• U Trade's Coming Out Party Feb 27, 2014
  • U Trade's Coming Out Party
    U Trade's Coming Out Party Wealth Building

    U Trade's Coming Out Party

    (Feb 27, 2014) Cebu City's UniCapital opens up with a bang to jump start online trading..more »»

    U Trade's Coming Out Party Wealth Building
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    U Trade's Coming Out Party

    Cebu City's UniCapital opens up with a bang to jump start online trading

    U Trade's Coming Out Party
    U Trade
    U Trade's Coming Out Party
    TheLoneRider
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    Country > Philippines > Cebu > Cebu City
    Date > 2014 > Feb
    Activity > Wealth Building

    Wealth Building
    U Trade's Coming Out Party Feb 27, 2014

    U Trade's Coming Out Party

    Location Google Map: Cebu City, Philippines

    Betting the Ranch
    It has been a long time since I dipped my fingers on online trading (internet bubble circa 2000). I saw a Lamborghini Diablo and I was consumed by it. I wanted to have one. I didn't even have a car at that time. I decided that the fastest way to own one was through online trading. I devoured the trading books, visited numerous trading websites, scrutinized a few securities brokers, etc. I did my due-diligence. I came into it gung ho and arrogant. I broke all the rules, thinking that the rules only applied to 'them'. I thought I was smart enough to beat the system. I bet the ranch (figuratively)!

    Nose Dive
    When Nortel, the darling stock of Nasdaq, took a nose dive from US$65 to to upper teens and down to single digits, with me canceling my 'sell-stop', I came out of the game humbled and penniless. I nearly put out a sign on the street corner saying, "will HTML for food". All of that took less than a month. The only good thing that came out of it was my realization that losing everything except the shirt on my back didn't faze me. I wasn't even sad. With a surgical grin, I even thought, "Wow, what a roller coaster ride! I love it!" - I suspect I have a pathological aversion to money. Of course, this is in sharp contrast to Mercle (think Germany's "Warren Buffet") who threw himself on a coming train after outsmarting himself in the Porsche short-squeeze that put him in play.

    Kaye Luym-Sala Michelle Ungco Leonardo Arguelles, Jr. Jaime Martirez Carlo Martirez Cybill Gayatin

    Yoga, Banking and Booze
    So I didn't know what to make of it when fellow yoga teacher, Kaye Luym-Salas (otherwise known as the Director of Possibilities for A~List Events, PR and Advertising) sent me an invite for the launching of UniCapital's online trading platform, U Trade. I wasn't exactly jumping out of my skin feeling gaga over it, but the invite also mentioned, "heavy cocktails will be served, drinks will be flowing" - ah, she got my attention.

    Unicapital
    Unicapital has been around since 1997. It is a full-service securities brokerage house that helps rich people get richer through equities trading with the Philippine Stock Exchange. Apparently, online trading is still in its infancy in the Philippines, and U Trade is blazing the trail.

       You are all very special to us. We did not scrimp on the food and drinks for this occasion. -- Leonardo Arguelles, Jr., U Trade President   

    Leonardo Arguelles, Jr.
    U Trade President, Mr. Leonardo Arguelles, Jr. took to the podium and said that they have learned from the mistakes of the previous players and now aim to be the major mover in the industry. I had a brief chat with him. Having had a few glasses of red and white wine, I could be forgiven for remembering whatever was said that night as a blur. But he exuded an air of optimism and can-do demeanor that I found infectious. Moreover, he took me over when he said on the podium, "You are all very special to us. We did not scrimp on the food and drinks for this occasion." LOL!!! I love his candor. When talking to him, you don't have to read between the lines. He spells it out for you!

    Investment Banking vs. Commercial Banks
    But what exactly is an investment bank? Is it the same as BDO, PNB or BPI? In theory, they perform different functions. You go to a commercial bank (sometimes referred to as merchant bank, like BDO, PNB or BPI) to deposit money, secure your ATM card, or ask for a car loan. Investment banks provide service and financial advice to businesses. They facilitate in Mergers & Acquisitions, underwriting and issuing stocks and bonds, etc. In practice however, they overlap. This is when it gets dangerous. The sub-prime market meltdown in 2007 resulted largely due to this (derivatives trading - but let's not go into that).

    Ending Thoughts
    I'm not exactly familiar with the local scene when it comes to online trading. And whatever I remember from my trading days was still back in 2000 in Canada where I was taking residency at that time. Altogether though, I feel it's high time for online trading to be established as an industry. There is money stacked up here with nowhere to go due to lack of investment vehicles - money transmitted by OFWs, cash inflow from BPOs, etc. Online trading adds liquidity to the market. If confidence is high that the playing field is level and markets being efficient and technological mechanism is adequately in place (ie, having 'sell stops' and 'buy stops'), perhaps the investing paradigm can shift and U Trade can indeed be the leading industry mover and shaker for online trading not just in Cebu but for the whole archipelago.

    --- Gigit (TheLoneRider)
    YOGA by Gigit Yoga by Gigit | Learn English Learn English | Travel like a Nomad Nomad Travel Buddy | Donation Bank Donation Bank for TheLoneRider



    Leave a comment?


    Reader Comments:

    Leonardo Arguelles, Jr.Leonardo Arguelles, Jr.
    (Mar 2, 2014) It was a pleasure to have met you last Thursday at Tavolata. I would like to personally extend my invitation for you to join us next Thursday, 6 March, in Cebu. Venue shall be announced later. Lastly, thanks for covering us in your blog. More power to you.

    Jaime MartirezJaime J. Martirez
    (Mar 1, 2014) I read your blog and I thank you for writing about the event of Unitrade at Tavolata. Your column will certainly go a long way in helping us establish a presence in Cebu. There is no doubt in my mind in choosing Cebu as the launching pad of Utrade. I truly believe that Cebu is the market that we believe can contribute significantly to the growth of the Philippine Capital Market with the abundance of budding young entrepeneurs who are the drivers of our economic growth and has put the Philippines in the map as one of the preferred investment destinations in Asia. We appreciate what you have done for Utrade and we, the Unicapital Group look forward to your continued support in our endeavour to generate more awareness and opportunities for the Cebuanos to consider the capital markets for their business expansion with the help of the Unicapital Group of Companies.

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    More on Cebu City:

    About Cebu City
    • Cebu City is the 2nd biggest city in the Philippine (next to Manila) - and it continues to build and expand. Traffic is getting bad. Decentralization is being developed with the SM Super Mall in the SRP south and the suburban towns in the north.
    • Boat from the airport to the city center - even without traffic, it takes about 4 rides to reach the city. But with Cebu's increasing traffic congestion, it has become a nightmare. Instead of taking the land route, take the water route - no traffic, fresher air and cheaper. From the airport, take the yellow multi-cab straight to the river port and take the ferry (there's only one destination) to the city. Take the 02B jeep and get off at UC near Jones - you're now on the city's main artery.
    • given its size and increasing congestion, Cebu really needs a mass railway system - something that is conspicuously lacking, but no one seems to complain about
    • Cebu is bursting at the seams on the yoga scene. There are about 20 yoga centers in the city - from yoga studios to gyms offering yoga and hotels jumping on the bandwagon
    • a trendy and safe place in Cebu where you can chillout for coffee and enjoy good eats would be at the Ayala Mall
    • there are other pocket-areas for trendy hangouts - Banila Town Center, Crossroads, Escario Plaza, La Vie, etc.
    • the tourist area where most of the budget hotels and restaurants are, are located within the Mango area, although it has a seedy belly feel. Kids may swarm on you pretending to be begging, but they could be picking your pocket or your backpack pockets - be careful
    • many pick-pockets in the Colon area - be careful
    Cebu City Google Map

    Google Map Cebu City, Philippines

    tourist attractions in Cebu City tourist attractions
    • Tops in Cebu City Tops - hilltop offering panoramic view of the city
    • Taoist Temple in Cebu City Taoist Temple - temple on a hillslope in Lahug with panoramic view of the city
    hotels in Cebu City hotel
    • Hostel Seven Cebu - newly opened, resto/bar, central location, solo/group travellers
      Juana Osmeña Street, Cebu City
    • S Hotel Cebu S Hotel & Residences - new hotel, luxury rooms, central location
      827 M. Velez corner Andres Abellana St.
    cafes in Cebu City resto / cafe / bar
    • Fujinoya Fujinoya - new and refreshing twists to Western style desserts using Japanese techniques
      Wilson St., Lahug, Cebu City - tel. 888.6075
    • Bad Boys Wingz Bad Boys Wingz - Buffalo Wings, unique versions of sauces! Great service, accommodating staff, bad boys vibe
      Kasambagan, Cebu City | (032) 415 4811
    yoga in Cebu City yoga
    • Love Yoga World Love Yoga World - yoga studio
      11/fl, Skyrise 2 Tower, IT Park, Lahug, Cebu City
    • Yoga Now Yoga Now - first Yoga and Wellness studio in Mactan offering daily Yoga Classes
      at The Yacht Club Mactan
    mountain biking in Cebu City mountain biking
    • Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure Cebu Mountain Bike Adventure - MTB tours, bike sales and repairs. Bed and Breakfast + Resto Cafe + wifi
      1298-b V.Rama Ave, Guadalupe, Cebu City | 0942.959.7451
    Cebu City to Camotes Island

    Cebu City to Camotes Islands

    1. via Poro - from Pier One in Cebu City, take the Ocean Jet for Poro, 2 hours, daily trip - 6am and 3pm (0936.823.8762 |0956.270.6610 | 0999.889.9999).
    2. via Consuelo - from Cebu City, take the northbound bus passing through Danao and get off at the Danao Port. At the Port, take a Jomalia Shipping boat for Consuelo (San Francisco, Camotes), P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only).

    Camotes Islands to Cebu City

    1. Poro - Cebu City (fastest and most direct) - go to Poro and take the 8am or 5pm Ocean Jet to Pier One in Cebu City, P380/pax/aircon, 2 hours
    2. Consuelo - Danao - Cebu City - go to Consuelo (San Francisco) and take the Jomalia Shipping boat to Danao, P220/pax, a/c, 2 hours, daily trip - 5:30am, 7:00am (special trip), 8:30am, 12:00 noon (express), 2:30pm, 5:30pm and 9:00pm (express, Fri/Sat/Sun only). From Danao, take the Ceres Bus to Cebu City
    Cebu City to Dumaguete

    Cebu City to Dumaguete by Boat

    1. George and Peter Lines - Mon/Thur/Sat/Sun 10pm, (035)225.4337, 0922.557.1023
    2. Oceanjet - via Tagbilaran, daily 6am, dumticketing@oceanjet.net, 0918.898.2188
    3. Cokaliong - Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri/Sat 7pm, Sun 12pm, 6 hours, (035)225.3599

    Cebu City to Dumaguete via Liloan (bus, boat, jeep, tricycle)

    1. Cebu City South Terminal - take the southbound Ceres bus to Liloan, P200, 5 hours
    2. Liloan - the bus drops you off at the Liloan Port where you board the Fastcraft to Sibulan, Negros Oriental, P62, 30 mins
    3. Sibulan - at the Sibulan Port, the jeeps wait for Fastcraft passengers to take them to the public market in Dumaguete, P12, 30 mins.
    4. Public Market - at the market, you can take any tricycle to your hotel, P8 for short trips
    Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

    Cebu City to Tagbilaran, Bohol

    1. Weesam Express - Pier 4, departs 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 2 hours
      one way: Economy (aircon) P500.00, Economy (non-aircon) P400.00, First Class P600.00
      round trip promo (at least 2 days advance booking): Economy (aircon) P600, Economy(non-aircon) P500, First Class P1200
      round trip promo (1 day or on the day booking): Economy (aircon) P800, Economy (non-aircon) P700, First Class P1200
    2. Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs 6-7-8-9:20-10:40-11:40AM, 1-2-4:20-6:35PM, 2 hours
      Open Air / Tourist Class P800, Business Class P1000
      +63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300
    3. SuperCat (2GO) - Pier 1, departs 08:15-13:30-15:10-18:00-19:40
      P 500.00
      +63 32 233 7000
    4. Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs daily 12:30pm, 10:00pm and 1:00pm (Mon, Wed, Sat)
      Standard (Lying) Php 150, Tourist (Lying Aircon) Php 340
      +63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
      info@liteferries.com.ph / www.liteferry.com
    Cebu City to Siquijor by Boat, via Tagbilaran

    Cebu City to Siquijor, via Tagbilaran

    1. Lite Ferries - Pier 1, departs M/W/SAT at 1:00pm, 10 hours, economy Php 649 (through barkota.com), layover in Tagbilaran 5:45pm-8:00pm, arrives Larena Port, Siquijor at 11:00pm
      +63 977.822.5483 / +63 998.999.5483 / +63 925.347.5483 / (032)255-1721 to 26 / (032)414-9001 to 03
      info@liteferries.com / www.liteferry.com
    2. Ocean Jet - Pier 1, departs daily at 1pm, 5 hours
      Open Air P1600
      +63 932 8734 885 / +63 922 8572 300


    Cebu City to Siquijor by Bus, via Liloan (Santander) (as of Jan 2023)

    Sugbo Urban
    There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Leaves Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) at 8 pm (Sundays 1 am), heads south to Liloan (Santander), takes the ferry to Larena Port, Siquijor, docks around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City 10 pm.

    Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because when it reaches Larena Port (Siquijor), it continues its trip around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena. It spares you the cost of hiring a tricycle or habal-habal which charges exhorbitant fares. Besides, it's a long trip to the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.


    Sugbo Urban

    Sugbo Urban


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  • 2015

  • Goodbye Cebu...Daghang Salamat! Dec 20, 2015
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  • Vegetarian Food at Cherry's the SPICE Nov 21, 2015
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  • Smoked Salmon-Belly Pizza on BBQ Sauce Nov 8, 2015
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  • Getting Deeper into Yoga Jul 12, 2015
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  • Back to Surya Nanda Yoga, Cebu Jun 18-28, 2015
  • 2014

  • Thank You Cebu, til the Next Time Oct 21, 2013 - May 15, 2014
  • Teaching Yoga May 9, 2014
  • Yoga Dance with Jaya Indra at Dragonfly Yoga Studio May 9, 2014
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  • Jeanne's Community Outreach Program Mar 2, 2014
  • U Trade's Coming Out Party Feb 27, 2014
  • La Creperie Paris Opens its Doors in Cebu City Feb 22, 2014
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  • Joan Hyman Yoga Workshop by YogaHub Feb 18, 2014
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  • 2013

  • Fab People: Jeanne Torrefranca (Yogini) Dec 25, 2013
  • Coffee Review: Himalayan Java Coffee Dec. 18, 2013
  • YogaHub - Real People, Real Yoga Dec 18, 2013
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  • Human Neti Pot Oct 23, 2013
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  • 2012

  • Back to Cebu for the Web Workshop Oct 3-18, 2012
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  • More on Cebu Province:

    Suggested Destinations in Cebu
    1. Camotes Islands - caves, beaches
    2. Cebu City - rich in culture and history, 2nd largest city in the Philippines
    3. Moalboal - amazing coral reef system, sardine bowl, deep drop-off for freediving
    4. Oslob - Butanding (whale shark) watching
    5. Bantayan Island - long stretch of fine white sand beach, Virgin Island for snorkeling
    6. Malapascua Island - divers' paradise for seeing the rare Thresher Shark
    7. Cantabaco Cave - Toledo
    8. Barile Waterfalls - Barile
    9. Whale Shark Tour - Oslob
    10. Carcar - chicharon and lechon in public market
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