Both Angel Thoughts can be claimed by our new sports hero, Manny Pacquiao who lifted the entire nation to hysterical heights with his very convincing victory over Erick Morales.

He attributed his win to Divine Providence, hard work, and belief in his own capabilities. He prayed hard and sincerely, and he prepared hard for the fight, mentally and physically. Once in the ring, he was on his own.

Morales was battered, but so was our hero. Which is why after the fight, "Pacman" stayed in his suite to nurse his battle wounds. He was victorious, yes, but he still ached all over, the brutal "rewards" of any boxing match. It is a brutal sport. Fighters get hurt, mutilated, sometimes sent into coma. They lose their hearing after several years, and drop out of the ring to be "has beens" and jobless.

My wishes for Pacman... May the typical boxer’s fate not happen to Pacman... May he not be "corrupted" by fame and fortune but invest his earnings well. May his head not be swayed by new-found patrons, friends and believers as some of our past boxing champs were. And may no one claim he or she was responsible for his win. After all, Pacman really belongs to the people he dedicated his fight for.

***

Welcome the year of the Dog this Chinese New Year’s Eve on Saturday!

Some practical tips from feng shui experts, geomancer Merlina Merton of Better Living Feng Shui Services, Inc. and Maritess Allen of World of Feng Shui at the Podium... incidentally, Maritess will be featured on our "Dee’s Day" show today on RPN 9 at 12:30 p.m. with a replay tomorrow at 7 a.m.... welcome the year with prayers, a general cleaning of your house or office like take away litter in the corridors, clean window and door screens so the energy flows in, don’t store garbage in front of your homes, keep the premises well-lighted until the next day, pay all debts, monetary or otherwise. And make your house festive, no matter how modest your budget.

Put food on your table, gold coins, and other "good luck" amulets, suggests Maritess. No sharp knives displayed in your kitchen, check your house’s plumbing system as clogged pipes can affect your health, warns Merlina.

Both experts agree that this year will be a better one than last year, in all aspects. People born under certain astrological signs will find this year difficult, but having been forewarned, they can take measures to aid their "chi" to be more balanced and harmonious, again according to Merlina and Maritess.

Let’s start with Merlina who can be reached at, Unit 802 Greenbelt Mansions, 106 Perea Street, Legaspi, Makati or call 8111811 extensions 248 or 8124713. If you want to know what is in store for you according to your Chinese Horoscopic Signs, read on:

Rat – 1937, 48, 60, 72, 84

A so-so year for most Rats. If you concentrate on what you are doing and don’t get sidetracked by your emotions, you will be just fine. Romance could be bumpy – don’t be confrontational.

Ox – 1937, 49, 61, 73, 85

Good aspects this year for romance and money. Take advantage of opportunities and welcome help from the opposite sex, but, avoid illicit affairs.

Tiger – 1938, 50, 62, 74, 86

Don’t be discouraged if at first you fail. Diligent work will be rewarded but, be patient with your family and loved ones. Be alert to deception in the guise of friendship.

Rabbit – 1939, 51, 63, 75, 87

Romance flourish and it’s a good year for marriage. Money comes when needed. You have nothing to complain about.

Dragon – 1940, 52, 64, 76, 88

Not the best year for Dragons. You should keep a low profile; don’t make major investments; take care of your health and the health of your loved ones and don’t gamble or take unnecessary risks.

This year, you can "borrow" luck from Snake or Rabbit friends. Next year, your fortune is better.

Snake – 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89

Generally good this year for most Snakes. Opportunities will come. Your loved life blooms, but, watch your expenditures.

Horse – 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90

Your luck is generally good. Be tolerant and kind to those around you, especially your significant other. Your kindness will be rewarded.

Goat – 1931, 43, 55, 67, 79, 91

A year to be careful in your speech and actions. Avoid gossip and intrigues. You can enjoy this year if you lower your expectations. Horse or Snake companions could be helpful.

Monkey – 1932, 44, 56, 68, 80, 92

A good year to circulate, meet new people and develop new business or career interests but, do not invest without close scrutiny of all the possible outcomes. Find ways to de-stress.

Rooster – 1933, 45, 57, 69, 81

Not a bad year for Roosters. You can make it better by concentrating on your career and taking care of your health. Hens may get lucky in love.

Dog – 1934, 46, 58, 70, 82

Not a good year for most Dogs. Be patient. Work or study well, Avoid negative people and situations and things can improve.

Pig – 1935, 47, 59, 71, 83

A good year for most Pigs. Money and friendship are well aspected. Make hay while they sun shines, but, don’t overspend or overwork and get enough sleep.

If your forecast for this year is not good, you should enhance the Feng Shui of your house and workplace. Refer to our Feng Shui Advisory for 2006.