Book Review: Rule # 1 by Phil Town

A few months ago, while attending a free seminar in Investing in Stock Market courtesy of Mr. Juanis Barredo, Vice President of CitisecOnline / Citi Securities, Inc. who introduced us to a lots of concept in this type of investment. It was not a get rich quick scheme but creating awareness on this type of investment where people never had engaged on. He gave us some list of books to read and ponder before going to stock trading until he recommended to us Rule # 1 by Phil Town.

Who is this Phil Town? I never heard of him in my entire life. I became wonder what this author does so I decided to research first before buying this book and eventually went to the closest specialty bookstore like Powerbooks in SM Megamall and was priced at more than a 1,000 pesos for a hardbound. I only need a softbound copy which cost a fraction of that at PhP 695.00 at the nearby National Bookstore. I am happy and content on finding a copy of Phil Town's book.

Before becoming a famous author and investor, Phil Town was a former Special Forces soldier in the U.S. Army who served during the Vietnam war of late 1960s to early 1970s. After his tour in 'Nam, he returned to the United States to find out that many people despise the troops coming home and have unwelcoming remarks due to the anti-war sentiments on that period. With no work and having difficulties adjusting to civilian life, he did odd-jobs at that time until he became a river guide at the Colorado river with a outdoor tour company called Three Rivers (see Video).

RULE # 1: DO NOT LOSE YOUR MONEY! - as what Mr. Phil Town said

A rule that Mr. Phil Town has kept on his mind in a very long time and has been telling the readers ever since the conception of his book, Rule #1. The same principle as what Warren Buffett does.

Understanding first the company that interests you and analyzing their pros and cons in investing in them by establishing the MOAT.

Checking out the internet and find the gems which were thrown to the trash. Markets are harsh but somehow you can find a good find on those companies that can generate income in the future years.

My Sights on JG Summit Holdings

I have my sights on this great company which Mr. John Gokongwei founded back in the early 1990s. Was reading a back issue of BizNewAsia Magazine published last May this year which regards as "Gokongwei Gambit". John Gokongwei's intent on acquiring the 40% shares of Petron made me interested in the oil and mining sector of the stock market. Oil is still profitable even if it has weakened for the past few days in the world market.

Saudi Aramco, a conglomerate of Saudi Royals and American companies decided to pull out the plug and sell the 40% share to interested entities through bidding of Petron. JG Summit is interested in this with their experience in the petrochemical production and business through JG Petrochemicals, Inc., A JG Summit Holdings subsidiary while London-based Ashmore Group has acquired 50% shares when Saudi Aramco finally sold it shares of Petron to this group. However, this government owned company with more than 40% control of the company also would like to sell it shares with the remaining 10% bloc to the other local small investor or other companies with interest in Petron to Ashmore or any other local investors. It was reported that some of the remaining shareholders have sold their shares to Ashmore at P 6.53 per share which is lower than expected in a already loosing companies which has a deficit of billions of pesos. See Ashmore's company profile (Ashmore).

At this moment, Petron is still under negotiations with JG Summit Holdings and will get most of those local small investors of JG Summit Holdings excited about if the acquisitions push through with the plans. You can view the articles on the business section of the Philippine Star (July 23, 2008).

Copyright 2008-2014 - PinoyMoneyVantage

GO NEGOSYO! - The Entreprenuer Mindset In Us

Fascinated with the inspiration that these small entrepreneurs who became a big name brands in the local consumers market in Pampanga. They did have lots of hardship prior to the beginning but soon their businesses have expanded to higher measures of their businesses and also providing employment and job oppurtunities for the local folks in their community.

I attended the Go Negosyo Road Caravan in Pampanga last November 2007 wherein they featured the famous local Capampangan Entreprenuers. Here are the list of Most Inspiring Pampanga Entrepreneurs:

• Atty. Emmanuel Angeles - Angeles University Foundation
• Jaime Uy - Sentine Development Corporation
• Fatima del Rosario - Sasmuan Delicacies
  
• Jose Bituin - Betis Crafts Inc.
• Prudencio Garcia - Mekeni Food Corporation
  
• Teresa Carlos - Bank of Florida
• Peter Nepomuceno - Angeles Electric Corp.
• Michael Escaler - PASUDECO
• Lolita Hizon - Pampanga's Best
• Ryan Razon - Razon’s
  
• Wilfredo Tan - HausLand Development Corporation

Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center was jampacked from people of all walks of life, from high school and college student, investors, and small time business owners who want to hear, see and learn for themselves how these people have ventured into this type of businesses and industry and inspire themselves to be entrepreneurs of the future in keeping our economy afloat.

In my experience as an entreprenuer, it is hard at first in building your business and planning for the days ahead but somehow you put your sweat, blood and tear in making it work. Once it fly off to success it becomes evident that your goal in life has been finally achieved after all the pain and efforts in putting that business in good running condition.

Copyright 2008-2009 - PinoyMoneyVantage