'Sipag at Tiyaga' is Good Feng Shui
In the Year of the Ox

Nacionalista Party President Senator Manny Villar extends his New Year greetings to the Chinese communities all over the country. At the same time, he pays tribute to the admirable qualities of the Chinese, which he said are essential in order to prevail over the challenges that 2009 would bring.

"Kung hei fat choi to everyone! I join all of you in wishing that the Year of the Earth Ox would bring peace and prosperity to our country and our people despite the bleak prognosis of many economists and even fortune-tellers for the year 2009," said Villar.

"During these times, I know that many are consulting feng shui experts in order to increase their chances of good luck and fortune, but I am sure even the Chinese will agree with me when I say that no amount of luck can beat the values of sipag at tiyaga (hard work and perseverance).Ika nga ng mga nakakatanda: Kapag walang tiyaga, walang nilaga," Villar, Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga himself, added.

Villar said Filipinos have much to learn from the Chinese, who like him espouse the value of hard work and are very enterprising as well. "The entrepreneurial spirit of the Chinese is truly admirable. Chinese businessmen have always been a major driving force in our country's economic growth. We need more entrepreneurs to create more jobs in the country especially in the midst of major layoffs in various companies."

Villar is among the few Filipino entrepreneurs who are listed alongside Chinese taipans in various rankings of most successful or wealthiest businessmen, which earned him the moniker 'the brown taipan'.