Mind of an MILF

Investment Outlook 2015 : taking a second look to what we own

2015-06-09T15:46:00.004+08:00

As my usual habit, I attended HSBC's investment outlook series held at Makati Shangrila Hotel last Monday. The salad with duck strips was fantastic. The greens were of the bitter variety. The main course was salmon teriyaki with potato risotto. Salmon was superb! I skipped the dessert, as usual. But they served some sort of raspberry chocolate mouse. As I was extra hungry that day, I got two bread rolls as well with generous servings of butter.

I usually enjoy HSBC's road show. They invite distinguished speakers who gives its audience lots of data analysis and investment themes. But this particular talk was a real downer. One speaker had an accident which left us with only two speakers. And one of those speakers simply gave us Portfolio Strategy 101. Too bad I didn't get his name. I should have. He talked as if we were a bunch of nincompoops who never heard of diversification, correlation, hedge funds. Based on the questions thrown at him, majority of the audience were informed educated investors. In all the years I have attended their talk, the questions were as interesting as the speakers' analysis.

Investment Themes:

1. Asian credit growth rates would continue to slow down.

2. US Fed is reducing its holding duration. They are selling their 10 year bonds. US rates are creeping up especially at the long end of the curve.

3. US domestic recovery still faces debt headwind.

4. Despite the Chinese bull run, Chinese fundamentals have not really significantly improved. Although investment in Chinese stocks seems like a no-brainer these days, we have to tread slowly and invest only in fundamentally sound chinese companies.

5. US dollar would decline. Historically, US Dollar weakens after a rate hike. I know it doesn't make sense. But this happens consistently, maybe because the US dollar is actually an expensive currency, just like the Swiss francs. And they are dropping hints they would increase interest rate , probably would happen around September of this year, It might also be a good idea to invest in Gold. Historically, Gold improves when US Dollar declines.

6. HSBC is underweight on fixed income. However on a personal note, I would think HSBC's outlook on fixed income is more towards the developed countries. I don't think our fixed income market in the Philippines would decline that much.

7. HSBC is going neutral these days with the Chinese market. I think they are merely being prudent on this. I still see some action for the chinese market for the rest of the year. But let's pick those stocks that are fundamentally sound. I, for one, believe HSI 's real value would be around the 29000 level. So there's still room for growth.

8. HSBC is going overweight on hedge funds. We may all be afraid of the word hedge funds that is also synonymous to illiquid, long term, high entry, discretionary funds. But there are funds out there these days that are very liquid and fully disclosed the invested assets. One good thing about hedge funds is that it invests across various asset classes that would provide us that much needed diversification in our portfolio. My account office offered me one hedge fund that is liquid (I can withdraw it anytime), has low investment capital, offers full disclosure and manageable volatility (4%). Problem is its return is just around 7% p.a..

Getting to Know Our Elephants at Patara Farm

2015-04-10T03:31:00.000+08:00

Holy Week is around the corner and I crave for an outbound trip that would bring hope into my heart once again.

For a few months now, I have been experiencing frustration and hopelessness at mankind in general. Im surrounded by people who smiles at me on a daily basis and swears their support while meeting my nemesis by nightfall to plan how to destroy me. Im overwhelmed at the magnitude of their hatred. They do not understand that being fair does not mean giving everybody the same salary. Being fair means giving what one is due.

I simply need this vacation to restore my faith and to give my heart a rest. After much googling, I finally found the answer to my prayer. In Patara Farm, I would have a chance to experience being an elephant owner for a day. This isn't simply about riding the elephant. It is about taking care of a particular elephant for the whole day, ensuring your elephant's health, cleaning them up, feeding them and walking with them. It sounded simple and yet I sensed I would never be the same after this experience.

I flew to Chiangmai, Thailand and stayed at a boutique resort, Imagine Resort. I balked at the name, but I was in this mood for reckless behaviour. So even when there's a popular chain of hotels in this town (Shangrila), I chose to stay at a resort that would put me in a middle of a rice field , away from it all.

And indeed, I was really staying in a middle of a rice field, with the frogs and the birds and everything in between. This resort has only 5 villas. Amenities are few: a salt water swimming pool, a large garden with lake, WIFI in every corner and an adequate breakfast. The owner, AP, is an energetic friendly young man who got his degree in New York and worked in hotel chains for some time. Don't be surprise to witness how he single-handedly manage the whole resort by being the driver, concierge, cook, waiter and guest relations officer. The only thing he didn't do is clean our rooms. But I find myself talking to him at length in more than one occasion, as he proves to be an intelligent and perceptive young man who has strong points of view on politics and economics. Don't you worry about the room, as he designed the room in the modern style and with exquisite taste that would surely get the nod of his most discerning patrons.

On my first day , I simply gathered my supplies and spent time in their local coffee shop chatting with the girls. On the second day, I woke up early to be at Patara Farm at 7 in the morning. There is only a handful of elephants but it was enough to scare me. Their huge HUGE size is really intimidating. And maybe that is why the owners of Patara gave us a chance to simply play with the elephants for an hour or so, just for us to get use to their sizes.

The briefing gave us an overview of what to expect. They stressed that they are not a conservation camp for elephants. They do not solicit funds. They are simply stewards of these elephants. I believe that because the price tag for participating in this activity sure as hell beat any solicitation from any conservation groups. It is also at this time that they let us sign a waiver. In case of death or injury, they are not liable for us. Elephants are still wild animals. They can just drop you from their backs and step on you when they are not in the mood. With my eye shut, I signed those forms.

We were split into groups of 6. My group was asked to climb this hill to meet our elephants. The climb itself is challenging. No ropes, no nothing. You just hope and pray you do not fall and drop dead even before you meet your elephant. It was a steep climb and my calves were screaming , when I caught sight of my elephant.

I was introduced to Meijun immediately. My elephant was 37 years old. I was given this basket of bananas and sugarcane to feed him and to be friendly with him. I was supposed to put my hand inside his mouth but sensing my hesitation, he offered his trunk to me instead. Afterwards, I got a chunk of green blades to make a bouquet and started slapping his back to clean him before bathing him. When he was clean enough , it was time to ride him. But I have the fear of heights, so I chose to just walk beside him. I regretted that decision. I found myself trekking the mountains for miles on end. I slipped many times but nobody helped me. It's a good thing I have those bamboo trees to grab on to when I almost slipped down those steep slopes. There was this very steep drop and I froze. I kept strategizing on my head how to best tackle that drop when I found myself left behind. They all left me. I was on a brink of crying when I suddenly sensed somebody came back for me. It was the baby elephant. He was 4 weeks old and too young to be assigned to anyone. He was simply there to tail his mom and dad. He came back for me! With his strong back as support , I managed to walk down the steep drop. After around 2 hours of trekking, we stayed at this lake with a small waterfall. I got a brush and a basket and started brushing my elephant from head to toe, pouring water all over his body from time to time. After a while, he started splashing me water gathered from his trunk and soon I was wet all over. Yikes! those waters are filled with elephant dung. But what the heck, let's just splash water all around us. In that instant, I was reduced to an 8 year old girl playing with my biggest playmate ever.

I cleaned up by climbing (Again!) some slippery rocks to reach the waterfalls. I washed up there and the heat of the sun dried up my clothes instantly. I got some banana leaves and the locals started slicing some fruits. Lunch was served ala picnic style where 70% of it is fruits. I think I ate 3 dragon fruits. So sweet! I was grouped with the Brits who didn't pay attention to the dragon fruits. Lucky me!

I got some leftover bananas and decided to share it with Meijun. Some other elephants spotted me and started going all over me. They all wanted a piece of the banana. I gave some of them but made sure to leave some for my own elephant. Finally, I spotted him. I gave him my sweet banana to my sweet Meijun. I changed to my clean clothes and we rode back to the camp.

I paid for the day's activity. It was expensive at almost $300 per person. But the fee already includes a CD of photos with you and the elephant. That was enough for me as a souvenir. I left the place with a heavy heart. I sure would miss Meijun.

El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island: A Resort with a Heart

2014-08-26T18:45:00.001+08:00

My elderly aunt came for a visit , and we wanted to treat her to a trip to Amanpulo. Unfortunately, the resort was badly destroyed from a recent typhoon and they were still renovating the place. So rooms were very limited, and they cannot accommodate us. This led us to discover another luxury resort in Bacuit Bay, El Nido- PANGULASIAN ISLAND.

El Nido Resort offers four resorts: Miniloc, Lagen, Apulit and Pangulasian. But among the four resorts, Pangulasian is the most exclusive , the most private and the newest resort.

Going there

Guests would need to avail their accredited charter plane. Plane ride costs 11,800 pesos per adult. Departure time is 7am and 11am. Lounge is comparable to any airline lounges; they offer various drinks and an array of sandwiches, pastries and hot congee. Place is air-conditioned and had TV in every area. Check in procedure was a breeze and every comfort was extended to the guests. Although I have 5 baggages I never felt the stress of carrying any one of them.

Plane ride was equally comfortable. It was a one hour flight. Upon arrival, we were transported via a jeepney to a local lounge area in a "bahay kubo" style in the middle of a field. We were served local delicacies and drinks there as well. After 5 to 10 minutes of wait, we were given a short ride going to the pier. We rode a speedboat from the pier going to the island. Freshly baked biscuits were passed around during the 25-minute ride. So far, so good.

Pangalusian Island

The beach is so beautiful! I was rendered breathless by its beauty! So beautiful. Let the pictures speak for themselves.

Activities

There is a line up of activities in this resort (and I think also in other El Nido Resorts) that are offered for free.

1. Lagoon Tour

This is a two hour activity, for the young and old alike, who has an open mind for a bit of adventure.

A boat will bring the guests to a small lagoon. Upon reaching there, all the guests will be given a kayak to paddle around the small lagoon. It is imperative that ALL use the kayak as there will be places that have small holes to pass through. So you can only see the small lagoon via kayak. If you do not know how to kayak, there are 2 available boatmen who can paddle for you (but then you miss half the fun of getting lost!) The lagoon is around 8 meters deep only, so its pretty safe. Water is very calm, so even my 7 year old can paddle on her own.

After touring the small lagoon, we go back to our boat to go to the big lagoon. Here, we threw all our inhibitions, and just jumped into the very clear water.

2. Island Hopping

This entails going to three islands: Cathedral, a cave and snake island. Cathedral island is just pure sight seeing. The cave is a bit exciting because you get to climb to this little hole (and try to fit all your body parts) and go inside a cave where the bats are. Snake island is nicest because you get to walk to this narrow walkway, surrounded by water. Crabs and fishes are all around you. Very peaceful

3. Snorkeling

This is the most adventurous among all the activities. At 7am, a small speedboat will take you to the middle of sea. Then, you are expected to just jump into the water : with or without a vest. After you jump, the boat leaves you behind. A dumbfounded look just zeroed in on my face: What the *&^%! Where is the boat? Where is he going??? Come back!

Then the guide announces that we are in a shark infested area. The rest is up to your imagination.

4. Hiking/Trekking

At 5:30am , we climbed in this small hill. My elderly aunt regretted joining , even if she did not say it. The walk is steep, it would definitely kill the calories residing in your thighs. It was a 1 hour trek, but the view is amazing. Simply amazing!

5. Other water activities

Kayaking is for free! So I make sure to do this as often as I can.

Dining

Food is great in this place. Kudos to the chef, especially the pastry chef. All their biscuits , breads and cakes are freshly baked. I have to especially mention their CARROT CAKE. They give it for free and its so addicting. Pangalusian Pizza is also uniquely offered in this place, it has vigan longganisa, mango bits, tomato, kesong puti, arugula. The grilled red snapper fillet is also very satisfying.

They only have two dining places: the formal one in the main dining, and the one near the pool al fresco style. Average prices per meal would be 500 to 1000 pesos. Fresh fruit juices are 250 pesos each.

Accommodation

I stayed in the beach villa. The place is HUGE! They have a king size bed, a daybed, an extra bed inside the room. The bathroom is so spacious as well, that it can house one long bed. The terrace has 2 daybeds too. It costs 32,500 pesos per night.

VERDICT

I went to El Nido- Pangulasian Island to have a vacation. I left the place leveling up the standards of my vacation. This place is very very serious about maintaining their environment and marine sanctuaries. They do not use plastic bottles, or anything plastic. They provide water bottles for each guest and you have to walk to certain areas to get your water fill. They do not kill animals, even the snakes, sharks, termites. It is a normal occurrence in that place to just walk on a "bayawak". Coral reefs are bountiful and fish varieties are plenty. When you get to the place, they brief you on the animals you will meet in that place and encourage you to inform them. I even had a preying mantis sitting on the lobby while we were checking in.

I like the simplicity of Amanpulo's set up, its convenience in traveling there (no need to ride boats, jeepneys and whatnots), you simply ride the plane and you go straight to the resort. But the Pangulasian Island is a resort with a heart. I left there being more conscious of the marine life and the environment and loving the bio diversity this country has to offer to the world. It is in this place that I fully realize what it meant to be Stewards of Mother Earth.

INVESTMENT OUTLOOK FOR 2014 BY HSBC

2014-01-21T17:53:00.002+08:00

Twice a year, I would attend the luncheon seminar hosted by HSBC at Makati Shangrila Hotel. Although I have switched careers, I still find it enjoyable to attend this function.

This time around, we were served greens for starters and grouper garnished with beets and carrots for main dish. Dessert was warm apple crumble with vanilla ice cream.

"A Good But Not a Vintage Year"

My take home notes for this affair are the following:

1. Consensus expects moderate pick up in GDP Growth. Their biggest bet this year is the Eurozone, followed by US. They aren't as optimistic for EM and Japan this year.

2. There is divergence between US retail sales growth and imports from EM Asia. Why? Common answers would be that US is merely using old inventory, but the more likely culprit would be the cheap labor of their European neighbors.

3. China growth rebounding based on infrastructure growth, rising property prices and strong credit growth.

4. Some country calls: US - Neutral
Europe - Overweight
Japan - Underweight
Asia ex-Japan - Neutral

5. For 2014, bet is on the developed world, with Europe outshining the US. They expect Europe to outperform global equities and deliver double-digit returns. Also, Europe's valuations are attractive compared to US. ECB is in easing mode and there are no signs of overconfidence among investors.

6. For developed market equities , AVOID Japan, Europe Cement, Europe Food Retailers, and Europe Healthcare. Why? Japan PM Abe's 3rd policy "arrow" to revive economy will be difficult to implement. Cement markets oversupplied (capacity utilization is just 70%) . Retailers continue to expand despite the demand going flat.

7. For developed market equities, GO FOR European banks, European real estate, global materials, disruptive technology (like Apple some years ago)

8. For Asian Equities, they expect only single-digit percentage gains as their ROE is under pressure. Having underperformed in 2013, Asia is likely to play catch up in 2014. Bets for Asian Equities is KOREA AND TAIWAN. They are the proxy for mainland economic growth. As China's economy stabilizes, North Asia is to benefit the most. AVOID India, Hong Kong and Asia Shipping. Why? India continues to wrestle with high inflation as its economy slows. Hong Kong is vulnerable to any rise in US interest rates due to the HKD peg, especially the real estate sector. Overcapacity of asia shipping coupled with weaker demand.

9. For EM/LATAM Equities, Go For Mining, LATAM Oil and Gas, Mexico. AVOID Russia Oil Gas, South Africa and Brazil. Russian tax system is getting so complex. South African retailers face serious problems in managing credit risk. Brazil is facing some tail risks. Aside from the World Cup football event that benefitted some retailers, their education sector faces major challenges due to the peak in enrollments.

10. For BONDS, AVOID India, Brazil and Turkey. GO FOR Korea, Singapore, Europe and Philippines.

11. For FX, GO FOR US$, CNY, KRW, TWD and NOK. AVOID INR , GOLD, GBP, AUD, IDR.

12. Gold is unlikely to do well as US FED tapers Quantitative Easing.

Battling the Big Scary C

2013-08-30T11:57:00.000+08:00

I had breakfast with my sister at UCC in Corinthian Hills. I ordered my usual fare of tinapa with scrambled egg with salted egg and brewed coffee. She had corned beef hash - half serving only as her usual. We talked about the business, the kids and our parents. I told her about my recent Singapore trip and that she should try the Thunder Tea Rice. She discussed her planned trip with friends to Iceland in October. Afterwards, I drove her to her new home in Greenmeadows. I like the ambiance of this subdivision. It does not have that intimidating feel of Corinthians. It is quiet, peaceful and I heard their swimming pool is even salted for health reasons. Her house adopted the swedish design. Very low-key. Lots of spaces. Modern and yet with a classic feel. All functional. We hung out at her kitchen. I took some bananas while she juiced some vegetables for herself. She was preparing her lunch. We continued talking about casual stuff - her friends, my friends, their lives. Soon, we had to go to office. We said our goodbyes. I headed back to my car. But as I drive towards Edsa heading to my office, tears started falling

My sister is going to Australia in a few days time to have biopsy and lumpectomy. She had cysts on her breasts. After many clinical tests, they came out inconclusive. They only use fine needle here in the Philippines so tests can come out false negative. It means it can come out negative but its actually positive. Dr. Samuel Ang does a lot of back jobs, probably because he is old na. So she is flying to Australia since her bestfriend has a house there and a team of doctors to accommodate her. After the biopsy, she can get the result in 48 hours. By September 4, we would know if she has breast cancer.

In the meantime, en route to Australia she is passing by HongKong. I asked why. She said she wants to eat good ramen before facing her ordeal. Funny funny girl! This is the same girl who competed in the volleyball intramurals in high school when she had German Measles!!!!

But whether or not her result comes out positive or negative, I plan to spend more time with her, even if I have to brave the pasig traffic. I would also try to save money again so we can go to Europe once more. We have always planned on going to South of France. But I avoid her like the plague. Her idea of a 3 star tourist class hotel is one that includes the Louis Vuitton list of boutique hotels. But she has always been charming and able to make me part with my money easily. But money only offers us comfort. It can never replace the good memories we can do with it.

Why It Hurts To Pay Our Taxes

2013-04-03T12:09:00.001+08:00

When the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) invited President Benigno S. Aquino III to grace the opening ceremony of its 29th Biennial Convention, little did its members expect that his speech would be a reminder to pay taxes.

President Aquino started his speech with praise for outgoing president FFCCCII President Tan Ching and delighted his audience with some Chinese phrases. Nice warm-up. Then he warned that he was going to speak on a sensitive topic. Proceeding thus, he cited statistics that Filipino-Chinese businessmen were lacking in the fulfillment of civic duties by evading or underpaying taxes due the government. He also gently reminded them that BIR Chief Kim Henares is very much on the job. That after April 15, she will start hounding tax evaders.

I cannot speak for the Filipino-Chinese business community. Nor am I in any way condoning or rationalizing the non-payment or underpayment of taxes. But the truth is, I think the willingness to pay taxes is influenced by the extent to which we see how our taxes are spent. And I suspect that quite a few other Filipinos think so too.

Civic servants, notably our rank-and-file public school teachers, policemen, soldiers and other public employees, continue to receive a pittance even while they perform duties vital to the state. They frequently have to supplement their meager incomes in order to make ends meet.

Some public schools lack classrooms, which forces classes to be held elsewhere or on staggered schedules. And we wonder why the quality of our education is falling apart.

Go down to public hospitals like PGH, and you will see thousands of our countrymen desperately seeking medical care which they cannot afford, serviced by limited facilities and resources.

Look at housing conditions which average-income families must contend with, and you are reminded that there is a great lack of decent dwellings, which of course many cannot afford.

As for the paucity of infrastructure, the agony of the rush-hour commute for hundreds of thousands of Metro Manila residents on EDSA and other main thoroughfares is only one facet of this sad reality.

Poverty remains a way of life among the majority of our countrymen. Often, you only have to walk on a downtown sidewalk to see it for yourself.

Yet from the taxes we pay, we know so much is wasted. For instance, public money in the form of Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) and Countryside Development Funds (CDF) continues to be allocated to legislators, Php 200 million per senator and Php 70 million per congressman. In 2012 these funds totaled over Php 24 billion, a hefty increase from Php 6.9 billion in 2010. Planned allocations for 2013 will balloon further to Php 30 billion. We are told that to ensure the lawmakers do not have total control of these funds, the executive agencies implement the bidding out of projects. But there is difficulty verifying the authenticity of beneficiaries of the pork barrel. One example: the COA’s recent findings that the allocation of P206 million from the pork barrel funds of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and former Buhay party list Representative Rene Velarde benefited a fake non-government organization through the Department of Agriculture. When questioned by the media, the senators criticized the timing of the report, or feigned innocence and outrage. So where is the accountability in all this?

Like so many other citizens, I oppose the existence of the pork barrel because, apart from opportunities for malfeasance, it promotes political patronage which hinders true political reform. I am hardly the first to have made such an observation, but the pork barrel is perhaps the most blatant example of how tax revenue should not be spent. Our lawmakers defend the pork barrel because they say it benefits the poor. In effect, the pork barrel provides dole-outs, some of which may reach the poorest of the poor. But obviously, it creates a cycle of dependency. The poor go to politicians so that some of their basic needs at least may be served. They say that poverty demands the continued existence of the pork barrel. But wouldn’t it be more forward-looking if the President used the money directly for initiatives to drive economic development, such as putting more resources into education and ensuring a healthy business climate to provide more jobs for people? That direction would be more fitting for the son of the two most prominent political icons of our society. Instead, he substantially increased the pork barrel which, like it or not, offers cause for corruption and the perpetuation of political patronage.

Although the government has the mandate and responsibility to ensure proper collection of taxes, taxpayers should have every right to a meaningful accounting of how their money is spent. Addressing poverty alleviation and the reduction of socio-economic inequality are a fundamental challenge that have stared Filipinos in the face for the longest time. The public sector with its powers is necessarily the best driver of social, political and economic change, particularly because it controls policymaking as well as the single biggest collection of resources in the country.

So a fundamental change should not only be the significant improvement of revenue collection. Just as importantly - and this is hardly a novel thought – perhaps it’s high time we revisit the idea of overhauling the system by which government allocates and spends revenue. But it is a relevant thought, if we are to be reminded to pay taxes and to pay them correctly, as Pres. Aquino did at the FFCCCII.

The more responsible spending of public revenue by all branches and sectors of government calls for strong political will on the part of our president, who is known for his rallying cry of “matuwid na daan.” The appropriate payment of taxes, and not only by certain segments of the business community, must come with the public sector spending tax revenue efficiently and with greater transparency. If such a balance were to be achieved, it would be one of our most important political and institutional reforms. Maybe then Juan de la Cruz might start to feel the benefits of the growth in GDP that our government is so proud of.

The Forbidden Rice

2013-02-23T23:13:00.002+08:00

I have always been an avid eater. And like most Filipinos, I love my rice.

Two years ago, I was seated beside the owner of Dona Maria on a flight to China. We became fast friends. Since then, I started eating Dona Maria rice. When I needed to watch my weight, I switched to brown rice, and I still bought the Dona Maria brand.

But one time, I needed to bring rice on a beach trip. I fancied bringing one that is resealable for easy storage. The brand was japanese, but its brown rice. When I started cooking that rice in a swampy place beside the beach, the smell was so fragrant that it got the attention of everyone. It was so soft and fluffy. So it's no surprise that everyone had second helpings.. and third helpings.

When I came back to Manila and started eating Dona Maria rice again, I was not satisfied. Suddenly Dona Maria's Jasponica Brown rice seemed bland and odorless , the usual expectation in any brown rice. I panicked because my brown rice is about to get depleted. I needed to buy something. Anything!

My eyes chanced upon this small package. Black rice? What is that? But I remember that when I visited Korea, all the restaurants offered this same black rice. Should I try it? Well... fine, I'll try it. And to play it safe, I'd buy one of those nice japanese short grain rice, and cook the black and white rice together.

I used the black-white rice and wrapped them inside a seaweed, rolled it and popped them in my mouth. YUM! DELICIOUS!!! The taste is quite addictive.

It says in the package that it is better than white rice, brown rice or red rice.

To learn more about what I'm eating, I googled this black rice and found this literature on it. Read on.

"Highly treasured in ancient China, Black Rice was reserved exclusively for emperors and nobility as it was believed to ensure their good health and a long life. It became known as the “forbidden rice” as every grain was commandeered for royalty and all others were banned from eating it. Fortunately today it is available for everyone to enjoy the magnificent colour, taste and texture of this gourmet rice.

A brilliant deep purple colour when cooked, Black Rice provides a beautiful contrast in meals and is an impressive addition to any dish. It has a delicious rich nutty taste and a chewy texture that suits a wide range of cuisines and dishes from a delicate pilaf to a summer salad or simply steamed on its own.
Black Rice is a wholegrain and has been referred to as a “super food”. It contains essential vitamins and minerals including Niacin, Thiamin and Magnesium as well as being a source of dietary fibre. Its delightful dark purple colour is due to natural anthocyanin which also gives blueberries and blackberries their dark colour.

Contains essential vitamins and minerals
Wholegrain and source of dietary fibre
Brilliant dark colour with rich nutty taste
Gluten and cholesterol free
Low in fat, sugar and salt "

Investment Outlook for 2013 by HSBC

2013-01-10T00:33:00.000+08:00

Once again, I was invited by HSBC for their bi-annual presentation of investment outlook. Lunch served was better than before. They served forest treasure parmesan with pear salad and berry compote, Cod fish fillet wrapped in parma ham with pumpkin risotto and warm bread pudding for dessert.

I always look forward to attending their luncheon because I enjoy listening to Arjuna Mahendran, head of Investment Strategy. He speaks eloquently and concisely. His every sentence is filled with insights into the market and strategies. But this time around, they got Jose Rasco to give some of his analysis and outlook on the U.S. market.

The following list is not complete but they were the ones that I remembered from the presentation. So I call them my take home points. This is something that is retained in my brain for the rest of the year and serves as a good guide book for me:

1. Three axioms in investing this year:
a) Dont chase growth: Emerging market consumers are fickle. What drives the prices is not growth but liquidity from the quantitative easing of central banks last year. Remember the lesson of Apple, which hit $700 but is now trading at $500 level.

b) Carry on with carry trades: Western central banks will print more money. So continue to borrow low cost money to invest.

c) Invest in emerging market de-coupling through first world first rate companies. BRICs will struggle to cope with inflation. Instead, look at large emerging market companies with long history of stability. These are the companies that will have minimal impact on economic shocks.

2. Inflation: China (and other BRICS) will continue to confront the inflation threat.

3. Income growth: Chinese wages are rising. Southeast asia is blessed with crude oil, minerals and food crops. Luxury goods will continue to feed the growing emerging markets income gap.

4. Debt is doing better than equity. Look at the graph below. The green line is the EM bond index, while the blue line is the MSCI world index.

Midcap seems to be doing better than large caps. The graph below is the comparison of S&P 500 and S&P midcap

5. Infrastructure
Urbanization in China causes them to focus on social infrastructure such as healthcare and pharmaceuticals, much like the U.S. many years ago.

6. Quantitative easing in US will continue until inflation reaches 2.5% and unemployment hits 6% which will not happen in 2013. US employment may be rising but not enough. US economic activity is still below potential and labour market hardly recovered from the last recession. Home sales have been steadily rising but most of it comes from foreign buyers. Home inventories are going down though.

7. Latin America corporate bond market is another viable investment vehicle. Even if you cut their cash in half, these companies will continue to function well, thereby showing us how strong their balance sheets are. In fact, 73% of their papers are investment grade, which makes Latin American debt market a very good option to add to your portfolio.

8. Fearless forecast on the Peso. 39.50 by end of 2013. 39 by end of 2014.

Winter Christmas at Alpensia Ski Resort (in Pyeongchang)

2013-01-01T21:43:00.000+08:00

When my kids ask me for something, I try very hard to deliver. It can sometimes become difficult when they ask for something that involves a lot of cash. I'm financially limited. But I have a very positive mind. I always believe that the world is for everyone, and we only have to be creative to achieve what we want. In this case, my kids want to experience a white christmas.

The immediate choice was Korea. We have only a handful of countries in Asia with a white christmas. I prefer Japan but I know everything there is costly, so I settled for Korea. The harder part to decide is on which ski resort I will go to. There are approximately 17 ski resorts in South Korea. But since I'm bringing toddlers, my criteria are quite different from the usual tourists.

Criteria:
1. Slopes should be very very near the hotel. I don't want to walk far just to enjoy the slopes.
2. The resort shouldn't have any dormitories so that the slopes wouldn't be filled with students and backpackers. Accidents are more likely to happen when there are too many people in the resort.
3. Hotel should be at least 4 star. I know I'm on budget, but I'm also on vacation... with kids!
4. The resort should have affordable eateries nearby.
5. My hotel room should have the view of the slopes. If I'm going on a winter vacation, I want to be reminded of that for 24 hours.
6. I was hoping for a hotel accommodation at the $200 range per day.
7. Wifi available.

View from our balcony

After researching on the ski resorts in South Korea, I finally decided on Alpensia. This ski resort offers only three hotels: Intercontinental, Holiday Inn Resorts and Holiday Inn Suites. Intercontinental is out of the question because its standard room is pegged at $500 per night. Ouch! Holiday Inn Resorts costs $220 per night and Holiday Inn Suites offers $180 per night. My first choice was Holiday Inn Suites but I realized that it only offers smoking rooms. So, I finally settled with Holiday Inn Resorts.

This resort is accessible from Seoul and from the airport. You only need to go to Gate #9C in Incheon Airport. They shuttle guests straight to the resort twice daily: 9:30 and 16:30. Cost is 26,000 won for adults and kids get 50% off. Travel time is 3.5 hours.

Our room at Holiday Inn Resorts

The bus dropped us in the welcome center of Holiday Inn. I have to walk for 5 minutes to go to my hotel. But it was just fine. Upon entering the lobby, we were greeted by smiling, pretty receptionist. I quickly showed my booking confirmation. I merely booked a standard room since it's the only one I can afford. But my kids were sticking on me like glue. So the receptionist asked how many kids I brought along. I said TWO. She said, "Well you are not going to be comfortable in this standard room." I replied, "It's ok. I got a king-sized bed. That is just fine.". She remarked "WHy don't I just give you this nicer room. It has a kids' nook that provides bunker bed for kids, and a king size bed for you and your husband. " Of course, I knew about that type of room. I just didn't book it because it cost a lot lot more. When I didn't say anything, she was sensitive enough to understand my plight. She quickly said "The upgrade is free of charge. Don't worry about it. I'll arrange everything." . My! She isn't just pretty, she is ultra-nice too! I quipped, "How can I say NO to that kind of offer? Thanks very much! "

When we entered the room, it was really really nice! I super love the kids' nook. They decorated it for kids and it even has its own heater. They have their own writing desk and a bug light. Nice!

The room is cozy and it has a balcony overlooking the beautiful slopes of the resort. Five Thumbs Up!

Playground in Alpensia Pyeongchang

Alpensia Ski Resort is like a town. It has a number of convenience stores, a lot of restaurants that provide different cuisine. There is Lotteria, their own version of McDonald's, and Angel in us coffee shop, just like our Starbucks. They have a cafeteria inside the Ski House which is located just beside our hotel. They have a number of fine dining too. There's Ocean 700 , their indoor water park which I think would be great for the summer. They have playground with swings and slides. They have the Eco-Learning Center to educate our kids to love nature. If your kids do not know how to ski, they offer tutorial. It's just a bit pricey if you are not in a group. 220,000 won for two kids. So in my case, I preferred my kids to stay ignorant on skiing ---- for now. I promised them they can learn to ski on our next visit. For the adults, they have golf course, skiing and snow boarding. They have alpine coaster that looks like fun, but I never got the chance to try it. What we did for two full days was to snow sled. The kids simply loved their snow sledding park. It has a downhill distance of 130 meters, with a width of 52 meters. It can take around 8 sledders all at the same time. And your kids do not need to walk up the hill , just to snow sled down again. They have a moving walker especially for snow sledders. 3 hours of non stop sledding would cost 15,000 won.

We only spent four days in this resort and we headed back to Seoul. When I was planning this trip, many warned me that I was allotting too many days in one place. Glad I didn't heed their warning. It was with a heavy heart that I left this wonderful resort. My younger child even shed some tears as our bus was leaving the place. I was only able to appease her when I promise her we would come back to Alpensia. And we would. We surely would.

Gastronomic Delights in Hong Kong

2012-11-20T00:17:00.001+08:00

I spent last weekend in hong kong with my sister and mother. They invited me for some quick bonding time and I took this chance to do some shopping and to dine at good restaurants. But this time around, I want to sample dishes that won't just satisfy me, I want dishes that would delight me.

Let me share to you my list.

Hutong

Cuisine: Beijing

Location: 28th Floor, 1 Peking Road

Prices: approximately HK$500 - 800 per person

Attire: Cocktail dresses

Let me start by saying , if you want to impress your date, bring her to Hutong. Upon entering this place, you will be greeted by dark interiors that are only lit by red lanterns. Wooden furnitures speak of old China and even the bathroom was not spared to transport us all back to ancient China (Imagine having no doorknobs to lock the bathroom door and no modern faucet to wash your hands). The architecture of the place is very dramatic. It's basically a dark place and the only lights are coming from the city's night lights visible in the large glass windows all around the place, punctuated with romantic red lights from the paper lanterns hanging above the tables. The

food is no less impressive. They have infused modern twists to the otherwise tried and tested chinese menu. Roasted duck became crispy duck, reminiscent of our famous lechon kawali. Spicy prawns were prawns sauteed in flavorful variety of chili not found in manila. They are not just adventurous with traditional cuisine, they excel on their brave efforts. This is one restaurant where it would be appropriate to steal a sweet kiss from your date without feeling shy about it. The place just demands it. So, if you want to seal the deal, prepare to spend a few more bucks than usual and I can almost guarantee a happy ending.

Oh please, reserve well in advance.

2. NOBU

Cuisine : Japanese

Address: Hotel intercontinental in Salisbury Road

Prices : approximately HK$1000 per person

Attire: Smart Casual

I know the price is gastronomical. But I can also assure you that their food will also bring you to new heights. For Japanese cuisine lovers, this is a "must" place. It is rare for me to find chef who prepares meals that would make me guess to no end what ingredients they used that resulted to such unique and yet exquisite taste. Let me give you an example. I started with Spinach Salad. I expected Spinach and some dressing. What came out was a normal enough looking Spinach salad. But when I took a bite of it, I detected hints of blue cheese (and yet, not exactly blue cheese) and some bits of bacon (this came to me after 72 hours of wondering) that you can hardly guess

because the bacon was broken into very small pieces, similar to the size of rock salts, and was thrown in very sparingly. The rock prawn salad is another must. Most chef just rely on the natural sweetness of prawns. This dish, however, threw in some hints of lemon and some other ingredient that resulted in rock prawn salad that tempts the mouth for more. I embarrassingly got most of it. Good thing I'm just with my family who understands my bouts of gluttony. Gindara is wonderfully done. Lobster tempura was nothing fancy. But their steak made me close my eyes in sweet surrender. Oh man, the steak literally melted in my mouth like freshly churned butter. It transforms any man into a beast whose instincts comes into fore in the face of such goodness.

My choice of beverage is this cocktail drink that mixes champagne with sake. I always like this combination. Too bad, the name escapes me, but it sounded like Saketini.

3. The Press Room

Cuisine: French Brasserie

Address: 108 Hollywood Road

Prices: approximately HK$400

Attire: Casual

This french brasserie was recommended to me by the Hong Kong bankers. This edgy and modern restaurant is the answer to many expats in the area. They serve simple continental fare in a no nonsense comfortable atmosphere. Their edge is that they use the freshest ingredients and offer a wide selection of good wines. I had scallop salad, and was it a yummy treat for me in that busy mid noon. My brother in law had their lobster sandwich before and swears by its goodness. This place is great for lunch with friends or casual dates (unlike here in Manila, where casual dates would mean meeting in starbucks. Casual dates can still be impressive without the intimidating setting. But it does not necessarily mean being cheap.)

4. Cafe Cova

Cuisine: Afternoon Tea

Address: High end malls

Price: HK$150 per person

Attire: Casual

I am not fond of cakes. But I make the exception when I find the time to have an afternoon tea at Cova. After shopping nonstop at the mall, this classy italian place brings refuge to our tired feet. Cake is truly truly wonderful here. My favorite is the Mango Cake , but the Tiramiso cake is not a far second. I never finish a slice of cake in Manila , but I can eat both cakes in one sitting.

5. Butao Ramen - Universal Noodles

Cuisine: Ramen

Address: Lan Kwai Fong, Central

Price: HK$80 per Ramen

Attire: Very very casual

This small and obscure ramen house only has four items in their menu and they are all ramen: classic, spicy, squid-ink, and the other I do not understand. The place is not conducive for eating and pleasant conversation. It is hot and in need for some ventilation. Nevertheless, this unassuming ramen house ALWAYS has long lines outside its place. So, I chose to stand in line as well. The waiter gave everyone a piece of paper. Each diner needs to decide the following: which of the 4 ramen to order, the hardness of the noodle, the type of noodle, the richness of the broth, the spiciness of the broth, the condiments inside the noodles, chinese cabbage or spring onions?, with or without pork, which part of the pork. Each question strives to bring you the most perfect ramen suited to your taste. And boy, did they deliver. Now I fully understand why locals choose to line up early to dine at this ramen house. The noodles itself are yummy. The broth is so flavorful and rich. And do not ever miss ordering the extra egg (even if you are watching your calorie intake) ORDER THE EGG. They marinate the egg in Sake, Miren and some soy sauce, steamed in an already cooked rice (to make sure the steaming of the egg will be very very slow) This results in a very soft, super yummy, major major yummy egg.

This is the best ramen in Hong Kong, and that kind of claim is not to be taken lightly.

** I wanted so much to dine at Tim's Kitchen. I heard high praises about this michelin star restaurant. Unfortunately, I was outvoted. My companions preferred to shop than to eat. Oh well.... this is for my next visit to Hong Kong.

Finding Refuge in Salon de Ning

2012-11-10T18:37:00.003+08:00

One shitty day, I decided to have an afternoon tea at the Pen. I was hoping the orchestra would play a medley of broadway musicals, but as expected, I was not that lucky. I was not particularly hungry, but if for other girls, they derive satisfaction in retail therapy, mine is dining in swanky places and listening to good music. After munching on mango scones and plain scones with generous serving of clotted cream (that would totally freak out my cardiologist), I was not appeased. The day is still early. It's a little past 5 in the afternoon. I don't want to go home and be in the vicinity of any psychotic homo sapiens.

I have always wanted to try Salon de Ning. Even when it was still being constructed, it looked interesting to me. I was just initially hesitant because the interiors were quite manly and the cigar store located adjacent to it ,only reaffirms my suspicion. But having a shitty day means being braver than usual. So, I went inside and was greeted with interesting artifacts. The interiors were designed with dark wooden panels and dark green wallpapers. Floor was an interesting mix of black and white. Chandeliers have black crystals in it. Humongous candle sticks are everywhere. Leather seats adorned the place. But my personal favorite are the private alcoves located along the sides of the lounge. I chose one of the corner alcoves and stayed there with my friend. Music was interestingly diverse from dark gloomy tones to romantic overtures, to cuban marches to the more popular jazz and pop. But somehow, the diversity is charming; the experimental combination of tones is welcoming to the lounge guests.

For this difficult day, I chose Patron Anejo. With 40% alcohol content, served in small quantities, this premium tequila drink offers its drinkers a unique blend of aged tequilas. In my younger days (and poorer days too) , I frequent Padi's Point and Tia Maria's, and I used to order shots of Jose Cuerva Gold. But now that Im 20 years older, my taste in drink has gone several notches higher. And Patron Anejo is truly the drink to have for tequila shooters like me.

My friend ordered White Turkey, a bourbon drink that has 50.5% alcohol content. Both of us instantly smiled in that very contented way, upon taking our first sip of our chosen beverages. And we laughed because we both realized that what the afternoon tea didn't provide us , was readily indulged by our alcoholic drinks. Misery loves more miserable companions. And this seemed true for both of us on that day. It was our luck that the bar has happy hour at 5:30- 7:30. Yipee!

We saw some friends drinking nearby, had quick chats and went on to enjoy our night. My friend couldn't resist: he had some cigars. I played my carcassonne on my Iphone (nerdy right? but what can I do? I don't smoke). Instead of talking about our day, we almost spent the whole time talking about how interesting Salon de Ning is. It doesn't strive to be intimidating so it is free from being pretentious as most bars in manila are. It is down-to-earth, real and very comfortable. The volume of the music is just right. No trying hard teeners around, only mature, highly individualistic members of our society, and that is what I prefer. The night would have been perfect with a sleepover at one of the rooms above. I still remember how comfortable the beds in Manila Pen are. But no, this is not one of those nights. After two Patron Anejo and double Bailey's Cream, I declined to have any more. I am of this age, when you know when to stop drinking and just enjoy what you had. I have enough alcohol in my blood stream to be smiling throughout my ride home but not too much that I will get a headache the morning after.

Happy birthday to us! And many many thanks for dropping everything to accompany me on this day when there seemed to be no end to my misery. I missed being with my friends in Singapore but who would have thought I found a kindred soul in you as well. And at this late stage of my life , finding a real friend is truly a treasure worth keeping.

Cafe Juanita in Molito Alabang

2012-09-22T00:22:00.003+08:00

Cafe Juanita is nothing new to the Filipinos. They earned raves from their Pasig branch. Their best-sellers like the double cooked adobo has been a staple order from loyal customers.

So it was a pleasant surprise to see Cafe Juanita along Molito near Alabang Town Center in Alabang. Entering their restaurant, this branch instantly became my favorite Cafe Juanita branch. Streaks of sunlight brightened up the beautiful potted plants around the place. They were able to retain that bohemian look that is in every branch of Cafe Juanita. I chose to sit beside a glass wall overlooking a small garden. I haven't ordered but there was already a smile on my face. Isn't it such a joy to be eating a meal in such a welcoming place?

Service is impeccable. Waiters are smiling the whole time and are knowledgeable about the selections in the menu. They even offered to charge my Iphone when I mentioned that my Iphone has no more battery.

For this meal, I ordered Guinataang Gulay, Crispy Pork Binangoonan , Buddha's Pillow and Bagoong Rice Thai Style.

I know I could have taken the photograph of each meal, but I apologize because I was too hungry to do that. So I quickly took a picture of everything and ate to my heart's delight.

I'm not a fan of pork so it is with great trepidation that I did. I was hoping that the pork is fried enough for me to miss smelling the pork fat and the bagoong is good enough to make me swallow the thing. Well.... to say that this meal is good is an understatement. The Crispy Pork Binangoonan is fantastic. They are truly Crispy! And the meat is tender and juicy. The bagoong complements the pork very well. I love this dish!

The guinataang gulay was a surprise as well. I was expecting the usual vegetable fare. But I was glad they paid attention to how the vegetables were cooked. They were crunchy and fresh, obviously they were not overcooked as most chef tend to do. You won't find it hard to let your children eat their vegetables with this meal.

I intentionally ordered a light soup. For me, the best way to gauge a chef's cooking skills is with the simplest meals. So I ordered the Buddha's Pillow that has fried japanese tofu with cilantro and ginger for the broth. The broth is very aromatic and full of flavor. Such a great starter course for this meal.

For the rice, I ordered Bagoong Rice because I miss having the tangy taste of green mango in my rice. This one is nothing out of the ordinary. It was cooked well and I had a great time pairing it with the other dishes.

I had fresh mango juice as my beverage of choice that also serves as my dessert. Sorry guys, I'm not much into dessert. But I was glad to have a fresh mango juice at the table. I'm not a fan of canned goods and powders. I'd rather drink water if that's the case.

I didn't really plan to write another food blog. I wanted to write about Cloud Computing but the beautiful memory of my lunch at Cafe Juanita has been occupying my mind the whole afternoon. I like the food and the ambiance so much that I am seriously considering holding my birthday party in this restaurant.

Magalawa Island Armada Resort: A Taste of the Rustic Life

2012-08-28T22:30:00.000+08:00

There comes a time in your life when you are besieged with a lot of issues and concerns in your life that you feel you are in the brink of insanity. So, instead of getting a rope and putting it around my beautiful fat neck, I just hurriedly called everyone's attention and told them to pack their bags. We are going on a trip. A beach trip. Everyone wanted to go to Boracay. My daughter even suggested Amanpulo. I looked at her and said "Sweetie, mommy is in a crunch. And it isn't ethical to go splurging on a luxurious beach when we are flood victims. I promise a good beach but we need to rough it up. But we will still have fun, because we will be together. "

And boy, did I deliver.

Magalawa Island Armada Resort is a charming off-the-beaten track beach destination in Iba, Zambales. It is a perfect getaway for those who are on budget and who does not mind roughing it up a bit. My SUV was highly tested with the rough roads going to Oslet Fishery. So please, have an SUV with strong previously-checked tires when you choose to go to this island. You need to park your car with Oslet (and pray to the Almighty that your car would be safe) and pay 100 pesos per day for parking fee. Then, a boat would take you to the Magalawa Island. No need to pay the boatman.

I excitedly looked forward to seeing the beach. So far, I was not disappointed. The water is cleaner than most beaches. The sand is fine but a bit yellowish. Expect your feet to get wet upon embarkation so do not wear pants and shoes. Grace Armada, the owner, welcome me with open arms and quickly showed me to my room. The room has 1 double deck and 1 double bed, that can easily fit 6 persons. The toilet can only fit one person. Unfortunately, I went there when there were no electricity to the whole island. This meant the toilet did not flush and there were no water in the bathroom as well. So we needed to get water from outside. That's just fine. This is like gym, carrying weights.

You also have the option to take the kubo with fan, or the tree house (that's what I originally wanted). And if you are really tight on budget, you can bring your own tent and camp it out anywhere in the island, or you can rent tents from Grace. So this place caters to people with different budget constraints.

Grace encourages her visitors to take the package deals, which means that your accommodation would come with full board meals. Do not expect gourmet meals. Just be thankful that they serve meals, like what one would behave as guests in the provinces. Samples of meals: Breakfast - hotdogs, eggs, bistek fish, omelette, rice, and Lunch/Dinner - crabs, prawns, fish, dinuguan, fried chicken, adobo, rice and soup. Beverage is limited to water and soda. Taking the package deals would mean helping the fishermen and the staff in nearby area. And this is important in managing resorts like these to ensure proper community development.

I would just like to make special mention to how I feasted on the biggest, freshest danggit of my existence. Its one of my favorite fish and I was amazed that a danggit can be that big. I thought they come in small packages. The mother of Grace chose the best way to cook it: Inihaw (grilled). Oh my goodness..... I think I went to heaven taking every bite of that danggit. My maids and driver were so nice to me. They intentionally left their portion of danggit (one fish for every person) and they swore they preferred the fried chicken and dinuguan. I urged them to take their portions and not leave it for me just because I am their boss. They smiled coyly at me and said "We live in seaside areas and our husbands are fishermen. We are used to eating fresh fish. It's not special to us , as they are to you."

There are still many areas for improvement in Armada Resort. No wonder a lot of investors are dangling money in front of Grace to sell her resort. But her beach more than compensates her lack of amenities. Her resort faces the South China Sea , and when the waves become too strong, one can opt to stay at the other side of the resort which is usually calmer since there is another island facing it. I also heard from frequent visitors that her corals are worth visiting. They even sometimes set up lunch in the middle of the sea, just so you can see the corals while having your meal. Too bad I went there during the rainy season and I was not able to experience this.

There are a lot of spaces in this island, lots of lush greeneries. The investor in me can already count the loss in profit for letting those spaces go to waste. But I guess that's what makes this island so charming. It is virginal. It looks so untouched by commercialism. Nobody sells anything here. The owner is the manager. And most often than not, my days were spent talking to her or taking afternoon naps in those cute huts by the shore. When the sun is down, it was time to have dinner and then go to sleep.

I can list a lot of complaints in this island, but I choose not to. And that's what I would suggest to any visitor who decides to visit this island. Do not focus on what is not there (and believe me, there are lots of that around) , but open your eyes and your heart to the beauty this place has to offer you. It's so easy to get irritated when we are not connected with our world, but then maybe , just maybe, we need that respite from the fast city life. Our world has become so advanced that our days are filled with watching tv, surfing the net and texting our friends. If you choose to go to this island, be prepared to leave that all behind, get your feet wet, get lulled by the sea breeze, take afternoon naps in the open air, carry water for your bath, have short conversations with the locals and sleep by 8pm. Then maybe, this time, you would have time to bond with your loved ones, in the truest sense of the word. And more importantly, you would have given a bit of time to yourself ---- to your body, to your mind, to your soul. Because seeing such grandeur does not merely feast our eyes, but touches our souls as well. I'm not religious, but when I am amidst God's most beautiful creations, I cannot help but say a prayer of thanksgiving. For one moment, my problems seemed so trivial. How can I think of my earthly concerns when I am in the presence of such splendor.

For bookings, you can call Grace directly at 0920 948 3303.

3D2N (3Days2Night) Complete Package

Option 1 -Fan Kubo Accommodation

Package Fee:

Grp of 2pax = 2,800/pax

Grp of 3-4pax = 2,600/pax

Grp of 5-10pax = 2,400/pax (same rate applies to grp of 11-20pax)

*No CR

Option 2 -Aircon Room Accommodation (OLD)

Package Fee:

Grp of 2 = 3,800/pax

Grp of 3-4pax = 3,300/pax

Grp of 5-10pax = 3,000/pax (same rate applies to grp of 11-20pax)

* With CR

Option 3 -Aircon Room Accommodation (NEW-Sea front view)

Package Fee:

Grp of 2 = 4,000/pax

Grp of 3-4pax = 3,500/pax

Grp of 5,10,15, 20 pax = 3,200/pax

*With CR

Option 4 -Fan Room w/ CR Accommodation(OLD)

Package Fee:

Grp of 2pax = 3,000/pax

Grp of 3-4pax = 2,600/pax

Option 5 -Fan Room w/ CR Accommodation

Package Fee:

Grp of 10-15 = 2,800/pax

Option 6 - ATTIC Fan Room w/ CR Accommodation

Package Fee:

Grp of 8-10 = 3,000/pax

Option 7 - Tent Accommodation

Package Fee:

Grp of 2pax = 2,700/pax

Grp of 3-4pax = 2,500/pax

Grp of 5-10pax = 2,300/pax (same rate applies to grp of 11-20pax)

Option 8 - NON Accommodation (Bring your own Tent)

Package Fee:

Grp of 2pax = 2,500/pax

Grp of 3-4pax = 2,300/pax

Grp of 5-10pax = 2,100/pax (same rate applies to grp of 11-20pax)

Bourne Legacy: Legacy No More?

2012-08-17T22:43:00.001+08:00

You are wasting your time if you intend to watch this movie.

I'm a fan of the Bourne franchise and this movie lacks the compelling plot of the previous Bourne movies. The actors are not at fault here. Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz have great on-screen chemistry. The previous actors reprise their roles and delivered as expected. But I dozed off in the first 20 minutes of the movie. I got fully awake with the killing spree of the doctor that had Rachel Weisz running for her life.

The movie was partially shot in Manila. I was wondering why they just showed the worst of Manila. The two lead actors were supposed to find some place to stay , and they chose to book in a slum area? Unbelievable! Ironically, they were able to afford business class seats on their flight from U.S. to Manila but they cannot even afford to rent a room in a 3 star hotel. Not even our chains of motel were fit to be considered as their hide-out. But at least they showed that our police force seems so efficient and that the police uses a high tech database. HaHaHa! Now, that's unbelievable!

They did not lack in chase scenes. There were lots of them, in fact. But the director seemed to forget that action scenes are merely tools to enhance the story. They are not stories by themselves.

This movie was truly a disappointment. Good thing I have french fries to entertain me. And Edward Norton will always be a welcome addition to any film.

As a friend said "This is the only Bourne movie where Bourne seems to be an afterthought, rather than the star of the movie."

The only excuse for this poor film is if it exists merely to introduce the final Bourne franchise, where Matt Damon joins Jeremy Renner in revealing the whole conspiracy surrounding Treadstone, Larx, and their other black-ops projects. Now, that would be one hell of a movie I would never dream of missing.

Brave: Pixar's latest movie may be a signal for an unwelcome change

2012-08-09T10:16:00.002+08:00

Brave, the latest movie offering from Pixar, failed to endear itself to many journalists and reputable movie reviewers. It is a big letdown to most. We are all used to Pixar's bravery in using unconventional lead characters. If we use this kind of barometer, then we will surely be disappointed.

Instead, I urge you to erase all expectations and prejudices when you watch Brave. Don't think of Disney's influence in the movie. Don't start expecting a movie that is better than Toy Story or The Incredibles. Don't fear the departure of the first director which may leave the movie without a concised thematic point. Then, you have a fair chance of enjoying this movie. And there are many reasons to enjoy this movie. Audience are treated to Scotland's highlands majestic landscapes throughout the movie. Merida's character deviates from the usual Disney princesses. She can actually live without a man in her life and the movie can afford to end without a hint of romantic involvement. Imagine that!

This movie narrates the story of Merida, who is the rebellious daughter of King Fergus and Queen Elinor, leaders of the Scottish Clans. Merida grew up independent, outgoing and great in archery, much to her mom's dismay. But the conflict spiraled when Queen Elinor pushes her daughter to marry one of her 3 suitors. Failing to communicate her wish to remain unmarried, Merida falls trap to getting a dangerous potion from a witch in the woods. It is up to Merida to save her mother to a fate worse than death.

Although I enjoyed every second of the movie, I have to admit that the movie suffers from linearity that is absent from their previous blockbusters. I can't help but share the worry of most Pixar fans that Disney's fingers are dipping into the brave choices of Pixar's unorthodox heroines. One only has to be reminded of the cancellation of Newt, the last two creatures on earth forced to mate to continue their species, to know that we would expect less adventurous animation movie from Pixar from hereon.

Wish List of a Flood Victim

2012-08-08T23:17:00.001+08:00

I am standing guard for the continuing flood that persists in our area. The sky is so dark and I can hear the thunder outside my room. The very dirty flood water continues to rise inside my home. As I write this, I have 3 feet left before I do something drastic to save the people in my house.

At this point, I cannot do anything but look at the sky and will it to turn the weather in my favor. As a parody of my situation, I am writing a wish list of a typical flood victim.

1. Motorized Rubber boat

2. Life Vest

3. Radio-LED Flashlight with cellphone chargers (Kaito Black Voyager )

Along with receiving on AM/FM, shortwave, and weather bands, the Kaito Black Voyager solar/handcrank radio features three lights -- an LED Flashlight, a 5-LED reading lamp, and a flashing SOS emergency light. This handcrank radio also functions as a charging station for your cell phones and MP3 players using a USB charge-out jack. The Kaito Black Voyager features four power sources: (1) a built-in handcrank charging system, (2) adjustable solar panel that collects energy from the sun or natural light, or (3) 2 'AA' batteries, (4) AC adapter (not included)

30 seconds cranking for about 15 minutes radio play

Included 6 cell phone tips to charge most popular models

Built-in speaker and headphone jack including headphones

Built-in rubberized carry strap

Water resistant rubberized body

4. Water Filter/ Purifier

Made of heavy-duty materials, the Pocket features a silver-impregnated ceramic element that's effective against bacteria and protozoa even in extreme conditions. Unlike disposable filters, the ceramic element can be cleaned several times, even in the field. More importantly, the element filters all microorganisms larger than 0.2 microns (0.0002mm), producing clear, drinkable water no matter where in the world you are. The pump also includes an improved, round pump handle for better ergonomics and an outlet hose that attaches to water containers with a single clip.

5. First Aid Kit

6. Emergency Candle and Waterproof Matchsticks

7. Sleeping Bag and Wool Blankets

8. Travellers' Cooker

Sanyo

9. Food and Water

10. House on top of a mountain

A Guide to Hooking Up

2012-08-03T13:54:00.000+08:00

There are days when you want to break free of your world and spend time with a complete stranger. It is not uncommon for a man (or a woman) to wander with the intention of hooking up with someone. Thanks to networking, hooking up is not limited to bars anymore. It can be as easy as going online and connect with someone.

I am a gal who has more male friends than girlfriends. And interesting to note is that my statistics of male friends is skewed towards those who have multiple girlfriends. I wonder what the psychologists would say about that. So this particular article is my attempt to put some perspective on those seeking for a hook up.

It is a misnomer that hooking up is limited to bars or adult sites. The best hook ups happen in the most innocent of places. So, if you are a person who desperately wants to get laid, the first rule is to make sure you get around. Attend that boring seminar talking about growing your personal wealth, go to the public library, attend parties even without a date, watch that football or basketball live, go to concerts and take night classes. Each of this places has its own advantages. Example, watching sports allows anyone to talk with complete strangers without the need to explain why. It is quite common to make comments about the game and people just automatically warm up. School is a great equalizer for many. And a boring seminar is a great ice-breaker.

When you have eyed that girl you want to spend time with tonight, it is a good assumption that other guys have eyed that same girl too. So, we have to differentiate ourselves and make sure we put up a good image enough to make a lasting impression.

Most guys think that only handsome men can make a successful hook up. Not true. It is easier for them to be "considered" but it does not necessarily mean, they get to bring the girl home. Nothing breaks a girl into a sweet smile and an engaging laugh than a guy who is funny. There's a reason why the late Dolphy had numerous girlfriends in his lifetime, and they are truly beautiful women of their time: Pilar Pilapil, Baby Smith, Zsa Zsa Padilla to name a few. And how do you explain why the young Pauleen Luna is so enamored with Vic Sotto. Laughter can warm the heart of women of all ages.

Unfortunately, not all men are gifted with a great sense of humor, then let's hope you are gifted instead with a sharp wit. Brainy men are sexy men. You don't have to recite the whole Gettysburg Address or explain the Theory of Relativity to show you are intelligent. An intelligent man does not need to make the effort because it shows. The only limitation of this particular brand of attraction is that you might just get girls who are intelligent as well. It usually takes a smart woman to realize she is talking to an equally smart man.

If you cannot crack a joke even if your life depends on it, and if you are as average as the next John Doe, then let's hope you are loaded with cash. I do not mean for you to buy your women. Most men find that deplorable. But you can show that you are generous. Offer to pay for dinner (for her group of friends). Invite her to watch this season's musicale. Or take her malling. She'd love you for it! How many guys out there would invite a girl to go malling willingly? None. A guy used to ask me for dates. I don't find him attractive at all so I kept saying no. But he is persistent so I agreed to an innocent lunch. Then he started talking about the price of our meals and how hard up he is. I was polite the entire time I was with him, but I never went out with him again. Having budgets is fine, but to actually discuss it on a first date is not cool. If you are truly financially limited, then invite her to a decent casual restaurant, but do not discuss how difficult it is for you to pay for the meals. It is awkward and downright rude. It is just not done in polite society.

Be a good listener. This is not the time to take every phone call or answer every text messages you get. It is annoying to be with someone who does nothing all evening but be glued to his cellphone. Make eye-contact. Listen to what she is saying (and not saying). Show interest to what is important to her by asking follow-up questions and delving deep into her concerns and issues.

Although you are itching to bed that girl, please refrain from showing it. A girl does not want to know that all these efforts are merely for a quick tumble. Give the girl options. Give her a wide arc. This means show her you are interested in her sexually but if she is not up for it, it's still cool to hang out together.

Be yourself. Don't pretend to be someone you are not. Guys have a tendency to exaggerate their achievement. They praise themselves. How many times did I date in this lifetime, and I can say 90% of the time, guys fluff their feathers. People are not stupid. Some are slower than others, but in the end, you will be found out. I once dated a guy who liked to talk about his past success stories. At first, I was impressed. But after a few hours, I noticed all he talked about were the past. I realized I was actually witnessing a bitter man who lives in the memory of his past success because he cannot face his failure today.

If you are good, if you achieved much, you don't need to advertise it. Because believe it or not, women do research. And they make one hell of a great researcher. There was a time my friends and I were reviewing for CFA at a nearby Starbucks outlet. One cute barista got interested in my sexy friend. At first , he was smiling sweetly at her. Next thing we knew, she was getting free coffee from him. My friend took it all in stride. But my other friend got hold of what's happening and did her research. What she revealed to all of us was amazing! The detail of her investigation was astounding. No wonder Shell and Unilever hired her back when she decided to work in Singapore.

Nokia: Struggling to be Alive

2012-07-31T22:59:00.000+08:00

Nokia's story would have captured the imagination of any Hollywood producer. Here is the protagonist, Nokia, who for years lived in a grand castle, supported by many, questioned by none. Everybody acceded to their leadership in the rich land of mobile phones. But all good stories must come to an end. Apple came and snatched away Nokia's glory in the middle of the night. Nokia was caught off guard , that before it can cry FOUL , its fountain of wealth dried up and one by one, people started migrating to the kingdom ruled by Apple. Nokia, in its last breath, refused to raise the white flag in surrender. Instead, it brought forth its last remaining ammunition to win its people back, the Lumia.

Stock Price of Nokia in 5 years

Let's set things straight. I don't need a crystal ball to declare that Nokia will never dominate the mobile handset industry ever again. That's the sad thing about technology-based companies. You just have to keep getting aggressive, quick to adapt to changes in user behavior, tapping your R&D resources to its fullest, just like Samsung, who seemed relentless in its pursuit of dominance in the smartphone users. It will fight Apple in every nook it can find. Because if you stop, you find yourself eating the dust of your competitors.

But the world is not painted black and white, at least not for this particular industry. Nokia has other alternatives. It painfully dropped its proprietary platform (Smart move!) and adapted Microsoft Windows to help in its difficult transition to smart phones. Given that Windows has a lot of room for improvement, at least Nokia stood like a beacon in the sea of Android devices. But the one serious risk in the horizon is the non-exclusivity of using the Windows platform. Soon enough, Nokia will find itself in a price war among other handset manufacturers using Windows.

One does not need half a brain to second-guess the strategy of Nokia. Launch Lumia to cheaper price, hurting the gross margins in the process but the objective in this case is to gain the critical mass it sorely need at this point. Once the switch has been made, they would hope that the users will get hooked to using Lumia with its windows platform. And mobile users responded to this strategy. Lumia sales reached 4 million units, doubling the first quarter unit sales. And analysts are expecting sales to reach 12 million by year end. We expect their lower-end phones would decline in the succeeding years, switching users to the higher priced Lumia. Gross margin would suffer in the near term until it reaches a sufficient number of users and in a few years time, gross margin would level off to a more comfortable level.

Nokia's stock price in 5 days upon the release of 2nd quarter earnings

Nokia joined Microsoft in their battle against Android and IOS users. It's an uphill battle. And Nokia opened itself to more risks. Without getting the exclusivity from using the Windows platform, Nokia's success would be short-lived. Lumia's success would merely be the first wave of effort in trying to stay alive in this competitive industry. Its success has surely caught the attention of other phone manufacturers, who as we speak, are already planning to snatch a piece of revenue from Nokia. Nokia may just find itself sacrificing its margins now with no bright future to hold.

In this regard, I feel that Nokia's stock price has doubled in uncertainty. Its future is blurry to me. But at least it continues to be alive today. They get to live another day with the launching of Lumia. But they shouldn't rest on their laurels. They have to go back to their desk and think what they need to do to secure their position in this fast-moving mobile phone industry.

So, did I buy Nokia stock? Yes, I did, against the recommendation of all my friends. "Are you nuts?", they said. But what the heck, Im a sucker for those bullied. And Apple and Samsung are bullies. Once Apple launches its new Iphone on September 12 that promises to be very different from the current Iphone lines, its stock price would surely go up. Samsung, on the other hand, seems to have King Midas as their financier. They introduced phones after phones , trying to get all types of users out there who isn't hooked yet with the Iphone.

But Im no saint either. I may well sell my Nokia stocks at the first sign of other phone manufacturers releasing their own Windows-based smart phones, or towards the 4th quarter of this year, if Nokia fails to show any concrete realistic plans in securing their position in the world of the mobile phones.

The Dark Knight Rises Above All Expectations

2012-07-21T00:24:00.001+08:00

Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight Rises, truly rose above the expectation of fans who waited long enough for the finale of this trilogy. Christian Bale continues to play as Batman in this series and we are not disappointed.

Eight years has passed and John Wayne is in recluse. Batman has been blamed for the death of the D.A. Harvey Dent (from the previous franchise). All is well, until a big bulky stronger-than-steel terrorist, Bane, had devious plans for the whole Gotham City. This drove Batman to once again don the cape and mask to save the city he both hates and loves.

This time, The Dark Knight Rises, reflects a gloomier and darker city. The huge figure of Bane with his scary masked face was a worthy opponent to the more menacing Batman. Cat Woman, played perfectly by Anne Hathaway, is a welcome distraction and a great addition to the dark somber mood of the whole movie. Her beautiful upturned face with her spandex suit plus high heeled boots successfully captivates the audience to be glued on the screen. And the machines..... those wonderful toys of Bruce Wayne had my toes curled every time they go on screen. They are so fantastic! Those toys alone are enough to make it worth your while to go to the movie and line up for this final installment of Batman. I have never seen anything like it, I swear! But what makes this movie a brilliant piece is that it bravely dwells on the different psychologies of men: motivational factors that make men do the impossible, the fear of facing death, embracing responsibilities and the balancing act of love for self and love for others.

The movie is almost 3 hours long, but there was never a dull moment. This finale of Christopher Nolan makes one want to beg for more. But there is hope for all of us yet, as Robin is introduced at the conclusion of the movie.

Five stars for this one!

Rule Book for Mistresses

2012-07-16T08:33:00.001+08:00

I'm not even sure why I am writing this. I guess it comes from many many stories that I hear from men who keep mistresses. As a good friend, they feel comfortable listing down their complaints about the wife, about the mistress, over a bottle of Black Label. In due time, I formed my own conclusions regarding this very elusive and enigmatic affairs.

Rule #1 He will never leave his wife. So please, stop wishing and hoping that it will happen. If his wife dies, you also won't wish to be his wife because that means he will get another mistress to replace you. Prince Charles is a rarity and more of an exception than the rule.

Rule #2 You can forget about the special holidays like Christmas day, Valentine's Day and his birthday. Those are reserved for the wife. The mistresses are relegated to the day after those special holidays. Know your place and don't demand for the impossible.

Rule #3 Learn to save. You are priced for what pleasurable diversion you can provide. You are gifted with so many beautiful things ..... while you hold the attention of the man. Accept these gifts with gratitude but don't squander it away. Be wise and save for the day when he would cast you aside.

Rule #4 Don't nag. You are the mistress and not the wife. Let the wife worry about his eating habits and annoying behavior. You are there to provide heavenly pleasure to your man, so stick to the plan.

Rule #5 Read. He may find you very exciting as a sex partner. But that too will get boring. You need to be able to connect him in another way than just the bedroom. Update yourself regularly and he won't just have a relationship with your body, but with your mind as well.

Rule #6 Don't sleep with another man. Boys don't share toys. They hate it. It's a matter of principle. They'd rather get a new mistress than continue sharing a girl with someone else.

Rule #7 Don't create scandals. Mistresses are creatures of the dark. They don't exist in polite society. Stay that way. You would occasionally want to be heard and to be known. You want to be in your partner's side on that important event. But restrain yourself. Have the comfort in knowing you have his nights. Don't ask for the day as well or you might find yourself with having none.

Rule #8 Don't ever ever think you have the upper hand. Because you don't. Don't raise your voice when he fails to show up on your doorstep, or if he forgets your birthday. There are many ways to skin a cat. If he forgets an important date, merely poke on his guilt if you must, but don't scream or get into argument. Focus on the bigger prize: Him. You really don't want to lose him over some dates, right?

Rule #9 Don't patronize what the wife has. Don't go to the same hairdresser of his wife. Stop fixating yourself to the wife. She is not the "evil" one here. Let's not forget you are the one trespassing to a marriage. Keep a low profile. Stay humble. Because once the wife gets wind up on the affair, you are signing your death warrant.

Rule #10 Be creative in bed. Let's use what we learned in MBA: Utilize your competitive advantage. Let's face it, 90% of the reason of your existence is because the wife sucks in bed. This is your battleground. Use it to your advantage.

Rule #11 Men lie. Surprise? They tell you those horror stories about his wife. Take it with a grain of salt. They want to get you in bed, so they need to justify such actions. They promised you they would leave their wives. They won't. They hardly do. The more prominent and rich your boyfriend is, the higher the probability of him not leaving his wife. High society has certain protocols, and this is one of them. Don't believe me? Just look at our line of senators and congressmen. We can safely assume that most men there have mistresses. Count which ones left their wives for their mistresses. The more common story is that the wife leaves the politician-husband. Fact is men value their name in society. They can always get another mistress but they cannot restore their good reputation and the respect of their peers.

Binondo Story #1

2012-07-16T07:10:00.000+08:00

Like the St. Mary Mead of Miss Marple (author: Agatha Christie), Binondo is such a close and small community that everyone just knows everyone's life story. And yet, one would be surprised at the extent of the complexities of human psychology that is displayed in such a small community. I grew up in this place and have been privy to some of the sordid details of their lives. Sometimes, it is a great advantage to be a child, because no one really notices you and yet you notice everyone around you.

My ancestral home is a building with three floors. The third floor is a flat that is available for rent. One day, I was introduced to the new tenant named Carmen. She is so fair and so intelligent. She graduated summa cum laude and was a placer in CPA. She is unmarried and yet I noticed a young Chinese man who visits her place every so often. He is Ping, who lives a few houses from us. He is like a Chinese actor in a Taiwanese soap opera. He is very handsome and charming, the kind of man you dream about. After much coaxing from the elders, I learned that Ping is married and Carmen is his mistress. Carmen and Ping were high school sweethearts, but the mother of Ping refused Carmen as her daughter-in-law, so Ping married the girl of his mother's choice while continuing to have an affair with Carmen.

Carmen loved Ping very much. She acted like his wife and catered to his every whim. But in my young mind, I remember feeling she was way too fixated on her hatred towards the wife, calling her names and cursed her to eternity. I didn't understand why she would hate the wife so much, when in fact, Carmen was the one "stealing" her husband. She tried everything to ensure Ping would love her above his wife , even resorting to black magic.

One day, I noticed Ping didn't visit Carmen for some time. I asked and Carmen said Ping was attending a seminar in HongKong. Coincidence that I have a scheduled vacation in HongKong with my mom as well. And in one of the malls, we bumped into Ping, with his hands around the shoulders of his very pregnant wife. He made a quick chat with my mother while I used that time to observe him. Over dinner, I told my mom "His wife is way way more beautiful than Carmen. And he seemed very much in love with his wife. Did you see how he put his arms around his wife, how possessive it looked? And when his hands were not around his wife's shoulders, its touching her somewhere. Plus, he has a softer look in him whenever it would fall on his wife. I really really think he loves his wife, more than he loves Carmen." Mom quickly hushed me and warned me not to ever ever reveal those observations to anyone , much more to Carmen. So, I kept my silence.

In the years to come, Ping got his wife pregnant five times, and Carmen grew more agitated each time.

Then one day, we heard the news that Ping's wife ran away with another man, taking all the money of the business with her plus her last child. Ping was so devastated that when I saw him, I hardly recognize him anymore. The last child was not his child; it was fathered by her boyfriend. Then it was revealed that all along his wife knew of the presence of Carmen, and how she hated Ping for keeping her even before their marriage began, which led to her plan of revenge towards him. Ping was shocked. Everyone was shocked because the face of the wife is so angelic, so beautiful, one cannot imagine her of any ill-doings.

On the other hand, Carmen was so elated with the news of the wife's departure from their nest. She expected Ping to make her his wife, or at the very least stay with her from now on. But that didn't happen. What happened next was actually the opposite. Ping visited her less and got more women on the side. One night, Carmen even tearfully confessed that sometimes, she felt Ping blamed her for his wife leaving him. Carmen got into depression until she decided to leave our place , and I never saw her again.

I continue to see Ping, but he was a changed man. He got very thin and he is not charming anymore. He hardly acknowledges my presence and he walks down the street with expressionless eyes like he cares nothing of the world now.

I never forgot this tale, because it made me realize something at a young age. Don't run after destiny. Maybe, at the start of Ping's marriage, he truly loved Carmen and meant for them to continue their romantic relationship. Carmen showed much loyalty to Ping by shedding off her dignity and accepted to become his mistress. But people change. He got married to another girl and lived with her. He fathered their children. Circumstances changed and it's easy enough to fall into the routine of husband and wife. At times, one needs to accept the circumstances and move on, and make the best of your own destiny. In my mind, Carmen just gave up too much , merely to hold on to Ping's love. She loved him more than she loved herself. It beholden Ping to reciprocate that love and that is so much pressure to any person. And when that person fails to love you forever, where do you start picking up the pieces.

Hermanos Taco Shop: A Hole-in-the-Wall Mexican Eatery

2012-07-14T21:35:00.000+08:00

You thought you've seen it all eating the burritos of Ristras. You partied away at Chihuahua till the wee hours of the night. But the one that truly offers honest-to-goodness mexican food is this most unassuming place in Granada Street, occupying the humble small space beside Petron Gas Station: Hermanos Taco Shop.

Rolled Tacos (beef, chicken or combo)

I always pass by Granada Street to watch movie in Promenade or to dine at one of the restaurants along Connecticut. I saw the signage of Hermanos Taco Shop, but I never really took it seriously. They seemed to commissioned a grade 8 student to do the signage. There is no ambiance to speak of. The chairs and tables cannot be more ordinary. And cmon, it is situated beside the gas station. How can any food-lover take this eatery seriously?

Cheese Quesadillas

So everyday that I see this taco shop, it didn't give me any pause until a friend mentioned it to me. "You must be pulling my leg!", I replied. But after our conversation, I googled it and a number of bloggers have been taking notice of this mexican restaurant. They hailed it as the most authentic mexican restaurant in Metro Manila. I didn't waste any more time and visited this hole-in-the-wall taco shop.

I ordered their best-seller rolled taco (combo, beef or chicken). It is served with lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. It is cooked to the crisp and you wouldn't feel scrimp on the filling. Dip it in their own salsa, and everything is just perfect.

House Horchata

For beverage, I would urge you to order their very own House Horchata. It is a drink of rice, cinnamon and sugar. And before you count your carbo intake on this drink, give your diet a break. I did. And I don't regret doing so. There are times when you need to let go of rules to experience life. Im not a fan of cinnamon either, but have an open mind and take a sip of this refreshing drink.

KASBAH: An Authentic Moroccan Restaurant in Manila

2012-07-08T18:20:00.001+08:00

Kasbah's front door

I have long been a fan of moroccan dishes. Their blends of spices, herbs, fruits and nuts make their dishes very flavorful and aromatic. They are also a believer of slow-cooking , just like me. So when I heard that a new moroccan restaurant is in town, I've been itching to go. Desperately, in fact.

Kasbah is located at the Fort Strip, in between 5th street and 26th street. The interiors are clearly moroccan from the hanging lamps to the paintings. The soft comfortable cushions and intimate settings spell moroccan to anybody stepping in the restaurant for the first time.

For starters, I ordered Watermelon, Feta and Olive Salad , and Couscous with Chickpea Salad. I know, I'm a glutton. Who orders two starters anyway. Well, I was having a hard time deciding between the two appetizers. And my brain is precious so I merely ordered both and decide which one is better after tasting them. I heard some men do the same thing anyway. :-)

Mixed Grill Kebab

For the main course, I ordered Mixed Grill Kebab and Chicken Tajine. The mixed grill kebab consists of chicken, fish, lamb and prawns kebab. They are really good kebabs, and it comes with a plate of different sauces like yoghurt, mint jelly , etc. It was really a delightful meal in itself. And the one that I really came for is the Tajine. Tajine is a slow-cooked stew of meat braised in low temperature with nuts, lemon, honey, fruits like apples, prunes and pears, various spices and herbs, vegetables and sauces. It is traditionally cooked in a tajine pot with a conical cover and Kasbah serves this dish using the traditional tajine pot. The result is fantastic. Meat is moist, tender and juicy combined with a rich aroma that can delight any food-critic.

Chicken Tajine

Personally, I think the best meat for this dish is lamb. But my companions did not favor the lamb so we chose to have the chicken tajine instead. And I didn't regret with my second choice. My New York-based friend couldn't stop praising the dish. Even after the meal was over, she kept saying how glad she was to have dined at Kasbah.

And if you decide to dine on moroccan dishes, I would recommend taking it all down with their mint tea. The teapot itself is a feast for the eyes and the sweet minty taste of their tea just complements well with their dishes.

Watermelon, Feta Cheese and Olive Salad

As we were concluding the night, my vegetarian friend suddenly said "It would be nice for all of us to go to Morocco one of these days. It would be heaven to eat food like this on a daily basis. " I smiled at her and said "Anytime. I share your sentiment as well." Moroccan dishes felt so boundless. Their dishes reflect the diversity of their cuisine. Their different ingredients show the bountiful resources they have in their land like sheep, fish, poultry and cattle, plus fruits , nuts and spices. And they are not afraid to use them all to produce great dishes.

Couscous with Chickpea

I haven't forgotten the appetizers. The watermelon feta and olive salad is colorful and the sweet juice of watermelon blends well with the creamy saltiness of feta, but its the plain couscous with chickpea which made me want for more. The couscous with chickpea has tinge of lemony taste in it and the couscous is truly tasty without being too overwhelming. You just don't get tired of eating this appetizer.

And this is what a good dining experience should be: a great ambiance, an intimate setting, nothing too formal, and nothing too casual either, great food that doesn't stop in arousing your taste buds but tickles your other senses as well.

My apologies for not indicating the prices of the dishes this time. There are just some days when money do not matter much. But I do remember our total bill reaching 3,500 pesos thereabouts.

Most Erotic Film

2012-07-08T10:18:00.000+08:00

When people asked me what I consider the sexiest film of all times, my answer would be Ang Lee's Lust Caution.

The sex scenes between the newcomer Tang Wei and Tony Leung were so intense and filled with tension that it had me seething through my teeth. It is my moment of "Don't dare talk to me right now. And I won't leave my seat for any other reason that a real wild fire". It is very different from the hollywood type of sexy scenes or the pornography you see in the internet. And these are so publicly available, that the ability of Ang Lee to still put me on the edge of my seat during the entire sex scene just goes to show the genius of Ang Lee.

It is a combination of fear, mystery and thriller that only succeeded in escalating the sexual tension of the scenes between the young naive Wong Chia Chi and the suspicious japanese spy Mr. Yee. In retrospect, this may be the basis of the appeal of BDSM, giving up of control to someone as powerful and masterful as Mr. Yee can be very intoxicating. I was so drawn to the psychological strength of Mr. Yee that I was half imagining the pleasure of being used by him.

The film is set in the picturesque Shanghai during the 1930's when the Japanese has control of China government. Mr. Yee plays the japanese collaborator and Tang Wei plays Wong Chia Chi, a student that was recruited to cast the net around Mr. Yee so they can assassinate him. It's a bold plan and an impossible one. What transpires next was the innocent efforts of the young Wong Chia Chi to entice a worldly man like Mr. Yee. Mr. Yee is not stupid so he took what was offered, quite brutally in fact and left her with not a bid of goodbye. Not to be outwitted, Wong Chia Chi followed him and continued to flirt with her destiny. Soon, even Mr. Yee got entangled to their web of steamy sexual encounters. We catch a glimpse of Mr. Yee's vulnerability when he gifted his young girl with a rare beautiful jewelry. Love is not mentioned but viewers can sense how the cold and strong Mr. Yee is falling for this wisp of a girl. And the girl is not immune too with their frequent encounters and falls hard for Mr. Yee, that in the end cost her life.

Mr. Yee may have lived another day and he even got his expensive jewelry back, but viewers can guess that he is more affected that he cares to admit. And he may not be at the better end of the deal. Afterall, a broken heart is ten times worse than death.

Tony Leung truly delivers in this film. How he was able to project a strong powerful controlled man and yet gradually succumbing to the spell of a young girl gives testament to how great he is as an actor. He is one of the most sensitive actor I've seen on film. His every look draws the audience to second guess what he is conveying. He reveals and yet maintains the mystery of his character.

The press subsequent interviews with Director Ang Lee and their incessant probing on his personal sex life just proves how effective he was in conveying a powerful erotic film. People can't seem to fathom how an ordinary married man like Ang Lee was able to produce a highly arousing film that teases the boundaries of acceptable sex scenes.

I have known people who have watched a hundred porn films and was still moved with this movie. By far, this is the only film that had my dad rushing to Greenhills cinema to catch in the middle of a work day.

Outlook on the Sensex: Is it time to invest now?

2012-07-07T08:49:00.004+08:00

Before I even begin, please let me clarify that Sensex is in no way related to Sex. I also didn't misspell the word Zen Sex. So for those who were expecting a sex article from this particular post, you are now free to move on.

Investing in Indian Stocks is not a popular choice by many, not even to the seasoned traders. This may be due to the wild fluctuations of the index that can rarely be seen in other indices.

But like a hunky man walking down the street, India's stock market index has drawn my attention due to its valuation for some time now. But I am also reluctant to invest in Sensex merely from instinct. Like any disciplined investor, I want to do my due diligence.

Let's look at the historical Sensex from July 2009 to July 2012. and its corresponding PE ratio, PB values and Dividend Yield so we would know when is the right time to enter the index. We do not want to invest in the index when it is overly optimistic and suffer a quick fall afterwards. Investing in the market when the PE ratio is high increases the chances of low returns or negative returns. From the table below, one can see that the PE ratio for the past 3 years has been in the range of 16 to 23, and it is currently at 17. Just like the PE ratio, investing in the index when Price to Book ratio is high increases the chance of low returns. PB ratio of above 4 should be avoided. As for Dividend yield, it is unusual to find a high dividend yield for index, unless the market is severely pessimistic about the market. But normally, an acceptable dividend yield would be between 1.5 to 2.5%.

Month	Open	High	Low	Close	Price/ Earnings	Price/ Bookvalue	Dividend Yield
Jul 09	14,506.43	15,732.81	13,219.99	15,670.31	19.10	3.53	1.32
Aug 09	15,694.78	16,002.46	14,684.45	15,666.64	20.08	3.73	1.24
Sep 09	15,691.27	17,142.52	15,356.72	17,126.84	21.20	3.95	1.17
Oct 09	17,186.20	17,493.17	15,805.20	15,896.28	21.66	4.06	1.14
Nov 09	15,838.63	17,290.48	15,330.56	16,926.22	21.23	3.99	1.15
Dec 09	16,947.46	17,530.94	16,577.78	17,464.81	21.82	4.10	1.12
Jan 10	17,473.45	17,790.33	15,982.08	16,357.96	21.99	4.11	1.10
Feb 10	16,339.32	16,669.25	15,651.99	16,429.55	19.97	3.65	1.18
Mar 10	16,438.45	17,793.01	16,438.45	17,527.77	21.05	3.85	1.12
Apr 10	17,555.04	18,047.86	17,276.80	17,558.71	21.28	3.88	1.10
May 10	17,536.86	17,536.86	15,960.15	16,944.63	19.96	3.56	1.15
Jun 10	16,942.82	17,919.62	16,318.39	17,700.90	20.57	3.34	1.18
Jul 10	17,679.34	18,237.56	17,395.58	17,868.29	21.20	3.40	1.17
Aug 10	17,911.31	18,475.27	17,819.99	17,971.12	21.61	3.45	1.15
Sep 10	18,027.12	20,267.98	18,027.12	20,069.12	22.99	3.66	1.09
Oct 10	20,094.10	20,854.55	19,768.96	20,032.34	23.89	3.82	1.04
Nov 10	20,272.49	21,108.64	18,954.82	19,521.25	23.03	3.71	1.06
Dec 10	19,529.99	20,552.03	19,074.57	20,509.09	22.93	3.73	1.05
Jan 11	20,621.61	20,664.80	18,038.48	18,327.76	22.00	3.62	1.08
Feb 11	18,425.18	18,690.97	17,295.62	17,823.40	19.67	3.40	1.16
Mar 11	17,982.28	19,575.16	17,792.17	19,445.22	20.04	3.46	1.13
Apr 11	19,463.11	19,811.14	18,976.19	19,135.96	21.05	3.65	1.07
May 11	19,224.05	19,253.87	17,786.13	18,503.28	19.59	3.45	1.14
Jun 11	18,527.12	18,873.39	17,314.38	18,845.87	19.37	3.55	1.16
Jul 11	18,974.96	19,131.70	18,131.86	18,197.20	19.60	3.44	1.4

Aug 11	18,352.23	18,440.07	15,765.53	16,676.75	18.36	3.34	1.51
Sep 11	16,963.67	17,211.80	15,801.01	16,453.76	18.35	3.36	1.52
Oct 11	16,255.97	17,908.13	15,745.43	17,705.01	18.20	3.36	1.52
Nov 11	17,540.55	17,702.26	15,478.69	16,123.46	17.61	3.34	1.53
Dec 11	16,555.93	17,003.71	15,135.86	15,454.92	16.92	3.22	1.58
Jan 12	15,534.67	17,258.97	15,358.02	17,193.55	17.09	3.30	1.56
Feb 12	17,179.64	18,523.78	17,061.55	17,752.68	18.32	3.55	1.44
Mar 12	17,714.62	18,040.69	16,920.61	17,404.20	17.85	3.46	1.47
Apr 12	17,429.96	17,664.10	17,010.16	17,318.81	17.63	3.32	1.65
May 12	17,370.93	17,432.33	15,809.71	16,218.53	16.49	3.01	1.80
Jun 12	16,217.48	17,448.48	15,748.98	17,429.98	16.37	3.09	1.76
Jul 12	17,438.68	17,562.89	17,351.50	17,538.67	17.05	3.23	1.69

Although the current P/E ratio , PB values and Dividend Yield of the Sensex seems to indicate that it is attractive to go in, India is facing a rough ride. India's growth slowed to 5.3% in the first 3 months of 2012. The budget deficit is at 5.9%, way above the target 4.6% of GDP. It seems the government is spending money on impoverished rural areas and financing the poor with their basic needs. The problem is they raise the money by turning to foreign investors and stacking them with sky-rocket licensing fees and taxes. Recently, they have legal battle with Vodafone because they want them to pay $3.6B in capital gains taxes stemming from their takeover of Hutchison Whampoa. Vodafone cried foul. Last I heard, the government is reconsidering this case.

And the more important issue is the GAAR ( General Anti Avoidance Rules) that has sent the foreign institutional investors running out of India. Due to its impact to investors' sentiments, the government is deferring the implementation of GAAR. Their very own Chamber of Commerce realizes the effect of GAAR to their economy and is requesting for the postponement of GAAR till 2015. Although GAAR has been postponed, India still needs to do a lot more to bring back the confidence of domestic and overseas equity investors to boost their economy.

The government needs to find better ways to finance their pro-poor projects than merely breaking the backs of foreign investors by imposing high taxes and being creative about their tax schemes. Gone are the days of having the mentality of "You need India, more than India needs you.". On the bright side, the fact that the government is reconsidering the Vodafone case and their willingness to defer the GAAR are signs that the government is being flexible and this may be our window of opportunity to place our bets now, especially with a weakening rupee as an added bonus.