“Very good.”

That is how feng shui master and geomancer Patrick Fernandez described the new generation’s appreciation for feng shui.

“Because now, they realize that feng shui is not magic. It’s about science. It’s about calculation. It’s about freedom. It’s a very systematic way versus hula (fortune-telling) or magic,” he explained in an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE during New World Makati’s recent launch of its new Lunar New Year menu at its luxury Chinese dining concept Jasmine.

“So I think that’s what resonates with the youth. Feng shui could give them information to help them improve their lives. It’s not fatalistic. It’s not fortune-telling. It’s not a religion. So you explain that to them. You help them realize it is something that can help me with my life versus someone who would tell you a hula.”

For those who wanted to get started with feng shui, his advice is “get educated.”

“We do consultation, Yin and Yang Shop of Harmony (at the ground floor of New World Makati). Because feng shui is not one-size fits all. Usually, we see, based on your element and sign, this is what is best for you,” he explained.

“Usually, we do away with one-size-fits-all. Because that’s when people stop believing in it. Because they think that this thing is good for everyone. It’s not. It’s like medicine. You take medicine that might not be good for you. It might even be harmful. But if you go to an expert, you can get the right diagnosis on what is exactly for you.”

Since 2026 is the Year of the Yang Fire Horse, there is “yang fire,” meaning, “it’s going to be a year of intensity,” said Fernandez.

As such, he warned that relationships would be tested this year because it is a year of “confrontation.”

“Issues will be brought to light and there will be confrontation,” he added.

Thus, his advice is to “tame the horse” or to “hold your horses” especially when it comes to temper.

“And at the same time it’s a year that’s going to be very impulsive. People will do things, say things without really thinking and quick temper, so just remember to rein that in as well.”

The good news is there are certain signs that are going to be luckier for relationships, he said.

“So the signs of the Ox, the Snake, the Rooster and the Goat. Those are the ones who are going to be luckier in relationships,” he declared.

Whether you are single or in a relationship, he has a recommendation on how to improve one’s love luck this year.

“So on the feng shui side, which is how to arrange things in your home, in the center of the home, that’s going to be the romance sector or the romance direction in the center, so they can put lucky feng shui items in there.”