What's in Store for the Philippine Politics, Economy, Showbiz and Pageantry in 2019?

by Direk Romm Burlat

2018 successfully bade us goodbye. I would always remember that year as one of my most successful years. I was able to to direct nine films and amassed five awards: two national and three Asian. Among those awards, I was greatly honored being chosen as one of the Outstanding Men and Women of the Philippines 2018. On top of this, my films garnered 12 awards from the 5th Inding Indie Film Festival.

2019 seems promising. According to soothsayers (GaneshaSpeaks.com), this year of the Earth Pig has predicted the following signs:

Aries: "It is going to be full of ups and downs, leaving you with varied and mixed results throughout the year. During the first initial months of this year, you may feel anxiety taking over you, making you quite enraged and angry, even over petty matters in your day to day life."

Taurus: "This year is going to be really exciting for you, as it is filled with a lot of astonishments and amazement. The Taurus 2019 horoscope says that this year will be very fruitful for you and your dear ones because there lies a great possibility for you to get promoted at your job or obtain some good amount of profit through your business." 

Gemini:  "Horoscope says that this year will be very crucial and significant for all the Gemini people, as there will be a lot of alterations and variations this year, for all of you. "

Cancer: "Cancerians are usually very sentimental, sensitive and intuitive by nature, and your life as per 2019 Cancer horoscope may turn out to be really productive for them as matters related to finance, career and job is going to take a positive leap." 

Leo:"Leo in 2019, will have an optimistic and a zealous year, as you will be filled with confidence and enthusiasm which will reflect on your everyday execution of work."

Virgo: "Virgo in 2019, may witness both good and bad experiences, but do not worry as you can always hold on to the good ones, and learn something from the bad ones."

Libra: "Libra life in 2019, may have a blend of both rises and falls of situations and outcomes. You may see an increase in your level of reputation in the society, due to the effect of Jupiter. "

Scorpio: "For all the Scorpios, this year may have its own advantages and disadvantages, that you may have to experience as per your Scorpio 2019 yearly horoscope. Your career may take a huge leap and benefit you, because of the positive impact of Jupiter on you, during this time."

Sagittarius: "Sagittarius in 2019, is going to witness the ebb and flow of opportunities and circumstances. There will be several chances where you will get a possibility to grasp, learn, grow and implement your actions accordingly, which will improve the probability of you being successful in whatever you dig your hands in." 

Capricorn:"Get ready as the world will be your oyster, as per Capricorn 2019 horoscope! You will come off with flying colors as you will witness a positive transformation in both, personal and professional life, a whole nine yards, during this phase."

Aquarius: " It is said that adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience. You have shown tremendous patience till now. But now is the time for you to carefully analyze the situations affecting you or asking for your attention and wisely act upon them in a very effective manner." 

Pisces: "Your true self will show admirable intelligence and people will take you as a sharp cookie! You will wear your thinking cap real tight this year but beware not to get too egoistic about it, tells your Pisces horoscope 2019. "

How will our country, the Philippines fare in 2019?

Politics and Elections: The general elections will take place on May 13th and the winners will be declared on June 30th. The following positions will be voted upon: 12 seats in the Senate, all seats in the House of Representatives, all regional elected positions in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) (If electorate approves for the creation of the Bangsamoro Automomous Region, the regional election for the ARMM won't be done on this day), all provincial-level elected positions, all city-level elected positions in the cities and all municipal-level elected positions in the municipalities 

As of this early, many politicians running in the elections are in competition to get that Mister and Miss Congeniality title from the voters. And all are getting ready to present their platforms on January 13th.  We just hope this year, if these candidates will win in the elections, they will fulfill their promises to the electorate. We pray that the winning candidates will work hand in hand to improve the economy of the country.

Economy: I am not in authority to give figures on the GDP of the Philippines in 2018 but it has improved from 2017. We are looking forward that the government will find ways and means to improve the economic situation of the country.

Showbiz: This year, we are optimistic that producers will come up with much better films;  films which can be recognized in Hollywood and Cannes. Of course, the producers will always go for tested formulas so the targetted ROI will be reached. But creating a balance of quality and commercial results can still be achieved. Likewise, here is wishing that independent films will be given more theaters for exhibition of their movies. And last but not the least, I hope in 2019, short films will be given a chance to be shown in theatres and will be considered by prestigious award giving bodies like Star Awards, FAMAS, Luna, Urian and even the Young Critics Circle, Gawad Pasado etc. just like in other countries.

Pageantry: Based on what I have read from pageant sites, Philippines is now the Pageant  Powerhouse. Each and every year, our candidates have been winning in different pageants in the world. According to Global Beauties about the Miss U pageant, "it is nearly impossible to imagine the Philippines not ending this decade as the #1 pageant powerhouse on the planet, which should be confirmed by the end 2019! In 2018 it was able to distance itself 20 points from Venezuela, which currently comes 2nd in the Grand Slam Ranking. Puerto Rico (up 1) is now 3rd, but very distant from Philippines and Venezuela." This year serves as an extra challenge for our beauty queens since Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray has set the bar high.

With us Filipinos working hand in hand and side by side, we will be able to achieve our dreams and aspirations for our country in 2019.