Personal Notes Series 027 : Where's Zeefreaks?

This pandemic season has been an insane ride for me. It's been two years but it feels like 5. I've been working my ass off with my team to build the best trading community, make deals, and expand my network. 

Everything is paying off.

If you've been following me for some years now but aren't part of our closed community, just watching from the sidelines, I think at this point you should know that before we got to the sweet spot where we are, there was chaos. I'd like to call it the dark ages of ZFT3.0.

The company (ZFT) was mismanaged due to my incompetence as a leader and a business owner. I don't think my being ideal was a sin in business, as it drives innovation... but my naivety was. I was also too passive and didn't correct mistakes, trying to be on people's good side at the expense of the greater good. We actually almost closed down. 

I think the worst thing we were able to uncover was our 2nd highest officer in the company who secretly messaged incoming students to enroll in his underground course instead of ours. You'd be surprised what people are capable of doing in pursuit of money, fame, or power.

I'll save the rest of the tea for those who request it in our community. It's quite a series of stories and revelations.

I'll never forget the words of the lawyer I consulted about my case, he said "Having friends is good. But control is better." 

But you know what? I'm grateful for these experiences. Because for those who decided to stay, it was a revealing moment. We understood what we wanted and what we didn't. Despite the pain, the mocking, and the doubts, we decided to rebuild. 

It wasn't easy. It's funny when we talk about it now... my team would always confess how they thought we were NGMI, because we weren't like the all-star cast that left. 

Well, let me tell you that if you have a clear vision in your mind of the future you desire and a team of like-minded individuals, you're all gonna make it. 

Fast forward to the present and we now have over 10 employees and dozens of volunteers working across all our communities.

We were able to build a network of at least 700 in our closed community called the Trading Republic. A FREE learning community of ~20k members (Trading For Rookies by ZFT) where you can learn about trading with our OWN (not copy-paste stuff) curated albums of reading materials and videos and a dedicated group for the youth (Youth Traders by ZFT).

We were able to publish our very own unique and interactive book on trading (for beginners and I promise you, it's child friendy) that is set to be released this quarter. 

 

Over 10M php worth of company assets handled by at least 15 of our own traders (yep, we fund our outstanding students and community members) across local, global, and crypto markets.

An upcoming discord server called Playworks dedicated to covering anything under the crypto sun. P2E, NFTs, DeFi, Launchpads, Investments,  etc. (You can join with this undying link https://discord.gg/WcMnuvcDfj)

Here's some alpha for you, we've got 4 teams here that I want you to know of...

NFT Mavericks, our investment committee.

TR.E-Games, a guild dedicated to managing P2E pilots or scholars.

NFT Vanguards, a team dedicated to filtering the noise across the space.

Project Trident, the company's official funded team dedicated to NFT flipping and investing. 

I've finally established a network of insiders that regularly offer business opportunities that can make life-changing money for the average Filipino - opportunities I will be opening to our closed community (because unfortunately, unlike trading, these kinds of deals are limited.)

It's amazing what the crypto industry was able to do for me. Opportunities and new networks have opened that I was able to amass insane wealth in such a short amount of time that I have now unlocked my parameters for being an investor. Even if I stop working and don't trade or do anything at all, I'd still make at least mid 6 to probably 7 figures (in a bull run)

every

single

month.

How much more if I work?

But even with this kind of abundance, I love my job. I don't ever think I'd stop.

DeFi is the way, my friends.

This is why I'm able to dedicate my attention to building the community we have. And one of my goals is to have more people in our network, experience this level of financial state. 

A great community is built with great culture and leadership. And if you surround yourself with a network of people who share the same principles and vision, you are set for success.

I'm excited about this year because we're finally establishing our DAO. I won't be able to disclose much on this but here's the gist: think of Trading Republic as a community-owned company. So whenever you support any of our paid products and services, you're supporting the community and its interests.

There are many other plans I have in mind but talk is cheap. I'd rather show them to you once it's done.

It's amazing how just several years ago we were just anonymous trolls trading the PSE. We've accomplished a lot and there's so much more left to do... 

Doomfist was right. Only through conflict do we evolve.

There have been plenty of instances where life dealt me bad cards. But it doesn't really matter. If life doesn't give me the cards I want, I'll work hard to earn it.

 There are two kinds of luck.

The first is what everybody knows.

The second is hard work.

Personal Notes Series 026 : Time and Purpose

One of the challenges I have right now is that of time. I though that having more money would give me more time, and yet here I am with more than ten times I had  2 years ago but I still find myself lacking.

There was a time I didn't do anything with a lot of money in my hands. The thought of living near the pristine beaches of the country or the cool foresty mountains in a private cabin with just your laptop and trading your way to riches sounds good. It's an experience yes. But the experience quickly fades. That life proved to be meaningless and on the contrary felt as if my life was slipping much faster than it should. Yes you'll have more time, but without purpose that is beyond self, things quickly fade.

I never knew batshit anything about how to run a company or a community 5 years ago. I just wanted to escape not having money by trading the markets and play my video games all day. 

Now I find myself not just trading 3 markets, but also leading a company and a whole community towards a vision and a movement. There's a meme going around that goes like this:

I didn't like working 8 hours a day, 5 times a week.

Now I work at least 16 hours, all day, every week.

It's funny but my life is like this now.

Surprisingly, I am not complaining.

I love what I do.

I could have chosen a life that's simpler. Not much work. Not much responsibility. Not much to worry about. But I guess that's just not how we were designed.

God designed us to worship Him, and to serve others. To have purpose. And the more wealth I accumulate, the more I realize how the parable of the talents hold true.

If you haven't heard about this yet, here you go:

The "Parable of the Talents", in Matthew 25:14–30 tells of a master who was leaving his house to travel, and, before leaving, entrusted his property to his servants. According to the abilities of each man, one servant received five talents, the second had received two, and the third received only one. The property entrusted to the three servants was worth 8 talents, where a talent was a significant amount of money. Upon returning home, after a long absence, the master asks his three servants for an account of the talents he entrusted to them. The first and the second servants explain that they each put their talents to work, and have doubled the value of the property with which they were entrusted; each servant was rewarded:

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

— Matthew 25:23

The third servant, however, had merely hidden his talent, burying it in the ground, and was punished by his master:

Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

— Matthew 25:24–30

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Do you want to be wealthy? 

Be faithful with little.

Personal Notes Series 025 : High Risk Trader to CEO

This is my open letter to the Trading Republic.

 Life has a funny way of making twists and turns.

For those of you who don't know me, let me tell you that I hate paperwork. But in 2018, we incorporated ZFT. 

It was a big decision and it was the right decision. 

We were given a glimpse of what a good trading community was like, but we were also given a lesson to learn from.

We had grand plans for ZFT but there were a lot of hiccups along the way - both big and small. 

At some point, we had almost given up as one by one we saw people who were with us in the beginning disappear. 

Despite this, we continued the path. It took a while before we finally got our bearings and had everything in order.

In less than a year, we were able to launch Trading for Rookies and the Trading Republic. I've been studying trading communities and cultures and I can confidently say that we are THE best trading community in existence. Not just in the Philippines, but literally ever.

We plan to keep it that way. 

Just recently, we were able to launch ZFT Capital - a project we thought would take us a few more years before we could start.

Some people have called me one of the best mentors and traders here in the Philippines before. I wear that with much responsibility and honor. 

But I want you all to know that my focus and priorities have now shifted to that of ZFT's CEO. 

What does this mean for you?

I am passing the torch to you all. 

Become the great traders and mentors that you are and raise our flag with pride. BECOME the NEXT GENERATION so you can lead and shape those after you.

As for me, I will do everything in my power to innovate and bring to our house the best of everything. 

Admins, coaches and other resources that will help you grow as a trader. Take win-win opportunities and career paths you can take for you to grow in wealth and character. I have more in mind.

I remember years ago when someone told me to hire a CEO because this was not my strength. That I should quietly train and trade on the side. But I will not find a single hired person on Earth who will love, sacrifice, protect, and lose sleep over ZFT as much as I will.

In this next season of my life, all I ask while I fulfill my new role... Is that you become everything you ever could be and grant others the opportunity to reach for their dreams.

Personal Notes Series 024 : Vision and Execution

 A few days ago I was able to meet a team from a business institution in our industry. They were looking for a partnership.

"We're looking for something long term..." said one.

"You guys have been the pioneers in the retail sector..." said another.

It wasn't always this way.

How we got to where we are is because we saw what needed to change..

and

we

Adapted.

2013-2015, wala pa masyadong naniniwala sa technical analysis, backtesting and journaling. Had to start the portsnap trend to show the system behind it through my blog https://zeefreaks.blogspot.com/. Got accused of photoshop. But this gave birth to our various trading programs both free and paid. Ngayon, marami narin mga service providers for technical analysis.

Last year we introduced the accountability and buddy system in our masterclass that helped increase their likelihood of survival and eventual success in the markets. Seeing its effectivity, we eventually rolled it out on a larger scale in Trading For Rookies by ZF and in TR. I remember we got mocked for the idea. It's now being adopted in various trading groups. 

Recently we launched Minerva Trading Journal & Analytics through the hard work of Cosmos Kairos, that aims to be an all around "Jarvis" that will help a trader see through the numbers in art form. Shortly after, may mga big institutions na lumapit who have shown interest in integrating Minerva into their platforms.

May 2020, we launched our mammoth of a project called Trading Republic because there was a lack of a sustainable aftercare service for traders in the community. This idea was heavily opposed upon, mocked and met with heavy resistance. Some of those who started with us quit before we even launched. And a month before we launched, many doubted if this would even work.

It hasn't even been a year and we're already seeing tremendous growth in our service, community, and the culture inside. It truly is the Best Trading Community and we haven't even reached a quarter of what we envision it to be. 

An expensive vase doesn't make itself. It starts with a vision in the mind. The potter doesn't simply think it into existence, he gets his hands dirty and carefully molds the vision. And this will take time and multiple tries before a perfect one is made.

If you have a great idea in mind and you believe it is worth fighting for, then get your hands dirty and get to work. Don't wait for validation as you will always be met with heavy resistance in the beginning. You'll get your validation when people start copying your idea. And that just means you're on the right track. 

There is no secret formula to success, only vision coupled with action and commitment to excellence.

Personal Notes Series 020 : Ikigai

Whenever I open my personal mentorship program to the online public, automatic na yan na lalabas mga haters and I'd get multiple reports and screenshots from supporters and friends.

"Sino ba siya? At anong credentials nya?"

"Ang mahal! Nagbabayad ba yan ng TAX?"

"Wag kayong magsayang jan, daming free sa Youtube!"

"Mas malaki kita sa Mentoring kesa sa trading!"

"Marketing lang lahat yan! Esp yung RAKs!"

"Group ng photoshop trolls!"

"Talo nya pa mga LEGIT!"

"SCAM!"

The list goes on... 🙈

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As far as I know (since 2013), I was one of the pioneers in our country to advocate/provide online stock market mentoring services both free and paid. Mas uso kasi dati yung:

- newsletter and stock pick subscription services

- physical seminars

- fund management

- of course, there were also a few people who were generous enough to share free lessons via blogs and forums 

Sino nga ba ako? I was just another rookie in the markets. When I considered some of the points ng mga bashers eh valid din naman. Wala akong credentials and heck! hindi pa Finance/Market-related course natapos ko. I graduated HRM - ang layo ano?

Hindi uso magpakita ng port snapshots or ledgers noon - unlike now. And my belief at that time was this:

"Pics or it didn't happen."

Dami kasi guru-guruhan dati. How would I know kung sino yung legit kung di magpapakita ng results? Today, nakakatuwa when people ask me to show my port/ledger. I'm happy to have been a part of building this culture of skepticism. Anyways, I started documenting my port performance since August 2011. 

I guess this was the main reason why people got attracted to my persona and personal blog that time (I went by two other names: Korrection on Financemanila and Switchblade on Gen. Dessert Storm's Group) This was also the reason why I was able to attract investors that led to my 4M trading fund. Because results speak louder than words. And as my fund grew, so did my audience.

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2011 (TIE: Trader's Info Exchange) and 2013 (PIG: Philippine Investor's Group) were the pioneering FB Groups as far as I can remember. Shared some of my posts there using my real account. Sumikat (but not really) ako overnight sa isang notorious FB group because of a deal I made with one incoming student I had. Told him na if I get him 7% on a trade, he'll post a testimonial in the FB group that he's in about the service I'm offering. If you wanna read about it, here it is: 

https://zeefreaks.blogspot.com/2015/01/tale-of-tap.html

It was during the FNI fiasco (year 2015) when ZFT and online mentoring started to be extremely in-demand. If a Guru who had the money, influence, educational background, and inside info got beaten by a "Kusinero na walang alam" - and earned a million in 3 trading days on their favorite stock, na at that time at hangang ngayon downtrend, why can't others do it as well? 😄

I had my reasons then for charging 5-7% of people's total port (a story reserved to my students and some people) instead of charging fixed amounts. Then the Subasta/Auctioning of slots came as a result of people complaining na mahal daw yung % based. Parang taxi driver rate lang eh no? Kaya siguro SCAM hahaha. Kung magkano gusto nyo ibayad, para di galing sakin presyo. Ultimately I had to stop it dahil napagod na rin ako teaching since sunod-sunod yung mga batches and I thought sobra na rin if people would end up paying more than half a million for a mentoring program that wouldn't be of fair value.

When I stopped my program that time, I noticed dami na palang nagsilabasang online mentoring service - which I think is good. Pati ibang bashers ko dati, naging mentor narin at nagtayo ng sariling community hahaha

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If you ask me now about credentials, I still have nothing to show for it. Kakatamad mag aral to get a degree eh. Di ko naman siguro ma trade yung diploma ko for 1M-5M para sulit yung oras diba?

Sometimes I have the urge na mambara sa mga closed minded market experts.

"What's the use of your market expertise and years of fine education if you can't even translate what you know into profits?"

I only have my portfolio, experiences, and my former students to show for. Their success is my success - And most of them, hindi rin Finance/Market-related yung background, halos lahat ata represented - from seafarers, nurses, doctors, freelancers, call-center agents, businessmen, undergrads, etc. And this is why na reinforce yung belief ko that anyone can be a successful trader as long as you

- have a clear trading career goal set

- have the discipline to follow your trading rules

- have the persistence to go through the learning curve

- and this is optional, but genuine love for the craft. 

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I am a firm believer that you can be successful in the markets without a mentor. I am a product of this belief. And there's a ton of resources out there for you to be able to make it if you want to learn how to trade - rather than taking the route of the reco. Yun nga lang, be prepared because the tuition can be crazy. I probably lost 8 figures developing the system I use. My advice if you ever go this path: 

Learn risk management and be a master of a thousand cuts.

As I continually grow as a trader, I have come to the conclusion that there are a lot of ways to make money in the stock market and there is no one better way of doing things. Dati kasi akala ko yung system ko na yung pinakaswak to the point na nakikipag away na ako sa iba - which is such a waste of time. So focus on making money, not on appearing to be right.

I'm happy to see so many stock market literacy service providers now. Those that are way cheaper than what I offer. Marami din mas legit kung credentials lang ang basehan. Marami ring FREE. 

Kaya di ko gets why people are so offended by my posts, beliefs, trading strategy, and company. I guess it's just the internet age empowering the entitled mind. 

It's really a matter of preference. Some people would rather avail of personal mentoring and coaching than learning the ropes themselves or the traditional classroom type setup. So if you find my service and fees offensive, then obviously you're not my market.

If there's one important thing I've learned about the service industry, it's that people talk. If you have a great or terrible product, if you have a good or bad attitude, whatever it is that you have, it will eventually come out in the open and that will either make or break your business and reputation.

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Why do I still mentor and blog?

From a business perspective, It's foolish to teach your system to potential competitors. Not just in mentoring, but in trading itself - Imagine teaching someone who has bigger funds than you at nagkita kayo sa market - sakit nun pag naunahan ka sa buyup or pagnabuhusan ka. 

But I think this is the best job in the world. I love it! I get to talk and impart about my craft and get paid for it. And beyond the monetary compensation, pag naging successful at nagpasalamat yung mentee and most especially yung blog readers ko, it's one of the best feelings out there. That you changed a life for the better. It ultimately brings purpose in me - that I'm doing something right and I am where I'm supposed to be.

Being Zeefreaks [Trading, Mentoring, and Giving back] is my Ikigai. And no amount of baseless hate will stop me.



How about you? Have you found your Ikigai?

Personal Notes Series 016 : Ancient Wisdom

There was once a young man who was appointed to rule over a great nation. A nation surrounded by many enemies and has had a countless history of bloody civil wars. The king before him was a great ruler and had many times delivered this great nation into order.

Burdened by the responsibility that rests upon his shoulders, the young man thought to himself: "Who am I but a child?"

Then one night, the Creator of the universe appears to him in a dream and says: "Ask of anything and it shall be given to you."

The young man requests: "Wisdom to rule and the ability to discern good from evil."

The Creator was pleased.

“Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings."

Born in 848 BCE, Solomon dies at age 52 in 796 BCE, ruling as King for 40 years -- the best years in all of Israel's history. He is known as chacham mi'kol ha'adam, "wisest of all the men."

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All traders are kings. And if we allow it, the market lets us have a taste of the sweetness of riches, fame or power. These three are by no means evil - for they are mere enablers and magnifiers of their users. The problem lies when we see and pursue these three elements as the end result, rather than see them as the by-product of our character.

How many times have we heard of and from people who earned hundreds of thousands or even millions and in a few months or years, never heard of again?

The flow of money in the stock market is never consistent. An absolute result of a trade setup is an illusion. What can be consistent is our process -The rules we set and follow.

The stock market will tempt you in as many ways as it can. But as traders, we should fall in love with the process. Not the profits. 

*Ahem!* Is this person familiar to you?

If you wish to put a person's character to the test, give him Riches, Fame, or Power. A smart man will choose the greatest of them all. 

Wisdom.

Personal Notes Series 015 : Next Generation Seeds

If you try to plant corn seeds from a different environment, there would be a high probability that the seeds would produce weak corn, as opposed to planting corn seeds that are natives of the land. It is not because it is weak that it grows as such, but because of its parent's "data implant" on the seed. This includes information on the pests, the weather, the soil, and everything else that would ensure the plant's survival and proliferation. 

Without proper cultivation and protection, the corn from foreign origins could face severe attacks from nature and die. But if it survives and bears fruit, it then implants adaptive data onto the next seed so the next generation will become better and stronger. And after several generations, it becomes a native.

"The Next Generation will always be better than the last."

...and humans are no different. 

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But we do have issues when it comes to our culture and human nature. We, humans, have a tendency to be jealous and spiteful, instead of being happy for the talents and success of others - especially when it comes to the younger generation. 

"Masyado ka pang bata para jan!"

"Marami ka pang kakaining bigas boy!"

There have been many instances in my life where I was underestimated and ridiculed for my age even if I showed excellent results. And I'm sure everyone has their own version. But I had my bitter taste of this reality when one of the stock market personalities of my time who I looked up to, referred to me in a group chat [where I wasn't included] and said  :

"So young and yet so corrupt."

I always wondered why he said that - and why a lot of us wouldn't hesitate to do the same thing. Maybe because of the drive for significance and constant approval of others? Or the unpleasant feeling of becoming obsolete in today's society? Probably the inevitable realization that our golden time has passed and it is now another's?

I share this because of the success and achievements of my peers, my former students, and the new stars in the trading industry. I'm not getting any younger and it is inevitable that I be compared to others. That's just how society works.

"Sinong mas magaling?"

"Mas magaling na si ******** kesa kay Zee!"

I was born in a family of achievers. Both my parents, my brother, and sister, they all excelled in their chosen fields. I was the odd one. Growing up, I lived in their shadow - the expectation that I too, should be an achiever.

I hated it. 

I wanted to create my own path.

There will always be someone weaker and stronger than me. So I learned to move forward, accept and love who I am. And that I too am a master of my own talents - Striving to become the best version of myself in whatever I do. For we can never control how people see us, but we can control how we react and see ourselves.

Instead of spiting and competing with the next generation, why not admire and collaborate?

Instead of being jealous of others, why not be genuinely happy with their success?

Let us build the next generation. 

For they are not our enemy, but our legacy.

Personal Notes Series 014 : Of Something and Nothing

2017

Ahhh.. It's been such a year and so many things happened that I feel like my mind is still in such dissarray.

I've always wanted to travel and see the world when I was younger. I still do. And this year, I've dedicated most of my days travelling - you know, spending a week or two in one place and try to experience the place and culture as a local. I guess one of the best things you'd gain from the experience aside from the scenic views and great food, is a deeper understanding of humanity and your place in this world. 

Maybe you've noticed ZF isn't the usual ZF that he is anymore when he started. Well, to tell you honestly, I've been starting to feel burnt out.

Before when someone messages in the ZF page asking for help, I'd normally come to their rescue and give a friendly reply. Now, there's a 70% chance I'd scold the person or give cold replies. Am I getting too old for this?

One time, me and Celeste were talking about how our favorite TAP and other groups have been leading newbloods astray with their so called "trading systems." 

"Okay lang yan. We need a diversified market. The more ignorant traders there are, the more money for us." I replied. Have I turned bad? I remember this statement from Two-face in Dark Knight : 

Have I become a Villain? 

Thinking about it now, I guess I've neglected my inner child and forgot to have more fun than I should - releasing all my worries and not giving a single care in the world. Maybe I've taken more responsibility than I should and could handle? I don't know.

I would like to thank Rooting For Celeste for keeping my emotional health in check. If it weren't for you, I'd probably act like some old bitter fool ranting all the time.

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This season, where our Filipino culture dictates that families spend time together, I decide to be alone. It's my first time to break tradition. I think I've experienced a glimpse of how OFWs feel being all alone working their assess off during this time of the year, in a foreign country for the sake of their family and loved ones. My heart aches for you people.

Nakakamiss din pala yung mga nakakainis na walang kamatayang tanong at statements ng mga aunties at uncles like : 

"Saan ka na connected ngayon?"

"May Girlfriend ka na?"

"Kelan ka ikakasal?"

"Tumaba ka yata?"

Kakaakward. Kakainis. Pero Kakamiss.

And you know what I've realized?

In order to fully appreciate something, you must first know what it's like to have nothing. And if you have it? Lose it. Then get it back all over again. Because even with all the money, recognition and authority I have, It still won't beat being with the people I love.

Trade Travel Vacation

If there's one thing I've realized during this long and running 3 months traveltradecation, it's this :

You can do all three at the same time - travel, trade and vacation. And that's good. Looks and sounds nice too when you talk about it to people. But don't expect to maximize the experience if you do. One, two, or all three would suffer if you aren't fully present for the experience.

Some cake anyone?