‘Snake people’ 101

NO, we won’t be featuring politicians on today’s issue. Just kidding, just kidding.

Today, the Chinese New Year celebrates the beginning of the Year of the Snake—another anticipated change in the cycle of Chinese astrology. Past years that were “snake years” included 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929 and 1917.

In today’s knowledge-driven society, people are likely to deny the idea that, their lives are under control by some, pre-destined blueprint to success—and failing to follow through could spell a disastrous fall from grace for those involved.

“I can’t say I’m a believer... I mean, I don’t let it rule my life or I don’t panic if it says something negative,” shares Kyra Cabaero, Marco Polo Plaza media communications manager, who was born on one of those years mentioned above.

“If it predicts something positive though then I actually feel hopeful. And if negative, I just make a mental note of it. But I don’t let it affect the decisions I make in life.”

Freelance filmmaker Ara Chawdhury shares a similar sentiment.

“I’m still a firm believer of self-directed destiny. As much as I like the idea of horoscopes, and the way they nearly always make accurate descriptions in terms of personality, I think decisions are open ended,” she states. Ara co-wrote with Christian Linaban, award-winning (best sound, best supporting actor) Cebuano full-length feature Aberya.

Although Ara admits that the personality bit about “snake people” describes her a little too well. “The personality stuff is kind of on the mark—snakes are private people. I’m from a family of performers, and considering my line of work, publicity is given, but it makes me feel weird to have too many people know what’s going on with me when they don’t know me personally.

“Snakes are also supposed to be considered planners—which describes me, too much.”

Erik Monsanto, marketing officer at Bluewater Maribago, could probably relate to the “snakes-are-planners” bit.

“My wife often tells me that I tend to plan things on my own, which I do instinctively later on. I read that it is one of the characteristics of those born in the year of the snake.”

Does he consider himself under the “control” of the snake?

“Not really, it’s just a matter of curiosity. I let my actions dictate my life whether it is for good or for bad.”

Most people think twice before diving into conclusions when it comes to reading things off Chinese astrology. For instance, like how experts predict that the perfect love partners for snake people are those born during the years of the ox or rooster.

Erik never knew that “fact.”

“How did you know my wife was a rooster?” Erik asked. “I had no idea after all these years [that it was a match].

“Guess I didn’t get to read that part.”

Erik and his wife met each other 1999. They dated a bit but ended up separating for almost six years, but still, by fate or by luck, eventually found each other again.

“I swear I didn’t know about this or just did not notice this rooster-snake connection up until now.”

Believer or not, that’s a pretty cool coincidence. (Contributed Fotos)