo Cakes to flourish

Luvluv Leonoe
To lose weight & have a baby

Marty & Danielle Gross
Good health. success in all endeavors & ventures, more family trips.
For Danielle, more blessings, guidance & focus in school.