‘PASALUBONGS’ FROM RP Bracelets & necklaces

With the launching of Volunteer 12 (V12) of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Secretary Richard Gordon is expecting Filipinos at home and overseas to boost arrivals to record levels.

The V12 pan, taps into 8 million overseas Filipino workers and the country’s 70 million population to bang the drum for their country to beat the record 2.2 million arrivals last year.

“We are targeting an additional two million arrivals in just one year. With 78 million Filipinos at home and abroad working for us by inviting tourists, that’s an achievable figure,” Gordon said.

With this great expectation, Filipino traders are high in spirit as their trades will also flourish. This means jobs, business, and empowerment throughout the country.

One of the would be “pasalubongs” for our “kababayans” as well as tourists are bracelets and necklaces made of beads which are very popular in the country.

Nowadays people from all walks of life – secretaries, socialites, bank executives to ordinary people – wear accessories used by ancient Egyptians as ornaments.

A lot of women and even men are getting hooked with these exceptional materials, shapes and sizes. Some say that the beads actually attract good luck, improve one’s health, or boost business.

Beads are not only strung together not only to accessorize but to serve as religious garbs for women and men during the early times and later became a symbol of prayer.

But for Bing Joseph, proprietor of Charming Crystals, it all started as a hobby for making orders for friends, as she has gasoline station for a business. She now has chain of gasoline stations in Metro Manila and Rizal Province. Her success in business, inspired her to acquire more stones and crystals.

“Our lucky charm bracelets and necklaces are made of genuine crystals, quartz and semi-precious stones, specially arranged by a professional feng shui/crystal consultant sought after by celebrities, politicians and prominent business people,” said Josef.

Josef said that each charm bracelet and necklaces are personalized according to one’s “Chinese zodiac, your feng shui reading and personal concerns.”

The Charming Crystals outlet is located at 20 E. Santos St., Concepcion Marikina City. But before one can choose from the many pieces of jewelry available, it would be best to set an appointment with the storeowner at 9483039 or call her at 09175297540.

Josef has promoted her charming bracelets in several TV programs, two of them the “Extra, Extra” and “Alas Singko Y Media.”

She said that each person has a different need. For instance if they want to improve their business, then they should wear bracelets made from citrine or jade.

Citrine quartz is an “energizing” crystal. It is supposed to be invigorating and is believed to produce positive energy. It is also believed to help in acquiring and maintaining wealth.

On the other hand, jade is known as the good luck stone. One of the reasons it is held in high regard in China. It is believed to bring wealth and good health.

Those who wish to enhance their love life or maintain a happy love relationship are advised to wear rose quartz, also known as the love stone. It is believed to promote love for self and others and aids in finding the perfect partner. It is also supposed to clear stored anger, resentment and jealousy.

Men in business are advised to wear tiger’s eye or “power beads.” Tiger’s eye is also known as the “prosperity stone”. It is supposed to be an emotional balancer and inspires one to achieve. It gives better perception in decision-making and enhances one’s drive for life.

Charming Crystals also has a watch promo (the bracelets are made of stones) priced at R1,800 from its original R2,000 each, Josef said.

For those who wish to improve all aspects of their lives, the suggestion is that they wear Charming Crystals’ All-In-One bracelet. It contains jade animal charms for prosperity, good health and protection; hade beads and “power beads” to lock negative energy; dark violet amethyst for stress and good health, aqua blue turquoise for peace of mind; rose quartz for love, harmony and business; apple green peridot to enhance thinking; blue sapphire for loyalty; yellow citrine crystals for wealth; tiger’s eye and jade for balance; and red ruby which is called the ‘wishing crystal.’

Josef said the wishes made on the stone, should be kept confidential at all times. “All bracelets at my store are “programed” to be used only by the wearer. That’s why we get their birthday because it is programed only for them. You can let others touch it, but you shouldn’t let anybody wear it. It might attract bad vibes.”

“That’s why it’s not safe to buy crystals from the “tiangge” Sure it’s cheap, but you don’t know what kind of vibes they carry. Ours is a little pricey because it has the right feng shui,” Josef said.

She said they can also do custom-made accessories according to the wearer’s requirements.