Amanpulo: My Own Piece of Heaven

Just like any typical Filipino, I have my own share of visiting the various beach resorts our beautiful country has to offer.  

But nothing , and absolutely nothing truly beats the experience of being a guest of Amanpulo in Palawan.

Amanpulo has its own charter flights.  Remember the planes of Indiana Jones?  Well... it's something like that.  You would most likely fly with around 10 people and the rest are supplies to be flown to the island.  There is a lounge where you can wait for your plane and it boasts of a good supply of drinks and pica-pica and a very spacious and luxurious bathrooms, with a functional aircon and a relaxing music.

Upon embarking, you will all be warmly greeted by the staff of Amanpulo. And each family will have its own golf cart so you can be mobile while you stay in the island.   But the beauty of it is when you open your room for the first time.  Cold aircon will greet you with the fragrant smell of flowers and relaxing harp music surrounds the room.  By the way, they use BOSE products to play the harp music in your room.  And the bed is soooo BIG.  Since Im big, I really do appreciate a king-sized bed.  The bathroom is also so spacious, compared to the average bathroom in hotels, that my maid can place her bed inside the bathroom and she is still comfortable.  The bathroom has a bathtub and a table at the center to highlight the orchids elegantly displayed.  But what touched me was when they knew I was bringing my kids.  Kids are free of charge so I brought my 2 toddlers with me.  They prepared their arrival.  They put Graco cribs and playpen.  They put lots of coloring books and activity books on the table beside our bed.  There were even balloons for my kids in the bedroom.  And upon our doorstep, there is a stroller waiting for us. Such keen attention to guests who are there for free...  that truly touched me deep down in my heart.  So unexpected!


At the back of our casita are 2 daybeds and a duyan for anyone who wants to rest outside the airconditioned room and enjoy the fresh breeze from the sea,  Then walking for a few more steps, you are already on the beach.  The casitas are actually on the beach already , separated only by shrubs from the sea.  The beach is simply MAGNIFICENT!  Truly, nothing can compare it. Not even the famous Boracay.  The sand is so fine and so white.    And the water is so blue and clear.  Hardly can you see anyone in sight.   Which brings me to my next topic.

Yes, guys and gals, you can have sex on the beach.  You are allowed to have sex on the beach, on the shrubs , in the swimming pool, in the daybeds, under the stars.  The staff at Amanpulo are trained to look the "other way".   Did I ever try it?  Almost.  I started undressing my top , then my bikini, But my partner balked at the idea of being all naked in the very open beach, that he put his penis under the sand and never came out.   And I remember he kept shrieking "Someone might see us! Dress up! Oh no, I think I hear someone coming."  In the end, I gave up and we just played with the baby sharks located at the far end of the beach.  But well.. I didn't put back my top on.  It was just too liberating to be topless at a beach.   Just that my partner was in constant agony that I will be seen by a living person.  Who cares?

If you are lucky, the management of Amanpulo will hold a BBQ dinner buffet to be held at the beach.  This is reminiscent of my days in Hawaii. While the sun is setting , you are lulled by the sea breeze and the sweet music of guitar.  

The library was a haven by itself, especially to a bookworm like me.  They have a good collection of books, DVDs, newspapers and they have a computer with internet connection for anyone to use.

But what makes Amanpulo occupy a special place in my heart is that I have come to depend on it as my go-to place whenever I need some time alone.    When I was still single, our family never fails to go to Amanpulo at least once a year.  It was our time to get away from it all.  When we have personal problems, mom's answer to that is a trip to Amanpulo to give us time to ponder on our doubts and fears.   When I was pounding my head on the numerous formula I have to memorize in preparation for my CFA licensure exams, mom brought me to Amanpulo so I can really concentrate on studying.  And when my sister was about to get married, mom also escaped in Amanpulo to accept that my sister is going to live away from us.  Fact is, my second child learned to first walk in Amanpulo!

Now, it's been 4 years since I stepped on the fine sands of Amanpulo.   I miss that place! I checked out their prices today expecting a lower rate due to the rainy months. They quoted me P 34,990 per night.  Minimum of 2 nights. And if I remember it right, the charter plane is $275 per person.

Ohhhh, Im so tempted.

So, Where Do We Invest Now?

When I woke up this morning, I witnessed the faster-than-gravity falling of the stock markets all over the world.

But while everyone is trying to sell off their stock holdings, I was looking around for bargain hunting.

Top of my list is :

1)  HSBC -  this bank is the number 1 bank in the world during the Lehman crisis that shook the world in 2008.  This is very significant to investors like me.  IT means that this bank has made it well during crisis, it means that they have done due diligence during the good days compared to other global banks. Im buying this at $70.

2) Bank of China -  Bank of china is one of the biggest bank in China. They own majority of the shares of Chiyubank and has performed nicely in the previous years.  Their books look good.  Banks in china are government controlled, and I do believe the China government will not leave this bank in shambles.  Besides, the treasure chest of China is just overflowing.  I may buy this at $3 - $3.10

3)  Odyssey Asia Pacific High Dividend Fund -  Majority of this fund has exposure to Australian stocks and it closely resembles MSCI Asia Pacific ex Japan.  I like this fund because , not only do you gain profit from the blue chip companies of Australia, you also gain from their currency valuation.   I previously bought this at the low of 9.2.  Sold it at 10+.    It went as high as 10.8.    Now, I like to buy more at 9 to 9.3.   There are companies in Asia  that are undervalued and badly influenced by the U.S. Economic crisis.  When the crisis subsides, these companies will be up for grabs again by investors.  Minimum investment is $5000.

4) Pictet Premium Brands -  People will always be greedy.  People will always want to keep up with the Jones'.  So here's a toast to them.  To all the wives who purchased those $10,000 worth of Hermes bag, and to all the men who purchase those $2,000 worth of LV bags for their mistresses, let the insanity of materialism ensnare you to continue filling up the pockets of the investors.  And for us , little investors, let us take the crumbs of profits from the investors by investing in funds with exposure to luxury brands like hermes, LVs, BMW, etc. at Pictet Premium Brands.  Minimum investment is $1000. Let's buy this at 100.

5)  Value Partners High Dividend Stocks Fund - this fund is incorporated in the Cayman Islands and invests primarily in a portfolio of relatively higher yielding debt and equity securities in the Asian region.  This was given a 5 star rating by Morning Star.  Minimum investment is $10,000.  Let's buy this at $50-$52

Elbert's Cheesesteak in Rockwell

Nothing de-stresses me better than a good Philly Cheesesteak, and for this purpose, Elbert's Cheesesteak located at the basement level of Rockwell Mall delivers.

I heard from the grapevine that their rendition of Philly Cheesesteak is superb!  So, one rainy Saturday afternoon, I went to Rockwell, got a seat and ordered their American Cheesesteak. It's 320 pesos and add another 80 pesos for fries and drinks (sola, minute maid or soda).   They have many types of Cheesesteak:  American, Provolone,  Pizza.  They also offer Burgers and Hotdogs. I asked the cashier what is their best-selling item and she said it's American Cheesesteak.  So that's what I ordered.  

I waited for around 10-15 minutes for my order to arrive.  Oh man, when I took my first bite, I had to close my eyes for the sheer pleasure of my palate.  It was served hot and fresh from the grill.   The beef was of good quality, which was a surprise for me.  In this country, Im used to being served with bad quality beef, especially if the beef is intended for just a sandwich.  But that's where Elbert's difference lies.  They use USDA beef, good quality stuff and eating their cheesesteak makes you realize that the price is just worth it.  The cheese just recently melted with the beef from the grill makes an excellent companion to the beef and bread.  They have a generous amount of onions in their cheesesteak which is just perfect for me.  

The fries was also perfection in itself.  I had a hard time deciding which I should put first in my mouth: the fries or my sandwich.  At that time, I wish I had the mouth of cookie monster so I can put it all inside and not miss a second of the pleasure it offers.

Maybe the only downside to eating in this joint is that you are seated at the mall with no privacy to speak of.    People ... no, the better word there is CROWD.  Imagine you are eating this great sandwich while the CROWD of mallers walk in and out, in and out, passing you by, looking at what you are eating, and let's not forget , we have to be double vigilant on those quick fingers.   So that part is a downer for me. 

The next day , I was craving for it again.  But I have to watch my weight now.  So I can just write about it and hopefully derive pleasure from people who can taste the same goodness as I did at Elbert's.