MANILA, Philippines - For people who shop often, the sound of plastic getting swiped is like the victory dance after a particularly good run. A friend obsessed with purchasing designer bags likens the experience to religious ecstasy. (She is not particularly religious.) Her credit card bill is longer than the bill of rights and is filled with single-name labels (Balenciaga, Chanel, Goyard).
After a particularly large purchase, she’ll brandish the bag proudly, like a trophy, then peruse the bill to deduce the number of points she earned. While she is a spendthrift, she is also savvy.
I’ve seen people go on jaunts to Europe or purchase, of all things, an air-conditioner on points alone. If you can buy Jaspal sheets at Adora on points alone, you’ve earned serious bragging rights. (The king set of bedsheets requires 94,400 points.) Same goes for a Gaggia Baby Dose Red Espresso Machine (105,500 points) or a Panasonic Lumix DMX-LX5 (128,300 points).
On a recent day jaunt with American Express, an appointment-packed day designed to let us experience the life of an American Express Platinum cardmember, we were treated to the works: steak brunch, hair treatment, buffet dinner.
“Platinum Partners establishments all over the country make shopping that much more pleasurable.”
Helmed by BDO, the sole issuer of American Express Credit Cards in the Philippines, the Membership Rewards catalogue (or “Incentivo” as they like to call it) is a thing of awe: serious perks and rewards worth reaping. Platinum Partners establishments all over the country and abroad make shopping that much more pleasurable.
Below, some tips on enjoying life’s rewards.
How to order the perfect steak (and more)
“Always medium rare,” Bistecca manager and owner Joey Esteban declares. “It allows you to really taste the beef.”
“A thick cut of beef allows you to showcase a proper medium rare. In a thinner steak, it can go from medium rare to medium if you allow it to rest too long. In a thicker steak, you can maintain the proper pink a little better,” he adds.
Purists agree that quality meat shouldn’t be well done. Esteban recommends enhancing the steak’s natural taste with flavored oils and salts. At Bistecca, exotic sea salts — like truffle-infused variants — are available onhand for diners to try.
“If I were to give my elevator speech of what Bistecca is, I’d call it a steak restaurant, with steak served family style,” says Esteban. “Our family loves steak but we felt like it was always shown in an American way — one big steak per person in a dark room. We wanted to serve it the way we enjoy it.”
“When we serve steak family style, it’s served carved on a plate,” he adds. “Sharing gives you room to try other steak cuts.”
The restaurant is also famous for popular favorites like truffle fries, sinful foie gras and fried cheese.
According to Esteban, to truly enjoy Bistecca, you need to come with a big party.
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How to do afternoon snacks
At Trio, a modern Italian bistro helmed by Kay Alcantara, merienda is a meal best served with the restaurant’s best-selling appetizers. “Classic Italian entrees, authentic thin-crust pizzas and homemade pastas” make up the best-seller list. Must-tries include the shrimp and scallop pizza, which is light enough for merienda, but so delightful it should be ordered at any — or all — meal times.
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Earn a free Trio of Crisps for minimum spend of P1,000 with your American Express Card until Dec.31. Trio is located at Second Floor, Fort Pointe Bldg, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (tel. 884-1601).
The preferred card of the select few:
American Express Platinum Credit Card
American Express Platinum Credit Card offers one-of-a-kind, first class perks and privileges in travel, fashion, art, dining and entertainment here and around the globe.
Let the American Express Platinum Card enrich travel and lifestyle needs with the following benefits:
Enjoy year-round privileges from local and international establishments with American Express Selects. Savings and perks from over 356 local establishments wherever your card is issued, and 10,000 establishments worldwide in dining, shopping, retail, and entertainment.
Award winning Membership Rewards Program. Earn Membership Rewards points that never expire for every P45 you spend. Use your points to redeem air miles, hotel loyalty points, and premium items.
Exclusive savings and perks from our Platinum Partners. Platinum Cardmembers enjoy additional privileges from top hotspots in the Philippines.
24/7 Personal Assistant that comes with your card. Platinum Concierge Service is available to assist 24 hours a day, any day of the week to make dinner reservations, get movie schedules, book tee-off time at the golf course and have flowers delivered to that special someone.
Hassle-free travel planning. When you call the Membership Travel Service, travel counselors are available to arrange for all travel needs. They can customize travel packages and even have tickets delivered right to your doorstep.
Wait in comfort and style whenever you travel abroad. Simply present your American Express Platinum Credit Card to gain free entry for yourself and a guest to the MIASCOR Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.
Shop with confidence. For additional peace of mind, your purchases with your Platinum Credit Card are protected for 30 days from theft, loss or damage.
How to tackle a buffet
At the 150-seat Paseo Uno, dining requires strategy. With four open kitchens and live stations, divided according to Asian and Western specialties, there’s plenty — some might say too many — to choose from. Highlights of the buffet include its sushi bar and cooking stations where chefs prepare pasta, tempura and roasts right in front of guests. To capitalize on the buffet’s famed specialties, skip the salad bar (you’re not doing buffet if you’re on a diet anyway) and head straight to the premium dishes: steak and seafood. Avoid rice to save space for dessert, a decadent array of crepes and pastries.
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Get an exclusive 25 percent savings on food and beverage with your American Express Card until Dec. 31. Paseo Uno is located at Mandarin Oriental Manila, 1226 Makati Avenue Corner Paseo De Roxas, Makati City (tel. 750-8888 Ext. 2412 / 2413).
How to drink wine
People shouldn’t be afraid to try wine. At CAV, the atmosphere is deliberately friendly and casual, so as not to intimidate neophytes. “That’s why there are tasting options,” says chef Markus Gfeller, so customers can try out what appeals to their palate.
At the wine bar, the most popular beverage is a sweet white wine. Naturally, locals are predisposed to mellow, sweet flavors, so the white wine is a no-brainer.
Other bestsellers include a Pepperwood Grove Cabernet Sauvignon California 2009 and Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi Shiraz Rose California 2009.
Pair with a variety of cheeses and fruits. Drink with friends. And you’re good to go.
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Get 20 percent savings on the lunch menu, when you use your American Express Card until Jan. 31, 2012. CAVWine Shop and Café is located at the ground floor of The Spa Bldg., Lot 5, Quadrant 8 City Center, Fort Bonifacio, Global City (tel. 856-1798 / 856-1796).
How to engineer the perfect hair day
At the Kérastase Institute by Salon ESA, trained specialists study your hair and scalp to diagnose treatment. Much like a doctor, a detailed consultation involves a camera that magnifies roots to expose oil-heavy follicles or dry strands. The prescribed treatment, consisting of an in-salon ritual and personalized homecare program best suited to scalp and hair type, is signature Kérastase, which boasts the most advanced formulas through La Recherche Avancee L’Oreal.
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Get a 15 percent savings on chemical treatments and 10 percent savings on hair restructuring treatments until Dec. 15. Kérastase Institute by Salon ESA is located at Ground Floor 6750 Ayala Avenue, Makati City (tel. 819-1040 / 819-0886).