Investment Outlook for 2013 by HSBC

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)

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

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.

1. 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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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.