Filipino Perspectives on Feng Shui

Aspects of Chinese culture have become part of Philippine culture, especially in our language and cuisine, mainly due to centuries of interactions. Among these influences is Feng Shui, which is a system of beliefs and practices that aim to align the individual with their environment, ensuring a generous flow of energy—which is believed to lead to prosperity. Its popularity among Filipinos can be seen in the arrangement and design of homes and buildings, as well as in popular media, perhaps most prominently in the 2004 film aptly named Feng Shui. While there have been studies on the perspectives of the Chinese, and even Filipino-Chinese, with regard to their everyday practice of Feng Shui, there seems to be a lack of studies among ordinary Filipinos, especially with regard to how such a foreign practice has become localized and integrated into indigenous folk practice. This study aims to answer the question, “What are Filipino perspectives on Feng Shui?” Applying the indigenous method of pagtatanong-tanong (asking around), four main perspectives are presented: Feng Shui as a Spirituality, Cultural Standard, Common Sense, and Commercial Practice. In light of the increasing ethnic tensions between Filipinos and Chinese, understanding shared beliefs may be one significant way to gaze at our shared humanity.