“Manifesting!”: Feng Shui Beliefs and Material Culture of Selected Filipino Millennials

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Thea C. Camba, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Geraldine Mae R. Eala, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Zara Brianna M. Palileo, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Joane Francesca D. Santos, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Living Culture and Contemporary Societies (LCS)

School Name

De La Salle University Manila

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Anastacio, Deborrah S.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/94569671692?pwd=Fj3c3ELOebE6QbqbJOOH9wMuildoEc.1 Meeting ID: 945 6967 1692 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

Feng Shui has become part of the belief system of many individuals, extending from societal influence to their personal beliefs and everyday practices. However, most existing academic research focuses on its commercial and architectural applications, while the meanings that individuals attach to Feng Shui concepts remain underexplored. This study aims to bridge that gap by uncovering how Filipino millennials create meanings, sustain practices, and are introduced to the concept of luck through material culture. From the perspective of Feng Shui as a lived cultural practice, this study explores how everyday objects can serve as carriers of an individual’s personal beliefs. Using a qualitative research design, this study employed hermeneutic phenomenology to focus on the lived experiences and meanings associated with Feng Shui. Pakikipagkwentuhan was utilized to facilitate a natural discussion between the participants to openly share their ideas and stories. There were a total of two (2) sessions conducted, and the gathered data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis. The findings suggest that belief in Feng Shui is shaped by family, friends, personal experiences, and media. Filipino millennials tend to associate specific objects, including lucky charms, crystals, decorative items, and figurines, with the intentions of attracting luck, good fortune, and positive energy in their lives. Luck is seen as a series of positive coincidences and a phenomenon cultivated through the combination of personal effort and continuous practice.

Keywords

Feng Shui; Filipino millennials; luck; phenomenology, material culture

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes