Faces of Fortune: It’s the people who matter

18 July 2011 -

This is the second of a three-part series featuring extracts and information from Faces Of Fortune, a new book that ‘reads’ the faces of 20 of Asia’s most prominent tycoons.

TO succeed in life, one has to understand people. To succeed in the financial markets, it is not enough to understand the economic fundamentals and current trends because, ultimately, the economy is made up of people.

If you understand people and how they operate, it becomes your biggest weapon in sealing that deal, buying that winning stock, making more money and, above all, being happy.

The knowledge of face reading, or Mian Xiang, significantly increases our understanding of people.

In Faces Of Fortune, author Tee Lin Say uses Mian Xiang to pick out 20 of Asia’s most prominent tycoons, and then explain why investors should place money on their companies over the next 10 years.

Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir, Kencana Petroleum Bhd

Last week, engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning oil and gas player Kencana Petroleum Bhd made headlines when news of its proposed merger with SapuraCrest Petroleum Bhd was announced.

Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir

 

If that materialises, it will be the biggest merger in the country this year, and will create a regional contender in the upstream oil and gas sector.

Are we surprised with this development? Definitely not because, from his face, we know that Kencana chief Datuk Mokhzani Mahathir is in for bigger things – after he turned 50 this January.

Mokhzani is the son of former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad. Since Kencana’s listing on the main board of Bursa Malaysia in December 2006, its share price has compounded by some 45% over a five-year period.

Based on the lower portion of Mokhzani’s face, which is extremely fleshy, the next decade looks very favourable for him. You will notice that his chin has started to stick out, albeit gently.

The chin is also known as the North Mountain. When this Mountain stands out on the face, it typically denotes a person who is tough and not sentimental.

Mokhzani’s protruding chin also tells us that he is able to hold on to what he already has. As his entire chin is fleshy and well-formed, we are looking at good fortune all the way till old age.

His eyebrows (known as the Siblings Palace) work in his favour, too. Their density indicates that he has good business partnerships. He has the right people to help and support him in his dealings.

Mokhzani’s eyebrows are also straight, a sign that he makes decisions based on facts. He is systematic and does not act rashly.

Another key feature is his nose – it is high and strong, with wide nose wings and a broad and deep philtrum. His nostrils are clearly hidden from the front, a sign that his Wealth Palace is protected.

Wealth aside, Mokhzani’s nose also reveals that he is strong in character and wields lots of clout.

Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, SP Setia

SP Setia Bhd is the largest property developer and sector leader in Malaysia, in terms of sales. Its RM6bil KL Eco-City could well be the next transportation hub, while its RM10bil Jalan Bangsar project near KL Sentral is smack in a web of transport lines and links.

Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin

 

Its Fulton Lane condos in Australia recently recorded a 75% take-up for Phase 1. Given the overwhelming demand, the launch for Phase 2 of the project may be brought forward to September, likely at 10% more than the average selling price.

SP Setia’s strong position in the property market is the result of the foresight and creativity of its CEO, Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin.

The group has more than 3,500 acres of undeveloped land, which should keep it riding high for the next 10 years. Can Liew continue to deliver returns to his shareholders and capital appreciation for his homebuyers?

Looking at his face, the answer is yes.

As Liew is a real estate man, we naturally have to focus on his Property Palace, the area between the eyebrows and eyes. See how broad and spacious his Property Palace is? You can literally run a finger through it.

What’s more, it is not concave and there are no protruding bones – solid signs that Liew is a reliable developer who creates beautiful homes.

To evaluate how successful he is in his field, we have to study his Property Palace in relation to his Wealth Palace (the nose).

Liew’s nose is fleshy, with wide nose wings and hidden nostrils.

The wide wings denote his ability to generate income from the sale of his properties, while the hidden nostrils show that the money he makes is protected.

Furthermore, his nose dips downwards, an indication of business savvy. He is good at sniffing out deals and creating huge capital upside for those who purchase his houses.

Liew’s most striking feature is his eyebrows, which are dense and arched. The denseness “conceals” passion, vision and stamina, while the arch is a mark of willpower. No one can say he lacks guts.

From his long and small eyes, we can tell that Liew is careful and does not reveal his plans at random. He bides his time before striking.

We think Liew will continue to surprise the market with iconic developments and innovations. We see this in his relatively short chin, which juts out. Coupled with fleshy earlobes, this denotes creativity and a very prosperous old age.

Tan Sri Lim Wee-Chai has eyes that cannot be ignored. Long, small and very alert, they show that he is goal-oriented and ahead of his time.

Tan Sri Lim Wee-Chai, Top Glove

Mention rubber gloves and those who know will agree that the leader of the pack, globally, is Malaysia’s home-grown Top Glove Corp Bhd.

Who could imagine that a village boy from a speck of a town called Titi in Jelebu, Negri Sembilan, would one day have the world flocking to his factories for his products?

Top Glove is definitely No.1 in the field today and is growing at a rate of 35% per annum. How did its founder, Tan Sri Lim Wee-Chai, expand his empire so quickly?

Lim would probably say that he did it by setting some simple business rules for his executives: “Do not lose your shareholders’ money. Do not lose your health. Do not lose your temper. Do not lose your customers.”

In 2012, Lim will be 54, or 55 in Chinese years.

In face reading, the age points for 54 and 55 are located just above the top of the lips, the area known as the Eating Storage.

Lim’s 54 and 55 positions look extremely favourable. Notice how they are not only fleshy, but also wide. For a better reading, we need to evaluate his Eating Storage together with his mouth.

It’s obvious how wide Lim’s mouth is. Besides, both his upper and lower lips are thick. As we say in Mian Xiang, “bigger mouth, bigger crowd”. Well, he certainly has the world knocking at his door for gloves!

The wide mouth shows that he has leadership qualities and will continue to exert a strong influence on the global glove sector in the next six years. We say six because Lim’s next age points are all located around the mouth.

We also cannot ignore his eyes, which are long, small and very alert. From that, we can see that he is goal-oriented and ahead of his time.

But he is guarded about his strategies and does not reveal his cards easily. To put it in lay terms, it is not easy to make even a dollar from him.

The length of Lim’s eyes also shows that he is far-sighted and has concrete plans for the future. Just as he could “foresee” the potential for rubber gloves years ago, he probably has worked out his next move to ensure that his company remains in pole position.

'Reading' faces of Asia's most prominent tycoons

11 July 2011 -

This is the first of a three-part series featuring extracts and information from Faces Of Fortune, a new book that ‘reads’ the faces of 20 of Asia’s most prominent tycoons.

DO you know that simply by looking at a person’s face, you can tell his character and where he’s headed – that is, if you know the Chinese art of face reading, or Mian Xiang.

In ancient times, Mian Xiang was used by the emperors to choose imperial officers and masters, their disciples.

In Faces Of Fortune, author Tee Lin Say uses Mian Xiang to pick out 20 of Asia’s most prominent tycoons, and then explain why investors should place money on their companies over the next 10 years.

Datuk Seri Nazir Razak, CIMB Group

Datuk Seri Nazir Razak’s 
cheekbones pack willpower.

 

Nazir Razak is the youngest son of Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, and the brother of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the current PM. He is also the brainy group chief executive officer of the country’s premier investment bank, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd.

Early this month, speculation was rife that CIMB was thinking of acquiring RHB Capital Bhd. Now that this has come to an premature end, does this mean CIMB will be wedged in its consolidation phase, or are there bigger things in store from Nazir?

Looking at Nazir’s features, it’s pretty obvious that the best is yet to come for CIMB. We would safely say that the stock is a screaming buy at this point.

In 2012, Nazir will be 45 years old, or 46 in Chinese years. In Mian Xiang, this age point is represented by the left cheekbone.

The cheekbones represent not just Nazir’s age luck, but also his willpower and ability to wield power. And he sure has loads of that.

A major part of Nazir’s success at CIMB was achieved during his thirties, when the age points were in his eyes. But his eyes cannot quite compare with the width and size of his mouth.

In Mian Xiang, a big mouth signifies influence, power and lots of clout. Have you ever seen a tycoon with a small mouth? Rarely.

When Nazir turns 52, the age point will go to his superior mouth. So don’t be surprised if CIMB is an entirely different entity six years from now. It might even own an American bank by then!

We do not foresee organic growth for CIMB. Based on Nazir’s face, the company’s sensational ride will continue right into his fifties.

Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan’s most outstanding feature is his lips.

 

Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan, Hong Leong Group

Hong Leong’s Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan is famed for buying low and then selling for a tidy profit, a skill he has mastered over the years.

Investors may recall that in 2001, he pocketed RM11.bil – the highest price ever paid for an Asian bank – when he sold his controlling stake in Dao Heng Bank of Hong Kong to Singapore’s DBS Bank.

It certainly looks like the elusive Quek is coasting on second wind at the age of 71: Hong Leong recently acquired EON Capital Bhd for RM5.06bil, a move that makes it the fourth largest bank in Malaysia.

What is in his face that tells us this “master dealmaker” still has the appetite and drive for acquisitions and opportunities?

His triangle-shaped eyes burn with Sha-qi a fire that reveals “ambitions that need to be achieved”. Such eyes reflect a person whose mind is alert. He is hardly naïve and is unlikely to be swindled in the game of business.

Quek’s most outstanding feature is the corners of his lips. This area, known as the Jin Lu (meaning Gold Point), represents the ability to persuade or influence others, be it with words or sheer physical presence.

Quek’s Jin Lu is well-defined and long, a strong sign that we are looking at a man who is adept at making deals.

On top of that, his lips are flagged. A flagged mouth is one where the middle indentation on the upper lip forms the letter ‘M’. This denotes that Quek is very skilful in negotiation and has the gift of persuasion. What he says has a big impact on others.

Watch his moves as things are about to get very interesting for the Hong Leong Group.

Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng has unique ‘killer eyes’.

 

Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng, IOI Corp Group

Plantation conglomerate IOI Corp Bhd is currently involved in a tangle with The Roundtable On Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) over land disputes and illegal deforestation.

Some analysts say IOI’s reputation will be dented, and as a result, there will be downside pressure on the stock in the short-term.

Well, if only these analysts knew Mian Xiang. Then they would say that the dispute is merely a glitch when viewed alongside the grand slam that chairman Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng is poised to deliver.

In fact, now is the best time to participate in the company’s growth because when Lee turns 73 in 2012, his luck cycle will improve substantially.

If you know face reading, you’ll see that Lee’s Mian Xiang is an open book of triumph because his face qi is glowing.

The easiest way to evaluate whether a person is experiencing good luck is to look at the qi of his face and eyes. Lee’s eyes are extremely sharp and alert. This signifies a strong spirit and hunger for more. The tips slant upwards, which shows that no detail escapes him. With such eyes, you can be sure that he’s still calling the shots in IOI.

Lee has one feature that is quite unique. Look closely and you will see a line that cuts into his Life Palace, that is, the space between the eyebrows. In Mian Xiang, this is called the Needle Piercing into the Life Palace.

You have to be pretty accomplished to handle the Needle. It pinpoints intelligence and shows that Lee is ahead of the game. Here is someone who is able to pick up cues before others even realise they are there.

Consensus on IOI’s stocks may be neutral now, but looking at Lee’s “killer” eyes, it’s obvious he will not be satisfied with rewarding shareholders with mere dividends.

Women come first in FemmeCity

5 July 2010 -

PETALING JAYA: Confidence alone does not make a women attractive.

It is having mojo and having achievement that makes a woman attractive. These are the Yin aspects.

“When you have these, only then can you fulfil the Yang aspect, which is to garner the respect and admiration of others. This will only come after accomplishing the Yin part,” said Mastery Academy founder and managing director, Joey Yap.

In a rare opportunity, members of the public will be able to listen to fengshui expert and destiny analyst, Yap speak for free during The Star’s FemmeCity on July 31 and Aug 1.

Masters of fate: (from left) Mastery Academy student and face reader Tee Lin Say, Yap as well as academy instructor Jessie Lee will be livening up the many sessions at The Star’s FemmeCity event at the KLCC Convention Centre.

 

Yap will be speaking on the issues of women, career and relationships.

“Many times you ask women: ‘Who are you?’ and they cannot answer. Many women don’t know what they want,” said Yap.

He added that while all women can cook, the best cooks were still men. Why is this so?

“It is usually an issue of focus. Men tend to be able to focus better, while women being Yin, tend to have many interests and not zero in on one particular skill,” he said.

Yap also said people were lazy because they are aimless.

“When you have an aim, you will automatically be spending time and putting effort on that particular interest,” he said.

During FemmeCity, Yap’s students will also be offering Face Reading and BaZi readings.

For a token fee of RM15, members of the public can have their faces and destiny read. Mastery Academy instructor Jessie Lee will be present to provide guidance.

Notably for face reading, Yap’s student Tee Lin Say will be providing the consultations. Yap and Tee have been jointly writing face reading articles in StarMag over the past one month.

Said Tee: “Your face comes from your heart. You can judge a book by its cover. If you look like a toxic person, you are toxic.”

She added that learning face reading from Yap has been life changing.

“Joey is the best. He has given me such power with his face reading knowledge. I know better if a person is really in good fortune, or just showing off,” said Tee.

Meanwhile, contrary to what most feel, Yap feels there is nothing wrong with women using their looks to climb the corporate ladder or get their way.

“To women with good looks, I say congratulations, you have won the first battle. Now make sure you have the content to back it up,” said Yap.

“Whether we want to admit it or not, looks are very important. Nobody can see how intelligent you are. People treat you better if you look better,” he summed up.

PC vs Mac?

4 July 2010 - 

In the last part of our series on face reading, we examine two titans who have been battling it out in the technology arena for decades.

MICROSOFT founder Bill Gates and Apple co-founder Steve Jobs are both American magnates who command the respect of the world with the paradigm-shifting inventions their companies have developed.

Gates is almost single-handedly responsible for the revolution in personal computing, which began with the launch of the retail version of the Microsoft Windows computer operating system on Nov 20, 1985. Since 1995, he has consistently remained in the upper regions of any “richest American men” list you can think of.

This year, Gates, 55, is the second richest man listed on Forbes’ magazine’s annual list with US$53bil (RM173.84bil).

Meanwhile, Job’s US$5bil (RM16.4bil) net wealth may be nowhere close to Gates’ gold mine, but he is the ultimate icon of the idiosyncratic and individualistic Silicon Valley entrepreneur.

Battle of the techies: Both Steve Jobs and Bill Gates (below) are highly intelligent and good at accumalating wealth – but one of them will enjoy that wealth along with good health while the other will struggle with ailments.

 

He is presently invading the world with the launch of the iPhone 4 last week, on June 24; it was the best product launch in the history of Apple Inc, according to news reports earlier this week.

Recently, Jobs predicted that personal computers running on Microsoft Windows operating systems are in permanent decline.

Does this mean it’s the end of Gates empire?

Gates’ window on the world

Based on face reading, the answer is no.

Gates’ current age point is denoted in the mouth area – and he has a big and wide mouth with good flags.

Remember what we said previously? “Bigger mouth, bigger say”. Well, Gates’ huge mouth definitely means an abundance of influence, power and respect. As a non-executive chairman, he may no longer play an active role in Microsoft now, but his reputation and clout is far from diminishing.

Bill Gates

 

With that sort of mouth, people tend to listen to and obey him – a good thing too, because he wants things his way!

Notice too, that Gates has bell shaped laughter lines (wide and deep but shaped like a bell) – these are the best type to have because they indicate a person who commands huge respect and has huge authority. The other lines on the sides of the face that go all the way up – guan jong wen – reinforces this, as they mean mass public support.

Gates also has a classic lion’s nose, which is an entrepreneur’s nose. The nose itself is quite large, but not disproportionate to the rest of the face.

The nose wings are wide, denoting the ability to generate wealth from a variety of sources. The tip of the nose is particularly bulbous and, most importantly, dips down, indicating excellent business acumen and a sharp financial mind.

Gates nose is also well-supported by his cheeks. This denotes that he has a very good right-hand man and close aides to help him achieve his goals and support his wealth generation efforts. That is why, even with Gates taking a lesser role, you don’t see the company crumbling, or shareholders turning jittery.

His wealth is also a result of his wisdom – he has a high forehead. Gates is a thinker, one who is always analysing and strategising.

His chin is prominent and bulges out. This is an extremely important feature for people in today’s cutthroat business world. A chin like this means wealth and career positions that are established and rock steady.

In business, this means that Gates is firm in his decisions and cannot be swayed without a very good reason.

As his eyebrows do not extend across the length of his eye, they could be be regarded as short. This denotes someone who is unsentimental and merciless and who prefers to count on himself rather than depend on others. Short eyebrows belong to people who prefer to be unencumbered by partners.

His eyebrows are also straight and do not arch at all. This means someone who has a consistent personality and is focused and determined. The straightness also indicates that Gates believes in measured responses and that he likes to observe a situation before jumping in or taking action.

That is why Microsoft is not as aggressive or as “boat-rocking” as Apple in terms of its product line-ups.

While Microsoft has sometimes been slow to enter a particular area of technology, once Gates does decide to enter the fray, he will have thought out all the angles and have a clear vision of emerging victorious.

For example, Microsoft allowed the Netscape Navigator to establish itself as a browser before deciding to get into a “browser war” with its own Internet Explorer – and we all know how that ended, don’t we?

To sum it up, Gates six “mansions of wealth” position is very prominent and meaty, which means great wealth. The wealth mansion points are two points each on the forehead, the cheeks and the lower chin area.

He also has a square face, or field face character, that is very symmetrical and proportionate. This shows that Gates is of the earth element. Typically, most wealthy people have earth-shaped faces.

Gates eyes are also very strong. He has glossy and spirited eyes, which are known as “noble dragon” eyes. Couple these eyes with his lion nose, and you have a person with full power, authority and wealth.

Furthermore, his chin is squarish and long, which represents a very wealthy and prosperous old age.

Applemania is Jobs

If there’s anyone who can create a new culture, its Jobs, the co-founder (with Steve Wozniak) of Apple Inc and the man who made Pixar Studios into an Academy-award winner.

Wealth-wise, it is clear to see: Jobs has a very good nose, with wide nostrils and a downward-dipping nose bulb, indicating someone who is very savvy financially and in wealth generation.

If we compare the amount of creativity reflected in Gates and Jobs’ faces, Jobs would appear to have the superior face.

His most prominent feature is his high and broad forehead. This indicates someone who is very intelligent. Analysing and solving puzzles is second nature to him. His forehead’s width also indicates that Jobs has had plenty of opportunities throughout his career – he has helpful people and “guiding angels” to push him to excel in his field.

His forehead also indicates he has a lot of creativity, as can be seen by how he turned Apple around with ground-breaking advertising campaigns and marketing techniques. Together with his small and long eyes, these are hallmarks of a very successful entrepreneur.

Job’s thick eyebrows go upwards like a warrior, a feature usually found on heroic personalities. They are courageous, principled and intelligent and are the sort who will fight for the rights of the oppressed.

Those eyebrows also indicate that Jobs has a very positive outlook on life, hence enabling him to fight cancer (he was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2004) – and produce the best smart phone in the world, the iPhone, of course!

His protruding eyebrow bones mean he is more aggressive and will take on a more active role. He dares to stand out in the crowd and be different.

While Jobs may be better as a creative entrepreneur, Gates would be better as the leader. This is because Jobs’ sharp and long eyes indicate that he has an eye for detail. Couple this with the protruding eyebrows, and it is evident that he likes to be in control of everything.

Jobs eyes are also sharp yet sunken. Couple this with his thicker eyebrows, and it means that he knows how to find the right partner to help him. His eyebrows represent sibling and partnership palaces. He has the ability to find the right people at the right time.

Jobs also has the high-set ears that are a feature of people with high IQs.

His bulging fortune and virtue palace (the area above the eyebrows) indicates someone who is hard on himself and who is not contented because he is in constant pursuit of perfection.

That is why it is not surprising that Jobs is today listed as either primary inventor or co-inventor in over 230 awarded patents and patent applications.

Jobs, like Gates, is also 55 this year, so, similarly, his “age luck” is also in his mouth. Jobs’ mouth is wide, indicating influence and power.

However, he has been growing a scruffy sort of moustache of late that covers the fleshy part of the area above his lips – this may not be helpful.

In Mian Xiang (face reading) terms, a good face is one that is fleshy and has good qi. When a person has a fleshy face, he should not hide it under any facial hair.

Jobs has an oblong face, which is known as the “metal face” in Chinese metaphysics. Hair, on the other hand, is considered a wood element. When one has facial hair on a metal face, it is akin to “metal chopping wood”, which then creates sparks – and, hence, obstacles.

Notice, too, that Jobs has a narrower and shorter chin than Gates. This denotes a person who is more creative, but may suffer from health issues in his old age.

Jobs face is also gaunt. In face reading, hollowness and gaunt faces are never good features.

He is especially gaunt around the jaw and lower cheeks, meaning Jobs’ face does not fulfil the criteria for true wealth: when a person’s face is fleshy in all six of the mansions of wealth.

Who is doing better?

So, will Jobs survive his battle with his ongoing ill-health? He’s certainly got the determination and drive to do so. Furthermore, his eye spirit is strong, indicating that he is going through his good fortune cycle. However, the facial hair will continue to mean trials and tribulations.

Furthermore, Job’s fa-ling (laugh lines) do not cross the mouth even when he smiles. That means he will have continuing health problems before he turns 60.

To have a good life after 60, one needs deep and long fa-ling, good ear lobes and full eyebrows. Jobs ear lobes are not fleshy and while his eyebrows are strong, notice that they are sparse towards the end.

Hence, healthwise, Jobs may continue to face challenges.

Obviously, as Jobs has been single-handedly responsible for much of Apple’s success, his stepping down or demise will not be good for Apple Inc.

The fact that Apple may face challenges can be seen in Jobs’ sunken eyes (which indicate unhappiness) and bearded chin.

On the other hand, Windows will continue to flourish even without Gates. Gates has been improving with age. Gates face is meatier than Jobs’, which again shows that Gates has better fortune. To have true good fortune, one cannot be too thin.

Of course, good fortune is not just about money, it is also about health and love. So, as a whole, while Jobs may be the more creative entrepreneur and creates waves among techies worldwide, the person blessed with true good fortune – money, health and love – is Gates.

Avatar vs the Messi-ah

27 June 2010 -

It’s a toss between the world’s two top footballers, and Ronaldo nets gold with his longer neck.

SKILLS, jerseys and team spirit aside, the FIFA World Cup 2010 is a decorated rostrum on which stands two men – Argentinian forward Lionel Messi, and Portugal glamour boy Cristiano Ronaldo.

In the epic battle between these two great football talents, who shines brighter?

Show pony Ronaldo is dangerous, controversial and makes your pulse race. He holds the distinction of being the most expensive player in football history after his £80mil (RM400mil) transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.

Messi, Argentina’s Player of the Year, is the real reason many play football. This divine Messi-ah has won nearly every accolade in football except for a World Cup title and has been publicly anointed by coach and football legend Diego Maradona as his successor.

   Brawn, not brains: Cristiano Ronaldo’s short 
   forehead shows that he’s not a thinker.

 

While Ronaldo hasn’t netted an international goal in 16 months (save for the one against North Korea on June 22), the ever-fashionable captain of the Portugese team is still exalted as a menacing force.

How do both players score in terms of style, fortune and character?

Who has better luck?

In face reading, always look at the person’s face qi and eye spirit to determine whether he is having good fortune.

Both Ronaldo and Messi have strong eye spirit, which means they’re currently in good form. Face qi-wise, Messi has a slight advantage, as there is a glow on his countenance.

Messi’s eyes are triangle; strong eye spirit in peepers shaped like that belong to warriors or people who know how to seize the moment.

While Ronaldo’s eye spirit is also sharp, his eyes aren’t triangle. So, in terms of grabbing opportunities, Messi has the edge.

Score: Messi 1, Ronaldo 0

Heart and mind alike: Lionel Messi’s straight eyebrows show that he doesn’t let emotion get in the way.

 

Who will do better this year?

In face reading, we always add one year to a person’s age for the nine months spent in the womb. Ronaldo’s Chinese age would be 26, an age point governed by the left temple, diagonally above the eyebrows. Notice that his hairline sticks out at both the temple points. This spells obstacles this year and the next.

When Ronaldo frowns, he has a line locked between his eyes (age point 28). Combine this with his bulging fortune and virtue palace (area just above the eyebrows) and we can deduce that his career will undergo challenges in the next two years before improving.

Ronaldo’s life palace (the area between the eyes) is sunken, denoting a person who may give up in the face of too many challenges.

Messi’s present Chinese age is 24, a point denoted in his sky horse palace (the two corners of the forehead). That area is high and fleshy, indicating positive luck this year.

Messi’s Position 17 and 18 on the forehead, also known as the “Corner and son of moon” are clearly bulging, representing noble people and helpful mentors. He clearly has a mentor in Maradona.

He also has a spacious life palace and a high nose bridge, indicating a positive outlook on life and a strong sense of determination.

 

The Messi-ah is only ρve-feet-seven, the result of growth hormone deficiency.

There is a Chinese saying that the man who is three feet tall is always more vicious. This means that the shorter man is usually more cunning and has tricks up his sleeves. That is why we see Messi scoring the goals this year.

Score: Messi 1, Ronaldo 0

Style of play

In terms of style, Ronaldo and Messi are as different as day and night.

Ronaldo has a short forehead, indicating one who isn’t much of a thinker. He is better off using his strength and being action-oriented, and certainly delivers on this end.

He also has an M-shaped forehead, which means his play is peppered with ingenious creativity. Whatever he lacks in warfare, he certainly makes up for with exotic play. One can expect lots of flair, intricate movements and sizzling overtures on the pitch. Simplicity isn’t his style.

Ronaldo’s eyebrows are thick, long and arched upwards. These are good features for a sportsman as they indicate fighting spirit and a warrior’s aggression.

Cheeks, also known as the power bones, are an extremely important feature in leaders. Basically, they reveal a person’s ability to maintain good relationships.

Ronaldo’s cheeks are bony and lacking in flesh. As the Portugese captain, he may be less successful in inspiring his teammates.

Messi, on the hand, is quite the opposite. He has an extremely high forehead, small and long eyes, along with a cleft on his chin. Here, you have a skilful player who strategises and thinks.

Messi’s cleft sits on a sharp chin. Normally, people with clefts are considered artists known for their unique styles. Hence, Messi will be remembered by more people in the long run.

Eyes that are small and long belong to planners and tacticians, who have the blueprint of the game in their heads.

As small-eyed people tend not to reveal their thoughts, Messi’s style is much simpler.

 

He’s not interested in putting on a show or dazzling fans with fancy footwork. Quite simply, his goal is to make the impossible possible.

Messi also has straight eyebrows – known as the one-character eyebrow – which means the heart and mind are in accord. He will not allow emotions to get in the way of his goal.

As a team player, he is also better than Ronaldo – note his ears, set close to his head. Ronaldo’s ears jut out and, like his personality, indicate a more showy character who enjoys basking in glory.

So, again, our bets are on Messi.

Score: Messi 1, Ronaldo 0

Wealth and fortune

Influence-wise, Ronaldo’s star power is clear to see. When he smiles, his laughter lines are deep. Why, there appears to be triple laughter lines! He also has lines extending from his children’s palace (the eyebags area), which again denotes a great following and influence.

Messi also has lines extending from the children’s palace, although these aren’t as obvious as Ronaldo’s. Hence, while Messi may be the better player, Ronaldo has better star power, and better earning power. He will continue to captivate and capture the hearts of adoring fans.

Ronaldo’s neck is thick and long. He resembles the main character in the movie Avatar, with his relatively smaller head and thick neck!

The neck is an extremely important feature as it is the heavenly pillar that connects the body to the head.

Ronaldo’s neck indicates great prosperity. In terms of the six mansions of wealth, he fulfils nearly all the criteria, particularly in the Man mansion (mid face). Ronaldo has better jawbones, compared to Messi’s.

This clearly indicates that Ronaldo has greater wealth-generating capacity. The only problem may be his features, which are more yang than yin.

His face is generally not fleshy; it looks like there’s skin wrap aound his bones.

The yang features in a person’s face are the mountains: the nose, chin, cheeks and forehead. Meanwhile, the yin features are the flesh that covers the mountains.

As Ronaldo lacks yin energy, he may face problems in maintaining relationships with team mates, sponsors or partners. This is compounded by his short forehead.

Messi has what is known as the “Shen character” face – one with a narrower forehead and chin. Ronaldo has the “Mu character” face, which is square or round, from the forehead downwards.

Messi has a broad Man mansion; this indicates that wealth during his middle age will be very good. But his chin is sharp; in old age, he might not be able to retain his wealth.

But this doesn’t mean that the Messi-ah will end up a pauper. Note his double chin, which spells insurance. Hence, he will still have a good life when he’s old.

Messi has a bulging wealth palace (the nose) that is supported by his cheeks. His high and broad forehead also denotes a bright footballing career.

His head is bigger than Ronaldo’s. A bigger head equals bigger success, although this may not translate into cash.

Messi also has a less wealthy face, compared to Ronaldo’s. His mouth is smaller and thinner. A big mouth is not a prerequisite for wealth, but it certainly denotes influence and following.

Nowadays, sportsmen need lots of influence to gain sponsorships and represent brands. Messi may be the better player, but his branding capabilities cannot match Ronaldo’s.

Messi does not care what the world thinks, apart from being able to play football. Ronaldo, however, soaks in the fame and enjoys being known as a sex symbol.

We are not saying Messi will not be wealthy – he certainly has the wealth features. However, he may not capitalise on it as much as David Beckham or Ronaldo has, and hence, become less of a global icon.

So fortune-wise, Ronaldo wins hands down.

Score: Ronaldo 1, Messi 0

The total score is 3:1, in Messi’s favour. Does this mean that he is the overall winner?

Not necessarily. Although Messi is the better and more serious player, Ronaldo has the wealth, influence and looks. His indulgent lips are another sign that he gives in to his desires and enjoys life.

In the study of Chinese Metaphysics, the meaning of life is to be happy. In Mian Xiang terms, Ronaldo has the happier face.

Thus, the real winner in the arena of life would be the Portugese pin-up boy!

He will roar again

20 June 2010 -

A Tiger does not lose its stripes; neither does it lose its hunger – for (the) game. The second of a four-part series on face reading. 

Last year was disastrous for Tiger Woods, who saw his world come tumbling down as lurid exposes on his many mistresses made headlines.

In one blow, his brand value diminished, as various sponsors quickly pulled out. Seven months down the road, his Swedish wife Elin Nordegren has begun divorce proceedings.

Sexually incompatible: Tiger Woods’ thick lower lip betrays his virility, while Elin(bottom) Nordegren’s sunken eyes and almost non-existent philtrum denote someone with a low sex drive.

 

On the green, things haven’t been great for the world’s greatest golfter either.

Two weeks ago, Woods tied for 19th placing at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio, the United States, his worst finish since 2002 at the tournament he has won four times.

With these painful lessons, will Woods repent and contain his unbridled ways?

Based on face reading, it would be a no.

From Woods’ face, it is obvious he has great passion for other things apart from golf. This is most clearly seen in his thick lower lip, and further supported by his long, prominent nose, and deep and long philtrum – two features associated with a virile and manly appetite.

He also has an M-shaped forehead. While that normally denotes creativity, it is also an indication of a “kinky” nature.

 

Woods also has a line in his life palace (between the brows). This is known as the needle piercing into the life palace, which typically indicates loneliness in a marriage.

Those with this feature are also master strategists and deep thinkers. Two examples are investment guru Warren Buffett and actor Leonardo DiCaprio. These are the people who bottle up everything inside and do not know how to express it.

They aren’t chatty or open with their feelings and only give information on a need-to-know basis.

Tiger only knew how to express his emotions through golf and sex. Elin, however, could not satiate him; hence, he had to look elsewhere. Perhaps that’s why, despite his golfing success, material wealth and a bevy of beautiful women at his beck and call, Tiger was never truly happy. He was an extremely intense person who was always thinking.

Elin’s face is not that of a person with a high sex drive – look at her sunken eyes and almost non-existent philtrum. Significantly, she does not have peach blossom eyes – which are watery, with a wee bit of fish tails and curve slightly upwards. She is probably contented with bedroom activities once a week, whereas Tiger prefers it every day.

In her role as a wife, Elin is also not supportive of Woods. This is obvious from her nose bridge, which also represents the husband star. Notice that her cheeks face outwards and appear to move away from the nose. Hence, her nose bridge is not supported by her cheeks.

Which means she did not add value to her spouse. We are not saying Elin is a terrible wife or mother.

On the contrary, she was happy to let Woods call the shots, while she stayed in the shadows and play the role of a submissive wife and loving mother.

However, the Tiger is used to the constant highs and euphoria of winning and needs a passionate partner who will do more than fulfil her basic duties.

They always say that behind every successful man is a successful women. Again, this is not evident in Elin’s cheeks. Her nose bridge is also low and does not look prominent when measured against her entire face.

We usually assume that very wealthy women would have long, elegant and bulbous noses. In this case, it probably means that despite being super rich, Elin has never fully enjoyed her husband’s prosperity. She would rather lead a normal life, and have a hands-on approach in bringing up her cubs.

While she is the sort of person who is very in need of love, Elin knows only too well that a tiger never loses its stripes. That is probably why she’s serious about going through the divorce.

Look at her strong and angular jaw: she wants revenge, she wants to get even. She is devastated, but she’s not the sort of woman to opt for a marriage of convenience.

Evidence of this lies in her long eyebrows, protruding chin and thick upper lip. Elin may take longer to come to a conclusion, but once she does, she’s resolute in her decision. However, this does not mean that she will be happier.

While she will probably win a divorce settlement from Woods, the amount is unlikely to be as much as she wishes.

To see how rich a person is, we always look at the six mansions of wealth. Elin’s cheeks (the man mansion) are fleshy, indicating wealth from her husband.

However, her heavan mansion (forehead) and man mansion (chin) aren’t bulging. Her chin area, especially, is sunken. Yes, she will have money, and her old age will be taken care of, but good fortune is not just about material wealth.

Elin wants love. Although she’ll get the money, she will not win because she does not get the man.

She clearly did not inspire Woods to become the best golfer in the world. That drive came from himself and his discipline.

Look at the thickness and width of his eyebrows. They indicate guts, focus and perseverance – important qualities in a sportsman.

His high nose bridge, and high and wide forehead denote, passion, determination and opportunity.

Woods is still as focused on, and hungry about regaining, his game. His high forehead indicates one who is constantly innovating and strategising on how to improve his stroke and ultimately be the best in the game. It won’t be long before sponsors come knocking on his door again.

While his professional life is currently not at its peak, this does not mean that Tiger-mania iswaning.

Sure, Wood’s eye spirit is weak now. But his gaze remains steady. He has always had immense concentration – as can be seen from his strong stare. In face reading, this is called the Tiger eyes.

The pro golfer is 34, an age point that is located in the eyes, further reinforcing romantic and relationship problems.

By 40, when the age point moves to the nose, these issues will completely disappear. Once Wood’s eye spirit strengthens, we can start betting on his comeback.