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A post shared by Feng Shui Master Hanz Cua (@masterhanzcua) on Mar 3, 2020 at 12:13pm PST

MANILA -- Feng shui expert Hanz Cua on Wednesday reacted to online criticism over his predictions of prosperity for 2020, a year that is now largely defined by the novel coronavirus.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Cua stood by his earlier forecast as he reminded the public that feng shui predictions, which are based on the alignment of stars, only serve as a general guide.

He believes that prosperity can be experienced in different ways, and should not be limited to financial success. Other signs of prosperity, he said, include more opportunities to connect with family members, nature flourishing in the absence of humans, and more time to slow down and reflect.

"Maraming nagba-bash sa akin ngayon, [sasabihin] 'Nasaan ang prosperity?' Alam mo, ang prosperity ay nasa bahay natin," he said. "Ang prosperity ay nasa mga kapamilya natin."

"For me, this is a very prosperous year dahil sa lahat ng wealth natin, mas importante pa rin ang pamilya. Aanhin natin ang wealth natin kung may sakit tayo, kung hiwa-hiwalay at 'di magkasundo? Ang daming moment ngayon na nagpabago ng pananaw ng mga tao sa buhay," he added.

Cua admitted that just like everyone else, he initially felt anxious over the effects of the pandemic. But he remains optimistic that better days will come in the second half of 2020.

"Hindi pa tapos ang 2020. We are on the mid-year. We still have six months to go," he said.

And while he understands where his bashers are coming from, Cua assured that the novel coronavirus, while greatly challenging, will also pass -- just like all other events.

"Lahat may kanya-kanyang aspeto," he said, noting that some people may be harder hit by the crisis than others. "This is temporary lamang. Matatapos din ito at pagkatapos nito, brace yourselves dahil mag-eevolve tayo sa new beginning, new start, at lalo tayong lalakas ulit."

"Huwag tayong mapanghinaan ng loob, stay at home, keep safe, enjoy natin ang prosperity na meron tayo kasama ang ating pamilya," he added.

ILLNESS STAR

Cua went on to recall his feng shui forecast back in January, where he mentioned the presence of a strengthened "illness star" in 2020.

He said this prediction now makes more sense given the pandemic: "Bago mag-start ang year, nakita ko na ang illness star natin is very strong. The illness star is a number two star, an earth element. This earth element is located sa south sector ngayong 2020. And the south sector is a fire element -- so the fire element feeds the earth element. Ibig sabihin, 'yung illness star ay lumakas."

"Nagkaroon ng COVID... hindi ko mape-predict specifically na magkaka-COVID, pero na-predict ko na sa 2020... nasa south sector ang illness star," he added.

Cua then suggested ways to counter the negative energy and bad luck caused by the "illness star" at home.

"Siyempre protection sa health at ng government kailangan mo 'yun. Pero sa feng shui side, ang pinag-uusapan natin is to make sure na ang south side ng bahay niyo, maglagay kayo ng metal element. Lagyan mo ng asin na buo. Hindi puwedeng iodized salt, kailangang buo, like rock salt," he said, echoing his statement back in January.

Cua continued: "Tumayo ka sa bahay niyo, gamitin mo ang cellphone mo, gamitin mo ang application na compass at hanapin mo ang south. Huwag kang matutulog with the headboard on the south. Huwag kang matutulog sa south sector, mae-enhance mo 'yung illness star."

"Number three, make sure mo sa south sector mo, huwag kang maglalagay ng ilaw. Dapat walang fire, walang red color sa south sector. Kung may nakakabit, tanggalin mo or huwag mong bubuksan. Dapat walang kuryente sa south sector. Paano kung doon ka nanonood ng TV? Ilipat mo 'yung TV mo o kaya mag-phone ka na lang muna. Huwag ka munang manood ng TV sa south sector."

Meanwhile, Cua said he continues to accept consultations online as well as hold webinars to help feng shui believers in bringing more positive energy into their homes and businesses.

And just like his regular spiel on "Umagang Kay Ganda," he reminded the public that one cannot solely rely on feng shui for a better life.

"Ito po ay forecast, prediksiyon, gabay lamang. Nasa inyo pong mga kamay nakasalalay ang inyong tagumpay," he ended.