Personal Notes Series 012 : The Trials and Destiny of a High Risk Trader

I remember working my ass off in the corporate world and it was tough. I did many other odd jobs and tasted the business world. I knew deep inside these things weren't for me.

Then I tried trading. It was tough! Trading wasn't easy for me - as some people claim that I had talent for. I had to go through a harsh process. I had to go through much losses in order for me to reach where I am right now. And I'm thankful for all the pain and frustrations that came with it.

It wasn't instant like your favorite 3 minute noodles. 

I'd say it took me 3 years to be finally consistent in winning and keeping my gains. In those 3 years, I had 3 instances of a "Wipe Out" where you incur a loss and a mental block that challenges your will to continue fighting for financial freedom in the markets.

I got depressed, almost quit, and thought of suicide.

But there was hope. I believed God didn't put this passion of trading in me so I'd just die. I knew I was meant for something big. I just didn't know it yet. I prayed and sought God.

I believe if you pray for something, it isn't enough that you invoke faith. It should be accompanied with relative action. Faith without works is dead. Parang tumaya ka lang sa lotto and leave everything to chance.

So cheers to all you traders who are charting this day before the new year. (I was in your shoes before.) 

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I've seen people who have worked their asses off, got good results but in the end, still felt empty inside - that despite their achievements and possessions, there was always something missing. 

And I've witnessed people who were favored in what they did. They also went through the same process of refinement. It wasn't easy. It never will be. There's always pain. But by the end of it all, you see them bringing that special impact to the community that only they could do.

One of the wisest who lived the earth once said..

"Unless the Lord builds a house,

the work of the builders is wasted.

Unless the Lord protects a city,

guarding it with sentries will do no good."

Let this be a reminder to all of us as we transition to the new year. In everything we plan in doing, let us seek God first and ask...

"What is my destiny? What is it that I am called for?"

And when we finally get the answer... we fight for it!

Happy new year everyone!

Merry X-Mas and the Buy Back Program

Several weeks ago some friends, who have a hard time believing in technicals alone, were telling me to buy X (Xurpass) because the company has apparently been buying back their shares at current prices - it was trading between 9.x - 10.x that time.

"Galing sa kinse yan! Umabot pa nga ng Bente. Parang steam games lang, super X-mas sale! Mismong company buma-buy back! Di sila tanga. Bili na tayo!"

"Cheap Valuations" according to my favorite broker.

(Taken from the PSE Edge website)

I'm no fundamentalist and I don't follow brokers. I'm like John Snow, 

All I know is had I bought X at that time based on the company's buy back program, I'd be incurring a loss of at least -10% by now.

If you were in my shoes, what would you tell your friends the next time you meet and talk about X?

"Okay lang. Di sila tanga."

I wonder how long I'll wait before they'll start saying, 
"I told you so."

December 2016 : A thank you message.

2016 is Ending. 

I'm sure there has been much learning especially to those who are still swimming in the red of their losses - trying to find their trading system and their identities in the markets. 

May you remember your "WHY" and continue this fight. May you remember that ZF didn't become ZF if not for his losses. And If all else fails, remember that relationships and life are far more valuable than money. Let not money or your possessions define who you are as a person.

Life with all its hardships and struggles is still beautiful. Don't just survive. Live it. God created you for greater things. Seek out your purpose.

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I would like to thank everyone who has been continually supporting me and the ZFT, those outside the tribe and those within. Those who have been writing and sending us messages of thanks. Those who have been believing and fighting for us, our ideals and principles.

Thank you for giving us more reasons to continue this fight we have started. Of spreading awareness of the realities of the markets. To help the less fortunate. And to help fellow traders become success stories in this field.

To the ZFT family, I thank you. It warms my heart to see this beautiful community grow, continually and unselfishly supporting each other through gains and losses. 

And to those who weren't able to attend the Christmas and year end party, let me just say this :

"Wing chun! Wing chun! Wing chun!"

Hopefully next year you will be able to attend na.