Swabeng Thoughts: The 2015 Stock Market, Bears on Parade and Why I Hold instead of Yield.

As the Stock Market goes on Christmas Holiday, it went up again for the 3rd straight day breaking the 7000 barrier (7,002.42 to be exact). I'd also recall that it also had a good run before the Christmas break making most of us happy with our respective gains. 

Thinking that 2015 would be the continuation of what the 2014 Bull Run had, it went on a different direction after the first 3 months. It started with PSEI at 7277 (on January 5), then it broke record after record until it reached 8127 (on April 10) gaining 11.68%. Then it went south even to as low as 6791 (on August 24). Imagine a 16.43% change (loss) from its peak to its bottom before it went sideways as of the moment. 

Even if most of the news coming out related to the Stock Market were positive, the only thing we encounter is a sell down after sell down. If you're a member of most Stock Investing/Trading Groups like TAP, Tsupitero, FTGZ, etal, you'd be able to see what I'm talking about. They sell mostly on good news. 

If you take a look at the graph below, note its climb breaking all time high after all time high. It was followed by Net Foreign Selling after Net Foreign Selling making us local investors worried. Traders would see this oppportunity to make their gains but for those who are into investing like I do, it would be a different case. 

PSEI as of December 23

If I knew it would peak on the 10th of April, I could have cashed in my profit and wait for it to bottom. But we can never exactly predict when it will bottom nor when it will peak. 

I can show you some graphs of the Stocks I'm holding so you'd be able to have an idea if I'm on a losing ground or gaining some. Take note that the graphs here are YTD (year to date) meaning from the first trading day of 2015 up to the latest. Charts are from Big Charts. 


1. Jollibee (JFC): This was the first stock I've bought when I was starting to invest. Jollibee is one of the stocks that is included in the PSEI and it is categorized as a Blue Chip Stock. Why did I decided to buy this stock. First, this is one of the mostly used example when being discussed in books and in online by financial experts. Second, twenty to thirty years from now when Marien would be on her own, this would still stand the test of time and maybe my daughter would have her meal there with her friends one day.

JFC as of December 23

2. Max's (MAXS): This would be my next JFC in 5-20 years time. This fast casual dining scenario may take over the fast food industry maybe in a few years time and by then, this may touch the 100 pesos/share range or even higher. 

MAXS as of December 23

3. 8990 Holding (HOUSE): I like its business model and its goal of having a zero backlog in housing by offering affordable housing to the working middle class. They already have existing projects in Cavite as well as in Angles, Pampangga and also downsouth. Imagine owning your own home for less than a million pesos compared to its other counterparts (ALI, MEG, VLL, GERI). Even I myself consider to own one unit from them someday.  

HOUSE as of December 23

4. Global Ferronickel Holdings (FNI): This is the first speculative (mining) stock that I've bought (maybe my last for the time being). Even it went downwards, I kept on averaging down (can be considered a mistake). Unless it goes FOO (Follow-On Offering) or Nickel prices worldwide recovers, its downtrend would continue. And by the time it's ready for reversal, I have more than enough cash to but at the bottom. I could have cut my losses after buying some more at 1.00 pesos/share (I'm currently at 57% loss on this stock) I don't have any plans on putting my money somewhere. But now, instead of averaging down and further deepen my losses, I'll wait for the bottom if there is one. hehe. 

FNI as of December 23

5. D & L Industries Inc (DNL): This is one of the most loved stock when I stared investing. Good thing I was able to buy at a low though this stock has been battered for the past few weeks. One of its clients include Jollibee so I'm sure this would go back up where it belongs. This stock has a makings of being included in the list of Blue Chip as it has been included in some of the Small Cap Stocks in other countries. 

DNL as of December 23

6. SSI Group Inc (SSI): It was a few weeks after its IPO when I started buying this stock. While it was promising at the first half of this year, it went sliding down towards the second half of the year making it the next FNI (as other traders would describe). My losses here is at 67% though I'm not yielding yet. Rather, I'd wait for the bottom and until all 200 Family Mart Stores to be fully operational. I forgot that this stock is responsible for Rustan's (remember Starbucks). 

SSI as of December 23

I didn't include the 7th one since it went IPO just a few months back as well as other stocks that I've used to had only to sell them to reduce my portfolio to a few names. While you'd notice most of the graphs are on a downward trend, I have one that gained just a little for the time being. 

While most traders are cutting their losses, I'd rather keep mine for now as I have a high tolerance for losses. Meaning, I might lose all 100% of my portfolio yet I won't cringe nor cry over it but I'll learn from that experience.

I wonder how 2016 would be given the upcoming 2016 Presidental Elections and what Robert Kiyosaki has predicted a 2016 crash. Oh well, I'm keeping my cash with me until then.

FHM November 2015: Sabado Nights Trick or Treat

Most of us have been dreaming of one day, she'll heed to millions of her fans to grace the covers of FHM. A decade and a half later and with close to a dozen Hot Moms who already did pose for FHM. It's now Ina Raymundo's turn to pose. 

What a nice cover to look at and enjoy on a Saturday (but its not yet available on stores yet!). Anyway, I'll be having my own copy. Ten copies perhaps (collector's item in the next 20 years). 

Taken from FHM's FB Page

Enjoy!

FHM June 2015: Dreams do come true

When I saw a video clip of Maria Ozawa that she's here in the country, a lot of her fans (me included) were thinking why she's here and for what? One thing on my mind (my friends may think the same) is that I hope she would cover on a Men's Magazine. Any would do as long she's there. 


And dreams do really come true after all. ^_^

Taken from FHM's Facebook Page

While the copy is not yet available in the market, I'll grab around 2-3 copies for safekeeping. I hope they would release them by June 1st. ^_^

And who cares if they're photoshopped heavily or not. That's Maria Ozawa were talking about here boys and girls. 


Till then. 

Swabeng Food Trip: Birthday Treat for my Girls at Vikings SM Megamall

Last Sunday, we made a plan of having dinner at Vikings as I haven't been to this buffet resto (I'm more of a Sambo-Yaki type). I just made sure to read those reviews from foodies to convince myself and my wife (who is quite hard to please when it comes to food). to give this place a try.

And by 5:30pm, we were at Viking's already to wait for our number to be called and have our filling of what they have to offer. We were able to have ourselves comfortable before my in-laws dig-in to their delight. To my surprise, they were really hungry that they had rice on their plate (for me that's a no-no when eating at buffets). Then I got some food for my daughter before starting to explore the place.

Surprisingly, the place wasn't that as big as what most foodies say. In fact, you can scout the whole area within two minutes or less (that was dinner time). Their food choices were quite enough to satisfy my eyes (for the meantime). I didn't took much photos as there were people everywhere plus some of the food presentation were already on its way to being demolished.

As I start to gain more and more interest on cheese, I tried their sample together with their cold cuts and 2 canapes. It was a good start to enjoy what Vikings has to offer. A few minutes after, I head off to their carving station.

Round 1 (Cheese and Cold Cuts and Canapes)

A few minutes back, it was heavily queued as if the were really hungry for something meaty. Good thing I was able to time my visit and tried their offer. From their beef to their turkey, to their lamb and to their famous Vikings boneless lechon, I got more than enough protein to help me gain some especially with their lechon. It was best paired with a mug of cold beer (draft) which was by the way, included in the cost.

Round 2 (All the meat at the Carving Station)

Third round was I got some fresh meat and salmon and shellfish to have em' grilled and at the same time, I had a plateful of baked oysters that got my wife's attention. It was really a long third round that I took some time to enjoy the oysters before going for another round of Japanese delicacies.

Round 3 (All the Baked Oysters my plate can hold)

Oysters is Love (Not for the weak at Heart)

Instead of helping myself with different types of sushi and maki, I opted to grab a few tuna, salmon and octopus sashimi while I'm taking time to digest the entire meal I had earlier. Probably I was on my 4th (or 5th) mug of beer that made me a bit full (this was the culprit on why I wasn't able to eat as much).

Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of my Japanese plate. XD

Then, I tried some of their non-alcoholic drinks. Their tamarind iced tea was the best for me as well as their fresh minty lemon lime that is quite refreshing which cleaned my taste buds. The rest were okay as I took a few sips from each container before grabbing my nth mug of beer.

I lost count on how many mugs of beer I've consumed. XD

Next was dessert. Though I'm not much of a fan of sweets, I still tried a few anyway. They're sweet yet seem ordinary to me (sorry!). Marien seemed to liked her marshmallows dipped in chocolate as well as her ice cream.

Round 6 or 7 (Just to complete my meal)

My Birthday Celebrants

Am I done? Not yet! I had another plateful of Vikings boneless lechon as the performers gathered around my wife and daughter to sing happy birthday to her then my wife noticed my plateful of lechon with a mug of beer beside me and reminded me of my heart.

Vikings Lechon plus Beer = Total Satisfaction

But there were some thoughts on my mind regarding their buffet spread.

1. Their maki and sushi were the same with other buffet resto (I was looking for something only Vikings can offer).

2. Their Chinese selection were also the same with others. I could have tried one if they have "Xiao Long Bao" and Peking Duck. Anyway, my folks were able to enjoy them.

3. Since beer was the culprit, I wasn't able to hit my 10-plate target. Anyway, there's always a next time. 

4. I don't know if I missed their Mediterranean selection or there was any in the first place.

Vikings SM Megamall ain't that bad when it comes to their food selection, It's just I'm still looking for something that only Vikings can offer. The place wasn't that jam-packed so I wonder what and why.

Anyway, I'd still go to Vikings to hopefully try their other dishes. Cost wise, its comparable with others.

Ciao!

Swabeng Thoughts: Emotional Attachments at Work

I've been working with various industries for the past few years. Name it, I've been there and done that. Now, its only natural to make friends at work where you sometime spend time talking about more work and a few times non-work related. It helps you ease-up and let loose even for a while on any busy day. 

In my past jobs, I've meet different people. Some were just officemates, but some were the ones I can call friends. Like after work, we hang-out for a few hours with a few bottles of beer while singing in the videoke. Those were the good times and unfortunately, all good things has come to an end. 

I kinda miss those moments. Even if you're way too stressed at work, just a few hours with them would make the pain all go away. There were times that I'm kinda attached to those moments that I know it will just be a part of a good past. 

Taken from Google

Moving forward to the present. While I'm in good terms (kinda) with my colleagues here, its just its not there anymore. I mean, every time they would invite me to go out and have a few rounds, I'd make up excuses not to join them. Its weird for me to decline such invites to relax and hang-out with office mates. Eventually, they set-out their own plans (most of the time) and not include me anymore. I guess I'm kinda used to it that it works well on my part not to get too attached with my current colleagues at work. It also saves me from probably having the feeling of despair if (and only if) I'm not with the current company I'm working (only time will tell when). 

Though I've never burn any bridges with anyone, I guess they've already initiated that a long time ago. But anyway, life goes on and besides, I have more than enough friends to keep me sane (the same friends I've been with for more than a decade now). 

Oh well, its lonely working here all by myself, I wish I could go home after. XD

Swabeng Thoughts: A letter from my mid-life self to my quarter-life self.

Its kinda weird for me to write a letter to myself but after reading some blogs on why they wrote to their old self, it was like, okay. So here goes. 


Hey Quarter-Life Bro, 

Its been like a decade since the last time we've talked. How did it go from there? You know, there were things that I wanted to look back and think about what if you were able to do the things I do now. Kinda weird huh? Well...


I know you really enjoy life just I do now. But I wish that you were able to save a portion of your small earning when you used to teach at that school in Las Pinas. While you were earning just enough for you to spurge on food trips and gimmicks, you shouldn't ask for money from Mom and Dad since you're already earning on your own. I mean, you used to save when we were back in college but what happened after there? You see, I've been saving a few years ago which you should have done it sooner. You could have been a millionaire and be richer than me If only you have started investing in either the Stock Market or in Mutual Funds with as low as 1000/month. But anyway, I'd help you on this only once though I only have twenty five years to help you. Its up to you how you'll make it grow. Probably next time, teach Marien the concept of money (like when she's 8 or 10 y/o). I'll probably lend you some books I've purchased on personal finance. 

I know your Dad is really proud of you when you finished your course in only four and a half years and passed your board exams. You were really ecstatic that you forgot to continue learning some more tricks off your sleeve that you were totally dependent on your diploma and that PRC license of yours. While passing the Board Exam and getting Cisco Certified a few years back could give you a certain advantage, today's technology has a faster pace. So fast that you forgot to renew both of them and got mixed-up somewhere. I really liked working in an IT environment and I wished you have joined me sooner. We still have a few more certifications to take plus the ones that you need to renew. I'm sure you still want that CCIE title someday right? Or maybe you wanted more like taking the LPIC (Linux) that got me interested? Anyway bro, let's review together soon. 

We've been together through tough challenging times especially when dealing your dilemma with women. I know you've enjoyed their company when you were younger like I did, had a few heartbreaking moments that I know it took you a while before you recover. I was able to overcome that sadness when my wife (your future wife) came into my life. She had my heart beat faster and slower at the same time just like a quote from the movie "Hot Chicks" She may not have that Angelic Face and a Heavenly Body that I was dreaming when I was your age, she complemented me in almost all aspects and she can make me laugh the way I do to her. I'm sure you'll find yours in God's Time. But be sure she's the only one and no other else alright?

I've been hooked in photography for quite sometime now as well as blogging like you to basketball and playing video games. We can spend some time together like you teach me play arcade and I teach you to handle a DSLR camera. Then we can form a collaboration against the best in the country to show them how creative our minds are. Maybe when you get your own camera, we can take a photowalk within where I live now (its pretty more interesting there). Then I'll teach you to use Photoshop to enhance some of your shots 

But what we have something in common probably is that both of us need to lose weight. I mean seriously, both of us really weighed much that we should buddy-up in a gym or do some long 5K or 10K jogs like I did last year (but I wasn't able to sustain it). I know you were really a health buff a few years back unlike me which I need to face the reality that I'm getting older and older that I just hope my application for VUL gets approved despite my current physical condition unlike yours. Also both of us love to read. You with your mens magazines (FHM, UNO, Maxim, Rogue, Esquire, Playboy) while I'm more into books now. Just take care of my magazines back home for me and I'll send you some books on Photography and Personal Finance in a few weeks time. 


Anyway, I hope to see you soon somewhere, somehow, someday. And let's celebrate this over a bottle of Jack Daniel's and a case of San Mig Lights. XD 

Take Care, 
Your Mid-Life Bro

PS. Please take time to study on how to make our website earn more while I'm away at work ok. Buy a domain for us and I'll let you re-brand it as a gift to you. 

PPS. And please, make sure to start working on those backlogs as well so we don't get dumped with more. 

Swabeng Realization: The Product of My Financial Literacy

Early last year (or I think as early as 2013), I began to take an interest in Personal Finance and Money Management. These are something that wasn't taught in schools (yet) nor from your parents but rather these are learned online (mostly) supplemented with some books authored by experts in Personal Finance like Robert Kiyosaki (Foreign), Francisco Colayco (Local) and the like. 

While I took my sweet time (almost two years to learn the basics (and I'm still learning), I didn't realize that I am slowly wasting time to start investing early. While I'm used to save (and spend) my paycheck with all the basics, I wasn't able to start ahead. Why? I guess I set my first target too high that eventually I had to make some changes (for the best). Anyway, I was able to spread-out half of my savings to some financial instruments that will help me achieve my goals in the years to come. 

During the last two months, I started investing in the Stock Market. Even with a little background on finance, I took the plunge and opened an account with COL Financial (Stocks). Why COL? Because its where most financial bloggers are entrusting their money with. While there are other reputable Online Trading Platforms in the country, I guess I'll put my trust with COL for the next couple of years. I won't divulge any information how much I invested but it grew by about 4% and I hope It earns more. While there are two (or more) ways to let your money grow in the Stock Market, I'll let the experts do their sharing (I'll do mine really soon) for now. 

Taken from Google

After having my feet get wet in Stocks, the next is to choose which Mutual Fund Company should I trust my money with. Initially, I am sold with First Metro Asset's Save and Learn Equity Fund (better known as FAMI's SALEF) because of its high return rate and low charges. But when I checked Philequity Management's Philequity Fund Inc (better known as PEMI's Philequity Fund) and compare it with the former, I got so torn I instead opened an account for both. As of writing, I have opened an account with PEMI and put my initial investment already (with some returns already) while with FAMI, I had to wait for my account number before I can place my initial investment (I have submitted all my requirements with them already. Anyway, we'll see who performs better for the next 3, 5, 10 years or even longer. In the end there can only be one. 

Taken from Google

Even before I opened an account with COL, I am already in contact with one of Sunlife's agents regarding their Variable Universal Life Insurance product (better known as VUL). They gave me a proposal (Sunlife Maxilink Prime) which was hard to refuse (or even resist). Their offer was like a part of your payment will be placed in stocks or in bonds (or a combination of both) for the next ten years but I prefer to have it placed in Stocks for a more better return. I just needed some time to think about it before saying yes to their proposal. I also asked for a modified version which of course the payement changes as well (didn't matter much to me anyway). I also checked what Insular Life has to offer (their VUL is similar to Sunlife's) but I was more convinced with what Sunlife. Well I thought after signing with Sunlife, its all a done deal. 

Taken from Google

But I have to undergo a Full Medical Exam to see if I am fit for their product (this means that my application is still pending and could possible be rejected and have my inital payment refunded). I only realized that its really best to get a VUL (or any life or term insurance) while you're still young and very fit to work. Just to be sure, I'm checking Philam Life's VUL as well as AXA and others. Its better to be protected than sorry. 

When we went home to my folks over the weekend, I also considered putting my money in Unit Investment Trust Fund (Better known as UITF). Since we have an account with BDO for the past couple of years, I got to check what they offer. Under high-risk and high-return, I was able to take a brief review on BDO Equity Fund, BDO Sustainable Dividend Fund, and BDO Focused Equity Fund. Their returns are all good and at the same time, the NAVPU for Sustainable Dividend Fund and Focused Equity Fund are still affordable. I'll take time (not that long) to choose the best and at the same time, check other banks who has the best performance for Equity Fund. 

Taken from Google

This year would also be my redemption against the 52-week peso challenge (50-peso version). Mid-way last year, I lost my battle as I wasn't able to temper myself back then and squandered all of what I saved from this challenge. But now I have already learned from my mistake and I have already revised my battleplan to conquer this challenge. It would still be the same mechanics like the one I posted a year ago. 

Not taken from Google XD

Wait a minute. Except for the 52-week money challenge, all financial instrument that I am venturing into entails high risk (since its focused more on equity/stocks). This may not be for the weak of heart especially there is a possibility of losing all money that I invested. But, I hope it would be the other way around as I learned how to control money instead of the money controlling me. 

I look forward to make my money grow not just for a year, but for the years to come. I hope you would try at least one of the financial instruments I'm venturing into, and this is for the long run. And also, sorry for the very long post. ^_^