making sense...

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 22, 2010)

2010-10-22T19:37:00.000+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 22, 2010 as of 4:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,333.7592
BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.3579

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 22, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	149.2081
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,532.6289
BDO $ Bond Fund	142.9212
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5390
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,541.3379
BDO Balanced Fund	2,735.4051
BDO Equity Fund	261.2677
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,793.3669

PSEi (October 22, 2010)

2010-10-22T19:36:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,286.87
PSE Change	0.89
Market Trades	16,020
Market Volume	1,593,987,355
Market Value	5,074,791,736

PSEi(October 21, 2010)

2010-10-21T14:02:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,242.16
PSE Change	1.2
Market Trades	7,749
Market Volume	1,118,633,645
Market Value	2,456,015,132

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 18, 2010)

2010-10-18T22:30:00.001+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 18, 2010 as of 4:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,333.2176
BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.3250

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 18, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	149.2056
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,533.7323
BDO $ Bond Fund	142.8600
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5372
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,542.2835
BDO Balanced Fund	2,709.0248
BDO Equity Fund	257.7579
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,756.7938

PSEi (October 18, 2010)

2010-10-18T22:29:00.001+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,215.11
PSE Change	-0.03
Market Trades	12,132
Market Volume	1,276,008,520
Market Value	4,132,271,810

PSEi (October 14, 2010)

2010-10-14T20:41:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,233.38
PSE Change	0.94
Market Trades	14,983
Market Volume	1,477,556,540
Market Value	5,636,641,295

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 13, 2010)

2010-10-13T20:25:00.001+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 13, 2010 as of 4:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,332.3650
BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.2963

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 13, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	148.3720
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,524.6659
BDO $ Bond Fund	143.2123
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5455
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,532.6585
BDO Balanced Fund	2,704.7067
BDO Equity Fund	256.5722
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,743.6361

PSEi (October 13, 2010)

2010-10-13T18:11:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,194.06
PSE Change	0.66
Market Trades	15,641
Market Volume	885,729,745
Market Value	5,269,252,868

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 11, 2010)

2010-10-11T19:55:00.001+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 11, 2010 as of 4:37 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,332.0418
BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.2781

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 11, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	148.2917
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,524.3588
BDO $ Bond Fund	143.2385
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5453
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,532.4202
BDO Balanced Fund	2,725.4575
BDO Equity Fund	259.1693
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,773.1579

PSEi (October 11, 2010)

2010-10-11T19:02:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,218.79
PSE Change	-0.43
Market Trades	15,876
Market Volume	1,585,516,360
Market Value	4,899,045,962

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 8, 2010)

2010-10-10T13:36:00.002+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 8, 2010 as of 4:22 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,331.7425
BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.2502

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 8, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	147.7930
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,521.7143
BDO $ Bond Fund	143.3304
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5481
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,528.0799
BDO Balanced Fund	2,731.0883
BDO Equity Fund	259.9916
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,781.9207

PSEi (october 8, 2010)

2010-10-10T13:33:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,236.98
PSE Change	-0.19
Market Trades	17,368
Market Volume	1,988,410,185
Market Value	5,770,125,952

PSEi (October 7, 2010)

2010-10-07T19:00:00.001+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,245.05
PSE Change	1.15
Market Trades	16,039
Market Volume	1,259,466,395
Market Value	5,011,656,878

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 6, 2010)

2010-10-06T18:49:00.000+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 6, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	147.1978
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,518.1582
BDO $ Bond Fund	143.1444
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5442
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,523.3214
BDO Balanced Fund	2,719.0421
BDO Equity Fund	256.4155
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,740.6762

PSEi (October 6, 2010)

2010-10-06T13:07:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,196.73
PSE Change	0.6
Market Trades	17,000
Market Volume	2,356,248,745
Market Value	5,856,439,637

BDO UITF NAVPU

2010-10-05T19:52:00.000+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 5, 2010 as of 4:22 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,331.1445
BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.2211

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 5, 2010 as of 7:22 PM
BDO GS Fund	146.9300
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,516.8777
BDO $ Bond Fund	143.1472
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5404
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,521.6961
BDO Balanced Fund	2,691.3446
BDO Equity Fund	253.1845
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,705.3934

PSEi (October 5, 2010)

2010-10-05T12:59:00.002+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,171.87
PSE Change	-0.39
Market Trades	16,843
Market Volume	2,844,948,150
Market Value	5,777,021,797

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 4, 2010)

2010-10-04T19:39:00.002+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 4, 2010 as of 4:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.0045%)1,330.9987
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.017%)125.2142

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 4, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(-0.0046%)146.7264
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(+0.077%)1,516.0801
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.0022%)143.0903
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.039%)1.5399
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.065%)1,520.3793
BDO Balanced Fund	(+1.41%)2,685.6418
BDO Equity Fund	(+2.13%)253.5708
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+2.28%)2,710.4046

PSEi (October 4, 2010)

2010-10-04T12:45:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,188.31
PSE Change	1.86
Market Trades	15,319
Market Volume	2,203,671,670
Market Value	5,358,585,126

BDO UITF NAVPU (October 1, 2010)

2010-10-01T19:49:00.003+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 1, 2010 as of 4:07 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.02)1,330.9382
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.0018)125.1934

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For October 1, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.048)146.7331
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.021)1,514.9019
BDO $ Bond Fund	(-0.033)143.0871
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(-0.078)1.5393
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(-0.12)1,519.3988
BDO Balanced Fund	(+0.60)2,648.2532
BDO Equity Fund	(+0.49)248.2794
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+0.45)2,650.0718

PSEi (October 1, 2010)

2010-10-01T19:46:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,111.99
PSE Change	0.29
Market Trades	8,415
Market Volume	1,071,546,585
Market Value	2,517,385,178

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 30, 2010)

2010-09-30T19:26:00.003+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 30, 2010 as of 4:37 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.11)1,330.6671
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.001)125.1911

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 30, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.099)146.6634
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(+0.035)1,515.2248
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.26)143.1340
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.46)1.5405
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.11)1,521.1693
BDO Balanced Fund	(-0.84)2,632.4208
BDO Equity Fund	(-0.57)247.0749
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(-0.53)2,638.2868

PSEi (September 30, 2010)

2010-09-30T18:18:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,100.07
PSE Change	-0.27
Market Trades	15,646
Market Volume	2,047,784,645
Market Value	4,759,081,167

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 29, 2010)

2010-09-29T20:49:00.003+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 29, 2010 as of 4:22 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.004)1,330.5222
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.0082)125.1898

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 29, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(-0.045)146.5178
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.040)1,514.6904
BDO $ Bond Fund	(-0.027)142.7598
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(0)1.5335
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(-0.045)1,519.5618
BDO Balanced Fund	(-0.52)2,654.5882
BDO Equity Fund	(-0.60)248.4945
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(-0.63)2,652.3301

PSEi (September 29, 2010)

2010-09-29T18:35:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,111.05
PSE Change	-0.31
Market Trades	15,560
Market Volume	2,136,822,280
Market Value	5,212,771,275

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 28. 2010)

2010-09-28T19:43:00.003+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 28, 2010 as of 4:37 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.0063)1,330.4677
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.0044)125.1795

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 28, 2010 as of 7:22 PM
BDO GS Fund	(-0.029)146.5844
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.027)1,515.2966
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.059)142.7989
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.052)1.5335
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(-0.029)1,520.2429
BDO Balanced Fund	(-0.097)2,668.4356
BDO Equity Fund	(-0.051)250.0063
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(-0.03)2,669.1694

PSEi (September 28, 2010)

2010-09-28T12:52:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,123.95
PSE Change	0.03
Market Trades	17,194
Market Volume	3,661,910,300
Market Value	5,235,126,194

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 27, 2010)

2010-09-27T19:44:00.003+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 27, 2010 as of 4:22 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.054)1,330.3835
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.033)125.1740

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 27, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.066)146.6270
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(+0.19)1,515.7103
BDO $ Bond Fund	(-0.038)142.7141
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.039)1.5327
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.16)1,520.6792
BDO Balanced Fund	(+0.91)2,671.0305
BDO Equity Fund	(+1.70)250.1333
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+1.72)2,669.9777

PSEi (September 27, 2007)

2010-09-27T17:18:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,122.83
PSE Change	1.08
Market Trades	19,292
Market Volume	4,793,090,725
Market Value	6,523,347,865

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 24, 2010)

2010-09-24T19:18:00.002+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 24, 2010 as of 4:22 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.018)1,329.6633
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.028)125.1329

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 24, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.019)146.5309
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.003)1,512.8724
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.0056)142.7689
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(0)1.5321
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.013)1,518.2081
BDO Balanced Fund	(+0.15)2,646.9387
BDO Equity Fund	(+0.50)245.9472
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+0.055)2,624.7901

PSEi (September 24, 2010)

2010-09-24T12:59:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,078.87
PSE Change	0.28
Market Trades	15,548
Market Volume	7,682,743,040
Market Value	4,963,139,677

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 23, 2010)

2010-09-23T19:55:00.002+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 23, 2010 as of 4:37 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,329.5487
BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.1266

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 23, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.21%)146.5027
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(+0.16%)1,512.9132
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.18%)142.7609
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.26%)1.5321
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.17%)1,518.0083
BDO Balanced Fund	(+0.12%)2,642.9594
BDO Equity Fund	(+0.24%)244.7294
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+0.23%)2,610.4364

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 22, 2010)

2010-09-22T18:16:00.000+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 23, 2010 as of 4:37 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund
BDO $ Money Market Fund

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 22, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	146.1898
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,510.4276
BDO $ Bond Fund	142.5022
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5281
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,515.5097
BDO Balanced Fund	2,639.7759
BDO Equity Fund	244.1505
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,604.4007

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 21, 2010)

2010-09-22T00:17:00.003+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 21, 2010 as of 4:07 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.018)1,329.4312
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.0091)125.0980

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 21, 2010 as of 7:37 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.097)145.9057
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(+0.13)1,509.2183
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.27)142.1611
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.38)1.5205
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.11)1,514.0500
BDO Balanced Fund	(-0.14)2,651.1518
BDO Equity Fund	(+0.27)246.0396
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+0.33)2,625.0814

PSEi (September 21, 2010)

2010-09-21T15:05:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,087.96
PSE Change	0.85
Market Trades	20,726
Market Volume	5,396,807,435
Market Value	7,931,323,422

BDO UITF NAVPU (Sept 20, 2010)

2010-09-20T20:10:00.003+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 20, 2010 as of 4:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.025%)1,329.1989
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.15%)125.0866

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 20, 2010 as of 7:52 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.19%)145.7640
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(+0.16%)1,507.2556
BDO $ Bond Fund	(-0.21%)141.7788
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(-0.36%)1.5147
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.29%)1,512.3996
BDO Balanced Fund	(+2.06%)2,654.7539
BDO Equity Fund	(+2.51%)245.3871
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+2.33%)2,616.4373

PSEi (September 20, 2010)

2010-09-20T14:45:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,053.32
PSE Change	1.86
Market Trades	18,043
Market Volume	6,014,868,145
Market Value	6,658,194,757

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 17, 2010)

2010-09-17T21:10:00.004+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 17, 2010 as of 6:07 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.0006%)1,328.8677
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.007%) 125.0684

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 17, 2010 as of 8:22 PM
BDO GS Fund	(-0.19%) 145.4805
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.33%) 1,504.8745
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.0087%) 142.0790
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(-0.026%) 1.5202
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(-0.32%) 1,508.0818
BDO Balanced Fund	(+0.068%)2,601.1929
BDO Equity Fund	(-0.22%) 239.3796
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(-0.28%) 2,556.9706

PSEi (September 17, 2010)

2010-09-17T19:30:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	3,979.35
PSE Change	-0.65
Market Trades	19,765
Market Volume	3,808,505,620
Market Value	6,629,583,034

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 16, 2010)

2010-09-16T19:37:00.004+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 16, 2010 as of 5:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.013%)1,328.8591
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.0097%)125.0597

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 16, 2010 as of 7:22 PM
BDO GS Fund	(-0.20%) 145.7543
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.09%) 1,509.9195
BDO $ Bond Fund	(-0.013%) 142.0666
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(0%) 1.5206
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(-0.20%) 1,512.9035
BDO Balanced Fund	(-0.048%)2,599.4234
BDO Equity Fund	(+0.36%) 239.9017
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+0.33%) 2,564.0615

PSEi (September 16, 2010)

2010-09-16T16:02:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	4,005.46
PSE Change	0.8
Market Trades	19,101
Market Volume	3,916,022,085
Market Value	5,775,301,661

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 15, 2010)

2010-09-15T19:21:00.005+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 15, 2010 as of 5:22 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.007%)1,328.6811
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.0086) 125.0476

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 15, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(-0.028%) 146.0475
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.095%)1,511.2728
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.065%)142.0854
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.059%) 1.5206
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(-0.19%) 1,515.9610
BDO Balanced Fund	(-0.39%)2,600.6580
BDO Equity Fund	(+0.16%)239.0344
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+0.16)2,555.6821

PSEi (September, 15, 2010)

2010-09-15T17:51:00.000+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	3,973.48
PSE Change	0.13
Market Trades	17,417
Market Volume	2,822,549,460
Market Value	5,999,032,627

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 14, 2010)

2010-09-14T19:40:00.006+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 14, 2010 as of 5:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(+0.0037%)1,328.6371
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(+0.001%) 125.0382

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 14, 2010 as of 7:22 PM
BDO GS Fund	(-0.23%) 146.1105
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(-0.018%)1,512.4380
BDO $ Bond Fund	(+0.028%) 142.0334
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(+0.066%) 1.5207
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(-0.14%) 1 ,516.8124
BDO Balanced Fund	(-0.079%) 2,608.7911
BDO Equity Fund	(+0.17%) 239.0683
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+0.18%) 2,556.0701

PSEi (September 14, 2010)

2010-09-14T19:25:00.003+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	3,968.29
PSE Change	-0.11
Market Trades	21398
Market Volume	2,764,090,473
Market Value	9,103,251,289

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 13, 2010)

2010-09-13T19:31:00.004+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 13, 2010 as of 4:52 PM
BDO Peso Money Market Fund	(-0.04%)1,328.5883
BDO $ Money Market Fund	(-0.02%) 125.0369

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 13, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	(+0.36%) 146.4514
BDO Peso Bond Fund	(+0.13%)1,512.7130
BDO $ Bond Fund	(-0.10%) 141.9937
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	(-0.40%) 1.5197
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	(+0.31%)1,518.9010
BDO Balanced Fund	(+2.33%)2,610.8470
BDO Equity Fund	(+2.25%) 238.6651
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	(+2.28%)2,551.5478

PSEi (September 13, 2010)

2010-09-13T16:44:00.002+08:00

STOCKS*
PSE Index	3,972.6
PSE Change	1.79
Market Trades	19,174
Market Volume	2,400,219,700
Market Value	8,013,027,222

BDO UITF NAVPU (September 9, 2010)

2010-09-12T14:43:00.004+08:00

Daily Net Asset Values Per Unit

To know the value of your investment, multiply the number of units indicated in your certificate of participation with the Net Asset Value for the day.

	Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 9, 2010 as of 5:37 PM
	BDO Peso Money Market Fund	1,328.0103
	BDO $ Money Market Fund	125.0163

Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) For September 9, 2010 as of 7:07 PM
BDO GS Fund	145.9208
BDO Peso Bond Fund	1,510.6801
BDO $ Bond Fund	142.1282
BDO Medium Term Dollar Bond Fund	1.5251
BDO Fixed-Income Fund	1,514.2504
BDO Balanced Fund	2,551.4841
BDO Equity Fund	233.4153
BDO (Institutional) Equity Fund	2,494.6487

I Have the Money, What Shall I do With It?

2010-06-15T17:24:00.003+08:00

June 15, 2010

Just as your status says, wealth is rarely an accident. Capital preservation and not interest is the more important consideration when choosing among investment vehicles at your age. Not saying not to risk at all. You could, if you know what you are doing. But if we put your age in the equation, safeguarding your 300K becomes all the more critical. At you age (and at this time when uncertainty predeominates) if you would like to take a risk, risk a little.

1. Avoid high risk ventures like the forex and stock markets (and those investment products that are derived from them like hedge funds, mutual funds and UITFS).
2. Money market and bonds are relatively low risk, but offer less returns than the former. But based on personal experience, revenues from these products almost equal that of regular TDs.
3. Definitely, you should now be looking into deals that are insured by the government or insurance companies, like T-bills, lifeinsurance/healthinsurance/pension, time deposits and similar instruments.

Nothing against PMters or other people for that matter who offer, for a lack of appropriate term, “casual” money contracts. I believe that these arrangements pose the same threat as the riskiest of investment products. I don’t think, these would suit you either.

Anyway, this is just my opinion. Invest but don’t lose money.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 2009

2009-12-31T17:21:00.000+08:00

December 31, 2009

As we come to the end of the year. I try to look back at the year that is just hours to passing. And try to reflect on the things that I have learned from the past 365 (err, 364) days.

I’ve learned that...

If you perceive somebody as weak, it’s just that. A perception. For all you know, it’s you who are weak for even entertaining the thought.
If you think you are wise and mature. It may be just that. A thought. Hehehehehehe. So dig deeper before you brag about it.
It’s easy to learn forex. It’s hard to keep your account alive. Nor your confidence And that there are a lot of strategies. Just limited funds. Hehehehehe.
That life doesn’t end with a failure. It ends when you die. Literally.
That sometimes people do stupid things. To take the pain away. Making them stupid? Well I’d say human. Hehehehe.
That it’s not what you have that matters. But how much. Hehehehe. Most importantly, who you have. And how much is your networth. Combined. Wahahahaha!.
That money can’t buy love. But something for a loved one.
That no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life has to go on. Because you have no other option. Do you?
I’ve learned that if you haven’t done what needs to be done today. There is tomorrow. Well, hopefully. Hehehehe. So better do it today.
I’ve learned that you don’t need to spend much cash in order to be beautiful or handsome. Just find somebody who finds you one. Hehehehe. Or better yet, go to a public hospital. Nyahahahaha.
That opportunities don’t come knocking once. But a lot of times. But what counts is letting it in.
That you don’t look for happiness. It finds you. Instead, focus on your family and friends. And the things that matters most. As in focus. Hehehehe.
That I still don’t know what success really means.
It’s not important that the people you love and care, would love and care you back. Aba’y problema na nila yun.
That life is a series of complications. No matter how hard you keep it simple, troubles will find you. So be strong.
When you learn something from a mistake. It’s not a mistake. But an experience. So don’t regret.
That a fall is painful. Very.
That you will forget what you said, or did. But not what you felt.
That time is not gold. It is diamond.
That things are easier said than done. At least they are said. Hehehehehe.
Same goes with values. Hehehehehe.

Happy New Year!

and belated Merry Christmas!

Gusto kong Matuto ng.....

2009-06-29T17:17:00.001+08:00

June 29, 2009

Pede bang lagyan ng prologue ang sagot? Hehehehe

As cliché as it may sound, it’s as true as it can get. Money can’t buy happiness. Not that I have a lot of money and yet I’m unhappy. Or that I’m unhappy with a lot of money. (I’m not that unstable. Hehehehe.) Neither am I unhappy because I have no money. Not because like the other statement that preceded it, is not logical, but simply because it’s not just the case.) I can say I have some money from working my ass hard for several years. And yet when I look back at all those years, I am just surprised to recognize that they’ve been worthless in some ways. Not that the wisdom gained nor the time spent with your loved ones are meaningless or that hardwork just so you can save enough for the rainy days or that being so frugal to yourself are of no value. It is just that, sometimes we get absorbed in working so hard that we put off matters that we wish to do for ourselves. Things that could've made us, happier if not at least, happy. That, you see, it should not come as a blow (and yet ironically it does) when one day, when we think we have found the time for ourselves, to do the things we wanted, we realize, “uhm, matanda na tayo”, hehehehe. (And oh, not that the last statement is true for me, nyahahahaha).

They say that you can never be too late for the things you want to do, but in reality you can. Because accept it or not, age has its limitations.

Kaya tama yan. Pagaralan ang gustong pagaralan. Habang maraming pang oras. Hehehehe Life is shorter than we think.

And by the way. Gusto kong matuto ng.....maraming bagay. Lahat ng nilista nyo. Hehehehe. Siguro ang idadagdag ko na lang, ang maging naughty. Sa taong mahal ko. Hehehehe. Wala po akong iniisip na madumi.

Ladies vs Gentlemen: Bakit May Humor Gap?

2009-04-23T17:16:00.001+08:00

April 23, 2009

Hmmmm…bakit parang may humor gap?

Because there really is.

Now, that is one of the difference between men and women. What he finds amusing and funny in general, she may find cheap, cocky, an attack to the female kind (What?!, Hehehe). What she on the other hand find laughable and entertaining, he may find sarcarstic, cynic and feminist. And do not wonder. You see for what matters for him is a sense of humor, and for her, humor na may sense. If you know what I mean. Hehehe.

Men will laugh at almost anything, because it really is – at least for them (no offense, Hehehehe). Usually at those with sexual connotations/suggestions, and aggression towards the same sex (to put down their “competitors” as humor by men is used to attract the opposite sex – which would explain why they say, men can laugh women into bed, literally). Hehehe.

Women on the other hand are not like this. They don’t share the same goal (to appeal to men), much more expect the same reward (to be laid to bed by the opposite sex). If men would laugh at almost anything, women on the other hand, are swift to locate the unfunny (and thus more “selective, particular, picky”), slower to get the joke and more pleased when they do. Really, girls, no offense, hehehehe.

The humor gap between the genders has been explained by a study of 10 men and 10 women asked to rate 70 black and white cartoons on the “funniness scale” in Standford School of Medicine. It has been seen that:

“Men and women share much of the same humor-response system; both use to a similar degree the part of the brain responsible for semantic knowledge and juxtaposition and the part involved in language processing. But they also found that some brain regions were activated more in women. These included the left prefrontal cortex, suggesting a greater emphasis onlanguage and executive processing in women, and the nucleus accumbens … which is part of the mesolimbic reward center. ”

Which in simple terms, translate to “difference”. Hehehehe.

Now, there are always exceptions to the rule. For, individuals to find something humorous, do not depend on hormones, gender or instinct alone, but on a lot more variables like culture, maturity, education and intelligence.

Which would explain why there are women who could laugh men into bed. And why there are men who are witty. Hehehehe.

Again, no offense. Peace.

Corruption in the Philippines: Bayaran na naman ng Tax

2009-04-15T17:13:00.001+08:00

April 15, 2009

Nais ko lang ibahagi ang sumusunod. Nainspire lang isulat. Hehehe. Kahit walang moral lesson. Medyo huli na nga lang. Kasi last day na ng bayaran.
Posted on: Apr 15, 2009, 12:07 PM

Bayaran ng naman ng tax.

Sakay ako ng bus. Tulog. E ikaw kaya magising ng maagang maaga. Para magbayad ng tax. Sino kaya ang di pipilling matulog na lang. Ng mahimbing. Yung tipong di na magigising. Hehehe. Sa banyo. Habang naglalakad. Ah, sa bus na lang. At oo, alam kong tulog ako. E nagising ako e. Hehehehe. Ng ratsada ng isang matandang lalakeng nakaupo sa bandang unahan ko. Abay akala ko nanaginip ako e. Ng matandang lalake, namputsa naman?!!!! Bakit ba di na lang ng dalaga. O kaya binata. Hehehehe. Wag lang ng syientonwebe anyos! E yun daw edad nya e. Hehehehe. Nung una di ko alam kung saan ako nagising. Sa edad, sa boses o sa amoy ng matanda. Hehehe. Ngunit nung mahimasmasan. Sigurado ako. Llitany nya ang gumising ng kanina lang ay nagpapahinga kong diwa:

“Wala ng pagasa ang Pilipinas! Matindi na ang korapsyon dito. Ang pulitika ginagawang negosyo.”

Muntik na akong magpara. Nagalinlangan. Magbayad ng buwis? O bumili ng tiket. Papuntang America. Maluwag naman ang tourist visa. At mag-TNT na lang. Abay pareho lang atang sugal. Ang pamamalagi dito at ang pagtatago sa ibang bansa. Tiyak mas malaki pa maiipon ko. Hhmmmmm........ Sayang. At tulog nga ako kanina. Madami na syang sinabi e. Alam ko. Kasi nga narinig ko sa panaginip. Ewan ko ba naman at di ko maala ngayong gising na ako. Nangyari na ito e. Tuwing mananaginip ako ng numero sa lotto. Nyahahahaha. Sabi pa nya:

“Talamak na nga. Buti na lang taga-amerika ako. Kahit sino pa paupuin mo dyan, e kung yung nakapaligid naman e corrupt din, e ganun din. “

Hmmmmmmmmm.....(iba ibig sabihin niyan, hehehehe). Me biglang sumaglit sa isip ko. Intermission.

“E abugado ako. Sabi nga sa yo kanina, dami ko na nakita. Halehalimbawa. Sa branch ___ ng supreme court. Stenographer. Nakakatanggap ng bonus na 100T”

Sabay singit ng kasama niya:

“Baka me makarinig sa yo”

Sabay tingin sa akin? Ano ba? Pagdudahan ba ako? Sa gandang lalake kong ito? O babae? Sabagay tama siya. Narinig ko nga. E ano ngayon? Hehehe. Nahulaan atang isusulat ko ito. E gusto ko e.

“E wala ako pakialam.” (E ako din. Sabi ko sa sarili ko.)

“79 years na naman ako. Handa na akong mamatay.”

Hmmmmmmmmm....Napaisip na naman ako. Ng ibang bagay. Hehehehe. Na masarap. Nyahahahaha. Gutom na ako e. Di ko tuloy masyadong narining ang iba niyang ratsada.

“Dati iniisip ko. Yungmayayaman bakit nasali pa sa pulitika. Me pera na, hahanap pa ng sakit ng ulo?”

Ah, alam ko sagot diyan. Power.

“Si ________, di bilyonaryo, kundi multibilyonaryo. Pero ano? Namulitika pa rin. E minsan sumabay ako ke councillor __________. Wala namang emergency. E matrapik. Sabi niya, patabihin mo nga konti. Nagwangwang. Biglang nahawi. Ambilis tuloy naming. Narealize ko, ah, power.”

Kitam?

“Mantakin mo, councillor pa lang yan. Isipin mo na lang kung ano ang kayang gawin ng presidente. E kaya nga si _________, sumali pa, e para proteksyonan ang negosyo.”

Malas. City hall na. Kelangang magdesisyon. Bilis. Ah, bababa na lang ako. Tapos. Kung sakaling magbago isip. Sa pagbabayad, e sasakay na lang ulit. Pauwi. Nyahahaha! Ngunit, datapwat, subalit, naisip ko bigla. Ang aking pending application. Kelangan ang record, malinis. Pansamantala, hehehe. At isa pa, paano ako makakapagreklamo sa sistemang bulok, kung ako’y papakabulok? Nagmamalinis? Medyo lang.

So ayun, luminya ako. At kasunod ng aking pagninilay nilay. Sa kung anong oras na naman. Makakauwi. Sa pagkahaba habang pila. Naramdaman ko ang lungkot. Habang pinipilit kong imaginin ngunit di ko lubos na maisip sa kung kaninong bulsa na naman mapupunta ang perang pinaghirapan. Sa kung ano na namang maiskandalong proyekto ilalagak, sa magkanong komisyon? Sila lang nakakaalam.

Sa kung kaninong sakripisyo?

Ahhhh....

Bayaran na naman ng tax.

Do you think you can be wealthy?

2009-03-20T17:11:00.002+08:00

March 20, 2009

We put so much importance in money (not because we are in Pinoymoneytalk) but because it has been made an intermediary of trade. Something that we regard with value because in the first place it has to have worth, otherwise how can we use it as medium for our exchanges? It is NOT the pursuit of money that made Celso delos Angeles or Madoff or our corrupt officials for that matter, evil men. But HOW they accrued the money, the MANNER by which they were able to procure such wealth that made them wicked human beings. Afterall I don’t think you can say the same thing for Oprah?

Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to have more or most (but with wanting to have less – e sakit ata yan, hehehe). But again, with how you are planning to amass such wealth that determines if it is greed or not. Though it is true that we need only air, water, food, and shelter to exist, they are not the ONLY things man needed to survive not to mention PREVAIL. And It is the pursuit of money or should I say what we can do with it (besides, can you still tell the difference) that makes man, ironically - CREATE, INVENT, and INNOVATE.

E sandali nga, e di kung di mayaman e ano ngayon? Hehehehe. It will not be the end of the world (but perhaps "my" world)

As for the question, who wouldn’t want, wish, pray and hope, (least think) they could be wealthy? The question is WHEN and HOW? (Next week, pag nanalo ako sa lotto)

Seriously though, it is easier said than done.

At last some Good News in the Philippines

2009-03-14T17:08:00.001+08:00

March 14, 2009

quote from an irritated depositor of the late legacy bank

"at last some good news pewwwwwww i never thought id be glad to read this .IN the Philippines, a one-meter rise in sea level, for example, is projected to affect 64 out of 81 provinces, according to Greenpeace Southeast Asia. Higher sea level would cover at least 703 of 1,610 towns and inundate almost 700 million square meters of land wowwwwwww somethink to look forward to while watching the news in uk see the philippines go under the water. so god will have justice on this country. wahay burn more coal run mor cars on petrol lets get them ice packs melting faster the better ."

in response, i said:

Hehehe, I know and understand where this is coming from. But ironically, you see, even if the whole country goes under water, our officials who manage to get away with their corruption, or the crooks who scammed your money, won’t go down with it (except for the small time snatchers, or some big-time catch – pray they don’t get pardoned first).

Having taken someone else’s money or should I say the people’s money, they would have put it out of sight, hidden it – under a different name? Unless you are Erap - who by the way, was awed (who made the whole country in total disbelief in return) after he was convicted despite such brilliant strategy as signing in a differentname (with witnesses a foot away) while he was President of the Philippines?

Of course, it takes not so much of an intellect (or more ? – clearly it varies from person to person) that if you were to rob some huge amount of money (say some 3B) you would have to conceal it by smuggling it (in a suitcase – another brilliant idea) to some far away soil (like the US and Europe)?

And oh, going in and out, or staying for that matter (which by the way is their long term plan after retiring from corruption or scamming), is not a problem after having gotten a dual citizenship not only for themselves but for their whole family (who are living there already by the way). Such that if it is revenge to sink some land (to drown the villains along) which countries do you think should go first?

Clearly, global warming is not such a good idea to get justice. Hehehe. The innocents will surely get drowned first. As I’ve been saying again and again. As if life can never be full of ironies.

Besides I don’t know how to swim.

Is it called Financial Freedom or Greed?

2009-03-13T17:04:00.001+08:00

March 13, 2009

Me difference pala? Hehehe.

In psychiatry, a psychological disturbance becomes a disorder, when it impairs the functioning of the individual, be it in the activities of daily living (like eating, bathing, etc), or in the more complex functioning as decision making. I guess we can use this tool to tell when financial freedom becomes already greed. But in this case, the individual we are pertaining to is not only the one who is in pursuit of it, but the people who might get affected in the pursuit as well.

For me there is nothing to discern. For one, they belong at the opposite ends of the spectrum. Financial freedom is something that is good, while the other is bad (absolutely and not relatively). The former is an end. While the latter is more of a means to achieving an end.

However the parallelism exists between the two because one is a matter of perspective while the other is not. Because of our individuality, the definition of financial freedom is viewed at many context, such that its pursuit may resemble that of greed. But when it does, it is not financial freedom anymore, but, greed, actually.

Financial Freedom means different things to different people. It entails a spectrum of definition from having nothing at all,no possessions, staying under the government’s mercy, commuting and not having the burden of owning a car, for example at one end. For some it simply means being debt free, having a decent salary, having enough money for retirement or earning (a lot) from passive income. And at the other, being extremely wealthy – being able to buy anything, wanted or needed, having the money to take lavish vacation, the power to buy expensive cars and jewelries. You see, the latterdefinition is the one responsible for the ambiguity.

Being greed as an excessive desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth, and since that clearly what one needs is but a matter of opinion, it then confounds us as to what makes greed andfinancial freedom different from one another? It is the denial of the same goods (food, power or wealth for this matter) to others that completes the meaning of greed and that which makes it distinct fromfinancial freedom.

Thus when money is pursued to have the power to buy dignity or life for example, now that one is greed. But when it is used to buy a diamond, well that one is a matter of opinion. Hehehe

BIR

2009-02-17T17:02:00.001+08:00

February 16, 2009

Below is a BIR story emailed by a friend. Enjoy!
_______________________________________________________________

HOPE BIR WILL COME UP WITH A STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR THESE WORKERS WHO ARE WILLING TO PAY TAXES TO THE GOVERNMENT... (well, sa mga willing lang naman. hehehehe. )

ONLY IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Dear Joey,

Kumusta sir. Naalala mo pa si Mjolnir? Yung anak kong gustong pumasok sa McCann? May nakakatawang storing nangyari sa kanya. Nang nangailangan si Jol ng TIN ay ginawa siyang pingpong ball ng BIR. So isinulat niya yung BIR experience niya tapos nilagay niya sa internet. Biglang kumalat. Last time I heard ay nasa L.A. na.

Anyway after 3 days sa internet ay nabasa ni BIR Commisioner Parayno yung story. Pinadalhan kaagad si Jol ng TIN card via mail. Ang bilis.

Ang maganda pa nito ay nag-email kay Jol yesterday si Bart Guingona. Gusto raw nilang gawing play. Tuwang tuwa si Jol. Sabi ko nga ay ang agang dumating ng 15 minutes of fame niya.

Anyway here's his original story:

ADVENTURES SA KAWATANAN NG RENTAS INTERNAS
ni Jol Ong

Okay. So natanggap na ako nung November sa NCCA bilang researcher. Contract employee lang. 3 months. May Yearbook project kasi sila at kailangan ng extrang tao.

Okay lang ang bayad, kaso may 10% withholding tax, at siyempre, dapat may Tax Identification Number (TIN) ako. Sotinanong ko yung boss ko- "Sir, di po ba yung employer ang maglalakad ng TIN ng employee?"

Sagot ni bosing- "Di ka kasi regular employee kaya ikaw ang maglakad ng TIN mo."

Assurance nung assistant ni bosing- "Okay lang yan, one-time hassle lang yan."

Ala ako problema. Sige, ako maglalakad ng TIN ko. Tutal, ano ba ang > worst case scenario? Mahabang pila? Red Tape? Naknamsiomai, sanay naman ako sa UP e-kuhaan ng classcards, pila sa registration, pila sa graduation, etc. Ako rin naman ang naglalakad ng registration ng beetle ko, at sa pagrerenew ko ng lisensya, so okay lang.

Sabi ni bosing, dun daw ako mag-apply ng TIN sa BIR Main, sa may QC, para mas konti ang pila! . May BIR din naman sa labas ng Intramuros, walking distance para sa mga sanay maglakad, pero mas konti raw ang tao sa Main.

So, sige, nagpaalam ako, isang araw mag-aabsent ako para lakarin yun. Dun ako sa Main, dahil malapit lang sa amin, tapos plano ko, dadaanan ko yung ilang research materials sa UP. Solve!

Pagdating ko sa BIR Main, nagulat nga ako dahil wala ngang katao-tao. Ni wala akong nakitang pila, maliban lang dun sa pila sa harap, dahil tsinecheck nung sekyu yung bag ng mga tao. Nung pagpasok ko, wala pala silang TIN forms. Wow. Naubusan ng TIN Forms ang BIR Main. Hanep.

Tinanong ako nung lalaki sa desk kung para saan yung TIN application ko; sabi ko, para sa work. Tinanong kung saan ako nagtatrabaho; sabi ko sa Intramuros.

"Dun ka mag-apply sa Intramuros." sabi nung lalaki.

"Di po ba puwede talaga rito?"

"Hinde, kasi sa Intramuros ka e, sila ang may hawak sa 'yo."

Okay lang, although medyo naburat ako sa efficiency nila. Ibig kong sabihin, wow, Main BIR sila tapos una, naubusan sila ng TIN Forms, pangalawa, ewan, ang laki-laki ng saklaw nilang lugar, ang laki-laki ng mga building nila, tapos hindi nila ako ma-accomodate.

Taragis, e malamang sa kanila rin naman mauuwi yung records ko kung sa BIR Davao o BIR Batanes ako mag-apply, dahil tutal, Main sila e, di ba? So ala na akong magawa, ala rin silang TIN Forms, so useless din kung magprotesta pa ako dun. So pumunta na lang akong peyups ( U.P.) for official business, for the first time. Hehehe!

Pagpasok ko sa work, sinubukan kong lakarin yung TIN application ko sa BIR sa labas ng Intramuros, yung malapit sa port area. Pag-akyat ko sa taas, hinanapan ako ng certificate of employment, at barangay clearance. At dahil walang nagsabi sa akin na kailangan ko nun, lalo na yung lalaki sa BIR Main, wala akong bitbit na requirements.

Pagbalik ko sa opisina, inexplain ko sa bosing namin yung problema. Nakatingin sa akin yung bosing ko na parang nawe-weirdohan din at di maintindihan yung paghihigpit ng BIR. Lintek, sabi nga nung isang workmate ko, the fact na nag-apply na ako for TIN, dinedeclare ko na sa gobyerno na puwede na nilang kupitan, err, kaltasan ang maliit kong suweldo. Ako na nga ang magbibigay ng pera sa kanila, ako pa ang hinihigpitan. Tanginang gobyerno yan, kahit kailan talaga pahirap sa mga tao.

Anyway, pag-aaralan pa raw nila kung mabibigyan nila ako ng certificate of employment. Yung barangay clearance, ako na ang maglalakad. Plano kong bumalik ulit sa BIR Main. Hindi ko na lang sasabihin na sa Maynila ako nagtatrabaho. Yung ninang ko na may business, binigyan ako ng TIN Forms. Form 1901, take note. Para sa mga regular employees. May pipirmahan sa likod ang employer ko. After nito, dumiretso ako sa barangay hall namin para sa clearance. Hiningan ako ng CV para sa file. Medyo naiirita na ako sa puntong ito. Isipin mo naman kung gaano ka-hassle ang buong prosesong ito, para saan? Para gawin ko ang aking role bilang mabuting mamamayan sa pagbabayad ng tamang buwis. Anyway, tinanong ako nung babae sa barangay hall kung may TIN daw ako. Napapalo ako sa noo ko.

Whoooooo!!! I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!!!!

Okay! So may clearance na ako!

Humingi na ako ng certificate of employment sa bosing ko, at pinapapirmahan ko na siya sa likod ng Form 1901 ko. Kaso sabi niya, hindi raw puwede kasi wala ako sa roster of employees ng NCCA. Project employee lang ako e. So tinanong ko kung puwede ibalik yung mga kaltas sa akin, tutal ala naman akong TIN e, at ayaw akong bigyan ng BIR, kaya pu**ngina sila, di ko bibigay pera ko sa gobyerno! Ang problema, hindi raw puwede yun. Tuloy-tuloy ang kaltas sa suweldo ko. Kapag hindi raw kasi kinaltasan, sila raw ang malilintikan kapag nag-check ng expenses ang NCCA, makikitang hindi binawasan ang suweldo ko. So tinawag ngayon yung isang accountant ng NCCA para tulungan kami sa aming munting problema. Hindi rin maintindihan nung accountant kung bakit hinihigpitan ako ng BIR. Putsa, ako na nga ang magbibigay ng pera sa gobyerno, may gana pa silang magpakipot. Sabi nung
accountant, yung kinaltas sa akin, mapupunta pa rin sa gobyerno, may TIN man ako o wala, at hindi sa bulsa ng kung sinoman sa NCCA.

Well, dadaan muna sa gobyerno, sa BIR, bago mauwi sa bulsa ng isang congressman, pero technically, alang problema dahil pagkahaba-haba man ng prusisyon, sa simbahan pa rin ni satanas ang tuloy. Ang difference bale, kapag may TIN ako, dinedeclare ko lang na sa akin galing yung kakaning-ibon na baryang portion ng pang-tip ni Mr. Congressman sa pokpok niya sa Pegasus. Otherwise, mula kay Mr. Anonymous yung pang-tip niya.

Advise sa akin, sabihin ko na lang na freelance writer ako. Tutal, may kaltas din naman daw kapag nag-freelance ka sa mga diyaryo. Tapos i-assert ko raw na ako na ang nagbibigay ng pera sa kanilang mga letse sila kaya dapat bigyan pa nila ako ng libreng chocolait at biskwet out of gratitude mga hayop silang mga impakto sila.

Okay. So bumalik ulit ako sa BIR Main. As usual, ang pila lang ay yung sa harap, kung saan nagtse-check yung sekyu ng bomba sa mga bag ng mga tao. Anyway, babae na yung nasa desk ngayon. Pinakita ko na yung barangay clearance ko, at yung accomplished Form 1901 ko. Nung tinanong sa akin kung saan ako nagwowork, inexplain ko na freelance writer ako kaya wala akong regular employer, kaya walang nakapirma sa likod. Okay?

Okay... Hinde. sabi nung babae, since hindi ako regular employee, ibang form dapat ang finill-up-an ko. At bigla siyang naglabas ng Form 1902 at binigay sa akin. Whew, kinabahan ako dun a. Yung Form 1902, sabi niya, ay para sa mga "mixed-income individuals, " para sa mga taong hindi regular ang kita- professionals, businessmen, at sabi niya, freelance writers.

Okay! Fill-up dito, fill-up dun, okay lang!!! Magkakaroon na ako sa wakas! Inaabot ko na sa babae yung Form 1902! Eto na...

"Ummm, okay na? Ngayon, punta kayo sa West Ave. Branch namin."

Nanlaki ang mata ko. Wow, nasira agad ang aking moment of triumph.

"Err! , hindi po ba puwede rito sa Main?"

"Hinde, kasi sa Project 6 ka nakatira. West Ave. Branch namin ang may hawak sa inyo."

Naramdaman ko, parang umiikot-ikot ang paligid ko. Parang gumagaan ang ulo ko, nanglalambot at naghihina ang tuhod ko. Bigla kong naramdaman ang isang matinding pangangailangan na i-head butt ang kausap kong babae sa desk. Sa halip na isang head butt, nagtanong na lang ako.

"Puwede po bang ibang tao na lang ang maglakad nito para sa akin?"

"Oo, gawa ka ng authorization letter..."

Ah! Para akong nabunutan ng tinik sa dibdib! Papalakad ko na lang ito sa nanay ko. hehehe. Paglabas ko, marami pa ring tsinecheckan ng bomba sa bag sa harap. Ngayon alam ko na kung bakit. Ako rin gusto ko rin silang bombahin.

Hindi ko pa rin mawari, nung araw na yun, kung ano pa talaga ang purpose ng BIR Main. Nakangsiomai, dun sa maliliit na branches nila, siksikan ang mga tao, milya-milya ang pila. Sa Main, ang lawak-lawak, pero di sila nag-a-accomodate ng applications!

Sa kasamaang palad, hindi ako nakapagsulat ng authorization letter, at masyadong busy ang nanay ko para ilakad ang TIN ko. Anyway, sabi niya sa akin, may kaklase yung tita ko sa BIR West Ave. Kapag nagipit ako, hanapin ko na lang yun. Okey. Sige. Isa pa, may Form 1902 na ako, barangay certificate, at yung excuse ng aking pagiging freelancer. Pila lang siguro ang problema, pero okay na. Putsa, dapat okay na.

At nakarating din ako, isang araw, sa BIR West Ave. Sa second floor sila nag-oopisina sa isang building. Masikip yung elevator dahil sa dami ng tao. Narating ko na rin yung desk para sa TIN. Nung chineck nung babae dun yung papeles ko, hinanap nila yung pirma ng employer.

"Ay. Wala po. Freelance Writer po ako e." Napatingin sa akin yung babae, tinitigan ako sa mata na wari'y tinitimbang ang mga salitang aking nasambit...

"Ano yung Freelance Writer?"

Napapalo ako ulit sa noo.

"Ma'am, freelancer po ako. wala po akong regular na sahod. Binabayaran ako per article na sinusulat ko. Hindi po ako regular employee kaya wala akong certificate of employment."

Nung makitang Form 1902 ang dala ko, sinabihan pa akong maling form ang bitbit ko, kaya inexplain ko pa na nanggaling na ako sa BIR Main na Form 1901 ang dala ko dati pero sabi dun, mali raw ang 1901 para sa akin kaya binigyan ako ng 1902 dahil freelance writer ako, at inirefer ako sa branch nila. Nakatitig sa akin yung babae, ninamnam ang bawat salitang sinambit ko...

"Ano yung Freelance Writer?"

Okay! Kulang ka ba sa iodized salt?

Ipinaliwanag ko ulit kung ano ang freelance writer, at nakatingin pa rin siya sa akin na tila nambubullshit lang ako.

"Punta ka na lang sa Officer of the Day."

"Umm. Saan po yun?"

"Sa Seventh Floor."

1...2...3... 4...5...6. ..7...8.. .9...10.. .ayan...kumakalm a na ko.

NAK-KANANGTOKWA! !!! ANG DAMING TAONG NAKAPILA SA ELEVATOR!!!

$#@*^%$% #!!!!!!!!

Alang choice, tumakbo ako paakyat sa hagdanan mula 2nd patungong 7th floor. Hingal na hingal ako nang lapitan ko ang Officer of the Day.

"Ma'am, pinaakyat po ako mula sa second floor..."

At ipinaliwanag ko yung nangyari, mula yung pagpunta ko sa BIR Main, hanggang sa pagpunta ko sa ibaba kanina.

"Umm... at anong gusto mong gawin ko?"

Gumuho muli ang mundo ko, pero buti na lang may upuan sa likod ko. Ipinaliwanag ko ulit.

"Oo nga. Sa second floor ang application ng TIN. Bakit ka pinaakyat sa akin?"

Halos nagmamaka-awa na ako. "Ma'am, ala po ba talaga kayong magagawa?"

At inilahad ko ulit yung masasayang adventures ko sa BIR Main, sa BIR Port Area, sa BIR Main, at sa BIR nila. Awa ng diyos, may kinuhang chart yung ale, hinanap yung kategorya ko. Nung makuha yung code, sinulat niya sa isang espasyo sa 1902 ko, sabay tatak.

"Ayan. Okay na yan."

Napangiti ako. Sincere!!! Halos mapaihi na ako sa tuwa. Matatapos na!!! Kaso, putsa, ang daming taong naghihintay sa elevator. Walang choice, takbo ulit ako sa hagdanan pababa. Pagdating dun, lalaki na yung nakaupo sa desk. Pinakita ko ulit yung mga papeles ko.

"Saan ang Certificate of Employment mo?"

Nammannnnn!! !! Ano ba'to? Twilight Zone? Napasok ba ako sa isang loop?

"Bosing, hindi po ako regular employee e. Freelance writer po ako."

"Ano yun?"

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!

At ipinaliwanag ko ulit kung ano ang freelance writer, at ikinuwento ko yung episode kanina, at yung episode sa BIR Main, etc.

"Ito kasing Form na ito, itong 1902, para sa mga may negosyo ito e."

"E yan po ang binigay ng BIR Main sa akin, dahil hindi regular ang sahod ko!"

"May mayor's permit ka ba?"

Pikon na pikon na ako nun kaya hindi ako natawa, pero, talaga, grabe, comedy ito, men. Wow.

"Hindi ko po kailangan ng mayor's permit! Writer lang po ako!"

Ineksamin ulit nung lalaki yung papeles ko.

"Ummm, propesyunal ka ba?"

"Opo."

"Anong propesyon mo?"

"Writer po."

"May lisesnsya ka ba?"

Sa isip ko- "HU-WAAAAAAATTTTTT! !!?"

Kung kumain ako ng bulalo kanina, malamang na-stroke na ako ngayon.

"HINDI NYO PO KAILANGAN NG LISENSYA PARA MAGING WRITER!!!" Sabay follow-up ko ng "ANO BA KAYO? AKO NA MAGBABAYAD NG TAX SA INYO, PINAPAHIRAPAN NYO PA AKO!!!"

Deadma si lalaki. Nakatingin pa rin sa papeles ko, iniisip kung ano gagawin. Kung pinapunta pa niya ako ulit sa Officer of the Day, i-he-head butt ko na'to talaga. Buti na lang-

"O sige, irereceive ko ang forms mo, pero ang alam ko dapat may kasamang papeles pa ito e. Pumila ka na lang dun..."

*haaaaaaaaaaaaayyyy yyyyyyy.. .....*

Kaso, sobrang haba ng pila, at sa takbo ng mga pangayayari ngayon, ayoko nang maghintay ng isa't kalahating oras para lang mag-replay ng kuwentong kung ano ang freelance writer, at kung bakit hindi ako regular employee.

Lumabas ako, pumunta ako sa corridor. Pikon na pikon.

Tinawagan ko nanay ko, tinanong ko yung pangalan ng kaibigan dati ng tita ko sa high school na nagtatrabaho ngayon dun. Okay, nakuha ko na yung pangalan. Balik ako dun, tinanong ko yung sekyu kung saan ang opisina nung babae.

"Sa seventh floor po."

Hindeeeeee!! !!!

Pero sige, para lang magkaroon ng bunga ang paghihirap ko ngayong araw na ito- may exodus ng tao sa harap ng elevator, kaya ayun, inipon ko ang natitira kong lakas at hininga, at aking tinakbo muli ang second to seventh floor sa hagdanan.

Pagdating sa taas, halos bumagsak sa lupa ang baga ko. Nagtanong-tanong ako ulit kung saan ang opisina nung bes-pren ng tita ko, hanggang sa mapunta na ako sa gitna ng opisina nila.

Sa wakas- "Ay! Diyan yung opisina nun, pasok ka diyan."

Yehey!!!

"Ha? Ay! On-leave siya ngayon. Babalik siya sa January 2."

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOO! !!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!

Hindi pa rin nauubos ang mga tao sa elevator, hindi ko maalala kung paano ko tinakbo pababa ang first floor. Pikon na pikon ako, grabe. Pag-uwi, nakaubos yata ako ng isang pitsel ng gulaman. Hinintay kong humupa ang tila-nuclear holocaust ng galit sa loob ng dibdib ko.

Punyetang gobyerno ito!!! Letse!!! Hindi mahuli-huli yung mga tax evaders, hindi mabigyan-bigyan ng TIN yung mga nagmamagandang loob na magbayad ng buwis!!! t*ngina, no wonder may lumolobo tayong mga deficit!!! Syet!!! Ano nangyari sa iodized salt campaign ni Ramos!!!

Nung gabi, tinawagan ko si TJ, yung kasama ko sa trabaho, at kinuwento ko lahat. Lagi ko kasing kinukuwento ang bawat installment ng aking BIR adventures, at tulad ng isang epiko, grabe ang climax nung hapon na yun. Syet. Hayop sa climax. Tinatawanan ko na lang, pero nung hapon na yun kaya ko sigurong mangagat ng leeg.

Tawa rin nang tawa si TJ, at ngayon, kuwento niya, tawa rin nang tawa yung mga pinagkuwentuhan niya. Pati yung mga tao sa tambayan namin, nung kinuwento ko, di rin makahinga sa katatawa.

Langya, baka maging urban legend pa ang buhay ko, in which case, sana puwede kong i-video lahat, at lalagyan ko ng sumpa- ala "The Ring", tapos papadalhan ko ng kopya yung mga tao sa BIR.

Naisip-isip ko na lang ngayon, paano nga kung kailangan mo ng lisensya para magsulat. Isang physical manifestation ng concept ng poetic license? haha! Kung sa driver's license, may mga restrictions tulad ng:

"Vehicle up to 4500 KGS GVW" o kaya "Automatic clutch above 4500 KGS GVW", etc. paano kaya yung sa "Poetic License" o "Writing License?"

I. Restrictions

1. Haiku and short essays only

2. Essays up to 500 words and Free verse up to 5 stanzas.

3. Essays above 500 words and Free verse above 5 stanzas

4. Critical Essays, Short Fiction, Poetry, etc.

Pero nag-digress na naman ako. Isang hapon, pagkatapos nung BIR episode, dumaan ako sa tambayan namin sa UP. Nung makita ako ng mga kasama ko- "Jol! Pumayat ka a! Grabe!" hehehe.

Naalala ko yung jogging-jogging ko sa building, at yung stress, at napangiti ako. Isang mapait at matamis na ngiti. At kinuwento ko kung bakit.

ps: hanggang ngayon, wala pa akong TIN. Kuwento ni TJ, si Santi Bose raw, namatay nang walang TIN,. . . . . nakakatakot!

Random Thoughts

2009-02-13T20:53:00.000+08:00

Feb 13, 2009

I can’t sleep. Funny, but this is one of those few times that I experience having such an ordeal. I’m a person who is the total envy of insomniacs, not to mention normal people. No trouble at all when it comes to that part of daily living. Just put something flat on my back, and I am dead to the world. In fact if sleep could kill (which it could, if you were a chronic alcoholic, or just plain too unlucky, he, he, he) I would have been gone a long time.

However, as much as I would like to, I know that even if I try to count sheep (which by the way would always work for me during restless times-which again I would hardly have any-in both having restless times and counting 10), I would still lay awake staring blanky at darkness not figuratively (this time) but literally because the lights are already off, hehehe. I am very well aware of the cause, but not very willing to share it even in writing, even to people I don’t know and don’t know me back (or should I say, don’t care at all). I have a pride you know, and I intend to keep it in one piece (as much as possible). Let’s just say, I am wondering, and considering of hurting somebody, back. I have a pride you know. Not sure though if it is still intact, on second thought.

And so I decided that instead of wallowing in my own misery, to get up, and do something productive (like earning money, online and offline, in this most unholy hour of the day, oh yes, it is very possible). But I contained myself and settled on something decent and respectable (like watching something biblical). No, (I am not that pretentious), but rather translate my thoughts into words, which at first I thought was not possible. Given that my situation is not inspiration but desperation.

After several minutes, of mulling over emptiness, i came up with randomness, which surprisingly the one which lulled me into sleep. But before I finally submit into unconsciousness, I pondered on one last conscious thought – to confront the person responsible. And deal with an emotion I have so tried to deny and renounce but have so far failed (well at least so far, which by the way, could not take me that far, hehehe, so might as well concede?). Not a chance. Now, that one, not sure If I deliberated on in my wakefulness or in my dreams. Now this, maybe just a product of my imagination. Oh how I wish..... Hehehehe.

Mutual Funds

2009-01-20T13:14:00.002+08:00

Now, I'm not a professional investor (yet) nor a successful one (yet). But I know some things about it (at least theoretically) that may help you in your dilemma. I always compare investing to a card game. Part luck, part diskarte. But again, you are fortunate as you have one of the aces of the game-which is TIME.

You are young, and because of that you can attempt to make risks. Because even if you lose money-which is unavoidable (but as much as possible must be prevented)-you can still earn it through your job, other ventures or still through investments-because any investment, in time, will profit.

Again we know that in investment, no pain no gain, and that the riskier the investment, the higher the return. Now, stocks, stock mutual funds (aka, equities), balanced fund (mixed equitiy and bond), bond and money market differ in risk and yield, the first one carrying the greatest risk and profit, and the last one, much like putting your money into time deposit.

For a young investor like you, financial growth is the name of the game. Because again, you can gamble to be aggressive, most financial gurus would agree that stocks and stock mutual fund (aka equity) are the ones more appropriate. However between buying individual stocks or stock mutual fund, the latter is better as playing stocks requires experience. Stock mutual fund, on the other hand, is handled by a fund manager, who pools money from different individuals , then use that into buying different stocks. In effect, this is much safer because it is handled by an experienced person.

Compared to bonds and money market, stock mutual fund will give you a higher yield as this is stock investment. In fact, in terms of revenue and capital preservation, it can even be better than buying individual stocks. Because in a stock mutual fund, there is already diversification (the money is into a variety of stock products that give different yields)-one which you may not be able to do with just your money to invest. The risk of losing money is lesser as lost of one stock may be offset by the gain of another.

So, take your pick.

Why Savers are Losers Literally?

2009-01-16T16:59:00.000+08:00

Jan 16, 2009

Well, there’s always a goal for starting a thread. I’m sure, learning is one of them. So let’s always be nice. Hehehe.

Given the title though and the many reactions here, it makes me wonder, is this just to promote some products, say BDOs UITFS, create a controversy, call all PMTers to a “get-together” or to simply define the terms. Which by the way, are pretty much being achieved, here, most singlehandedly by the one who started it, kinda impressive i may say, and no offense, hehehe.

Except for the logic and the definition of terms.

To be honest, like many others probably here, i find the title a little bit offensive, really. Hehehe. Not because I am a LOSER (yes, I am pretty much convinced that I’m not) but because I am a SAVER too, and an investor, but with the present economic crunch, more of the former and not YET a GAINER. But ironically, right now, I am LOSING my money NOT in SAVING, but rather in INVESTING. So if you come to think of it, though I know what the thread is trying to get across (that saving can’t beat inflation), the LOGIC behind the statement (that savers are losers) FALTERS (because losing is also possible ininvesting). If I have to agree on it, it has to be figuratively and not literally. Hehehe.

There are only 2 sets of terms here that need defining. Saving vs Investing, Losing vs Gaining. With saving and investing , though 2 different concepts, are both IMPORTANT means in amassing wealth. You need both to achieve your financial goal.

Saving by definition is putting your money in savings accounts, TDs, or money markets for the protection and preservation of money from loss, which gains interest but not enough to beat inflation in the long term.

Investing on the other hand, is committing your money in risky vehicles such as stocks and mutual funds, which may lose in the short term but gain in the long term due to an overall upward pattern.

We INVEST to cover our future needs. We SAVE to address our short-term necessities, at the same time PROTECTING your investment capital given that your money in the bank is always intact and accessible for emergencies, unlike your investments.

As you can see, sir FutureGizmo is right, there is no debate here. Because we realize in the end, it’s not really saving or investing that will make you a loser or a gainer, but rather its your decisions, and money management that will make you one, LITERALLY.

Bakit Single Ka Pa?

2009-01-02T16:57:00.000+08:00

January 02, 2009

O eto na serious contribution ko on this thread. hehehe.

The need to belong is one of the basic human needs. Just like air, food and sex. And yes, sex doesn’t go with love and security (at least according to Maslow, hehe). And yes, it belongs to the same level as the physiological needs. And, no, I’m not liberated. All I’m saying (with that statement) is if you want just sex...you don’t have to be married. Wahahahah! And no, I'm not very comfortable discussing that which follows.

Seriously though, our search for human affiliation stems not from social pressure but from human nature which is rather instinctual. Afterall it is the same desire for intimacy (and not just sex, since as humans, we associate procreation with love, otherwise the pregnancy gets aborted, hehe, hypocrisy aside) that brings new members of the species. It is the same yearning for closeness and bonding that results to a family and community structures as these new members get to be nurtured and supported.

However, we must also understand that the need for love and belongingness is satisfied not only by having a romantic relationship with the opposite sex, (or the same sex depending on your preference) or marital commitment with them. But also from friendship, social activities, religious affiliations, familial attachments, and yes ... even animal connections, not to mention extramarital affairs, hehe. And okay, even from cyberforums like PMT. And not with yourself (it’s a different thing, hehe, - narcissism na yan or I don’t know). Man tries to overcome feelings of loneliness and alienation. This would explain why there are single people who are as fulfilled as those who are wed. And not because they are simply rationalizing.

So you see, the goal of entering into a romantic relationship is to seek if this means would fulfil our need to belong. But of course you don’t declare that literally or aloud. Baka hiwalayan ka nun. Rather it is the unspoken sentiment. If you regard it as the only way to such an end thus it should and must work, then it will result to disappointment and yes, bitterness.

Understanding the hype that society puts in romantic love as part of marketing and a way to sell literally everything from condoms to movies, though, “being single” becomes a social and psychological issue. But actually it’s only a legal status. Afterall we can’t declare being “married” to our friends, or to our dogs and definitely not to our mistresses (or should I say “your”), can we?

Lastly:
As to the issue of marriage depending on your upbringing and the kind of society that you’re in, it then becomes an act that concurs with ones values, social norms and customs, not to mention legal issues. And that which needs to be respected, if you want the respect back.

Do We Have to Get Rich?

2008-12-31T21:00:00.001+08:00

Sept 1, 2007

We should get RICH

I don’t know how the dictionary defines the word. But for most of us, this is something relative. Meaning, when one has more compared to others, he is rich. Can I use the analogy of the pie?

Now imagine the pie as wealth. And we all have to share it. If one gets much much more than the others (say 5 slices out of 10, and he isn’t sharing anything) and five more people would have to share the rest (maybe one would end up with nothing), then the problem begins. This is the unequal distribution of wealth.

Now, what’s the reason why one would end up with a lot? For most of us, we'd think we've been cheated on. But maybe it just so happened that he’s got the more appetite, or means. It’s true that supposedly, we should get an equal share, a pie for each person,but then again, this is the problem with democracy, freedom gets abused. And more importantly, I’m sorry to say, this is but man's natural tendency. And only a few can resist. Personally, it’s difficult to change reality. Ok, I know, it begins by a change in one’s self, but the above isn’t something that can be done overnight. I don’t have a lifetime.

If you (good-hearted people) can take more pie to give to those who doesn’t have the means, why not. Instead of greedy people getting their hands on them.

Or, if only we have the same appetite for wealth, it is likely that we’ll end up with an equal share.

Personally, I choose the second option. So, kainan na (lol)!

P.S. nakaka-addict pala dito, I think, stop muna kasi di ako makapagtrabaho.

Can You Live On Investing Alone?

2008-12-31T20:58:00.002+08:00

August 31, 20o7

Funny, but this was my original plan, until I got first hand experience if I only had my investments to depend on.

IF you, are referring to these investments, bonds, equities, stocks, even real state, and NOT your OWN businesses, then it’s not enough. Before these can give you enough yield, you must have a huge capital.

Let’s say, you have a huge sum. Investments differ in yield. Lets just say, your 600T in UITF can earn from 0-30T or more depending on the stock market. Losing is always there.

Investment is risky. Again it’s common knowledge. However, the riskier the higher the interest is. I myself experience losing some 75% of my money in a scam (I didn’t know it was legal, and I was ignorant then ). Well, even if I know better now, I still experience losses.

And viewing it in another perspective, people who retire young have the tendency to live a sedentary lifestyle. Have you ever wondered, why farmers live longer than some executives? This is kinda off-topic but people often forget to consider the benefit we get from being engaged in work. Example, your walk to the office every morning, and back to your home may give ou the 30-minute exercise you need. Work hard or less (depends on your preference, but definitely don’t stop working) AND work smart, that, is better.

Therapeutic Communication

2008-12-31T15:16:00.001+08:00

The current financial crisis and many other issues that the United States is facing right now is bringing a lot of stress in the global market, not to mention in man of our countrymen's psyche. I'm not referring to myself because that's already given. But to my friend's.

Like many aspiriang Flipinos trying to look for a greener pasteur, she is bound to the land of the free, until, the market crashes. Uhhmm, wait, I think it's even before the collapase (hehe, I'm mixing things up lately, thanks to Pinoymoneytalk). Well, I really don't know the reason of the retrogression but I'm pretty sure it's as complicated as the charts right now.

But that is beside the point. Or not completely, because it is related. Given that I made that as an introduction. Hhhmmm...

Anyway as she succumbs to hopelessness, having waited for 2 years already for the immigrant visa, she tried to find solace in me. I mean, in somebody that is as in despair as her? How can she possibly get a good advice? Hahaha! Or at least a therapeutic response. Well, in the first place she has no idea of my current state of mind, as I've always maintained an air of hope, confidence, optimisim, intelligence and beauty. And she doesn't know that, too. So much for being friends. Besides, I don't think anybody can tell the difference, though.

As I try to come up with something to say, that would appear as caring as it is sound, not to mention, therapeutic, in a situation where the answer is as uncertain as the current market, I came up with several options.

"Everythung has its reasons"

"Maybe there is something better in store for you"

Making me realize fast, (as fast as I thought of them) that they're the exact same phrases I am trying to avoid. It's tantamoung to lying!

In the end, I ended up...dead. Hehe...I mean laughing. For my friend, it is mocking.

We didn't end up in a fight thoug, as much as I'd like to. Just close. As I'm quick in explaining the comic I've imagined. Though, she didn't share the laugh, and I felt a little guilty.

In the end I said, "I understand"

Realizing what could be more therapeutic than that

Ah, keep my mouuth shut.

The 3 Most Stable Banks in the Philippines: Which Bank do you Use?

2008-12-12T16:48:00.001+08:00

December 12, 2008

Buhay ko na naman?

Quote on Dec 12, 2008, 12:15 PM

"one way to maximize earnings, don't believe in rumors."

That’s true, if unsubstantiated. But as we have realized (again and again), it’s quite difficult to find facts. Unless of course, we work for them. But are we allowed (if not willing) to share these data? Yes, kung ayaw na nating mabuhay. Hehe.

Just don’t discount the harsh reality that WHEN THERE IS SMOKE THERE IS FIRE (tama ka boss S). I should know, because I’ve been scammed, twice (yes, TWICE).

And like many others I CHOSE to believe what I THOUGHT, and HOPED (not to mention FED) refusing to SEE the OTHER SIDE. Because I thought, the RUMORS were just BAD PUBLICITY. PERO, sino ba namang may-ari ang aamin? But I could have gotten out earlier, much more, prevented it. There were just too many investors getting in, and they were offering too high an interest. In my ignorance and greed back then, I didn’t bother to examine myself HOW could it be even possible?

I fought back the anxiety, and fear. In fact, I even deposited another 60K A WEEK before the official statement of CLOSURE!

Rather look for the source, and see how big or small it is. Wether it can be ABATED (in the short or long run, depending on your time horizon) or it is time to RUN.

So, take coverage, DON’T BE LURED BY THE FAT INTEREST ALONE. Better yet, CHOOSE WELL. Dun sa di ka masusunog at MALINIS na paraan. Para masunog ka man, sa heaven ka mapupunta. Joke lang.

Quote on Dec 12, 2008, 11:58 AM

"i stumbled upon this forum upon hearing rumors that BPI might close... again, rumor lang... pero for peace of mind, do you think these 3 big banks will have any problems in the immediate future?"

For your question, well, I don’t think anybody could give you a direct answer. Unless of course there’s a board member here from those 3 banks. Or better their accountant. In that case, for any conclusion we may come up from inputs here, IS but PARTLY SPECULATED.

I’ve said before that profitability and reduced risk (high liquidity, low credit and interest risk) is what defines a bank stability (in my opinion). Unfortunately unless we are an “insider” we won’t have access to full transparency. Let’s just comfort ourselves with the figures thatBoss S provided in the first post. If your bank isn’t there, it just means that they fall below the figures, RELATIVELY, and not because they’re unstable.

In times like this, the most important is liquidity. As much as we’d hope to put calm in all investors, there’ll still be a significant number who will withdraw their money, like it or not. If that’s what will give you peace of mind, then SO BE IT. Just hire a security guard. If the bank has indeed managed the business well – enough capital, tight risk-management, good policies - should MOST of its investors decide to take out their money, then this SHOULD not be ALL the reason to CLOSE the bank. And don't expect high interest.

I’d hate to compare commercial vs rural because in the first place they are two separate entities. Besides we all have our own reasons for getting in one and not on the other.

For your peace of mind (and mine, too), let me ask you a question. During times like this, in which bank will you feel most safe to park your money in?

If you say under your mattress, then I don’t think, there should be any conflict?

Oh, by the way, pwede tayong makilagay sa kaha de yero ng mayayaman. They are called banks. Hehe.

And do you know, that HUMOR is one of the BEST defense mechanism?

And that verbalization will help relieve anxiety.

Pre-Need Firms Collapse

2008-12-11T19:40:00.001+08:00

Dec 11, 2008

I am trying not to say this, well because obviously because of the financial turmoil, most if not everybody is overly sensitive, and you may take offense on anything that is against your conviction. Not trying to affront anybody, though, because I myself has been struck by the realization. I know, everyone knows this, and what I’m about to say, let’s just say is but the UNSPOKEN.

I noticed that the only thing investors care about is but the INTEREST. But of course! And what else is there to be concerned about, except money, ANYWAY? I mean, I would not be a hypocrite to deny the temptation of investing into something that would BEAT inflation, not to mention my OWN SALARY! Why care about looking into its assets and liabilities, its managements, and policies, when I am getting some 20% per annum, effortlessly, given of course as it is PDIC COVERED? Afterall, they say, it’s CONFIDENTIAL?

And yet, we wonder, how come, some people would always seem to succeed at least financially? For all you know, he is swindling YOUR money.

Why politicians, and regulators are corrupt? Innate evilness PLUS giving in to temptation of accepting BRIBES for permits, cover-ups, etc. And yet we wonder how come their assets balloon disproportionately as against a meager 25T (or less) monthly salary. For all we know, we are partly (if not entirely) to blame.

And how come terorrists always seem to have an endless provision of fund? Now, I maybe being paranoid here. Baka naman, passive income lang talaga.

These are just examples of financing that for all we know are marked “classified”.

I’ve said it before that I’m not into rural banks. Not because I see it as some type of scam. But rather as a riskier investment, relative to commercial banks. But because I’ve realized that after putting most of my money into high risk vehicles such as MF, UITF and individual stocks, I couldn’t afford to gamble anymore.

My point, investing (in all forms) is a social responsibility, too. Safeguarding our principal and interest is not the only reason for being vigilant when it comes to choosing the right company, not to mention monitoring our gains or losses.

I mean, it’s okay if you don’t want to think of anything else but your money, just don’t complain about corrupt officials, scams, and world war III.

Not to mention, blame the agents?! In the first place who decided to invest, anyway?

Is this a good year to invest in Rural Banks?

2008-12-11T16:46:00.001+08:00

December 11, 2oo8

Let’s see:

An optimist would say: YES!
A pessimist: NO!
A conservative: MAYBE...IF...

Is 2009 a good time to invest in rural banks. I say IT’S THE BEST TIME TO SPEND!

A healthy/growing economy equals investment growth (and consistent if not increasing interest, yey!!!). Because an expanding economy generates more jobs, goods and services and incomes as opposed to contraction. And what would lead to economic growth? Increasing demand for goods and services coupled with swelling income hence the increasing propensity to both spend and save (which they put in investments - banks, stock market – that are used by businesses/IPOs as loans/capital ).

As you can see, without the demand, businesses won’t have the need to expand, much less be created at all.

Clearly we are in a state of economic contraction (let’s not detail the reason anymore). Layoffs lead to decreasing income. The absence thereof or decreasing sense of security (by those with jobs but anxious), lead to decreasing ability to spend/consume goods/services, to decreasing savings and investment (and interest).

So when does contraction/recession ends?

When demand is rekindled.

Consumers will reach a point where we simply have to increase spending. Gulagulanit na ang damit mo. Pudpod na tsinelas (kasi ipinalit mo na sa sapatos kasi mas mura). Wala ng garter ang ... shorts mo. Hehe. Sumabog na ang gas stove mo. Ano pa ba? Ah, bulok na ngipin mo! In short, NAAWA KA NA SA SARILI AT PAMILYA MO.

Thanks to government intervention though. We don’t need to suffer long (and hard? hopefully). Because they are the ones which will come up with policies to help increase demand. Like infrastructure projects, decrease interest rate, borrow money from international institutions (didn’t we just did?!). Let’s just disregard for a second the new opportunity for corruption.

So is next year the best time to invest in rural banks or in other investment vehicles for that matter?

I honestly don’t know. Hehe. Yes, sa dinami dami ng sinabi ko. Whatever your decision, always factor in your risk tolerance.

All I can say, that now and the near future is the best time that we invest in:

-OURSELVES /CAREER– to keep our job, and hence our income, and our lifestyle
-KNOWLEDGE – to increase our confidence, not to mention restore the health of our portfolio

and

-PSYCHIATRIST – to maintain our sanity (joke lang po)

Top Local Commercial Bank Will File for Bankruptcy?

2008-12-10T19:35:00.000+08:00

Dec 10, 2008

So, pinaguusapan pa rin natin buhay ko dito. Hehe.

Ironically, when we say let’s not speculate, that’s when we speculate. So might as well, speculate na lang such that we won’t be disappointed should the worse happen which should have been possibly foreseen by speculation, ironically. Hehe. Afterall, when there is heat there is fire. Para yang pag sinabihan ka ng “wag kang mabibigla”, nabigla ka na! Sarado na. Hehe. Joke lang po.

When a bank is failing, the general public will not know about it, in case you haven’t realized it yet. Because regulators DELIBERATELY keep a pending closure a secret to avoid the public from simultaneously getting their money out (or a bank run), to keep other options possible. Like the bank’s sale to another institution (say, Merrill Lynch to Bank of America) to avoid anymore government intervention (which is far more stressful) and bring back the confidence of the public or afford enough liquidity without the bank having to file for bankruptcy. Because, should all the depositors rush out of its door, I don’t think any buyer would want to take the deal anyway.

For many customers, the first time they know their bank has been shut down, it is when they walk to their branch and notice it’s closed. Or has read it in PMT. Hehe.

The problem with speculation is we tend to predict the future by looking at the past. Though we know, that past performance is not a predictor of the future, I think past data is far better off than a crystal ball. Thus, it is understandable.

However, let’s not forget that the 1930’s bank failure is both a cause and an effect of the economic crisis started off by the stock market crash. In addition to the collapse of confidence, reduction of money supply, high interest rates and reduced business investment. Their exact roles and relative importance in the debacle is what economists are disagreeing about.

Deja vu? Not quite. Our leaders and economists has put safeguards in place to avoid a repetition. They put social safety net in the form of unemployment insurance (or a paper bag given to our poor OFWs from Taiwan), Philhealth/Medicare, more active government role in economic policy, better regulation of the securities market, insurance of bank deposits, etc. . So if you ask me, not so similar with the Great Depression after all. Baka pwede pa Greater Depression. Hehe.

In the subject of banks – the combination of government oversight, competitive pressures, and improved risk - management has massively reduced the chances of large-scale bank failures. Bank failure happen in smaller institutions. Possibly because of a relatively reduced stability. Given their smaller capital, hence reduced liquidity not to mention higher interest rate.

In times, like this, when people are in panic, increased liquidity plays the utmost importance in keeping the bank steady. Fear and doubt is what will drive their depositors to withdraw every single penny. When a bank doesn’t have enough cash (because they are given out as loans), it will lead to a vicious cycle of more withdrawals, eventually running the bank out of capital to continue operation. But should there be enough liquidity, the bank can still carry on and eventually recover. And you get all you money back, plus interest.

Not sure though if it’s safe to assume that bigger commercial banks have higher liquidity compared to smaller rural banks. Well, relatively, I’d gamble with a yes.

To continue, it’s not just undercapitalization or a bank run that will cause a bank to fold. For all you know, the reason your bank closes is because of an increasing liabilities vs assets, or regulators have recognized fraud.

Yes, you are right that, now, nobody and nothing is invincible. But I’m definite some banks (and hopefully everybody) will turn out to be indestructible in the end. E san na natin ilalagay ang ating pera. Seriously? Hehe.

Clue, we are an emerging economy. Just as wealth is unequally distributed. So is the risk.

3 Most Stable Banks, How can they go wrong?

2008-12-05T15:54:00.000+08:00

Dec 5, 2008
By making bad decisions.

But I agree with you. Relatively they're far more stable than other banks, well as far as I know and “kutob” are concerned (take note, as far – which may not far at all, hehe) and as far as your first post is concerned. I will presume of course, that the other banks are not included because they’d pale in comparison in terms of financial standing in general which makes them less stable. Logical.

I recognize the fact that “ALL” investment involves a certain degree of risk. No exception. And that the more stable an institution is, the lesser the risk. But how do we gauge stability? For humans, a good insight, for banking institutions – I have no idea. Hehe.

Let us just say, in my opinion, stability should equate with:

• profitability (positive net income)
• and reduced risk in terms of:
-liquidity (they must have sufficient cash available should the general public decide to withdraw all their funds)
-credit risk (they must make sure that their borrowers will be able to repay the loans made)
-interest rate risk (the bank must be have enough revenues in order to pay the interest that it owes to its depositors)

As to how you would compute the above, sorry not so much of an idea. But I’m sure, the total assets, deposits, loans, income, capitalization, etc. are variables to the equations. Include mo pa diyan management.

Let’s just say, we may come up with an idea on their standing and hence solidness by looking at the numbers. The higher the better? But as to a firm insight on their stability, malabo.

Afterall sila lang me alam sa totoong assets and liabilities. Especially, their accountants. Hehe.
______________________________________________________________________

Dapat talaga sinunod ko payo ng nanay ko. Mag-CPA daw ako. Tsk, tsk.

Top Commercial Bank Will File for Bankruptcy?

2008-12-04T15:52:00.000+08:00

Dec 4, 2008

With regards to being prepared or not, well we all know that everything has a risk. But of course compared to other investment forms, we know that banking so far is the safest haven, at least relatively. And commercial bank more than rural since the former is more stable, again relatively. (safest? - well, we could opt to put our money under our mattresses, but is it really an alternative, seriously?)

Since we are trying to point out if this is a hoax or a truth (first we must come up with the name) or at the most, predict what might be possible by comparing it to the fate of some known firms that have gone bankrupt like Lehman brothers and AIG, we must also acknowledge the difference among them.

Well, I’m not really an expert because my profession is FAAAAR from banking and finance or accounting (in fact it’s the opposite, as I think it’s more of a charity!), but I will try to contribute. Sana tama ang karamihan sa sasabihin ko.

Commercial banks are different from Investment banks. And Lehman Brothers, AIG, Bear Sterns, Washington Mutual, etc etc. fall under the latter.

Commercial banks are engaged in raising funds, though deposits (TD, savings) from corporations to individuals which they try to profit from by loaning this to businesses and consumers in place of a collateral or a lien to the title of the house if it’s a housing loan (which secures them by the way, should the borrower fails to default on the loan), or buy corporate and government bonds. In terms of mortgage loan, they either directly provide the loan – if you get approved, given a tight lending policy - or acquire these mortgages from simply purchasing it from mortgage bankers or institutions.

Investment banks on the other hand, profit from companies, governments and individuals investors by issuing and selling securities in the capital markets (equities and bonds), as well as offering advisory services for mergers and acquisition or trading for clients and underwriting securities.

In the past years however, investment banks have expanded on providing financial services such as a mortgage loan. In the case of the subprime crisis, they provided such loans to people with poor credit rating (or those who are likely to default payment, when hindsight should be 20/20? )-which I don’t think would be given by commercial banks, by the way - made a security out of these loans then sold them to investors. With subprime foreclosures, come a vicious cycle of increasing debt, loss of confidence, withdrawals of investment, eventually bankruptcy.

Not really sure about Philippine laws that govern the activities of these two types of banks. But in other countries, it is ruled that commercial banks should be engaged only in banking activities and investment banks with investment activities. But it is not necessary that they should be a separate company. That is the reason why commercials banks have their investment divisions.

My point, just because investment banks are deteriorating one after the other, commercial banks will ultimately follow. I mean, given the conservativeness of the latter in terms of revenue sources, not to mention the nature of their business, reasons for bankruptcy may fall under a different category, and not entirely because of the subprime mortgage crisis, unless of course they go beyond the confines of their industry.

But of course, like many other businesses, commercial banks may fall – poor macroeconmonic conditions, poor management, poor accounting – which all boils down to making bad decisions. In the case of risky investment, too much exposure than they can handle.

You are right, a risk no matter how small it is, is still a risk. Thus we must take coverage.

But getting unduly anxious over something we don’t understand is a different thing.

So to those who are more knowledgeable about banking, please enlighten us more.

Is a House a Liability or an Asset?

2008-11-26T19:29:00.000+08:00

Nov, 26, 2o08

If we are going to be strict about the definition of liability as "something that takes money out of your pocket every month, wether you work or not", then life itself would be a liability.

But then again, if asset is, "something that puts money into your pocket each month, regardless if you work or not", life can only be an asset if you work or you make money from your mere “existence” (ansarap nun!). Otherwise, you are worthless. Papayag ba kayo?

Unfortunately, life is not the issue here, otherwise, I think I've settled the score already. Hehe. I'ts the house that we are trying to qualify as an asset or a liability.

Now the reason, I'm giving the above analogy for, is to support what neo just said. It doesn't mean that just because we are spending some money for owning a house, it becomes an accountability.

Besides, when we talk about income, it is the “net” proceeds that matters more. Clearly having your own house increases net returns as it decreases expenditure compared to renting an apartment. Unless of course, you prefer to stay in the streets.

“Revenues and expenses” will always be part of any aspect of life, literally and figuratively. Unless of course we return to prehistoric times. When everything (I think) is neither an asset nor a liability.

Or a liability! Try living during those times.

Will the Philippine Stock Market Be Dissolved?

2008-11-15T19:11:00.000+08:00

Nov 15, 2008

As far as I know (which by the way, can’t take us that far), the answer to your question lies in understanding what is the stock market and its history. So that would explain the long answer.

Simply put, it dates back to a time when man realizes that a way to raise funds without creating debt (through bank loans) to expand business is to sell stocks or partial ownership of the company in an agreement to divide the company’s profit to whoever buys the shares through dividends. So what our ancestors did, was to put up an organization (stock exchange) to bring the buyers and sellers to a listing of stocks and securities where trade can occur.

But that’s not the only way by which we can profit through the stock market. Man being man (smart but greedy), soon realizes, that profits could be made by re-selling the stock to a much higher price to others who saw value in a company. In short, a share is sold to a much higher price that is partly (if not purely) speculated on as it is based on partly (if not purely) predicting the company’s future revenues. The role of speculation itself explains the volatility of the share prices as shareholders may hold different views over the company’s future earnings.

Now, partly because of economic factors (that lead to companies closing down) and partly to fear and panic, share prices may experience a sharp dip (including those other companies who are fundamentally sound, as again, anxiety is one of the market’s driving factors). This is what we call a stock market crash. The possibility of some share prices as being undervalued is there during a crash.

So, in short, a crash is different from dissolution, in as much as the latter is different from re-organization and reinvention. IN AS MUCH AS a stock market dissolution is different from individual company’s liquidation. When you buy shares in a company, they have the obligation of paying you dividends, that is as long they are making profit (except of course when it's making negative revenues or stops operation). Concurrent closures of these listed companies is rather impossible, if not ridiculous.

Unless of course, it’s the end of the world.

A Matter of Perspective II

2008-11-13T19:38:00.000+08:00

Nov 13, 2008

Sabi nga nila, the only time politicians tell the truth is when they call each other liars (Hehe, sorry, can’t think of a better analogy).

No, the answer to that is because investing/saving is a personal issue and responsibility. For any loss or gain, we are the only one accountable.

Rather hard (and pointless) if everybody agrees on something about money because there are always 2 sides to the coin. Not to mention, economics is the only field by which two people can share a nobel prize for saying opposing things. But of course, arguments need to be laid out properly. If inaptly put, see beyond the drama. There’s more to it (sana) trust me. We listen, and examine who is more sensible. But as is always the case, everybody will have a point. The decision is ours to make.

Don’t worry, if there’s something we are in total agreement, yun ang YUMAMAN!

A Matter of Perspective

2008-11-10T19:34:00.000+08:00

Nov 10, 2008

When our ideas are put to the test, it is hard to be receptive . Moreso if it is our pride. And that is the truth.

With forums like this, we get to meet a lot of people who has different intentions, opinions, personalities, not to mention sense of humor. The problem is we only get to read the message. Believe it or not, it is easier to get the idea across in a conversation. I think because, the emoticon is not enough. Hehe. Or probably because in person, we can assault the other instead.

In as much as it is important to think what we’re going to post, it is equally imperative to consider how others would take it. If we have to think twice before posting, we also have to think as much (if not more) while reading others’ messages.

It’s hard you see, given the complexity of man, to decode each other’s persona, moreso in a forum where we are defined only by some of our thoughts. And I think you can’t fault some people on how they put up their message in as much as they can’t fault us in how we would respond.

The best thing would be to try our best to keep an open mind. Trust me, it takes a lot of effort. It’s hard to be opposed. But it’s harder to accept defeat. (and I admit my guilt, hehe)

Sabi nga nila, pag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay. Easier said than done. Hehe. But then in forums, it would always boil down to the matter of perspective. Malay mo tinapay pala iyong binato.

Investing in Mutual Funds

2008-11-07T19:12:00.000+08:00

Is it wise to invest while still in debt?
Nov 7, 2008

One, I think it's not wise to save and invest when you are still in debt. I think it's more prudent if you clear yourself off of any liability first. Baka kasi yung interest ng investment mo e katumbas lang ng interest ng utang mo, nagwoworry ka pa. Or worse, mas mababa pa ang interest ng investment mo, nadagdagan pa utang mo.

Second, again it’s more sensible to have some bank savings that would cover at least a few months of your needs. Just in case you lose your job hehe. Besides a bank account is a form of investment, easily accessible (in case of immediate money need), low risk with a predictable return. This should form the foundation of your money-making strategy. But if your question is if you can buy shares from banks offering MFs or UITFs even if you don't have an account with them yet, the answer is yes (at least with some banks, not really sure though, just ask). But better if you have, so you can buy and redeem by simply transfering funds from and to your account.

Third, aside from checking and savings account, there are other forms of investment products, such as what you mentioned – bonds, balanced funds, stocks, real estate etc. But before you go into that, do 1 and 2 first. Then read (books, this forum) to learn more about these other products while doing just that.

I understand the excitement. But don't succumb to it just yet. It's not as easy as you think it is.
It's never too late. As to why financial literacy not included in curriculum, well, personally because I think there are other important things to learn aside from money matters. Not to mention, the latter would need some discipline and a lot of maturity.

How Much Have you Lost in this Bear Market?

2008-11-01T13:38:00.000+08:00

Nov 1, 2o08

Manipulation in the Stock Market

Whooaah! I was planning to just check out this forum, before I go to bed. Just didn’t realize that it would make me awake for another couple of hours!

Much has been said. And more is bound to be thrown at each other’s face. But let’s try to be nice, and civil, and...nice. For whatever difference in conviction, let’s just account that to difference in perspective. Or generation gap. Hehe. The latter by the way is figurative.

Now, that manipulation thing, we have to admit, could be part of the stock market. And what just have been pointed out in another thread, it even exists in the international scene. I guess, it really is part of any money-making scheme. Let’s just leave some benefit of the doubt. Afterall, the presence of intention is something that’s difficult to prove.

But I don’t think it would be reason enough to stop trading in the PSE. But the grounds as to why ordinary investors like us need to understand the dynamics and commit to a strategy that again, would best suit our goals and psyche. And okay, values.

In fact, investors are partly to blame. Most (if not all) regard stocks only as a trading vehicle. The reason they gain or lose is because they take advantage of the volatility (especially true for those who trade for the short term). Which is by the way dictated by man’s reaction to market volume (okay, manipulated or not). Dicounting in toto, the intrinsic value. But can we really do something about this? Besides, most of the conflicts we are talking about here, is but man’s innate nature, unfortunately.

Funny, but the previous post, I was planning to edit. Dapat pala ginawa ko na. Kasi I was about to change it into:

But in the end, each one of us will realize, that it’s actually a matter of perspective (not to mention plan). For some, a lost opportunity is as good as money loss. For me, actualizing a loss by redeeming it, is. For some, this is the end, for others this is the beginning.

But which provides us the best ground to present all our arguments. And all the reason to kill one another. Hahahaha!

How Much Have you Lost in this Bear Market?

2008-10-31T13:32:00.000+08:00

Oct. 31, 2008

Why do local Investors use the US as bases when investing in MFs?

You have a point richpulubi, as you’ve always have.

As for the reason, why our stock market doesn’t mimic that of the US, is simply because we are not America (I mean, we all know what they have that we don’t).

As to why local investors use the US as basis when investing in MFs? That’s exactly my question before which unfortunately I haven’t resolved completely. Until finally I just learned to accept the fact that Filipinos are not confident with their own market or probably their own economy (which is understandable by the way) that they use the stock index of powerful nations as a tool in telling when to buy or sell (which is good actually because the movement becomes a little predictable since they are a few hours ahead of us (in reality, we are the ones a few hours earlier, which makes it all the more ironic), all you need is to stay a little late at night, tune in to BBC or CNBC and give up watching some of your telenovelas . This is the reason why peso cost-averaging, index fund investing would work. Besides, it’s the same human reaction that underlies every stock market (not to mention that they are interconnected)

Relatively yes, the upsloping of the US stock index is steeper (rather most steep) than the PSEi. Of course it will be sarcastic of me if I’d say comparing it to 50 years ago, the PSEi has gone markedly up. We’ll just have to accept the fact, that if we use the same time-frame to measure our stock market against that of the US, then you are right. And yes, there is that possibility that the PSEi may not reach that summit again (let's just discount that it is possible though, hehe )

But then PSEi need not reach a peak in order to profit in individual stocks and in order for NAVPUS to climb in MFs, given, that your portfolio is well diversified (the very reason why I put most of my money in MFs aside from not having to worry about stop loss, exit gain, but which leads me to think that I should be putting this in the other thread), and you have cost-averaged.

And long term is not forever. Just some 100 years, hehe. It’s a hedge against the volatility of the market. But then again use fundamentals but do not forget the technicals. And watch TV.

As for buying now when all are in a low to offset the losses you incurred when stocks are in its record high, that is cost-averaging. Redeeming now is not the answer, but buying now is (at least for me).

And yes, if you leave your money in the stock market, and simply wait for it to go up again, without doing anything at all, it will not even guarantee the return of your capital. That will not even pass as a strategy! In that case, redeem everything and do not invest at all.

But in the end, each one of us will realize, that it’s actually a matter of perspective (not to mention plan). For some, a lost opportunity is as good as money loss. For me, actualizing a loss by redeeming it, is. For some, this is the end, for others this is the beginning.

But which provides us the best ground to present all our arguments.

How Much Have you Lost in this Bear Market?

2008-10-30T13:26:00.000+08:00

Oct. 30, 2008

When will the Bear Market sink to its Deepest?

That’s right. Nobody knows for sure. Which is ironic by the way, because we know that and yet we ask.

We know about bear and bull markets. We know that they exist. And yet probably, for most of us, we get to realize that they do happen, only when we get to experience them first hand. Which is great, actually. Because accept it or not, acknowledge it or deny it, there is no better teacher than experience itself. What’s amusing still, is we know about diversifying, cost-averaging, buying low, selling high. And yet we realize come tribulation time, that these things are actually easier said than done. Worst, we forget that they are exactly the same things successful and veteran investors advocate. During bullish and bearish times. Even before, and after the great depression. And then we succumb to hopelessness and misery, and we wonder.

It’s only during times like these, that we get to test the integrity of our convictions, and develop a strategy that will most suit our goals, not to mention our psyche.

As for my losses, suffices to say, that it’s huge. Especially for someone who decides to stay. Being most of my money into MFs/UITFs, relative to my individual stocks, I believe that I’m at least diversified. A small proportion is into low risk/low return products. I still managed to do some cost-averaging until last September (which by the way, I had a most difficult time because the clerk wouldn’t want to accept it anymore). As for any reservation, I have a lot. But I am steadfast in my resolve that I am not redeeming at a lost. (In short, the very first sign of a bullish market, I’m selling them!).

As for your last question, personally if you have waited long, and have incurred more than 30%, why decide to redeem it still (besides, it’s kinda huge for a stop loss strategy). Yes, paper loss is still a lost opportunity (when you can just withdraw it and put in another investment product where it could possibly earn profit). But as terrapin says, are such options available here, in this kind of market, when everybody would opt to put their money under their mattresses than take chance in a very uncertain time? And besides, paper loss when actualized is still money lost. Which by the way, you have shed blood and tears to acquire. And also, if this is the price of being able to play the game and have the chance to get all (if not more) of your capital then I’m willing to pay, or wait for it.

You know that no single strategy can guarantee security of your capital or your earnings. For this matter, why not adapt more than one which you think are equally sensible?

Of course the story becomes different when you are old (probably near retirement, in your retirement or past your retirement) too old to wait for the next bullish market (which maybe >5 years in the making). In this regard, it is a SCREAMING REDEEM IT!

Ironies

2008-10-27T23:04:00.001+08:00

I am not sure if this is true for everybody. But I realized that as we transcend from the stage of innocence to that of maturity, there is that phase in between that we become cynical. Probably as we get to experience life and the real world, we get to see the contradictions behind our values and we begin to question the integrity of our convictions. It can even make you feel betrayed and connived on by your mentors in leading you to believe certain things about life, which you may find dubious, if not true. For example, these ironies between good and evil.

1. Why is it much harder to be good, moral and upright than to be evil, immoral and ruthless? Shouldn’t it be the other way around? What’s worse is, these bad people get to do it the easier way out and yet get to reap the rewards. And put it in a Swiss Bank. And get interest. In dollars (or in euros). For the long-term. Cost-averaged!

2. We often tell, or convince ourselves and others, that goodness will always be rewarded if not on earth, in heaven. Why can’t heaven be on earth but hell can? Why can’t our righteousness be compensated while we are still alive? So that we will be motivated to do more even good deeds. And end up in the heavens for certain (not to mention live life in merit)? And not kidnapped, vanished or eliminated.

3. Is it just me, or is it just in the movies, or is it but reality that evil always win over good initially (and for a much longer time). The latter prevailing eventually in the end after one or more (if not all) of the protagonist dies, or after 2 or 3 despicable generations, not to mention after 2 hours in a 2-hour movie. And then (in real life) when the time of retribution comes, they’ll wound up having so much money to pay a good liar or buy justice, or clemency or a dialysis machine (not to mention an organ) sparing them of punishment partially (if not totally). Which is still great, of course – I mean, that good would end up winning (and hypocrisy aside, the ability to procure everything literally). But why can’t uprightness triumph over wicknedness even from the start? So that again, man can be inspired to uphold what is right from the beginning.

4. Finally, again, is it just an adage, my observation or an actuality that really, (tsk,tsk)- “matagal mamatay ang masamang damo”. After some massive stroke (ex-senator), a bad knee (ex-pres), or a deceased set of kidneys (current doj sec), they still manage to recover (OMG!). Others in fact, have remained quite well for ages (ex-comelec) while their divine counterparts are dying relatively younger (edsa figure, ex-presidentiable, national hero). Probably because the former just happens to have healthy genes. This being maybe just a coincidence. Or perhaps being righteous really is much more stressful than being crooked. You tell me.

But as we mature, we begin to reconcile the paradox, come up with acceptable answers and realize that our gurus were right (well, at least most of the time).

But as for me, the above incongruities, I have not completely resolved.

Probably because sarcasm denies reason. Or maybe it sees beyond what is believed as reasonable.

If you can help enlighten me, please do so. I don’t want to be in the dark. At least, not for long. He, he.

On Reproductive Health Bill/ Family Planning

2008-10-23T19:54:00.001+08:00

It was the 25th of Dec, 2006, when a newly delivered infant showed up in the front door of the emergency room where I was working.

Like that of the original one, this baby was delivered in a non-traditional place because no hospital would accept them. But that’s the only similarity.

Unlike it, that birth was in broad daylight. There was the sun shining in all its glory. No northstar nearby. (but I’m pretty sure, it’s there, just that, it was overshadowed by the nearer sun)

This one was in no Bethlehem, but a birth inside a taxicab! The good thing though is that, it was in a Toyota Avanza. More space was allocated to the family (the parents and two of their kids) to have this moment at the back of the car.

Having played a role (with me as one of the 3 kings... or queen, and the other staff as sheperds) in what appeared to be a re-enactment of the birth of our Lord in the 21st century should have felt as a privilege.

But during this time, it’s more of a stress or a distress.

Not because this wasn’t Jesus himself (nor because t’was just an ordinary infant). But for the reason that this was born not of a virgin! Oh NO! ( And YES, that’s the reason! )

Rather, It was from a woman who had previously delivered to 8 term babies, with this birth, as her 9th! At the age of 32!

But this scenario is not unusual. In fact, if we’ll consider birth in a non-traditional place and the denial of admission as criteria to label such occurrence as Christmas, then, in the Philippines, everyday is one.

Having so many children is actually not the issue. But the fact that a family with entirely no means to support even a small one could afford to have a bigger one. Describing this family, physically is upsetting, thus it suffices to say, that they obviously lives in penury.

In a not so progressive country like the Philippines, population growth becomes both the effect and contributor (if not entirely the cause) of poverty. In a world, wherein money becomes the tool of trade, living in scarcity strips man of a lot of opportunities. Without education, he fails to realize why planning the size of the family is important (and how he could carry out such) aside from, per se, not having a decent job. The rarity of work prospects (if not the total lack of it) then gives him generous amount of time, ironically, to spend in nothingness. That, (plus the smallness of the living area not to mention the paucity of a blanket) literally, makes him yield to his instinct. To procreate, that is. In the end, the numerous mouths to feed coupled with the lack of resources leads to a vicious cycle of poverty. Not to mention, irresponsibility.

It is clear then, that though, overpopulation may not be the original cause of our destitution, it largely contributes to it. Thus it follows, that managing the size of a family, cuts its financial needs, in the end reducing the impact of poverty in our society.

Thus it is not surprising why some of our fellowmen and legislators alike advocate the use of artificial means of family planning (like the use of OCPs, condoms, etc which are given for free). In fact, they are now studying and trying to pass a bill about reproductive health which promotes the distribution of such artificial tools of reproduction. The natural method is besides, (and ironically) more complex and less successful than its artificial equivalents. For somebody who hasn’t been properly schooled, moreso, in dire need of money, spending some 14 days (or more) of a month would be translated to a waste of time rather than an assistance, in which they are less than willing (or not at all) to participate in.

However, one of the hurdles of the use of these artificial means is the institution that advocates life itself, the church. I am catholic myself, and in total support of its dogmas and teaching. However, in this issue, I am not an ally.

Working as a healthcare personnel enabled me to deal with the richest and sadly, the poorest of the poor (but in our country, more of the latter.) There are countless occasions and demonstrations of how instructions about well being (that would include family planning and, yes, life’s lessons) would always seem futile. Every year, you would get to meet the same pregnant women, in the same living condition (if not worse). That, teaching them the use of OCPs, and condoms, would appear as a desperate alternative, and a much easier solution to the problem. Besides, it’s understandable that their quest for food should come first than worrying when their next ovulation will be. A hungry mind wouldn’t care about anything but bread, anyway.

Finally, yes, as believers of Christ, we are taught to support life, advocate procreation. But then again, like many of what’s written in the Bible, this shouldn’t be interpreted literally as to mean existence. It is not just being physically present, nor just have the chance to experience life’s difficulties, only because we lack the means to feel its pleasures because we are poor. But it should be life with quality, with worth, with value. Though money is not the only mean to reach this, we have to accept that it is an invaluable tool in achieving this end.

And also, preventing conception is different from abortion because, in the latter, one kills life that is already created.

For a conservative Catholic like myself, I feel guilty to think that I support something that is totally opposed by my faith. It is understandable though, that the church would always uphold what’s most right and ideal. I don’t know if such is considered a sin, but I’d rather commit one than stand to see more lives left unnurtured.

As to what happened to the family above, they were sent home, without shedding a penny. Besides, as much as we’d hoped to, there isn’t anything to give anyway. Well, it’s Christmas, and the free service (which came with a free reprimand by the way), is anything but less than enough gift for a newborn we named Emmanuel.

Assuming the sick role as a child

2008-10-16T20:49:00.002+08:00

I actually have no idea as to what “being sick” should really mean for an ordinary child. For one, back then, that was the least (if not, NONE) of our concerns (especially, now that we are already grown up) But my memories, now I find amusing and which gets me wondering. Well, if we take me, as ordinary and normal, “being ill” meant:

1. Being excused from going to school, skipping scheduled exams, yet getting a special quiz for the same topic-for which I would have longer time to study than my classmates have had the chance of, and then get higher grades, hehehe.

2. More time for playing “Chinese garter”. I would tie the ends of a long string of intertwined rubbers in any available posts – from our sofa to our door, to a hook that anchored my baby picture. Even if I have to hammer down a nail in the wall and ruin its paint, as long as I could hang it! I was very good at this game by the way, having acted always as the leader (with some of my members actually taller than me) whenever we would have this game in school (which would be everyday). I'd wait for my mother to take off for work, before playing, then would hurriedly “tidy up” all “evidence” before tucking up myself in bed and finally putting a damp cloth in my forehead (really!). By that time, my temperature would have temporariy gone down (out of perspiration) before going up again in the evening (out of dehydration).

3. A justification for gnawing Aspilets one after the other! I have an addiction for this as back in the old days (they were once made up of Aspirin – the same one that’s being used for heart problems), they'd taste like candies. Unlike the new ones, which now has a bitter taste.

4. Getting “pasalubong” - a slice of leche flan (yummy!) and a royal true orange.

5. Receiving a sponge bath. Whenever I'd become ill, my mother would render me a procedure, that I remembered more as a ritual, which I really dreaded but which was inevitable at that time. This actually would form the highlight of the sickrole. Usually on the night of the second day (which is the height of fever), my mother would prepare a concoction – a mixture of slightly cooled boiled water (note slightly) and alcohol – which she'd sponge bathe my body with. Because this infusion is really hotter than lukewarm (enough to give me first degree burn actually, had the moistened towel stayed in my skin much longer), I would cry during the whole process (yes, out of pain!). But the hottest part (literally) would be when she'd soak both my feet in a basin full of a newly prepared mixture (of the same temperature, but to the sole of my feet – which is more scientifically sensitive than skin – scorchingly hot!) for several minutes! At this time, I would lay quiet but not out of relief, rather out of exhaustion. By the time, we are finished, my fever would be down several degrees (just imagine the tremendous amount of sweat my body has shed out), but to my mother, it would be yet another demonstration of the effectivity of her formula.

This was how I defined being sick as a child. That is again, if we take "me" as ordinary and normal. Hehehe.

The Psychology of the Market

2008-10-10T21:12:00.001+08:00

Well, I’m writing this not to entertain or inject some sort of optimism in an obviously shaky situation of the current market. Which is actually an understatement, because it is more of a spiral downturn that appears to be unstoppable in the immediate future (with even the most optimistic is starting to have doubts over, by the way).

I’m sharing this, partly because I, myself, is fearful over the uncertainties of my investments, that’s why I need to verbalize (it really helps). But mostly because I wanted everybody to understand the psychology of the market which underlies human reaction and which is an important component of the instability or stability of the market.

When I first started investing in mutual funds (pooled money invested in stocks) and individual stocks I had little idea of how they work. For me as long as it offers higher interest than a time deposit and it is legal, then I’m okay with it. But of course, I did research and tried to absorb the process-which took a little while because initially I couldn’t assimilate how the heck I could own a part of the company (without going there to do business with the owners!) and earn by selling such a right (without me knowing how much the company is actually earning!). What’s so confusing is that such a claim could be valued higher or lower than its original (or worse, actual price) by anybody who holds it, in minutes! It took me a book , and several internet articles, before I finally understood it, realizing in the end, that psychology is an essential element. Not to mention a lot of speculation, prognostication, foretelling, prediction, prophesy. How can we be sure that a single blast in Mindanao could cut the earnings of Jollibee corporation? Of course, there’s no way of telling, we know this, and yet we sell our shares.

In stock market, a company sells part of the right of possession to the public in terms of the number of shares, say 10 shares representing 10% of the total ownership, which is then valued accordingly. The public then buys this in a stock market, in the hope that he could sell this to a much much higher price. The stocks’ worth is usually based on its ability to make profit. If the company is getting or is bound to get a lot of revenue the holder of the stock sells it to a much higher price. But why, then, do stocks exhibit such volatile movements? It surely is not sensible for a stock’s price to fluctuate so much when the intrinsic value is not changing by the minute? This is because most investors regard stocks as a trading vehicle. Why bother check the cash flows (which is hard and time consuming to find, by the way) of these companies if you can sell the stock to somebody else for more than what you paid for it? You get profit when another investor buys it for a price you just speculated on! This is what cynics call, the greater fool theory.
Knowing when to buy or sell is dictated partly by the economy but mostly by human psychology.

Everybody would want to invest when the financial system and all the factors that might affect it (politics, crime rate, business, etc) are in perfect shape (of course!). And avoid it if any of this factor is in bad shape-no matter how fundamentally sound the economy is, no matter how valuable a particular stock is. But how could we know? By what we see in the media and the internet. If there’s more happy talk, the more we invest, the less happy the picture becomes, the more we withdraw. Thus, people are lured into investing (or buying a particular stock) by the volume of the market. The less there are who are buying, the more we sell, and the less the price of a share becomes. And loss is incurred.

Man’s fear to the current situation, is but a natural one. In the first place, happy talk now would look a pretentious act in trying to put cool in what appears to be an inferno (okay, mostly supported, but still partly predicted), given the many sad things they say about the market (transparency is appreciated), and the accessibility of information. In fact, it may even heighten the alarm, because as anxious as we are, we become paranoid and may interpret things as deceiving and conspiring (that, even the $700bilion dollar bailout law could not calm the investors). Yes, fear is part of normal psychology, but being apprehensive about something we do not know is not. Most of us are being lured into getting our investments out – partly by fact, but mostly by predictions and by market volume. The same dynamics that may have gotten us into investing, anyway. But that is how the stock market works.
Trying to be calm in a pandemonium is like suicide. But until now I have not redeemed any of my investment which have incurred a 30% paper loss already. The thought of getting the loss actualize (by redeeming it) is as distressing as the idea of leaving it in uncertainty.But still, for some reason (probably because I am still able to destress by rationalizing), I would want to try the market out. For as long as it takes, as long as I can regain all my capital – or more. I have minimized investing temporarily though. Besides, no matter how devalued they are for now (which is partly speculated) as long as the companies listed in the stock market are in business, there will always be the hope of profitting. As long as they exist, there will be someone interested in acquiring them as they represent ownership.

Well, in the case of human reaction, I know that later than sooner, will panic start to diminish. It is human instinct to survive. Otherwise, we would not last this long and prevail over any other species. This is not optimism, but rather faith in mankind.

Good Hair Days

2008-10-09T23:39:00.003+08:00

I was born with thick, unruly hair. The type that would get constant interest from concernd friends and citizens alike. The former would always prod me into getting a relax, rebond, or hair spa. The latter sees me as a potential consumer for the aforementioned services and hair products. But I have remained unyielding, steadfast, and unwavered to my resolve into maintaining my hair as it is - long, neither straight nor curly, and full. Not because I want to make a statement but because honestly I don’t find it disturbing at all. While I would like to be considerate for onlookers who may find it unsettling (could it really be that bad?), I’d like everybody to just mind their own hair business. Certainly, my hair has created some near-sensational incidents, that have made me laughed and be laughed about. That, when I had it cut (in a renowned salon) and styled (accidentally)one day, I got an uproar.

I have always maintained my hair long, halfway my shoulder and hips. It had no style in my early years. Back in grades school up to high school, it was my cousin or my mother who would cut it. And whenever they would, they’d always remark that I got a thick hair – usually with an exasperated sound – which back then I woul take non-chalantly. (By the way, my mother and father have both curly locks, and I’m not adopted.)

I have to move to Manila to continue college. This time, I'd have my hair chopped by a hairdresser. Partly because of puberty (I was a late bloomer, and so I believed) and partly because of a tight budget (I have to get the most from my money), I became aware of haircutting and what transpires during this process. Because I’ve always maintained it long, I would go every 2 months or more, to a salon – sometimes in an expensive, sometimes in a cheap one, depending on budget. I would always give them the same instruction, cut one-inch off, put some layers – initially because I have no regard with hairstyles (I only want to maintain a presentable look- at least according to my perspective). But later on, because I don’t want to exhaust them (or I would be obliged by conscience to give an additional payment). Time and time again, gays and women alike (i don’t maintain a personal hairdresser in any salon) would comment on the same thing – my thick hair – along with the same exasperated sound that my cousin’s and mother’s used to give. The constant criticism has gone into my nerves that it came to a point, when, going to a salon became almost an ordeal. Me, cutting off some visits. Then came bargaining – I would decline a shower or mostly post-cut blow-drying. Then finally acceptance – I would affirm the comment while maintaining an air of impassivity (grabbing some magazines, and succumbing myself in reading about gossips of other people – I love to do this!)

One day, while window-shopping in a mall, I decided have it cut. Because I’m already inside an establishment, and mostly because I already have some money to spare (I’m now working) I decided to go to a renowned place, commanding some 200pHp/cut. Because this one is expensive, I decided not to pass on any pre or post cut services like the shower and blow-dry (besides I thought they would not dare complain, given that this is a recognized company). I was summoned by a young gay which I figured my hairdresser. This time, (believe it or not) aside from indifference to the current trends, I wanted something that is more or less wash and wear (I have a busy schedule, and I could care less with the way I look – I already got a boyfriend). Given that my hair is long and thick, I thought it was music to the ears of the one who will blow-dry it (who turned out to be the same hairdresser). And so taking my hair with one grip, he chopped it just above the shoulders. Gave it layers. Then dried it out. However to his surprise (and for a split second, mine, too) the style didn’t turn out to be one that he expected. I looked like a lion (with a shorter mane than a regular one)!!! I tried to imagine what it would have looked like had it not been of the fullness of my hair. I felt poor for the guy ...or gay. And so he chopped here and there several times. Until finally, I told him that I’m okay with the hair. Even faking satisfaction with a smile..or grin (though I still looked like a lion, now with very short mane). I even gave him a big tip (bigger than I used to give), for his effort, but more, to regain his confidence. Then I headed straight to a store to buy a headband (which is the only thing that would tame the mess). And by a struck of luck, the overall look turned out to be one of my best hairstyles ever! I got complimented by the security guard of the hospital (who mistook me for a student), my coresidents (one even confused the change to my black headband, perfectly blending and disappearing in the darkness of my hair - how could he see it?), the staff (who thought of me as a new resident) up to the canteen personnel (whom I barely knew, mistaking me also for a younger staff).

Before, I got no idea how the hair could be one’s crowning glory. I thought, it’s just an outgrowth of the head, why give it such importance? Now, I know better. But what happened, still didn’t change my resolve. In fact, I’m letting it grow back to the length that it used to be (since, I’m having headaches from the constant use of the headband, too). Sooner or later, I will have the same, long, and unruly mane. But what the heck, one imperfection couldn’t hurt that much, could it?

By the way, I may fail to maintain my anonymity, because my friends know me for my hair, they had fun with these stories. Unless of course, Simba has learned to write.

The Mathematics of Choosing the Right Career

2008-10-06T23:37:00.001+08:00

Have you always thought that you had the wrong profession? That if you probably pushed through with your first, or perhaps second or third career choice, you would have, by now, your own house, or mansion, your own car or cars, and maybe managing your own company or...productions. You see there are endless possibilities. Numerous permutations that you can probably solve using a formula if you knew the exact numbers of variables – like the number of professions you would have considered and the number of your dreams/ambitions. Such will lead us to the realization, that the chances of us getting our expectations right is actually inversely proportional to the number of careers we have in mind! Which will make us realize in the end, that indeed it is not choosing the perfect career, but how we utilize what we have become to get what we want is the real deal.

If you are to ask some of your friends whether they are satisfied with their career, you are likely to get a positive response from those who are doing well financially and professionally, and a negative one from those who are not. This observation is rather an expected outcome, so much so, that it may pass as a theory but not quite a law. The reason is that there is another way of putting it logically. That is supposedly if you have the right career, then you should be getting quite a sum of money and an exponential growth in this chosen field. That, it is equally logical (if not more )that, getting your own car, your own house, or maybe your own talk show should be a product of the right profession. And not its difference.

However, partly because of an instinctive desire to spare our ego of the blame (which is justifiable) and partly to search for an easy way out of what we perceive as soon to be a “mess”, we account our profession as an inexact means to our ends. We fail to realize, that it is actually the loss of focus that has eluded us from our goals. As they say, the road to success is not always smooth. Rather it is more often than not rough. Thus, the momet we stumble, giving up, choosing another direction (then realizing eventually that this one is as rocky as the first one) may not be the best option.

Because of the complexities of life, the many variables to consider, we may be led to consider different solutions. And yet there is only one formula for victory in which finding the right career is not a constant . Rather, it is seeing a goal and aiming for it unswervingly, no matter what profession we are in, that will lead us to a 100% probability of suceeding.

Why Blog?

2008-10-06T21:34:00.003+08:00

Ironically, I hate writing. And yet, I find myself, looking for a blogspot where I can, not just write, but share my thoughts, remaining anonymonous at the same time. When I was younger, I was so timid (well, that is, if what I had said back then would ever pass as an opinion). I remember writing only when we are compelled to do our home reading reports. Having difficulty, composing, and articulating in English. To the point that I would consider making a one-paragraph essay already an ordeal.
But, as I come of age, I find myself giving out my views to almost any matter on earth. Uhm okay, mostly about money. Hehehehe. Not because suddenly I wanted attention (I’m way past puberty). But because I want to be rich (seriously) hehehe. More importantly because suddenly I wanted to be involved. I wanted to share.
And so I surfed and looked for a place in the net where I can freely write much like a journal but stay unknown. I want people to hear what I have to give, learn from what I have experienced (mostly the hard way because of my stubbornness) and enjoy while doing just that, without me holding back any reservation.
I decided, too, to preserve my posts in a forum where I have actively written most of my money articles as I thread my way to financial freedom. Not because I loved my posts so much, that i would love to read them again and again, but because I couldn't emulate the same intense emotion I had when I wrote them. That fervour, excitement, enthusiasm and zeal which equate to passion and inspiration are the ones I want concerved. Inscribed are my experiences about money and investments for the past 3 years (hoping in the end that sooner than later, I will be at par with Manny Pacquia's net worth, hehehehe).
Uhm, by the way, did I mention to make money online, too? Well I didn’t, because trust me, getting some cents from this blog will be just a consolation. Besides whatever this blog gets, goes to World Vision Development Foundation.

Mutual Funds: What's the worst thing that would happen should a Mutual Fund Company Fold up?

2008-09-17T13:18:00.000+08:00

Sept 17, 2008

Hi sardonyx. Though I can not completely answer your question, I would like to share some things that I know and hope might help. Which probably you and many others have already realized, but I'm sharing it anyway.

Usually mutual fund companies like PhilamLife, Sunlife Financial, Investment sections of commercial banks and many others are engaged in many other investment forms – stock market/equities, insurance, real estate, credit/loans etc . That’s why technically, they are investments firms rather than mutual fund companies only. Thus, for these companies to “fold up”, it has to lose some huge amount of money from one or more forms. However, because of the diversity of investments, losses may be balanced by gains. Actually, what’s important is that a company’s asset must be more than it’s liability, if not at least equal. Or that it must always have some capital to invest in, to try to earn income again, to try to regain stability.

Again because of the diversity of investments, initially net loss loss is usually less than net income. Unless of course, the company is purely or mostly engaged in one form which is in bad shape like mortgage, which exactly is what’s happening in some companies in the US. Or unless, many of the company’s business is losing , which may be brought about by a bad economy or manager. Or in the long term, it fails to earn income again, which is usually because of a bad strategy.

However, there is another factor that may speed up the fall of these investment firms. And that is the loss of the investor’s confidence. You see these firms’ capital come from the owners (major investors) and minor investors (us). When there is loss of confidence, as what happens when people learns of a huge loss in a company, they stop putting in money and worse, withdraws whatever it is that they have invested in. It must be remembered that the assets of these companies are not all in cash or “liquid”. When “liquidation” overwhelms the amount of available cash, this leads to a vicious cycle of more people getting their money out, less cash, more withdrawals, eventually less available capital for the company, less income for the company. And finally bankcruptcy when the company would have to let go of all its assets only to pay back all its investors – that is if will still be able to.

Thus the possibility of companies closing down is there. Mutual funds are not insured, thus we might not be able to get our money back. But we must keep in mind that though the US financal crisis might have a seismic impact in the economy of progressive countries like us, it doesn’t mean that we will end up losing big or losing all of our investment. It can’t be denied that our investement firms have exposures to the problematic companies that have fell or are bound to fall down, but we must also consider their exposures to other companies that are up to now and in the future will remain stable. Not to mention that mutual funds and UITFs are managed by more experienced people (than us) who would know when and where to put our money in.

Investment is all about uncertainties in the short term. But gain in the long term. Certainly panic will not help. I am not telling you not to liquidate your investments, but to think twice before redeeming at a loss, much more to contribute to the problem.

Instead, let us use what successful investors here are telling us over and over again, invest in the long term, cost-average, diversify, and SAVE.

I, for one, tries my best not to redeem my investments which have already lost. It's really hard not to be affected, but instead I focus on working and saving. Basta, I will not redeem at a loss. Period.

How Do You See Rich People?

2008-02-14T17:59:00.000+08:00

Feb 14, 2008

How do I see rich people?

In terms of the amount of wealth – FORTUNATE
They get to buy the materials things perceivable

In terms of the way they were able to procure such a fortune:
If it’s inherited – PRIVILEGED
If it’s out of hardwork – ADMIRABLE
If it’s out of sinful acts, say for example, drug pushing and corruption – INHUMAN

In terms of the way they use their wealth:
If they use if for charitable purposes – COMMENDABLE
If they use it for power and manipulation – CRUEL

So how do I see rich people? My perception of them obviously varies considerably, but definitely the amount is not the only measure.

Re: Investing in Mutual Funds

2007-10-19T17:56:00.000+08:00

Oct 19, 2007

First, I envy you for your age. Having to start investing at such a young age will take you to great distance. Ironically, it's only now, (when I reached this age), that I realized what the adage "Time is gold" really means. Akala sinasabi lang yun ng mga walang maisip na motto (lol). You are lucky to be in the right company at this early point of your life.

Now, I'm not a professional investor (yet) nor a successful one (yet). But I know some things about it (at least theoretically) that may help you in your dilemma. I always compare investing to a card game. Part luck, part diskarte. But again, you are fortunate as you have one of the aces of the game-which is TIME.

You are young, and because of that you can attempt to make risks. Because even if you lose money-which is unavoidable (but as much as possible must be prevented)-you can still earn it through your job, other ventures or still through investments-because any investment, in time, will profit.

Again we know that in investment, no pain no gain, and that the riskier the investment, the higher the return. Now, stocks, stock mutual funds (aka, equities), balanced fund (mixed equitiy and bond), bond and money market differ in risk and yield, the first one carrying the greatest risk and profit, and the last one, much like putting your money into time deposit.

For a young investor like you, financial growth is the name of the game. Because again, you can gamble to be aggressive, most financial gurus would agree that stocks and stock mutual fund (aka equity) are the ones more appropriate. However between buying individual stocks or stock mutual fund, the latter is better as playing stocks requires experience. Stock mutual fund, on the other hand, is handled by a fund manager, who pools money from different individuals , then use that into buying different stocks. In effect, this is much safer because it is handled by an experienced person.

Compared to bonds and money market, stock mutual fund will give you a higher yield as this is stock investment. In fact, in terms of revenue and capital preservation, it can even be better than buying individual stocks. Because in a stock mutual fund, there is already diversification (the money is into a variety of stock products that give different yields)-one which you may not be able to do with just your money to invest. The risk of losing money is lesser as lost of one stock may be offset by the gain of another.

So, take your pick.

Gaano Kaimportant ang Diploma?

2007-10-12T15:21:00.000+08:00

Oct 12, 2007

As cliché as it may sound, it is as true as it can get. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. I don’t think anybody will argue on that. In our ancestors effort to prevent chaos, they tried organizing everything, from governance to the body of knowledge. Thus they came up with education. And the diploma is the proof that somebody gets it formally.

Now, let’s analyze the question, “Gaano kaimportante ang diploma?” If this is going to be taken figuratively (that is what the diploma represents), then inarguably IT IS IMPORTANT. Again, it’s because education is simply a system of knowledge. Although it’s perseverance and hardwork that are more important in achieving success, education will make it easier and possible the impossible. In fact, it is the latter that enabled us to make it this far. (Otherwise, baka nasa kweba pa rin tayo).hihi

For those who were able to make it without a diploma, let us not forget the component of luck. Besides they are only a few compared to those who succeeded because of education.

I, too came to think that getting a diploma doesn’t guarantee success. Sabi ko pa nga, iyan ang ituturo ko sa anak ko. But I realized soon (thank god!), that the role of education can’t be downplayed, something that we can’t do without, something VERY NECESSARY. It’s just that some people (including me) blames it on education in general the mistake they make in choosing the wrong carreer. Watchuthink?

Taken literally, you need that piece of paper as proof. Again to prevent chaos.I remember asking my mother why I have to go to school when I can study on my own at home. I remember her telling, “Kasi sa school mo lang makukuha ang diploma, at yun ang pruweba na you have learned what you are supposed to know and know how much you are supposed to learn”:D

Will a US Recession Affect Philippine Mutual Fund/UITFS/Bond Fund?

2007-09-23T21:08:00.000+08:00

Sept 23, 2007

In my previous post, I compared the market to a card game. That is the market is way way far more unpredictable unlike a deck of 52 cards.

In my effort to find what lies ahead, I read the opinions of some financial analysts. Though, I had a tough time grasping economic concepts, I came up with a few points.

1. Definitely there will be a US economic slowdown. --Nobody could commit as to whether a US recession is coming or not, but the odds are more on the grim side which is a recession. Some would even say, that the best case scenario for US, if not a recession, is a subpar economic growth.

2. Whether global expansion continues despite US economic slowdown depends on whether China's growth engine continues to move ahead --Clearly, the effect of US economic depression will be global as markets are interrelated. But the fate of global economy (especially Asia) which used to rely on US (contribution to global economy they say is down to 30%) is actually now dependent on yet another economic superpower--China. But since the US is the major importer of Chinese products and raw materials, when US economy weakens, so is China, so is the world. An implication here, the full effect, we have yet to know.

3. The best part -- if ever recession can not be prevented (despite efforts) is that most agree that we will outlive this problem. Now this one is based on past market trends and faith on man's abilities. In fact, according to Alan Greenspan (dubbed as the best economist), it is in man's ability to adapt that leads him to be optimistic about the future. Still, according to him, it is not by accident that we persevere and advance in time of adversity. Instability is needed for growth, since it's when, that man works for the better.

Now this isn't in any way telling us to be completely complacent about investing. You see, one analyst views this turbulence as one that is brought about by prosperity itself (for which I totally agree). Paradoxical growth of the US economy (despite obstacles such as 9/11, corporate scandals, and high oil prices) has given false confidence to businessmen, investors and consumers alike to embark on risky acts. In a way, they were blinded by the seeming guaranteed economic growth that they completely shrugged off the risk and acted in ways that raised it, like the subprime housing mortgage.

The morale of this all,

If there is one certain thing about the market - it's uncertainty

So:

Acknowledge the risk
Take calculated ones

Most importantly, accept the consequence of your decisions.

Bakit Mahirap ang Pinoy?

2007-09-21T21:02:00.000+08:00

Sept 21, 2007

For the longest time, I blamed it on illiteracy because my mother brought me up to think that we were poor because my father had only a high school diploma. And so I strived hard (very ) and got myself even a postgrad degree.

When I started working, I realized, how come I still find it hard to achieve financial success? I thought, maybe, I’m not working as hard, not saving as much. So I worked 72 hrs, saved most of my money. But what I have couldn’t compare with what my peers get abroad (who work less hrs). This is when I realized, the problem is a poor economy. Which tured out to be one that was long shaped by corruption.

Then a few month ago, I came across an article in newsweek which tried to explain why some Asian countries especially, the Southeast Asian region has remained poor while contemporary countries like Taiwan and South Korea have gone past them. I was surprised actually that the author referred to these countries as our contemporaries when their economies are way above in comparison. We couldn’t have started on the same ground, I thought. But I was mistaken.

I couldn’t find the magazine anymore, but I’ll relate it as far as I could remember, the way I understood it.

According to her, after the World War II, the economy of most Asian countries used to be the same. After the war, we were left by out foreign allies to rule on our own. This is when we first had our government ruled by true Pinoys. However, this is when it all started.

After assuming power, officials from barangay captain to the highest authorities, gained control over resources which later on, they would claim as their own. Little by little, they started to build business, since they were the only ones who have capital, they soon gained control over most of the country’s businesses (kasi kanila iyon). This would soon tip the balance of wealth distribution on their favor.

In order to elude query eyes, they would have their wealth, businesses hidden under names of relatives and friends. Soon, they found a better way. These officials would run in politics as many times as our constitution permits, not for good governance, but to protect their interests. They then would pass the positions to their sons and daughters after their term expire in their desire for power and control. Again, to protect their ill-gotten wealth.

This scenario, holds true for other Asian countries as well. The reason why Taiwan have gone this far is because of a person who had the political will to change the system which made possible, economic growth.

This is how far I could remember it.

Poverty is a vicious cycle. We can’t know for sure when exactly it all started. But how and why, it’s so easy to tell. Because it has remained the same. At least in this country.

In fact, it’s so transparent that even outsiders, like the author could see right through it.

CORRUPTION.