Like the Chinese, Pinoys consider 08-08-08 'lucky'

MANILA, Philippines - The Chinese belief that “8" is a lucky number has been adapted in the Philippines as well, as evidenced by the number of Filipinos who want to tie the knot or give birth on August 8, 2008, or 08-08-08. "Bukod doon sa belief na swerte siya, kasi yung trinity di ba? ’Yung Aug. 08, 2008, nakakatuwa siya kasi minsan lang sa isang panahon 'yung ganon na petcha di ba?" said Jon Magat, who will marry his long-time girlfriend Ayah Lucido on the date, told reporter Connie Sison in an interview GMA’s 24 Oras. According to www.tsinoy.com, the number “8" is believed to bring luck because of its spiral and intertwining loop that symbolizes infinity, making it ideal for wedding events. The Chinese consider the number 8 as a lucky number because it sounds like the Chinese word for wealth which is "fā." The television report said that for this reason, the Chinese government scheduled the much awaited Beijing Olympics on Aug.8, 2008, which will also start at 8 p.m. But this lucky date awaits not just the sound of the wedding bells nor the cheer of the Olympians. The date also awaits the cries of the newborn babies as many Caesarian patients chose to give birth on the said day. Gynecologist Dr Shiela Illecas expects to be swamped with work on the said day. And from what she knows, other doctors who have Caesarian-section pregnant patients will be very busy too. "All the previous Caesarian sections pregnant patients, who were conceived around November, they chose to deliver around Aug. 08, 2008," Illecas said. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV