In a country that supposedly takes pride in its bloodless People
Power Revolt of 1986, a draconian law has been passed curbing freedom of
expression.
JUNK THE CYBERCRIME ACT
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Friday, August 17, 2012
Market Situationer (13-17 August 2012) by Joboy Quintos
Government Securities
The newly issued 25-year FXTN fetched a coupon rate of 5.75% last Tuesday, which fell at the lower end of the market projections. Total tenders for the fully awarded P9.0 billion offer amounted to P26.26 billion.
Secondary market rates, particularly the longer dated securities, rose at the early parts of the week due to higher inflation expectations brought about by the recent flooding. FXTN 20-17 and RTB 20-1 peaked at 5.67% and 5.75%, respectively. The 20-year GS rose by an average of 10 bps from the closing rates on 10 August. The auction results and BSP statements that 2012 inflation would fall well within the 3-5% target somehow eased the selling pressure. As a result, rates for FXTN 20-17 dipped to 5.5925%, while RTB 20-1 fell to 5.65%.
The newly issued 25-year FXTN fetched a coupon rate of 5.75% last Tuesday, which fell at the lower end of the market projections. Total tenders for the fully awarded P9.0 billion offer amounted to P26.26 billion.
Secondary market rates, particularly the longer dated securities, rose at the early parts of the week due to higher inflation expectations brought about by the recent flooding. FXTN 20-17 and RTB 20-1 peaked at 5.67% and 5.75%, respectively. The 20-year GS rose by an average of 10 bps from the closing rates on 10 August. The auction results and BSP statements that 2012 inflation would fall well within the 3-5% target somehow eased the selling pressure. As a result, rates for FXTN 20-17 dipped to 5.5925%, while RTB 20-1 fell to 5.65%.
Towards the end of the week, however, trading volumes thinned as the market approached the so-called “ghost month.” In addition, better than expected U.S. retail sales and housing permits resulted in a sharp increase in longer-dated U.S. Treasuries. Hence, demand for riskier assets like Peso-denominated securities declined, as shown by the P0.405 depreciation of the local currency against the U.S. Dollar. FXTN 20-17 closed the week at 5.685%, while RTB 20-1 ended the week at 5.72%.
The difference between 2- and 20-year debt rose to 318 bps from 309 bps the previous week. Higher rates in the longer end of the curve resulted into a steeper yield curve. Total weekly volume amounted to P74.16 billion, up from P31.706 billion.
Foreign Exchange
The U.S. Dollar strengthened against the Peso the entire week as the U.S. economy exhibited signs of recovery (higher-than-expected retail sales and housing permits). A stronger U.S. economy makes the prospect of another round of quantitative easing less likely. From P41.930 (-0.045) on Monday, the Peso capped the week at P42.42, depreciating by a total of P0.535 against the Dollar. Total weekly volume for the USD-PHP spot market amounted to $4,456.65 million.
Stock Market
The PSEi traded sideways with an upward bias in the first three days of trading, amidst an absence of major leads. The main index closed at 5,266.66 (+0.72) on Wednesday, before surrendering -47.15 points the next day (5,219.51) as market players cashed in profits ahead of the four-day weekend. The PSEi capped the week at 5,206.81. Total weekly volume of trades amounted to P21.06 billion.
The difference between 2- and 20-year debt rose to 318 bps from 309 bps the previous week. Higher rates in the longer end of the curve resulted into a steeper yield curve. Total weekly volume amounted to P74.16 billion, up from P31.706 billion.
Foreign Exchange
The U.S. Dollar strengthened against the Peso the entire week as the U.S. economy exhibited signs of recovery (higher-than-expected retail sales and housing permits). A stronger U.S. economy makes the prospect of another round of quantitative easing less likely. From P41.930 (-0.045) on Monday, the Peso capped the week at P42.42, depreciating by a total of P0.535 against the Dollar. Total weekly volume for the USD-PHP spot market amounted to $4,456.65 million.
Stock Market
The PSEi traded sideways with an upward bias in the first three days of trading, amidst an absence of major leads. The main index closed at 5,266.66 (+0.72) on Wednesday, before surrendering -47.15 points the next day (5,219.51) as market players cashed in profits ahead of the four-day weekend. The PSEi capped the week at 5,206.81. Total weekly volume of trades amounted to P21.06 billion.
Rates Forecast
Market players could again flock to the safety of shorter term Treasury Bills. However, foreign funds might shun Peso-denominated securities amidst the relatively higher U.S. Treasury rates and the recovery signs shown by the U.S. economy. Average yields for the Treasury Bill auction on Wednesday could move sideways with an upward bias, as a result. The 91-, 182-, and 364-day T-Bills last fetched average yields of 1.495% (- 30 bps), 1.795% (+ 32.2 bps), and 2.422% (+ 14.3 bps), respectively.
The bearish sentiment in local GS market might persist in the near-term.
Market players could again flock to the safety of shorter term Treasury Bills. However, foreign funds might shun Peso-denominated securities amidst the relatively higher U.S. Treasury rates and the recovery signs shown by the U.S. economy. Average yields for the Treasury Bill auction on Wednesday could move sideways with an upward bias, as a result. The 91-, 182-, and 364-day T-Bills last fetched average yields of 1.495% (- 30 bps), 1.795% (+ 32.2 bps), and 2.422% (+ 14.3 bps), respectively.
The bearish sentiment in local GS market might persist in the near-term.
Sources: Business World, PDEX, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Bloomberg
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
(Virtual) Reality: Growing up in the age of TV, Internet and Facebook
A couple of nights ago, we had dinner we some of my dad's first cousins. They were from another, shall I say, less technologically-endowed generation. They were quite appalled at the seeming disjointness of today's youths from the real world. The advent of the internet - of Web 2.0, social networking and Facebook - is the main culprit. They rued the fact that kids nowadays hardly play outdoors anymore, choosing to live quasi-anonymous online lives instead. Kids today tend to border on the sedentary, as they neglect physical activities in favor of the computer chair or the couch.
Frankly speaking, I can relate to both sides of the spectrum. My generation is old enough to remember the pre-Internet days - when kids actually go outside the house to play games. But then again, I'm young enough that instant messaging and social network comes quite naturally.
As kids growing up in the late 80's up to the mid-90's, my dad controlled our access to the ever tempting world of television, computer games and information technology. We weren't allowed to watch the boob tube during school days. On weekends, our TV viewing time was limited from 12 nn to late evening. My dad gave my brother and I obsolete computers to discourage us from playing the most popular computer games. Moreover, he staunchly refused to provide gaming consoles like the iconic Nintendo and Play Station.
Instead, my parents made available a wondrous endowment of books, music lessons and enrolled us into every imaginable summer sports clinic.
Of course, I resented those restrictions. I couldn't appreciate the limited TV time and uber-slow 2x86 computers. I had no other choice but pore over the multitude of books. In literature, I discovered a wealth of wonders. I developed a wild imagination where I used to daydream for hours at length. I wasn't overly enthusiastic with the repetitive piano lessons, but it did succeed in instilling musical appreciation. I did not appreciate the early swimming, tennis and basketball lessons at first, but in time, I developed an intrinsic love for track & field that persists until this very moment.
As we grew older, the restrictions loosened and eventually disappeared. By the time I was in college, I was pretty much free to do everything I want, in light of my new-found maturity. I still did not watch TV during weekdays, in light of the grueling demands of academics and athletics. But I did develop an above average proficiency for literature. I could express my thoughts eloquently in writing and in speech.
In time, I became thankful for my parents' unique style of upbringing.
In this day and age of convergence, broadband internet and Facebook, I am confident that I won't get lost in the proverbial technological jungle. There's always this danger of blurring of the lines between reality and virtual reality.
Now that I'm approaching quarter-life, I can say in honesty that I'm living a well-balanced life. Just like most of my peers, I'm pretty much connected through the use of Facebook, Twitter and Wordpress. I could spend hours tinkering with the aforesaid sites. More importantly, I remain well-connected with reality, having a vibrant social life and a multitude of athletic pursuits.
I absolutely love the ease of communication brought about by Twitter and Facebook. I maintain a detailed blog, sharing it to a multitude of people from all over the globe, thanks to the World Wide Web. But I make it a point not to live a life disjointed from what's real.
Real world interactions form the foundations of my online alter-ago.
Frankly speaking, I can relate to both sides of the spectrum. My generation is old enough to remember the pre-Internet days - when kids actually go outside the house to play games. But then again, I'm young enough that instant messaging and social network comes quite naturally.
As kids growing up in the late 80's up to the mid-90's, my dad controlled our access to the ever tempting world of television, computer games and information technology. We weren't allowed to watch the boob tube during school days. On weekends, our TV viewing time was limited from 12 nn to late evening. My dad gave my brother and I obsolete computers to discourage us from playing the most popular computer games. Moreover, he staunchly refused to provide gaming consoles like the iconic Nintendo and Play Station.
Instead, my parents made available a wondrous endowment of books, music lessons and enrolled us into every imaginable summer sports clinic.
Of course, I resented those restrictions. I couldn't appreciate the limited TV time and uber-slow 2x86 computers. I had no other choice but pore over the multitude of books. In literature, I discovered a wealth of wonders. I developed a wild imagination where I used to daydream for hours at length. I wasn't overly enthusiastic with the repetitive piano lessons, but it did succeed in instilling musical appreciation. I did not appreciate the early swimming, tennis and basketball lessons at first, but in time, I developed an intrinsic love for track & field that persists until this very moment.
As we grew older, the restrictions loosened and eventually disappeared. By the time I was in college, I was pretty much free to do everything I want, in light of my new-found maturity. I still did not watch TV during weekdays, in light of the grueling demands of academics and athletics. But I did develop an above average proficiency for literature. I could express my thoughts eloquently in writing and in speech.
In time, I became thankful for my parents' unique style of upbringing.
In this day and age of convergence, broadband internet and Facebook, I am confident that I won't get lost in the proverbial technological jungle. There's always this danger of blurring of the lines between reality and virtual reality.
Now that I'm approaching quarter-life, I can say in honesty that I'm living a well-balanced life. Just like most of my peers, I'm pretty much connected through the use of Facebook, Twitter and Wordpress. I could spend hours tinkering with the aforesaid sites. More importantly, I remain well-connected with reality, having a vibrant social life and a multitude of athletic pursuits.
I absolutely love the ease of communication brought about by Twitter and Facebook. I maintain a detailed blog, sharing it to a multitude of people from all over the globe, thanks to the World Wide Web. But I make it a point not to live a life disjointed from what's real.
Real world interactions form the foundations of my online alter-ago.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Awkward Ads
My mom works in the life insurance industry. I've been exposed to the rudiments of the industry at such a young age. There's a rivalry between the Philippines' two largest insurance firms, Sunlife Financial and Philam Life (my mom works for the former).
For the past weeks, I've seen Nuffnang show Philam''s Bamboo Manalac ads on my Superb Senora blog. I would have preferred Sunlife since I'm a Sunlife kid, but then again I don't have a choice. Lo and behold, I was stunned to see Philam ads juxtaposed with the Sunlife ad campaign featuring Piolo Pascual!
Awkward, much?
Friday, July 27, 2012
Market Situationer (23-27 July 2012)
Government Securities
Expectations of a cut in benchmark interest rates drove down bids for last week’s Treasury Bill auction. The 91-, 182-, and 364-day bills fetched average yields of 1.80% (- 20.8 bps), 2.117% (- 5.5 bps), and 2.279% (- 20.9 bps), respectively. Total tenders for the fully awarded P7.5 billion offer amounted to P20.69 billion, the largest volume of bids this year.
Secondary market yields fell all throughout the week, as market players priced in a cut in the policy rates and negligible budget deficit. FXTN 20-17 dropped 7.5 bps to hit a low of 5.485% on Wednesday, as RTB 20-1 bottomed at 5.5357% from 5.625% at the start of the week. Likewise, the 10-year FXTN 10-54 retreated by 8.5 bps to close the week at 4.85%. The market’s expectations were confirmed on Thursday, as the Monetary Board cut benchmark rates by 25 bps and the June 2012 budget deficit remained manageable at P11.96 billion.
Expectations of a cut in benchmark interest rates drove down bids for last week’s Treasury Bill auction. The 91-, 182-, and 364-day bills fetched average yields of 1.80% (- 20.8 bps), 2.117% (- 5.5 bps), and 2.279% (- 20.9 bps), respectively. Total tenders for the fully awarded P7.5 billion offer amounted to P20.69 billion, the largest volume of bids this year.
Secondary market yields fell all throughout the week, as market players priced in a cut in the policy rates and negligible budget deficit. FXTN 20-17 dropped 7.5 bps to hit a low of 5.485% on Wednesday, as RTB 20-1 bottomed at 5.5357% from 5.625% at the start of the week. Likewise, the 10-year FXTN 10-54 retreated by 8.5 bps to close the week at 4.85%. The market’s expectations were confirmed on Thursday, as the Monetary Board cut benchmark rates by 25 bps and the June 2012 budget deficit remained manageable at P11.96 billion.
The rate cut resulted in a slightly higher shorter end, resulting into a relatively steeper yield curve compared to a week before. The difference between 2- and 20-year debt on 27 July amounted to 293 bps, marginally higher than the 290 bps on 20 July. Total weekly volume for the secondary GS market amounted to P175 billion.
Foreign Exchange
The Peso traded on the weaker side against the U.S. Dollar throughout most of the week, as expectations of a rate cut made Peso-denominated assets less attractive for foreign funds. The local currency lost a total of P0.325 in the first three days of trading, closing at P42.185 (-0.14) on Wednesday. A statement by the ECB pledging strong support for the Euro buoyed market sentiment towards the end of the week, despite the 25 bps cut in benchmark policy rates. As a result, the Peso closed at P41.90 (+0.195) on Friday. Total weekly volume for the USD/PHP spot market amounted to $4,534.64 million.
Stock Market
Talk that Spain might require a bailout soured the market’s mood on Monday, resulting in a 71.49 point drop in the PSEi. The main index closed at 5,139.40 on Monday, before rebounding 22.30 points in the next two days as local stock prices were buoyed by rate cut expectations. The PSEi gained 66.99 points on Friday on the encouraging ECB statement, capping the week higher at 5,219.55. Total weekly volume amounted to P26.24 billion.
Rates Forecast
The BTr will issue a new tranche of 10-year bonds on Tuesday. In light of tame inflation expectations and negligible budget data, as well as the upcoming P33 billion in Treasury Bond maturities, rates for the auction could head south. Expect the coupon rate to range from 4.625% to 4.75%, lower than the 4.85% in the secondary market.
Foreign Exchange
The Peso traded on the weaker side against the U.S. Dollar throughout most of the week, as expectations of a rate cut made Peso-denominated assets less attractive for foreign funds. The local currency lost a total of P0.325 in the first three days of trading, closing at P42.185 (-0.14) on Wednesday. A statement by the ECB pledging strong support for the Euro buoyed market sentiment towards the end of the week, despite the 25 bps cut in benchmark policy rates. As a result, the Peso closed at P41.90 (+0.195) on Friday. Total weekly volume for the USD/PHP spot market amounted to $4,534.64 million.
Stock Market
Talk that Spain might require a bailout soured the market’s mood on Monday, resulting in a 71.49 point drop in the PSEi. The main index closed at 5,139.40 on Monday, before rebounding 22.30 points in the next two days as local stock prices were buoyed by rate cut expectations. The PSEi gained 66.99 points on Friday on the encouraging ECB statement, capping the week higher at 5,219.55. Total weekly volume amounted to P26.24 billion.
Rates Forecast
The BTr will issue a new tranche of 10-year bonds on Tuesday. In light of tame inflation expectations and negligible budget data, as well as the upcoming P33 billion in Treasury Bond maturities, rates for the auction could head south. Expect the coupon rate to range from 4.625% to 4.75%, lower than the 4.85% in the secondary market.
Sources: Business World, PDEX, Philippine Daily Inquirer,
Bloomberg
Friday, July 20, 2012
Market Situationer (16-20 July 2012)
Government Securities
Yields for last Tuesday’s 7-year Treasury Bond auction fetched a coupon rate of 4.75%, within market expectations. Total tenders amounted to P20.951 billion for the fully awarded P9.0 billion offer.
Secondary GS yields fell throughout most of last week, amidst the absence of any upward pressures in domestic interest rates. Buying interest was stoked by expectations of negligible fiscal deficit, next week’s Monetary Board meeting, and to some extent, hopes of further monetary easing by the U.S. Fed. Yields for FXTN 20-17 dove to 5.555% on Friday afternoon, down 7 bps from Monday’s levels. Likewise, FXTN 25-8 bottomed at 5.725% from 5.80% on Monday. The 10-year FTXN’s also saw relatively higher volumes, as rates for these papers fell below 5.0% for the first time in four months.
Yields for last Tuesday’s 7-year Treasury Bond auction fetched a coupon rate of 4.75%, within market expectations. Total tenders amounted to P20.951 billion for the fully awarded P9.0 billion offer.
Secondary GS yields fell throughout most of last week, amidst the absence of any upward pressures in domestic interest rates. Buying interest was stoked by expectations of negligible fiscal deficit, next week’s Monetary Board meeting, and to some extent, hopes of further monetary easing by the U.S. Fed. Yields for FXTN 20-17 dove to 5.555% on Friday afternoon, down 7 bps from Monday’s levels. Likewise, FXTN 25-8 bottomed at 5.725% from 5.80% on Monday. The 10-year FTXN’s also saw relatively higher volumes, as rates for these papers fell below 5.0% for the first time in four months.
The difference between 2- and 20-year debt declined to 290 bps from 298 bps a week earlier, as the longer end of the curve shifted downwards. This is the flattest the yield curve had been since March 2012. Total weekly volume amounted to P172 billion.
Foreign Exchange
Stimulus hopes from China and the U.S. fanned risk appetite. The Peso appreciated by P0.30 against the U.S. Dollar in the first three days of trading. The local currency closed at P41.68 (+0.045) on Wednesday, matching its highest level against the Dollar this year. It closed the week at P41.860 ( -0.105). Total weekly volume for the USD-PHP spot market amounted to $4,401.18 million.
Stock Market
After gaining 83.47 points on Monday (5,297.99) on stimulus news, the PSEi shed 108.62 points in the next three days, amidst lower economic growth forecasts by the IMF and disappointing retail sales data in the U.S. The main index rebounded by 21.52 points on Friday, to cap the week at 5,210.89. Total weekly volume amounted to P31.72 billion.
Foreign Exchange
Stimulus hopes from China and the U.S. fanned risk appetite. The Peso appreciated by P0.30 against the U.S. Dollar in the first three days of trading. The local currency closed at P41.68 (+0.045) on Wednesday, matching its highest level against the Dollar this year. It closed the week at P41.860 ( -0.105). Total weekly volume for the USD-PHP spot market amounted to $4,401.18 million.
Stock Market
After gaining 83.47 points on Monday (5,297.99) on stimulus news, the PSEi shed 108.62 points in the next three days, amidst lower economic growth forecasts by the IMF and disappointing retail sales data in the U.S. The main index rebounded by 21.52 points on Friday, to cap the week at 5,210.89. Total weekly volume amounted to P31.72 billion.
Rates Forecast
Expect yields for this Monday’s Treasury Bill auction to fall by 5 to 10 bps, as it aligns with the lower secondary market yields. The 91-, 182-, and 364-day bills last fetched 2.008%, 2.172% and 2.488%, respectively, in the secondary market.
The Monetary Board will meet on Thursday, coinciding with the release of the budget data. Downward momentum might continue prior to the 26th of July, especially if foreign news turn out to be conducive for speculative flows into the local markets.
Expect yields for this Monday’s Treasury Bill auction to fall by 5 to 10 bps, as it aligns with the lower secondary market yields. The 91-, 182-, and 364-day bills last fetched 2.008%, 2.172% and 2.488%, respectively, in the secondary market.
The Monetary Board will meet on Thursday, coinciding with the release of the budget data. Downward momentum might continue prior to the 26th of July, especially if foreign news turn out to be conducive for speculative flows into the local markets.
Sources: Business World, PDEX, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Bloomberg
Saturday, July 14, 2012
"Blue Eagle, The King"
I can still remember my first ever Big Blue Eagle Cheer Rally back in 1999. I was a high school freshman, a product of a small, tight-knit learning institution in Don Antonio Heights. Unlike most of my classmates who came from the Ateneo Grade School, I stood out like a sore thumb. I had a hard time taking in all the foreign notions of Ateneo Spirit. The cheers, in particular, were unintelligible jibberish I found difficult to appreciate.
Soon enough, the school spirit rubbed off on me, probably because of all the hurdling and sprinting I did donning the old Blue and White. Or maybe I was just brainwashed. Save for the Alma Mater song, I still found the cheers and most of the school songs pretty much alien.
In light of my ignorance of the other school songs, I wondered where those "Ateneo Will Fight Today" tarps came from. A quick Google search answered my query. In the midst of last year's UAAP cage wars, I also found the lines "Fly high, Blue Eagle Fly and carry our cry across the sky" perfect for Facebook status messages and tweets. I developed a certain fondness for "Blue Eagle The King."
The song traces its origins from the pre-World War II Ateneo and the late Raul Manglapus. Back in those days, local schools usually borrowed the cheers and songs from its colonial counterparts in America, according to the University Archives website. "Blue Eagle The King" was unique since it was completely home grown.
Blue Eagle The King
by Raul Manglapus (1939)
Fly high!
Blue Eagle fly
And carry our cry
Across the sky!
Cast your shadow below
Swoop down on the foe,
Then sweep up the field away!
Fly high!
Over the trees
Make known to the breeze
Our victories!
Spread wide each wing
For you are the King
Blue Eagle the King!
Oh the Eagle's the King of them all
And his blue feathers never will fall
For the Blue and the White
And the Eagle in Flight
Ateneo will fight today!
Fly high!
Over the trees
Make known to the breeze
Our victories!
Spread wide each wing
For you are the King
Blue Eagle the King!
Blue Eagle fly
And carry our cry
Across the sky!
Cast your shadow below
Swoop down on the foe,
Then sweep up the field away!
Fly high!
Over the trees
Make known to the breeze
Our victories!
Spread wide each wing
For you are the King
Blue Eagle the King!
Oh the Eagle's the King of them all
And his blue feathers never will fall
For the Blue and the White
And the Eagle in Flight
Ateneo will fight today!
Fly high!
Over the trees
Make known to the breeze
Our victories!
Spread wide each wing
For you are the King
Blue Eagle the King!
Ateneo de Manila University Archives
Friday, July 13, 2012
Market Situationer (9-13 July 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury made a partial award of last Monday’s Treasury Bill auction. Average yields for the 91-, 182- and 364-day bills were at 2.008% (- 16.6 bps), 2.172% (- 10.2 bps), and 2.488% (+ 3.8 bps), respectively. The rates fell amidst benign inflation data and S&P’s credit upgrade the previous week. The BTr put a cap on the bids for the year papers, as it accepted only P3.2 billion out of the P4.0 billion offer. Total tenders amounted to P13.755 billion.
Read: "Track Beauty of the Week - Murielle Ahouré"
Secondary market rates inched upward during the early parts of last week. Yields again dove in the last two days of trading, as news of BIR’s larger June 2012 collections and the BSP’s slashing of the SDA rates by 3.25 bps drove up demand for long-term government securities. FXTN 20-17 fell from a weekly high of 5.7725% to 5.6575% on Friday. RTB 20-1, meanwhile, dropped from 5.86% to 5.75%.
The Bureau of Treasury made a partial award of last Monday’s Treasury Bill auction. Average yields for the 91-, 182- and 364-day bills were at 2.008% (- 16.6 bps), 2.172% (- 10.2 bps), and 2.488% (+ 3.8 bps), respectively. The rates fell amidst benign inflation data and S&P’s credit upgrade the previous week. The BTr put a cap on the bids for the year papers, as it accepted only P3.2 billion out of the P4.0 billion offer. Total tenders amounted to P13.755 billion.
Read: "Track Beauty of the Week - Murielle Ahouré"
Secondary market rates inched upward during the early parts of last week. Yields again dove in the last two days of trading, as news of BIR’s larger June 2012 collections and the BSP’s slashing of the SDA rates by 3.25 bps drove up demand for long-term government securities. FXTN 20-17 fell from a weekly high of 5.7725% to 5.6575% on Friday. RTB 20-1, meanwhile, dropped from 5.86% to 5.75%.
Market Situationer (2-6 July 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury awarded last Tuesday’s Treasury Bond auction in full. The newly issued 5-year paper fetched a coupon rate of 4.625%, a bit lower than the prevailing secondary market rate for outstanding securities of the same tenor. Total tenders for the fully awarded P9.0 billion offer amounted to P28.049 billion.
Secondary market yields dropped dramatically last week, as (1) S&P upgraded the Philippines’ sovereign debt rating to BB+, (2) expectations of tame June 2012 inflation, (3) signals of monetary easing by Chinese and European policy makers. GS market rates fell to its lowest levels in four months, as both domestic and foreign financial institutions went on a buying spree. Yields for FXTN 20-17 hit a low of 5.59% on Thursday morning, down from a high of 5.8695% on Monday. Likewise, the 25-year FXTN 25-8 shed 35 bps to trade at 5.70% as 10-year papers fell by an average of 10 bps.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Supporting the Kick-It Foundation
I've been watching quite a lot of tennis the past few weeks. Since it's
Wimbledon season, the internet is abuzz with news from the
Championships. While browsing through the news feed of my Facebook
account, I came across photos of Serena Williams, Ana Ivanovic Ана Ивановић, and Victoria Azarenka (Вікторыя Азаранка Виктория Азаренко) pledging their support for the Kick-It Foundation.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Muse – Survival (Official Song of the 2012 London Olympic Games)
I got goosebumps watching this. Let the Games begin!!!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Blog Ads!
Around a month after reactivating Nuffnang ads on this blog and Superb Senora, I've started earning from the latter. I've been posting my thoughts online since 2004. The prospect of actually making a buck from blogging is a welcome thought, in light of my need for additional income.
The first ads that popped out of Senora was a Safeguard promo about Rio dela Cruz, the celebrity running coach. I've known the humble Rio from our college track & field days. His success story is truly remarkable. I'm honored to run Coach Rio ads on my blog!
A food ad whose title I've forgotten and an Abraham Lincoln:Vampire Hunter movie header came next.
This morning, Nuffnang began showing promo about a Beauty Bar sale. Since Superb Senora is a blog that honors female athletes, the aforesaid ad relates well with the content of the site.
The amount I've accrued from the blog ads are still pitifully small, considering the relatively light traffic of Superb Senora (Around 4,000 hits last month, thanks to hurdler49
referrals), but it's a good start. Senora has only 52 posts, only a handful of which are popular. It doesn't generate that many daily hits (around 200 on a given day), but a consistent stream of new material could change its fortunes in the coming months.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Market Situationer (25-29 June 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury awarded last week’s Treasury Bill auction in part, as it rejected all bids of the 91-day tenor. Had the BTr made a full award of the three-month papers, yields would have risen to 2.895%, up 72.1 bps from the previous auction. The 182- and 364-day T-Bills fetched average yields of 2.274% (- 2.6 bps) and 2.45% (- 5 bps), respectively. Total tenders for the P7.5 billion offer amounted to P10.663 billion. The BTr raised P5.5 billion in short-term debt.
The Bureau of Treasury awarded last week’s Treasury Bill auction in part, as it rejected all bids of the 91-day tenor. Had the BTr made a full award of the three-month papers, yields would have risen to 2.895%, up 72.1 bps from the previous auction. The 182- and 364-day T-Bills fetched average yields of 2.274% (- 2.6 bps) and 2.45% (- 5 bps), respectively. Total tenders for the P7.5 billion offer amounted to P10.663 billion. The BTr raised P5.5 billion in short-term debt.
Secondary market yields fell marginally due to half-year window dressing. The (1) release of negligible budget deficit data, despite accelerated government spending, and (2) the smaller volume of 20- and 25-year in the BTr’s 3Q 2012 borrowing program spurred demand, as well. FXTN 20-17 shed 4.5 bps to hit a low of 5.88% on Friday morning, while FXTN 25-8 dipped 8.5 bps to 6.10%.
Dealing With Technological Stress
My friend Ivan calls it "technological stress."
We live in a day and age where gadget use is inevitable. Broadband connection makes information exchange instantaneous. People are interconnected, thanks to social networking, computers and the ever-increasing use of mobile devices. The time we spend on websites like Facebook and Twitter has grown considerably the past few years.
With this change in lifestyle, the virtual has an obvious effect on real life.
For instance, I get easily pissed off when my internet connection conks out. Although it is a rare occurrence (PLDT My DSL is reliable enough), I get these mild withdrawal symptoms whenever it happens. A computer failure is even more stressful. Yes, I am a cheap skate. My being frugal (and at times, cash-strapped) has forced me to use obsolescent gadgets.
I bought my main PC second-hand three years ago. It is a cannibalized IBM ThinkCentre, originally manufactured back in 2003. Come to think of it, my motherboard is now approximately 9 years old! In terms of gadget age, my trusty old PC is a dinosaur. And yet, I've been prolonging purchasing a new machine for the longest time, opting to use my computer know-how to prolong its shelf life.
Despite the occassional coughs and colds, my PC works like a charm. I'd have to put in new RAM chips, though, to ensure that it stays this way.
When it comes to my choice of cell phones, I follow the same, no-frills mantra. Instead of shelling out a good Php 15,000.00 for a savvy smartphone, I have opted to make do with my mom's hand-me-down Nokia 5130. I love the fact that it's lightweight. It also doubles as an mp3 player. I've been tempted to join the smartphone bandwagon many times. But a deeper reflection of my personal needs and wants always reiterates the foregone conclusion: I do not need 24/7 Facebook and Twitter connection.
With my three blogs and active social networking presence, getting a smartphone might just be the last nail on the coffin of my social life!
Gadgets and the our oh-so-precious internet connection are bound to conk out once in a while. Perhaps the best - and cheapest - way to mitigate the effects of "technological stress" is to keep things simple.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Market Situationer (18-22 June 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury awarded last Tuesday’s 20-year Treasury Bond re-issue in part. The BTr chose the 6.09% ceiling in accepted bids. This level approximates the 6.0904% PDST-F rate in the market, a collection of firm bid rates from the major market making banks. The re-issued FXTN 20-18 fetched an average yield of 6.024%, slightly higher than the 5.94% in the secondary market. Total tenders for the partially awarded debt sale amounted to P14.098 billion. The BTr issued P6.65 billion out of the P7.5 billion offer.
Click this link to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Gesa Felicitas Krause
The successful election of pro-bailout Greek parties, as well as expectations of additional stimulus by the Fed, improved market sentiment. Local GS bond yields were slow to react, but momentum built up by mid-week. The big, local players went on a buying frenzy on Wednesday morning, probably due to 1H 2012 window-dressing.Yields for FXTN 20-17 shed 9 bps to reach a low of 5.88% on Wednesday morning. The 10-year FXTN 10-55 and the 24-year FXTN 25-8 each dipped by around 5 bps, amidst surprisingly robust trading volumes. The P37.66 billion worth of secondary market GS trades on 20 June (Wednesday) is the largest single day tally since March 2012.
The Bureau of Treasury awarded last Tuesday’s 20-year Treasury Bond re-issue in part. The BTr chose the 6.09% ceiling in accepted bids. This level approximates the 6.0904% PDST-F rate in the market, a collection of firm bid rates from the major market making banks. The re-issued FXTN 20-18 fetched an average yield of 6.024%, slightly higher than the 5.94% in the secondary market. Total tenders for the partially awarded debt sale amounted to P14.098 billion. The BTr issued P6.65 billion out of the P7.5 billion offer.
Click this link to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Gesa Felicitas Krause
The successful election of pro-bailout Greek parties, as well as expectations of additional stimulus by the Fed, improved market sentiment. Local GS bond yields were slow to react, but momentum built up by mid-week. The big, local players went on a buying frenzy on Wednesday morning, probably due to 1H 2012 window-dressing.Yields for FXTN 20-17 shed 9 bps to reach a low of 5.88% on Wednesday morning. The 10-year FXTN 10-55 and the 24-year FXTN 25-8 each dipped by around 5 bps, amidst surprisingly robust trading volumes. The P37.66 billion worth of secondary market GS trades on 20 June (Wednesday) is the largest single day tally since March 2012.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Parking in Makati
Since I work in Salcedo Village, parking options are a-plenty - at a steep price.
I can opt to use the slots at (1) the PBCom Building (around Php 130), (2) one of the vacant lots in San Agustin Street (not sure about the cost. You have to leave your keys with the parking guys), (3) Valero Open Parking, or (4) Velasquez Park (Php 40 for the first two hours, Php 10 in the succeeding hours).
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| Click the photo above for the Salcedo Village map. (Photo from Wikimapia) |
I chose Velasquez Park, frankly, because it is the least congested. A tree-lined parking complex is more alluring than a drab skyscraper.
It is not sustainable to drive my car
all the way to Makati during the work week. The Manila traffic situation
could be unforgiving. The daily fuel costs for the 30 kilometer trip
from Quezon City to Makati and back could eat up a sizable portion of my humble salary. Since parking spots are scarce commodities in the Central Business District, the corresponding fees cost an arm and a leg.
To save cash, I usually park my car in Trinoma, ride the MRT to Makati, and walk the 1 kilometer-or-so distance to my office.
This
is a perfectly ideal set-up, if not for the time constraints. The last
northbound coach of the MRT leaves at approximately 10:30 PM. If one has
evening engagements in Makati (a sanitized term for drinking sprees and
nights out!), it will be troublesome and time-consuming to ride bus all
the way Quezon City. A cab ride to Trinoma, costing around PHP 150, is
almost as expensive as bringing a car and parking in Makati.
Hence, it is more convenient to
drive to the Central Business District. At times like these, comfort and
convenience take precedence over monetary costs!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Cinema Paradiso Finale: The Best Movie Ending of All-Time
I have seen countless movies, most of it at the last six years, thanks to the advances of modern technology. When asked about my favorite film, the first titles that come to mind are Das Leben der Anderen (2006) and Cinema Paradiso (1989). I have devoured numerous literature and films about espionage and war, but the aforesaid German about a Stasi spy getting involved in the private lives of his subjects is the most thought-provoking,
If I were to choose between the two movies, I would have to pick Cinema Paradiso. As a movie buff and an innate romantic, I appreciated the nostalgic flashbacks to bygone times, where films were shown in black & white. Ennio Morricone's score is timeless in capturing the emotions brought forth by the travails of the lead character.
Cinema Paradiso also has the best ending of all the films I have seen.
If you have not watched this Italian classic yet, don't view the clip below.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Market Situationer (11-15 June 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury (BTr) rejected all the bids for the Treasury Bill auction last Monday. Again, market interest was on the longer end of the curve. Total tenders for the P7.5 billion offer amounted to only P6.51 billion, the lowest tally of bids this quarter. Out of the programmed P52.50 billion in T-Bill borrowings this quarter, the BTr has issued only P22.90 billion.
Stressed out? Click here to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Kristi Castlin
Local GS yields inched lower on Monday, on news of a $125 billion credit line to Spanish banks and indications of lower third quarter local borrowings by the BTr. Secondary market rates climbed gradually in the coming days. Foreign news contributed to the somewhat dour local market sentiment, amidst (1) Moody’s credit downgrades of Spain and Cyprus, (2) the upcoming Greek elections, and (3) weaker U.S. retail sales data. The Monetary Board kept benchmark policy rates unchanged, but revised the 2012 inflation forecast a tad higher to 3.10% from 3.07%.
The Bureau of Treasury (BTr) rejected all the bids for the Treasury Bill auction last Monday. Again, market interest was on the longer end of the curve. Total tenders for the P7.5 billion offer amounted to only P6.51 billion, the lowest tally of bids this quarter. Out of the programmed P52.50 billion in T-Bill borrowings this quarter, the BTr has issued only P22.90 billion.
Stressed out? Click here to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Kristi Castlin
Local GS yields inched lower on Monday, on news of a $125 billion credit line to Spanish banks and indications of lower third quarter local borrowings by the BTr. Secondary market rates climbed gradually in the coming days. Foreign news contributed to the somewhat dour local market sentiment, amidst (1) Moody’s credit downgrades of Spain and Cyprus, (2) the upcoming Greek elections, and (3) weaker U.S. retail sales data. The Monetary Board kept benchmark policy rates unchanged, but revised the 2012 inflation forecast a tad higher to 3.10% from 3.07%.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Huawei G1000
When my old Motorola broke down in 2006, my dad gave me a no-frills Nokia 1100. At first, I abhorred the almost featureless phone. Soon enough, I grew to love it. The 1100 was durable and lightweight. Since its dated, monochromatic screen runs on top tier Li-Ion batteries, the phone could last for as long as two weeks on one charge!
In the four years that I've used the phone, I've forgotten how many times I've dropped it. Despite its noisy clicks of its keypads, I was a satisfied Nokia 1100 owner - until it got stolen on a crowded MRT coach.
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| The Huawei G1000. (Photo from Lazada) |
I came across a the Huawei G1000 this morning. Like the 1100, it is a bare bones phone costing peanuts - Php 580! Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, the G1000 offers several value-added features like call barring/waiting/forwarding and a wireless FM radio. And of course, there's the ubiquitous built-in flashlight.
If I don't have hundreds of phone book contacts, or feel the need to snap up random photos on my phone, I'll probably give the Huawei G1000 a shot - just for kicks.
Smartphone Reticence
I almost bought a Blackberry Curve 8520 from Sun Cellular last weekend. The PHP 600/monthly fee was enticing. The affordable package includes unlimited BBM access, Twitter, Facebook and Sun-to-Sun calls and texts. When I tried out my dad's Blackberry, I had a sudden change of heart. The screen was too small; the trackpad interface proved too cumbersome.
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| The Blackberry is overrated. (Photo from IEPP298/Wikimedia) |
The experience was vastly different from the time I did the initial set-up for my mom's iPad 2. With the Blackberry, there was none of that love-at-first-sight (or touch) magic I experienced with the iPad. Then it hit me, why spend additional cash for unlimited social networking access? I already have a sizable online presence, with my three blogs and active Twitter and Facebook accounts. Moreover, I am practically hooked to the net the entire day!
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| Nokia 5130. A lightweight, sleek, and reliable phone. (Photo from Niklas Bildhauer) |
I decided not to get a Blackberry. When I ditch my trusty Nokia 5130, I'll shift to an iPhone!
Friday, June 8, 2012
Market Situationer (4-8 June 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury rejected all bids for last Tuesday’s 7-year Treasury Bond re-issue. Due to the paper’s illiquid nature and the lack of interest in the shorter tenors, market players submitted high bids, which the BTr was forced to reject. Had the BTr made a full award, yields would have fetched an average of 5.334%, much higher than the 5.15% PDST-R1 that morning. Total tenders amounted to only P5.965 billion.
Tired of all the financial terms, click here to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Nikoleta Kyriakopoulou Νικολέτα Κυριακοπούλου
Market reaction to the release of slower-than-expected May 2012 headline inflation was minimal. Announcements of a possible scrapping of PSALM-specific borrowings by the BTr, the rejection of the bond auction, and the unexpected 25 bps rate cut in Chinese interest rates spurred secondary market rates lower the rest of the week. Higher GDP forecasts for the Philippine economy could have attracted some “hot money” flows, as shown by the appreciating Peso. From 6.08% on Monday, FXTN 20-17 reached a low of 5.9175% on Friday afternoon. The 24-year FXTN 25-8, meanwhile, shed 5 bps to cap the week at 6.1525%.
The Bureau of Treasury rejected all bids for last Tuesday’s 7-year Treasury Bond re-issue. Due to the paper’s illiquid nature and the lack of interest in the shorter tenors, market players submitted high bids, which the BTr was forced to reject. Had the BTr made a full award, yields would have fetched an average of 5.334%, much higher than the 5.15% PDST-R1 that morning. Total tenders amounted to only P5.965 billion.
Tired of all the financial terms, click here to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Nikoleta Kyriakopoulou Νικολέτα Κυριακοπούλου
Market reaction to the release of slower-than-expected May 2012 headline inflation was minimal. Announcements of a possible scrapping of PSALM-specific borrowings by the BTr, the rejection of the bond auction, and the unexpected 25 bps rate cut in Chinese interest rates spurred secondary market rates lower the rest of the week. Higher GDP forecasts for the Philippine economy could have attracted some “hot money” flows, as shown by the appreciating Peso. From 6.08% on Monday, FXTN 20-17 reached a low of 5.9175% on Friday afternoon. The 24-year FXTN 25-8, meanwhile, shed 5 bps to cap the week at 6.1525%.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Greenhorn Equities Investor
I used to read the business pages as a kid, before the outbreak of the Asian Financial Crisis. I can still remember the USD-PHP exchange rate of P23 for USD1, My aunt tried to explain the basics of the foreign exchange dynamics, but my per-pubescent self could not absorb the concepts!
Fast forward to my finance class in college a decade later. I was taking up a business course (like everybody else). Mr. Ricky Pilar, my finance teacher, initiated a one-semester long mock-stock trading. We were required to submit a list of stocks to buy and the corresponding justifications for doing so. Even if I was a management economics major, my grasp of the equities market was practically non-existent. Despite my obtuse interest in economics, I considered finance and investment as big yawners.
Little did I know that I'll end up working for an investment house, trading government securities and tweaking spreadsheets and charts for a living.
I've developed a sensible grasp of world financial markets the past few years. Now that I've amassed some excess cash (a relatively negligible amount, really), the time is ripe to venture out of my overly conservative portfolio of savings accounts and insurance policies.
As a bond trader, I would have wanted to delve into the market I know best. But then again, odd-lots and retail volumes aren't conducive for sizable trading gains. Besides, local government securities are near all-time lows, falling by considerably the past two years.
The only viable investment outlet is the local stock market. With the PSEi up 20% year-to-date, it is best to wait for a good buying opportunity. For now, I'm in the process of setting up a BPI Trade account. I'm still at a loss on what particular stock to choose, in light of my unfamiliarity with the market. Thankfully, there is a wealth of information available from the following sources:
2.) Bloomberg charts
4.) Tsupitero (I'm not that keen on technical analysis, but the insights of Tsupitero are interesting.)
Despite
the rosy prospects of growth for the Philippines, the global
macro-setting is still hounded by the Euro zone debt woes, not to
mention signs of a slowing Chinese economy. Even if the Philippines'
consumption-driven domestic market is sizable, we're still bound to feel
the effects of slower export volumes to our main trading partners and
potential outflows of fickle foreign portfolio investments. The lifeblood of this nation, OFW
remittances, could suffer to some extent as unemployment levels in the
developed world remain high.
As the great, however fictional, Sir Harry Pearce of Spooks
fame puts it, one must "tread lightly" under the circumstances.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Market Situationer (28 May - 1 June 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury awarded last Monday’s Treasury Bill auction in part. The BTr rejected all the bids for the 91-day T-Bills, but made a full award of the 182- and 364-day tenors. There were no major movements in the rates, as the average yields for the 182- and 364-day bills fetched 2.30% (+ 4.2 bps) and 2.50% (- 1.8 bps), respectively. The BTr issued a total of P5.5 billion out of the P7.5 billion offer.
Tired from all the financial terms? Click her to learn more about Lauren Boden, this week's Track Beauty!
The secondary market traded sideways with an upward bias the entire week. Trading bands were narrow, as market reaction to Moody’s revision to the Philippines’ credit outlook was minimal. The release of better-than-expected 1Q 2012 GDP data spurred some knee-jerk selling, but at the end of the day, changes were minimal. FXTN 20-17 traded between 6.00% - 6.06%, while FXTN 25-8 ranged from 6.15% to 6.20%.
Tired from all the financial terms? Click her to learn more about Lauren Boden, this week's Track Beauty!
The secondary market traded sideways with an upward bias the entire week. Trading bands were narrow, as market reaction to Moody’s revision to the Philippines’ credit outlook was minimal. The release of better-than-expected 1Q 2012 GDP data spurred some knee-jerk selling, but at the end of the day, changes were minimal. FXTN 20-17 traded between 6.00% - 6.06%, while FXTN 25-8 ranged from 6.15% to 6.20%.
Prometheus
From the previews, Prometheus looks interesting. Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender and Ridely Scott - what a potent combination!
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
"Senses" (11 July 2008)
I wrote "Senses" back in 2008. I had ended my UAAP track & field days, and was still sulking from the pain of losing. I was jobless and penniless, but I had loads of free time and tons of pent-up emotion. I did as much writing as I possibly can and was able to churn out a couple of [crappy] short stories.
Have you ever had the feeling in the morning of desperately wanting to go back to sleep, to grasp the final glimpses of a wonderful dream? I did. I always do. The boundaries between what was real and unreal seemed blurred within the confines of my mind. I usually wake up at the middle of the night, my mind hazy in thought. I would lie in bed motionless for minutes, sorting out those fantasies and accepting, in a sense, that they were nothing more than figments of the subconscious.
Have you ever had the feeling in the morning of desperately wanting to go back to sleep, to grasp the final glimpses of a wonderful dream? I did. I always do. The boundaries between what was real and unreal seemed blurred within the confines of my mind. I usually wake up at the middle of the night, my mind hazy in thought. I would lie in bed motionless for minutes, sorting out those fantasies and accepting, in a sense, that they were nothing more than figments of the subconscious.
Alone within the four corners of my room, it was like any other Sunday. The streets were more silent, disrupted only by the occasional low hum of a passing car, or the vibrant noises of people going to the nearby Church. Each passing moment was punctuated by the pleasant chirping of unseen creatures. I tried to go back to sleep, but I simply could not.
I have always been the sentimental fool. For as long as I could remember, I actually enjoyed staring blankly at nowhere, as my mind drifted to some faraway place. Life and life's experiences, despite my young age, are a treasure trove of emotions both high and low. The worn-out, spiral bound notebook - my trusty, dog-eared journal - was my constant companion. It was a living record of the summits, plains, and canyons of my so-called life.
I've picked up the habit of writing as a toddler, according to my parents. I used to scribble incomprehensible marks in different parts of the house. The kitchen wall was one of my favorites. To curb these tendencies of vandalism, my mother gave me an entire stack of scratch paper, a fancy pen and a desk of my own.
I have written constantly since then.
Zombies in Miami?
I came across this disturbing clip from CBS Miami. Police officers shot to death a naked man chewing another naked man's face. Despite the sternest of warnings from the law enforcers, the man continued the gruesome act. Apparently struck by a bad case of LSD, the naked man growled at the responding officers. People afflicted with this condition experience unbearably high temperatures, causing them to take off their clothers, while exhibiting superhuman strength.
Beastial behavior, cannibalistic tendencies, extremely high body temperatures and superhuman strength? It seems as if the incident came right out of a George Romero gore flick. Are we in the early stages of the zombie apocalypse everyone's been waiting for? I sure hope not!
To the unitiated, it's time to watch Romero's "Living Dead" series. If you're into newer stuff, there are a bunch of remakes, and of course, "Zombieland" (for a comedic twist) and "The Walking Dead" (for a soapy drama twist). Now might be the perfect time to work on your cardio or hone your skills with your weapon of choice. Can't afford to buy The Walking Dead comic book series? Cracked has loads of superb, useful, and entertaining literature on zombies.
As they say, it's better to be safe than sorry!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Market Situationer (21-25 May 2012)
Government Securities
The Bureau of Treasury (BTr) rejected all the bids for last
Tuesday’s 15-year bond sale, as the market submitted relatively higher bids.
Had the BTr awarded the re-issued paper in full, rates would have risen to
6.0825%, significantly higher than the 15-year PDST-R2 of 5.7545%. Market
players posted high bids in light of the paper’s illiquid nature and persistent
Euro zone fears, despite the release of a record-high budget surplus the day
before. Total tenders totaled P7.56 billion.
Tired of all the financial terms? Click this link to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Laura Ikauniece!
Tired of all the financial terms? Click this link to learn more about this week's Track Beauty, Laura Ikauniece!
Secondary market yields reached its highest levels in about
a month’s time last Monday. FXTN 20-17, with a tenor of 19-years and the most
liquid security, traded at 6.10%. The market seemed to ignore the release of
the fiscal data on Monday afternoon, as yields failed to react. The next day,
however, secondary market rates inched lower, as the BTr rejected the high bids
in the 15-year auction. FXTN 20-17 fell to 5.975%, while FXTN 25-8 dropped to
6.15% (from 6.25% the previous week).
Blog Ads... Finally!
I've been posting my thoughts online since the summer of 2004. Back then, I dabbled with my old Livejournal account (I shan't post the link. I'm too embarrassed). I migrated my stuff to Multiply, once it usurped the former in terms of popularity. Most of my stuff were sentimental musings or posts about my sporting experiences.
My quixotic quest to balance a full-time job with an athletics career necessitated a reboot in my blogging activities. I started hurdler49 to chronicle my travails. After more than two years, I decided to call it quits to focus on far bigger things in life than hurdling.
By then, I was maintaining three blogs: (1) a personal blog, (2) Superb Senora and, of course, (3) hurdler49. Hurdler49 has met some measure of success. In its two years of existence, it has amassed more than 200,000 unique page views (thanks to my weekly Track Beauty feature). My personal blog (3,800) and Superb Senora (11,900) have more humble stat sheets. I started the two other websites to capitalize on hurdler49's online footprint - and to hopefully earn some extra dough through ad placements.
Google AdSense was too tedious in its approval process. I tried to put Nuffnang ads, but it slowed down the loading times of my two other sites. Besides, Nuffnang seemed to display the most mundane of its default banners. The ads weren't even about products, for crying out loud! Hence, I scrapped the advertisement boxes.
The past weeks have seen a resurgence in my blogging activity ( I have tons of free time since my retirement from athletics). I began to post more and more articles on Superb Senora and my personal blog. Then it hit me, why not put Nuffnang ads again?
With these ads, my blogs now load slower than usual. To the readers of my blogs, I'm terribly sorry. I gotta earn some extra cash, even if it comes at a trickle!
Monday, May 21, 2012
Robin Gibb: My Favorite Bee Gee
I first took notice of the Bee Gees back in 1997, when I saw the music video for "Alone." I hated the song. I used to teasingly mimic the signature Bee Gees falsetto just to irritate my brother. For some reason, the catchy line "So I play, I'll wait, cause I know that love takes time" stuck to my 12-year old ears.
Fast forward to 2005, in the track & field team bus to our Baguio training camp. We were having an impromptu videoke sing-off. The machine was on random, and "I Started a Joke" began to play. Back then, I've already seen "Saturday Night Live," the 70's era movie that propelled the Isle of Man-born siblings to worldwide fame. Unbenknownst to my teammates, I was in the midst of a minor Bee Gees phase. I hid this musical affectation to save face, to preserve an aura of "cool."
I grabbed the microphone and belched out my favorite Bee Gees song -mimicking Robin Gibb's falsetto. And it rocked the bus! My teammates loved it (and hated it).
In the countless times that I sang "Alone" and "I Started a Joke" during the my equally innumerable solo concerts in my room, I've developed a fondness for the way he sang (Jimmy Fallon's hilarious Barry Gibb pranks also played a major part). Perhaps I was drawn to the unassuming way he sang, in contrast to Barry's more ostentatous, high-shrilled tone. Among the Gibb brothers, Robin was the easiest to immitate for this videoke afficionado.
I was saddened by the news of Robin Gibb's death. Robin Gibb, by far, is my favorite Bee Gee.
There's not better way to honor Robin, Maurice and Barry by proclaiming to the world that I adore their songs. I guess as we grow older in life, we tend throw away puerile pretenses of being "cool."
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Brad Mehldau - When It Rains
I fell in love with Brad Mehldau's "When It Rains," the moment I first heard it a few years back from the movie, "The Lakehouse." The song has a comfortingly honest tune. It evokes images of a couple sharing an umbrella, taking shelter from an unexpected downpour.
I sometimes find the lyrics of a song distracting, especially when I'm writing something. The words that you write come from within. Sometimes, inaudible silence provides fertile ground for creativity. This song is one of my favorites.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Austerity Measures
For an investment professional, I sure suck at managing my own finances. I've been part of the work force for around three years now, but oddly enough, I've hardly saved up despite my lack of financial commitments. Perhaps it was due to the lure of spending. Even if I don't own a credit card, I almost always wind up spending my hard-earned cash on a spur-of-the-moment purchase. I am far from materialistic, but then again, being an amateur sportsman - a single man at that! - has its costs.
There came a point at the latter parts of last year, where my cash went down to four digits. It was a wake-up call. There and then, I decided to strictly adhere to certain austerity measures.
In the last two months, I've kept my expenses at a bare minimum. Aside from my monthly contributions to the household and day-to-day commuting and food costs, I hardly spent beyond the aforementioned fixed costs. I shunned late nights and stocked up on books. I spent my weekends at home and went out only for track & field training. There were the occasional nights out, however, but the costs were minimal - and manageable.
Instead of splurging during the Christmas season, I did the exact opposite. I opted to prolong the life of my gadgets, painstakingly repairing my old Pentium 4 PC and making do with my Pensonic DivX player. The only major expense was the cost of replacing the front tires of my 19-year old car. With the holiday season over, I'm proud to say that my cash position is at record-highs, with future outlays well-accounted for.
If I wasn't living with my fairly well-off parents, financial difficulties would have been a much starker reality. Never again shall I let my wanton desires to dictate my finances.
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