Plates of fortune

In a country where every detail of daily life can be filled with superstition, it’s no surprise that license plates carry a bit of mystical weight in the Philippines.

For some drivers, the numbers on their plates are more than just identification — they’re omens of good fortune, magnets of mishaps, or means of manifesting success.

Are certain license plate numbers luckier than others? Welcome to the intriguing world of plate numerology and the stories behind these beliefs.

Filipinos have long been known for blending tradition, faith and a touch of magic in their everyday lives. From feng shui-inspired house layouts to wearing polka dots while jumping on New Year’s Eve, the belief in symbols and signs runs deep.

License plates are no exception. Many drivers consider the numbers on their plates as reflections of destiny, prosperity, or protection. After all, who wouldn’t want their car to double as a rolling good luck charm?

When it comes to lucky numbers, plates like “8,” “88,” “888,” or “168” are the Beyoncé of numerology — iconic and universally adored. Associated with prosperity in Chinese culture, they often fetch premium prices. You start to wonder, is that why most of our congressmen, assigned with “8” plates, are insanely fortunate? My neighbor with plate “888” often shares anecdotes of experiencing good fortune, such as successful business deals.

Then there’s “168,” sometimes known as “I’m rich” in Chinese tradition. This number is often credited with attracting wealth and success. Some drivers are known to embrace sequential numbers like “1234,” calling them a “sign of progress,” while others often associate “7” with smooth rides, given its reputation as a universally lucky number. It’s no wonder some senators are also masters of fortune — rumor has it, their cars are so lucky even potholes avoid them, and their convoys always discover VIP lanes no one else knew existed. It’s almost enough to make you question why you ended up with “9352.”

On the other hand, no one wants a plate that screams bad vibes. The number “4,” for instance, is avoided because it sounds like “death” in Chinese dialects. Plates beginning with “44” are often perceived as unlucky.

Then there’s “666,” which might as well come with creepy organ music. Plates bearing this infamous combination often receive sidelong glances, as though they’re harboring bad luck — or worse, the antichrist.

Add to that the infamous “13,” shunned for its bad luck in Filipino and Western culture. Some say that when a “13” plate coincides with Friday the 13th, you might as well take public transportation — especially when you see a black cat.

And let’s not forget the acronyms like “BUM” or “WTF,” which make you wonder if the LTO has a secret sense of humor. At least they haven’t issued “LOL” or “OMG” yet — or have they?

To counter these bad vibes, Filipinos have a menu of rituals to bless their plates. Some resort to holy water and prayers — slapping a mini rosary over the rearview mirror “just in case.”

While there is no scientific evidence to prove the mystical powers of license plates, the stories suggest that the strong belief itself might hold the magic. Filipino drivers have an uncanny knack for spotting patterns. If they win a contest with a “168” plate, it’s destiny. If they get involved in a traffic accident with “13,” it’s proof enough that it brings bad luck for real.

License plate numerology is a fascinating look into the intersection of culture, superstition, and modern Filipino life. Regardless if you’re a believer or a skeptic, it never hurts to have an extra little luck on the roads of Metro Manila. So, what does your license plate say about your fortune? Are you riding with prosperity or dodging Minggay, the black cat, at every turn?