Cheftonio's Tech Blog

10 Work Habits that could get you Fired! [US News - Money]

2012-01-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

You might figure that if you do good work, you don’t need to worryabout being fired. Think again—there are some habits that can jeopardize eventhe best employee’s job. Here are 10 of the riskiest:

1. Playing online during the workday. If you’re logged into Gmail chat all day, doing your holidayshopping online, or playing on Facebook when you should be working, it couldcost you your job. Your employer has the right to monitor anything you do onyour work computer, including checking your personal email. Never use your workcomputer for anything you don’t want your boss to know about—whether it’sjob-searching, online shopping, complaining about your job, hanging out onsocial networking sites, or anything else.

2. Complaining about your boss. You never know who might be listening, and if you get areputation as a complainer, your boss will eventually hear about it.

3. Not owning up to mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time; what matters is how youhandle it when you do. If you don’t accept responsibility or—worse— try tocover up that a mistake was made at all, your boss will likely be far moreangry at this than at the mistake itself.

4. Being preoccupied with whether something is your job or not. Protesting that something isn’t in your job description is a goodway to lose the support of your boss. Job descriptions aren’t comprehensive,and most people end up doing work that doesn’t fall squarely within that jobdescription. (That’s what “and other duties as assigned” means.) People whobalk at this often end up at the top of a lay-off list. You want to makeyourself more valuable to your employer, not less.

5. Getting angry at work. It’snormal to occasionally get frustrated at work, but it crosses a line if you’reyelling, slamming doors, or snapping at people. It only takes one incident likethis to get a reputation as the angry guy who no one wants to work with, andthat’s a label that’s very hard to shake.

(Read the rest: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2011/12/27/10-work-habits-that-could-get-you-fired )

How to Spot Fake Moshi Moshi Handsets

2012-01-09T02:12:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of imitation products out there. For some, this is the best way to know and measure the success of a product. Problem is, people aren't getting the quality products they are supposed to. There's a reason why a product is priced like such and it is something cheaper imitation products won't be able to deliver.

For Native Union's Moshi Moshi, it didn't take that long before China manufacturers copied their design. This handset was already here 4 to 5 years ago but the company that imported it now made it famous, thus, the proliferation of imitation handsets.

Here's a guide on how to spot the imitation units of Native Union's Pop Phone:

If you have more questions on verifying the real and imitation one with regards to Native Union products, leave a message at the comment section below and I'll do my best to reach them and answer all your inquiries. Thanks!

Christmas City 2011 - Updated Plarail Layout and City Lights (Part 1)

2011-10-24T03:22:00.000-07:00

Before this post, we thought our Plarail layouts were already final. I was wrong. I came home from Hong Kong bringing some Plarail stuff not available here in the Philippines! In other news, you might want to check out the photos below! Half of the city has lights already!

The red loop as seen in the photo above costs $32 hkd. Model number of that one is the R-10. It will save you money if buy the R10 loop for making U-turns, rather than buying the normal curves. It will also require less space.

Here's part of the city that's lighted up. Enjoy the photos below.

More details to follow in the part 2 of this post.

If you collect Plarail, check out the group I made: Plarail Philippines on Facebook

Christmas City 2011 - Railroad (Plarail) final layout [Plarail patterns]

2011-10-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

Finally, we have finished doing the layout for the railroad. The railroad we used is Plarail, made by Tomy. From the tables below, the train climbs up to our electronic fire place. Below, you can see photos of the entire city, portion by portion.

We now have 3 train sets. 2 passenger type trains and one cargo train. The cargo train has a snow plow in front of it (to fit the Christmas theme) and we bought additional cargo cars for the train to pull. As seen in the photo above, there's a bridge. This part is the government part. This is where the town hall fire station, hospital (bank turned hospital) and police station is based. When the train goes up, it connects to the photo below...

This is the where the train will go from the last photo. There's a donut shop (with a police car parked), a diner / gas station and several commercial establishments.

Here, a hotel, church and the residential area is very much visible. The limo as seen at the bottom of the photo is the city mayor.

More residential houses. The blue structure below is a school.

Moving forward, the train will go around the small forest we made. There's also a shop in the middle of the forest selling Christmas trees. You'll see it once the light is already setup. Watch out for it in my next updates. The train will go up and climb to the higher area (above the electronic fire place)

This is the highest point of the city, thus, the buildings here have more snow. There's a lighthouse and the middle area is a train parking area.

This is the steepest area of the entire track. From the highest point, it will go down to the lowest point of the city. There's also a sharp curve near the bottom but the train can manage.

Here's another view of the slope. We improvised the support and used styro containers. This is one of the best areas to watch the train.

After the steep slope, it will go around the city like a LRT/MRT because it is elevated. Below, a separate train set is present. That train has sounds and has a smoke effect. Inside the classic train are some fun activities and entertainment related structures. There is also a huge Christmas tree.

Another view of the entire city

That's it for now. Wait for my next update. We will try our best to fix the city lighting very soon :)

[For those interested to buy the structures/ buildings for your own Christmas city, email me at cheftonio (at) gmail (dot) com)]

Christmas City 2011 - Layout Testing w/ Tracks

2011-10-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

It's already late in the evening and I just want to post an update on our Christmas City 2011 project. This week, we've spent around 6,000 pesos on the new Tomy tracks. This is the first year we encircled the whole city with Tomy tracks and bought 2 additional Tomy passenger trains.

Our Christmas City 2011 - 40% Done

Why 40% if it looks finished already?
-We haven't connected the train tracks above the fireplace yet(20%) - Very challenging since I didn't want to buy a lot of those yellow supports.
-The building have no lights yet (30%)
-Final touches and accessories (10%)

The train you can see on the tracks above (Bottom center) is from the Tomy train set I bought last year. It has a snow plow in front which can remove snow balls (seen below) as the train goes around. To make it longer, I attached 2 sets of the train body with containers. Check out the containers below.

Nice addition to the trains. This costs around 200 pesos. Bought 2 of these.

Here are some of the Tomy accessories we purchased this week. All was paid for and bought from Toys R Us (Robinsons Galleria, Trinoma and Rockwell Branches)

Not so good quality. Red rails not that stable.

This costs 500 pesos. We only found use for the yellow stands. Not recommended. Hard to use with existing tracks.

Very useful. You need a lot if you plan to have elevations. Costs nearly 300 pesos per pack of 6.

These items are on my wishlist:

Haven't seen any of these as of the moment.

This is called an automatic switcher. When the first train passes through to the left, the other will go to the right.

If you set the light to "red", a track will elevate to stop the train. This lights up. Costs 500 pesos.

Wait for my next update. We will connect the small town above the fire place to the main city. ;)

PS. Made a group in Facebook called Plarail Philippines. It's for Plarail enthusiasts and collectors like me. Everyone is welcome. :)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plarail-Philippines/260988057273361?sk=wall

Christmas City 2011 - Platform and Space Estimate

2011-09-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Little by little, we are building our Christmas city. Unlike other years where we finish everything in one entire day, this time, we decided to take it lightly. Tonight, we placed the white cloth as the platform over the (6) tables and on top of the electronic fire place (will take a photo of it soon). Also, as planned this year, there will be tunnels and mountains made of papier-mâché. I'm not sure if it will push through but I hope it does.

The structures below is not all yet. We have around 15 more structures to include and that isn't the final layout. We just wanted to see the available area left for the road and railroad track. Apparently, only a small space is left. On the far end of the photo (upper right), you can see a bunch of trees that looks like a forest. Those trees will be individually placed besides each house.

Up next? Train tracks? Road? Building lightings? Watch out :)

Christmas City 2011 - New Buildings (Part 2)

2011-09-16T08:50:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, I posted the first 10 new houses for this year's city. Below, allow me to share with you guys the next 10 houses that we will add to the Christmas village this year.

The fine harvest winery and the J Keaton clock emporium is a double I think. Anyway, the city is so huge now that people won't notice the double structures so I guess it's okay. If you want us to create a Christmas city for you, just let me know :) I'd be more than happy to provide you with a set of house and other stuff you'll need to make your Christmas village dream come true :) (My email is at the end of this post)

Want to buy some houses for your Christmas village? Contact me chef_tonio (yahoo) dot com. (Only for local Philippines purchase)

Christmas City 2011 - New Buildings (Part 1)

2011-09-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

Our stairs from the the top to the ground floor has garland now! Lights are actually switched on and you can feel the Christmas spirit inside the house already. Well, at least when going up and down the stairs.

As I've said in my "Christmas City Preparation blog", mom has been buying dozen of houses yearly! This year, she bought 20 new structures for our Christmas village! Since it's very hard to take note which structures we already have, we have a lot of "doubles". What we do is we sell them so we can buy other unique structures. (Interested in the doubles? email me at chef_tonio (yahoo) dot com)

Below, you can see the first ten new houses! I'l show you the next 10 structures tomorrow. After that, we might measure the needed train tracks for the city since we expanded it. Merry Christmas! :)

Want to buy some houses for your Christmas village? Contact me chef_tonio (yahoo) dot com. (Only for local Philippines purchase)

Best Drag Race Ever - Video and Car Specifications

2011-09-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

What will happen if you put together 11 of the best driver's car together in an epic drag racing? That's what Motor Trend did. Watch and download the World's Greatest Drag Race ever video here:

If you want to know a bit of more details on the cars, here are the 11 cars that performed in that drag race:

(Watch the video above first if you don't want spoilers written at the bottom of this post)

1) Nissan GT-R

MSRP: $89,950 - $95,100

MPG Range: 23 - 23 mpg

Body Style: Coupe

530 HP / 448 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 11.2sec@121.8 MPH

2) Ferrari 458 Italia

MSRP: $225,325

MPG Range: 18 - 18 mpg

Body Style: Coupe

557 HP / 398 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 11.3sec@125.6 MPH

3) Audi R8 GT

MSRP: $123,300 - $196,800

MPG Range: 18 - 19 mpg

Body Style: Convertible, Coupe

560 HP / 398 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 11.4sec@125.1 MPH

4) Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

MSRP: $185,750

MPG Range: 14 - 20 mpg

Body Style: Coupe

563 HP / 479 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 11.7sec@124.1 MPH

5) Lexus LFA

MSRP: $375,000

MPG Range: 14 - 20 mpg

Body Style: Coupe

552 HP / 354 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 11.9sec@123.7 MPH

6) Chevrolet Corvette Z06/Z07

MSRP: $49,525 - $111,525

MPG Range: 20 - 26 mpg

Body Style: Convertible, Coupe

505 HP / 470 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 11.9sec@122.5 MPH

7) Porsche 911 GT3 RS

MSRP: $77,800 - $172,100

MPG Range: 21 - 25 mpg

Body Style: Convertible, Coupe

450 HP / 317 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 11.9sec@120.7 MPH

8) Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca

MSRP: $22,310 - $40,310

MPG Range: 24 - 30 mpg

Body Style: Convertible, Coupe

444 HP / 380 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 12.4sec@115 MPH

9) Porsche Cayman R

MSRP: $51,900 - $66,300

MPG Range: 26 - 27 mpg

Body Style: Coupe

330 HP / 273 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 12.7sec@111 MPH

10) BMW 1 Series M Coupe

MSRP: $29,450 - $46,135

MPG Range: 26 - 28 mpg

Body Style: Convertible, Coupe

335 HP / 369 LB-FT (With overboost)

Quarter Mile: 12.8sec@110.2 MPH

11) Lotus Evora S
MSRP: $64,000
MPG Range: 27 - 27 mpg
Body Style: Coupe
345 HP / 295 LB-FT

Quarter Mile: 12.9sec@109.9 MPH

For the race standings, the cars with their respective specs and prices are in order.

Christmas City Project 2011 - Preparation

2011-09-11T07:37:00.000-07:00

It's the -ber months again and here in the Philippines, we see traces of the arrival of Christmas as early as September. You can see local Christmas decors like parols being sold by the road, toy stores playing Christmas songs and homes being decorated with Christmas ornaments. Yes, as early as September.

Last year, we started early November. We create a Christmas city diorama yearly. My mom loves collecting those houses and we started with just 2-3 houses. A few years back, we agreed that we would only buy 2-3 houses yearly. Well, for the past 3 years, we've been buying 10-20 houses a year! Can't blame mom. She loves Christmas stuff.

This year, I think we are starting early. This year, we started on the first week of September. We already fixed the new table layout where the Christmas village/ city will be placed and I'm excited that we will be utilizing the fire place this year. Also, we bought some new items including around 10 new houses and a line up of police cars. As I was searching for police cars, my brother noticed this highly detailed British police.

Impulsively, we bought all the Mitsubishi Evo X british police made my Tomica in that toy shop that day. Tomica is one of our favorite toy car makers. This Evo X police has the number 39 in the box. This will serve as our police car for the police station from now on as we have random, no alike police cars for the past few years. Price per toy car was Php 169.00 each.

That is our city plan this year. Those gray shades are tables in different elevations. The yellow line is where the train tracks will be. Our train and tracks are from Tomy. I invested in one last year. Of course, this is not a business investment but more of a happiness investment. I loved trains since I was a kid and this is the only time that I bought one. We would be needing a huge amount of tracks this year as the set I bought last year is only good for the circular table as seen in the layout above. If only I could get a toy store here in the Philippines do an ex-deal with me hahahaha!

Snow plow train | Php 1,700.00

If you are interested to know the development of our Christmas city, check out this blog of mine. I will keep you updated.

Car In-Dash Camera Records Japan Tsunami

2011-08-06T02:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many reasons why I want to have an in-dash camera installed in my car.

Aside from recording everything while in operation, this also acts as a blackbox. I might be importing some units soon and I will let you know once it's available here in the Philippines.

Send me an email at cheftonio (@) gmail (.) com if you want to be updated when the stocks arrive.

Anti-Finger Print Screen Protector from Armorz

2011-06-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

After buying a new mobile phone, of course, you will look for the best possible screen protector in order to ensure the maximum overall defense against possible scratches to your expensive and beloved gadget. My biggest problem with screen protectors is the fact that they are not created equal. More often than not some
existing screen protectors do provide sufficient scratch protection, but most of them have side effect of “clouding” your screen as the level of transparency they offer can vary widely to as low as 75 percent visibility.

Thankfully in my continued search for a screen protector that offers a lot of promises, I finally stumbled upon the newly released Armorz Anti- Fingerprint Anti-Abrade Screen Protector for iPhone 4. Now you can protect your favorite gadgets with a full body protector! It guards against scratches, marks, dust and dirt, and
keeps your iPhone 4 in perfect condition. This Protector Covers the whole front screen including the camera hole to provides a full coverage from dust and scratches. Screen protectors provide crystal-clear visibility and do not interfere with touch-screen operation. It fits the Apple iPhone 4 4th Generation perfectly. The
film is easy to apply and can be removed and washed for reuse, without leaving residue behind!

Additional info that I learned by applying the screen protector:
• Ensure that your screen is virtually 100% free of any dust
particles whatsoever to ensure that these do not become
permanently bonded to the Clear Armor film
• Applying the film to the back of your mobile phone is always
a bit more tricky and requires some patience particularly for
the edges.

Overall there’s no doubt I am impressed with the Armorz Anti-Fingerprint Anti-Abrade Screen Protector. The way it protects against scratches and smudges is great. Without a doubt this is the best value body & screen protectors available for your mobile phone today.

Armorz Screen Protector is distributed by Tenkie Box Concept Inc here in the Philippines.

Check out their facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/Tenkiebox
Email: tenkiebox@gmail.com

Armorz Screen Protector HD

2011-06-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

Thinking of getting a clear Screen protector for you iPhone 4? You might want to consider getting Armorz HD Screen Protector for iPhone 4. There are several brands of Screen protectors out on the market today. The problem is, you've got dozens to choose from, most of which aren't worth your money.

I've had experience with numerous different brands, quite expensive but offered extremely disappointing results. Some needs to be cut to fit your device. Consistently, each offered bubbly application results,
poor clarity, and a short life span due to the fact that the protectors themselves were easily marred and scratched. But Armorz HD Screen Protector is the most elegant, cost-effective, and convenient way to protect the screen of your device. We all want that our screen protector will not interfere with color or induce extra glare on the LCD, and easy to install.

Armorz HD Screen Protector is compatible for iPhone4. The film guarantees zero-to-minimal bubbles during application. It is reusable and easily applied. Static-cling Application: Self-adhering film attaches itself to the screen. No adhesive is used this mean no sticky feeling after the application. The instructions were pretty easy to follow and have decent pictorial to show you how to install it. I recommend that you do everything the instructions ask. It makes a quick and easy application without the mess.

Armorz HD Screen Protector for iPhone 4 is designed to fit your iPhone’s screen perfectly. This will allow full access to the controls and touch screen. It also includes cutouts for the home button, speaker, and front camera which will protect your screen from daily scratches, dust, scrapes, and normal signs of wear. You don’t have to worry the film will protect your screen and take all the abuse from scratches, dust, normal
signs of wear. I am delighted with the result this product has offered. After dealing with a couple of bargain basement screen protection products, Armorz HD Screen Protector for iPhone 4 did satisfy my needs.

Armorz Screen Protector is distributed by Tenkie Box Concept Inc here in the Philippines.

Check out their facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/Tenkiebox
Email: tenkiebox@gmail.com

This Guy Has My MacBook Tumblr Page

2011-06-01T03:38:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's been a few hours since I first read of that Tumblr page. At first, I was really convinced that it really worked. The more I read and see the images, the less I believe. Now, I'm actually unsure if this is REAL or if this is just a marketing stunt. For entertainment purposes, here are some of the notable (read: funny) comments in that site. (All comments and photos /screencaps in this blog is property of http://thisguyhasmymacbook.tumblr.com)

The star of thisguyhasmymacbook.tumblr.com

#Funny

#Business-minded

#Suspicions

Lexus RX300's Backup Camera Feature Not as Effective

2011-04-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

I saw this funny video about a guy trying to be very patient with a female driver trying to backup a Lexus RX300. I think it's the second generation Lexus RX300 and if I'm not mistaken, this should have a backup camera feature. I guess car manufacturers have to think of another way to help "aunties" backup their car more efficiently.

Enjoy the video! :)

The Lexus RX300 XU30 (Second Generation) has the ff features:

The second generation RX 330/350 interior featured genuine Golden Bird's Eye Maple or Walnut wood trim, a sliding multi-level center storage console, dual-zone climate control, and power tilt/telescopic steering column. Available options included a 210-watt, 11-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, DVD-based navigation system with backup camera, rear seat DVD player with wireless headphones, and panoramic three panel moonroof.

I suggest that Auntie buy a Mercedes Benz B class instead because it has an auto parking feature:

or probably a 2011 BMW 5-series:

Cheftonio.blogspot.com

Laser Canon Destroys Boat - US Navy Test

2011-04-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

US Navy and Office of Naval Research (ONR) conducted a test for a laser weapon. A high-energy laser fired from the USS Paul Foster hit a motorboat with a 15-kilowatt (kW) pulse from a solid-state high-energy laser (HEL).

Despite waves and high humidity which degrades laser output, the laser equipped warship successfully crippled a smaller boat by burning through its engine and igniting it. According to ONR, this is an important step toward mounting high-energy lasers on ships as weapons.

High-Energy Laser Canon (HEL)

"This is the first time a HEL, at these power levels, has been put on a Navy ship, powered from that ship, and used to defeat a target in a maritime environment," says Peter Morrison, program officer at the ONR, in a press release. "We are learning a ton from this program—how to integrate and work with directed energy weapons."

Until now, much of the development of HELs has focused on shooting down missiles or hitting land-based targets. While a weaponised system would likely be restricted to military vessels, merchant shipping has also expressed an interest in laser technology. A gun which uses visible laser light to temporarily blind pirates was announced by BAE Systems in 2010.

USS Paul Foster

Lasers have more finesse and tend to be less messier compared to the usual explosive munitions that can be more destructive than necessary. To be truly effective though, HEL will need to be more powerful. ONR's goal is to mount 100-kilowatt (kW) lasers into ships. For opposing Naval ships, the Navy is working on a megawatt laser that's intended to cut through an incredible 2,000 feet of steel per second. The first prototype of that monster won't be ready until 2018, the ONR says.

ONR says lasers will serve to complement a warships other weapns, not replace them. In addition, entirely new battle tactics will have to be developed for ship captains to use them effectively.

Watch the High-Engery Laser (HEL) test video below

Cheftonio

14 inch Portable LCD Monitor from Toshiba - USB Powered!

2011-03-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I used dual monitors. I was thinking of getting a bigger one for my office but decided not to because it would become a habit again and I'll be needing to buy another one for home use.

Just this morning, I found this:

Sleek, lightweight and portable design at only 2.8 lbs
Travel-friendly at about the size of a slim 14” laptop
14” LCD screen with 1366 x 768 HD Resolution
Powered via USB for easy setup and use (optional AC adapter sold separately)
Video through USB, no VGA/DVI/HDMI video cable required
Energy Star 5.0 compliant and DisplayLink certified
Hybrid carry case/stand included
Easy adjust brightness control buttons
Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista®, and XP® compatible

Click here for detailed specifications (PDF File)

Wow! Just what I need!!!
Here's a video from Toshiba USA:

According to Toshiba's website, it retails at $199 USD. I'm not sure when this was released but as per checking, it might just be newly released -- less than 10 days ago.

Any idea where to buy this 14 inch portable LCD from Toshiba here in Manila?

I want!!!

Apple iPad 2

2011-03-03T01:03:00.000-08:00

Are you selling your old iPad and getting the new iPad 2?

Watch this video to help you decide if it's worth the change.

New Zealand Christchurch Earthquake Economic Implication from HSBC

2011-02-22T18:25:00.000-08:00

New Zealand Economic Comment
Earthquake is another set back

Today another earthquake struck Christchurch. The quake was 6.3 on the Richter scale and follows last September’s 7.1 quake which did significant damage to the Canterbury region. Reconstruction following last year’s quake was expected to be a key driver of economic recovery this year, though subsequent aftershocks had delayed it. Today’s event will disrupt economic growth and also delay reconstruction efforts further, posing a downside risk to the interest rate outlook (though we do not expect a cut). Rebuilding will still boost the economy, though the risk is this will occur later than previously forecast.

Click here for PDF

Facts
- Another large earthquake struck New Zealand at 1251 on 22 February. It measured 6.3 on the Richter scale (compared with 7.1 for last September’s quake).

- The human cost has been significantly larger than last year’s quake. At current estimate 65 people have been killed and many remain trapped. The larger death toll is likely to be due to its occurrence during the day, whereas last year’s quake occurred while most people were in bed (it occurred at 0435 and no lives were lost).

Implications
Natural disasters typically reduce the supply capacity of an economy and thus lower growth in the short term, as the economy is unable to function normally. Part of the capital stock is also destroyed. The economy is normally boosted in the medium term as reconstruction and repair takes place. We expect that today’s earthquake in Canterbury will lower growth in the short run, with economic activity disrupted and significant destruction of capital stock in the region. As it stood, the rebuilding effort following last September’s earthquake had already been hampered by persistent aftershocks – today’s event will further delay reconstruction.

There has been some discussion that rates could be cut in response to today’s quake. We do not think this is likely. Central banks in developed countries do not typically cut interest rates in response to natural disasters. Ostensibly there has been no damage to the financial system or payments system, emergency services and other government agencies are operating as they should to respond to the disaster and the financial system and government will be able to support a return of the economy to towards normal. Political stability is unquestioned. These factors are often not the case in developing countries where financial systems, political systems and governments are questioned as result of a natural disaster, and the remaining monetary policy tool might be used to respond.

In response to weakness in demand as a result of a sharp fall in confidence a fiscal policy response would be more appropriate. Moreover, with a backdrop of rising global inflationary pressures, partly due to increasing oil prices, and the overnight cash rate already around very low levels, we expect the RBNZ to remain on hold. We think the risk is they remain on hold for longer than we had previously expected as a consequence of the earthquake.

Bottom Line

Today’s earthquake will weaken near term growth, and hinder rebuilding efforts in Canterbury. We think it provides a downside risk to our previous expectation of a rate rise in Q2, but see little risk of a rate cut.

Article from HSBC

A peek into the future - Who needs humans?

2011-02-21T19:16:00.000-08:00

When I saw the first few seconds of the video, I was like, "WOW!". I'm nowhere living near that but have you noticed how people nowadays are so busy with their gadgets? Imagine a family having dinner.. kids play games in their iPhones. Dad checks email in his blackberry.. mom reads magazines in her iPad. It's nowhere near the video I will show you but you can see it taking shape.

Looks cool, right? Who needs humans?

Here are some of the comments in that Youtube video:

> something trouble me a bit here, everyone living in virtual world and no one seeing each other in real live... do you not want to touch & hug your grand kids anymore??

> Cold cold world

> If the future is this 24/7 endless addiction to technology, shoot me now!

> This is how the life will become almost totally virtual...

> just hoping that humans can really communicate better for the good . . .

MiLi SALE at SM Megamall

2011-01-25T22:08:00.000-08:00

There's an upcoming promo from our favorite on-the-go gadget juice, MiLi!

Enjoy a 10% discount with every purchase of a MiLi power solution product from January 28 (Friday) to January 30 (Sunday), 2011!Only at Power Mac Center, SM Megamall.

AND, if you plan to buy an Apple iPod Touch 4G (8GB, 32GB, or 64GB) or an Apple iPod Classic 160GB (Black or Silver) in Power Mac Center (SM Megamall), you get a FREE MiLi Power Angel

Promo runs from January 28 (Friday) to January 30 (Sunday), 2011. Only at Power Mac Center, SM Megamall.

For more details, kindly see the official poster below.

MMDA should follow Melbourne Australia

2011-01-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

I'm pretty excited to visit Australia again after a decade. What's different now is, I'm going to drive there compared to my last visit where we just rode a tourist bus going around Australia.

Like always, I do research on my country of destination. This is where you can find the internet highly helpful. I would like to share some of my research here:

- They drive on the left side of the road
- No need to apply for international driver's license, as long as your driver's license is written in english. This will be valid for 3 months.
- In Melbourne Victoria, you will be sharing the streets with Trams and Buses and they have strict rules for private motorists to follow.
- 50kph max speed on suburbs and 100kph on highways (unless specified)
- Blocking emergency vehicles can cost you big time - same in the US (Only in the Philippines can you see vehicles chasing an emergency vehicles or worst, over taking them)
- Giveway to everyone attitude
- The complicated right turn called "Hook Turn"

Other than driving on the left, you will also experience something very new. The hook turn.

I hope the MMDA can also do a version of the animation below. It should warn people against those unruly jeeps and buses, who stop whenever they want and who swerves from the first lane to the fourth lane, to educate foreign drivers. :)

They have several rules that we can also adapt to make the driving environment here more safer for commuters and drivers.

and for LTO, maybe they can do a similar test as seen below. HIGHTECH!

http://www.learnertest.vicroads.vic.gov.au/

If you'd like to learn more about driving in Melbourne Australia, please download this driver's handbook I got from their site: http://www.mediafire.com/file/c7xnnyl92sflxu1/drivers_handbook_0810.pdf

Angry Birds game in real life!

2011-01-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

If you have an iPhone or any Android OS mobile device, you have probably played Angry Birds. It's a game that became a phenomenon late 2010. Yes, sounds like a year ago but since it's just a few days away from December now, it's still cool. Dig?

Yeah.. I want one set of Angry Birds toy for myself too.

One Man Team doing the YMCA at UConn halftime

2010-12-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've seen a lot of version YMCA from the Village People. Here's another awesome version of it from the UConn 89th Win Christopher from Las Vegas Halftime Show.

I just thought that it's unique and it's worth sharing. Happy New Year! Enjoy the video! :)

Crown Regency Cebu - Don't Miss this Deal!

2010-12-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

As we know, group buying has recently started in the Philippines and all these websites have been offering us the greatest of the great in terms of deal. It's a win-win situation and I love how these deals are, well mostly, to consumers advantage!

Just a few days back, I saw this deal that made me really want to visit Cebu ASAP! It's a deal worth blogging about as travelers and foodies will surely want to grab this deal.

Check out Crown Regency Cebu's latest deal from Buyahinan! How convincing is it that I blogged it? For 3,999 pesos, you get:

Hotel Accomodation with breakfast for 2 (regular price P6,110)
Dinner Buffet for 2 (regular price P1,500)
Entrance Tickets for 2 at the Sky Experience Adventure at the Sky Observatory (regular price P400)
Sky Rides or 4D shows for 2 (regular price P500)
Tshirts for 2 (regular price P500)
Free use of all ameneties (Gym, Swimming pool)

See? All those mentioned above are worth more than 9,000 pesos!!! If you analyze a bit further, it's like staying for 2,000 pesos per night, including all those activities and 2 buffet meals! Hey, a buffet meal in a hotel here in Manila would already cost you more than 1,000 pesos! See?

Here's the thing.. because you found the deal here in my blog, tell me if you want to get that deal for yourself. If you will get that deal, email me at chef_tonio@yahoo.com and i'll give you an additional freebie! Sounds great? Yes, a Merry Christmas for you, me and Buyanihan! :)

Photos below courtesy of Buyanihan.com:

Photo of the room

The Thrilling Edge Coaster

Want some adrenaline rush? Try Sky Walk!

Email me at chef_tonio@yahoo.com and I'll give you additional freebies! Up to you if you want to book from me or straight to Buyanihan. You'll get the same deal but, I give you additional freebie :)

To know more of the great deals from Buyanihan, check out: http://www.buyanihan.com/

Otterbox iPhone and iPad Cases

2010-12-15T00:09:00.000-08:00

Met a friend today and I saw his iPhone 4. Without giving a second thought, I asked him what case he has on because it looks sturdy and nice. The next thing he did was something I wasn't expecting... he started the video recording on his iPhone 4 and after 5 seconds, he threw his iPhone 4 to the floor!!! I was like OMG! I thought it was an accident or something. Then, he picked up his iPhone 4, showed me that it's still recording! Everything intact and not a single scratch!

Otterbox Commuter for iPhone 3G / 3GS

I forgot to take a photo of his iPhone 4. The photo above is my iPhone 3G. Also, the Otterbox case you can throw around is the Otterbox Defender. The Otterbox I have on my iPhone 3G is the Otterbox Commuter series. Sturdy enough but, not as sturdy as the Otterbox Defender. See the video below.

Otterbox Commuter Rear Part

Guys, watch out soon! I'm going to review several Otterbox Cases! Can't wait to review 'em and show you what it does! I know I'm crazy but I'm planning to video record me, dropping my iPad 3g with the Otterbox Defender case on!

He has 2 cases with him when I met him. I tried it on my iPhone 3g. (Still thinking if iPhone 4 is worth spending on).

Watch this video. A guy actually dropped his iPhone 4 equipped with Otterbox Defender 23 floors!

Wait for my reviews! :)

Apple iPad Bag: OPT iPad Bag

2010-12-13T01:07:00.000-08:00

As of the moment, this product is my utmost favorite of all. If asked for one iPad accessory I want the most, this would be the one! OPT iPad messenger bag, not only has a slim profile. It also looks elegant to carry around. As if that's not enough, it even includes an OPT iPad Armor Case!

Bag is made of calf leather

How's the fit?

Other Photos of the OPT Apple iPad Messenger Bag:

OPT iPad Messenger Bag costs Php 3,900.00
*The Armor back case is included

Want to read more about OPT products? Check out the press release here:
http://broadbandph.blogspot.com/2010/12/protect-your-gadgets-using-opt-now.html

More info on OPT Products:
OPT Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OPT.Philippines
OPT Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OPTPhil

Apple iPad Accessories: OPT iPad Sleeve

2010-12-12T07:56:00.000-08:00

Others want their iPad naked. They want the real thing, without any covers. Taking care of your Apple iPad and preventing it to get scratches is as hard as it sounds, even more when moving your iPad to and fro. What you need, if that's the case, are iPad sleeves. Stylish sleeves made to suit your lifestyle!

Apple iPad Woven Sleeve (Handmade)

OPT iPad Woven Sleeve costs Php 2,550.00

Apple iPad Sleeve

OPT iPad PU Sleeve costs Php 1,180.00

In case you want something to protect your Apple iPad, 24/7:
http://broadbandph.blogspot.com/2010/12/ipad-accessories-opt-ipad-armor-case.html

Want to read more about OPT products? Check out the press release here:
http://broadbandph.blogspot.com/2010/12/protect-your-gadgets-using-opt-now.html

More info on OPT Products:
OPT Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OPT.Philippines
OPT Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OPTPhil

Apple iPad Accessories: OPT iPad Armor Case

2010-12-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

Earlier today, our friend from OPT Philippines, also the official importer of MiLi Philippines, lent us some iPad cases for review. I can't help but want one myself! Aside from being oh-so-stylish (ala headturner type), it's also functional and lightweight.

You can place your iPad in the following positions:

Comes with microfiber cleaning cloth

Packaging of the OPT iPad Armor Case

Even the packaging looks nice!

Stylish Yet Functional - Protects the edges (bumper guard)

Available colors - OPT iPad Armor Case
Available in Red (Iguana skin), White (Iguana skin), Black (Iguana skin) and Black Carbon Fiber

White, Red, Black Carbon Fiber, Black

These OPT iPad Armor Case costs only Php 1,760.00! Check out where to buy OPT products in the Philippines by click the link below.

Want to read more about OPT products? Check out the press release here:
http://broadbandph.blogspot.com/2010/12/protect-your-gadgets-using-opt-now.html

More info on OPT Products:
OPT Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OPT.Philippines
OPT Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OPTPhil

SkyCable Personal Video Recorder - Works like TiVo, but in the Philippines!

2010-12-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

TiVo fans in the US here in the Philippines! SkyCable just announced something new via Twitter! A Personal Video Recorder. Finally, something we wanted for such a long time already!

For the benefit of those unfamiliar with TiVo, here's a short description from Wikipedia,

A TiVo DVR serves a function similar to a videocassette recorder, in that both allow a television viewer to record programming for viewing at a later time. Unlike a VCR, which uses removable magnetic tape cartridges, a TiVo DVR stores television programs onto non-removable hard disk storage.What distinguishes TiVo from other DVRs is the sophisticated software written by TiVo Inc. that automatically records programs—not only those the user specifically requests, but also other material the user is likely to be interested in.

TiVo DVRs also implement a patented feature TiVo calls "trick play," which allows the viewer to pause live television, and rewind and replay up to a half hour of recently viewed television. More recent TiVo DVRs can be connected to a computer local area network, which allows the TiVo device to download information and even video programs, music and movies from the Internet.

Can't wait to try it out! It will work for both SD and HD and will be launched early 2011.

For more information according to that tweet, Visit http://www.mysky.com.ph now!

Google Nexus S - Released and available for Pre-order

2010-12-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

Just last night, I was thinking of selling my iPhone 3g and upgrading to the new iPhone 4. This morning, I read that the Google Nexus S was already released.

The write-up below is from the official Google Nexus S Page (Source)

Nexus S is the next generation of Nexus devices, co-developed by Google and Samsung. The latest Android platform (Gingerbread), paired with a 1 GHz Hummingbird processor and 16GB of memory, makes Nexus S one of the fastest phones on the market. It comes pre-installed with the best of Google apps and enabled with new and popular features like true multi-tasking, Wi-Fi hotspot, Internet Callling, NFC support, and full web browsing. With this device, users will also be the first to receive software upgrades and new Google mobile apps as soon as they become available. For more details, visit http://www.google.com/nexus.

I compared Google Nexus S and iPhone 4 via GSM Arena...
(Nexus S to the left and iPhone 4 to the right)

General	2G Network	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
	3G Network	HSDPA 1700 / 2100 /900	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
	Announced	2010, December	2010, June
	Status	Coming soon. Exp. release 2010, December	Available. Released 2010, June

Size	Dimensions	123.9 x 63 x 10.9 mm	115.2 x 58.6 x 9.3 mm
Size	Weight	129 g	137 g

Display	Type	Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors	LED-backlit IPS TFT, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
	Size	480 x 800 pixels, 4.0 inches	640 x 960 pixels, 3.5 inches
		- Oleophobic surface - Contour Display with curved glass screen - Multi-touch input method - Accelerometer sensor for UI auto-rotate - Touch-sensitive controls - Proximity sensor for auto turn-off - Three-axis gyro sensor	- Scratch-resistant oleophobic surface - Multi-touch input method - Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate - Three-axis gyro sensor - Proximity sensor for auto turn-off

Sound	Alert types	Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones	Vibration, MP3 ringtones
	Speakerphone	Yes	Yes
		- 3.5 mm audio jack	- 3.5 mm headset jack

Memory	Phonebook	Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall	Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
	Call records	Practically unlimited	100 received, dialed and missed calls
	Internal	16GB storage, 512 MB RAM	16/32 GB storage, 512 MB RAM
	Card slot	No	No

Data	GPRS	Yes	Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
	EDGE	Yes	Class 10, 236.8 kbps
	3G	HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps	HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps
	WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n; DLNA	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
	Bluetooth	Yes, v2.1 with A2DP	Yes, v2.1 with A2DP
	Infrared port	No	No
	USB	Yes, v2.0 microUSB	Yes, v2.0

Camera	Primary	5 MP, 2560 x 1920 pixels, autofocus, LED flash	5 MP, 2592 x 1944 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
	Features	Geo-tagging, touch focus	Touch focus, geo-tagging
	Video	Yes, 720p@30fps	Yes, 720p@30fps, LED video light, geo-tagging
	Secondary	Yes, VGA	Yes, videocalling over Wi-Fi only

Features	OS	Android OS, v2.3 Gingerbread	iOS 4
	CPU	ARM Cortex A8 1GHz processor	1 GHz Apple A4 processor
	Messaging	SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM, RSS	SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email
	Browser	HTML	HTML (Safari)
	Radio	No	No
	Games	Yes	Downloadable, incl. motion-based
	Colors	Black	Black, White
	GPS	Yes, with A-GPS support	Yes, with A-GPS support
	Java	Via third party application	No
		- Social networking integration - Digital compass - MP4/DivX/WMV/H.264/H.263 player - MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3/FLAC player - Organizer - Image/video editor - Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) - Google Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa integration - Flash Player v10.1 - Voice memo/dial/commands - Predictive text input - Near Field Communications	- MicroSIM card support only - Scratch-resistant glass back panel - Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic - Digital compass - Google Maps - Audio/video player and editor - Voice command/dial - TV-out

Battery		Standard battery, Li-Ion 1500 mAh	Standard battery, Li-Po 1420mAh
	Stand-by	Up to 713 h (2G) / Up to 428 h (3G)	Up to 300 h (2G) / Up to 300 h (3G)
	Talk time	Up to 14 h (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G)	Up to 14 h (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G)
	Music play		Up to 40 h

Misc	Price group

According to this website, it will be available for pre-order!!!

You will be able to buy the new Google Nexus S via Best Buy in the United States and in the UK you can pre-order via Carphone Warehouse.

The Google Nexus S will be available on Best Buy big box stores and 157 Best Buy Mobile specialty stores and on BestBuy.com, the phone will cost $529 unlocked and that means no contract or you can buy on contract on the T-Mobile network with a two-year service agreement and qualifying voice and data plan for $199 and will be available from December 16.

All UK buyers can pre-order the Google Nexus S smartphone via Carphone Warehouse from free on a £35 a month contract right up to £549.95 on Pay As You Go plan, the phone will be available from December 20.Source: http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2010/12/06/google-nexus-s-price-and-pre-order-best-buy-and-carphone-warehouse/

The specs sounds great!! Can't wait to read reviews of the Samsung-made Google Nexus S! I wonder how the actual Google Nexus S performs! Below are pics from the official Nexus S website:

Official Google Nexus S website: http://www.google.com/phone/detail/nexus-s

Protect Your Gadgets using OPT! Now available in the Philippines!

2010-12-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Attention gadget lovers, especially Apple fan boys! OPT just launched last November 26, 2010 Philippines. For those who doesn't know, OPT products are stlyish and functional at the same time. Here's a brief description of what to expect..

OPT Armor Cases are premium cases for the Apple iPhone and iPad. All OPT Armor Cases feature a patented corner protection which guards your device from damage caused by dropping and accidental bumping. Its microfiber lining is also a patented screen clean function to remove unsightly finger smudges.

The OPT iPhone 4 Armor Case has a specially engineered camera hole that allows perfect flash pictures even in very dark conditions. The case is also designed to shield the antenna from accidental touching, which can cause dropped calls. It uses tough high-grade PU leather in fashionable lizard skin, 3D carbon fiber, and premium genuine leather.

OPT also has a line of Armor Cases for the iPhone 3G and 3GS, iPod Touch 2G and 3G, and iPod Nano 4G and 5G.

Below are several photos from the OPT line:

You can find OPT products in the FF stores:

More info about OPT:
OPT Phils Officially Launched

We will be reviewing OPT products soon! Watch out for it!

More info on OPT Products:
OPT Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OPT.Philippines
OPT Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OPTPhil

MiLi Philippines Officially Launched

2010-12-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

The branded battery-problem solver (For Apple products and almost ALL other mobile devices like Blackberry and Nokia) known in most Asian countries, MiLi, officially launched here in the Philippines last November 26, 2010 at the A Shop in The Podium.

MiLi is a line of external power packs that have been certified as meeting the quality standards worthy of the much sought after “Made For Apple” label. Its flagship line is a range of charging cases made specifically for the Apple iPhone, which give additional battery life. Equipped with a USB port, the MiLi Power series can be charged directly through a USB wall charger or by plugging into a computer’s USB port. These also double up as an attractive casing for the iPhone, and can also be used to sync your iPhone to your laptop.

We've already reviewed some of their products like MiLi Battery Packs and MiLi Power Pack and Power Skin review. Soon, we'll be reviewing more items from them so watch out for it!

MiLi Philippines Officially Launched

More info on MiLi Products:
http://miliphil.com/
MiLi Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MiLiPhilippines
MiLi Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MiLiPhil

MiLi and OPT launch this weekend at A Shop Podium

2010-11-22T23:11:00.000-08:00

Guys, don't forget to check out THE A SHOP this weekend, starting from November 26 to 29, 2010! MiLi and OPT will be officially launching here in the Philippines.

By the way, MiLi and OPT items will go on sale too on that weekend so don't dare miss it!

Wacth out for more OPT and MiLI product reviews here and in my Cheftonio blog.

Together with The A.Shop, style and function take centerstage this coming weekend as MiLi Mobile Power Solutions and OPT Lifestyle Cases get together to showcase their entire product line-up. From November 26 – 29, 2010 (Friday to Monday), customers will get to experience the convenience and practicality of owning a portable external charger for their mobile devices, as well as discover a brand of casings that are meant to protect their much-loved Apple devices in designs that are chic and trendy.

The MiLi and OPT booth will be an interactive display, located in front of The A.Shop on the 2^nd floor of The Podium. This will showcase not only the functional relevance of the products, but also the high-quality workmanship that went into each item. Product trials will be conducted at the booth and interested buyers can purchase their own MiLi and OPT items inside The A.Shop. In conjunction with the pre-Christmas sale for The Podium, all items will be on a special discount just for these 4 days.

For more information on MiLi Mobile Power Solutions, please visit http://miliphil.com.
To know about OPT Lifestyle Cases, check out www.facebook.com/OPT.Philippines.

More info on MiLi Products:
http://miliphil.com/
MiLi Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MiLiPhilippines
MiLi Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/MiLiPhil

More info on OPT Products:
OPT Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OPT.Philippines
OPT Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/OPTPhil

Related Articles:
Review: MiLi Battery Pack
MiLi Power Pack and Power Skin review

Will this game run in my laptop or PC?

2010-11-18T00:36:00.000-08:00

I'm not an avid gamer but I do like to play a few games on my computer. The only game I finished was Fallout 2 and I was in high school back then. On Gameboy Color, I finished the Pokemon Yellow. In my iPhone, I finished Need For Speed Undercover. Those are the very few games I finished.

Need for Speed Undercover for iPhone splash screen

Pokemon Yellow

Fallout 2 Game play screenshot

Fallout 2 is a post-apocalyptic game - This is the future of Las Vegas (?)

Fallout 2 poster- They have a cave to hide in. Similar to the movie "Ember City"

I like playing the game Grand Theft Auto, particularly San Andreas. I've played Vice City too. I wanted to play GTA IV but it's not compatible with my laptop. That is also part of the reason why I wanted the Alienware M11x!

Question is, before buying the game and upon checking the minimum requirements, there are no guarantees that the game will work on your system. Yes, I've experienced that several times already. I have discovered this website that checks your system whether it can work or not.

http://www.yougamers.com

For example, the link below is to test whether Grand Theft Auto IV will be playable in your current system:
http://www.yougamers.com/gameometer/10296/

There you go. If you want to check first if the game will run on your laptop/ PC, check that site out! Below is a screenshot of the Yougamers website

My Dream Laptop: Alienware M11x

2010-11-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

My current laptop is my trusty 'ol steed. I asked someone buy it in Singapore and for that price, I could get a MacBook Pro now!

No regrets as my laptop is performing very well. It's a Taiwan brand -- Twinhead. Model is H12Y. The specs was high-end, at least for the year 2006.

My Twinhead H12Y Specifications:
Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 @ 1.83GHz
1GB Ram
80GB HDD
Intel GMA 950
12.1 inch
Less than 2kg

It was a bold move as I came from a more well-known brand, Compaq (Now HP). My Compaq Presario 1721 lasted around 4 years.

Going back to my Twinhead laptop, at present, it has logged the following usage statistics:
Power On Count - 2,510 times
Power On Hours - 18,536 hours
(To know your total power on count and power on hours, download crystal disk for free here)

This is a good performing laptop. I've tried several times to have it on for 2 or 3 weeks straight. Problem with my Twinhead laptop is, the cosmetic appearance is quickly fading because of the material used. Also, I tried upgrading to 2GB ram and it wasn't compatible according to the computer store. So I guess, this computer will stay as is.

Looking at the currently available laptops, Sony Vaio is too pricey for me. Toshiba too. Actually, I'm looking for a unique high-end laptop so it can last around 6 to 9 years. I don't like changing laptops, that's why, as long as my current one has no problems, I won't change.

I came along the Alienware M11x. I searched for it in Google then landed on the Dell website. I played around with it and customized the specifications (Customize your Dell Alienware m11x here)

Here's what I got

PROCESSOR	Intel® Core™ i7 640UM (4M Cache, 1.2 GHZ with 2.266 GHz Max Turbo Frequency) - Overclockable
OPERATING SYSTEM	Genuine Windows® 7 Professional (64-bit)
MEMORY	8GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 800MHz
HARD DRIVE	500GB SATAII 7,200RPM
BLUETOOTH	Bluetooth Module, 2.1+ Enhanced Data Rate
MOBILE CONNECTIVITY	No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed

VIDEO CARD	1GB NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 335M
LCD PANEL	11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED
SOUND OPTIONS	Internal High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)
ADOBE READER	Adobe Acrobat Reader
AC ADAPTER	Alienware M11x 90W A/C Adapter
NETWORK CARD	Integrated 10/100 Network Interface Card
AUTOMATIC UPDATES	Automatic Updates: On
WEBCAM	1.3MP Web Cam
Standard Nameplate Trigger	Thank you for Purchasing Alienware
WIRELESS CARDS	Alienware M11x a/b/g/n 2x2 MIMO Wireless

Here are some photos:

That's what I call a high-caliber laptop!!! The price? A whopping $1,863.00 US dollars! Using the current conversion rate (which is quite favorable to the Philippine Peso), it costs around Php 82,000.00 pesos!

Checking out Villman, their Alienware M11x is quite expensive at 78,000 pesos with only the ff specs:
Intel® CoreTM 2 Duo SU7300 (1.3GHz, 800 MHz, 3 MB L2 Cache)
4GB DDR3 Memory
1GB GDDR3 NVIDIA® GeForce® GT 335M
500GB 7,200RPM Hard Drive

That is far from the customized Alienware M11x for 82,000 pesos!!! Imagine, from 8GB ram to 4GB ram and from Intel Core i7 to Core 2 Duo? Too expensive in Villman!

Anyway, this shall remain my dream laptop as I have a lot of expenses lately and, I don't think I'll be able to really buy one at that price because it's too expensive. I'll just keep on praying for it. Should I sell my iPad and get one? hmmm... thinking..

Kids Kill Real Life Zombie

2010-11-02T20:38:00.001-07:00

How to tell if your kids are playing too much Plants VS Zombies
This is too funny! +)

Restoring an iPod / iPhone or iPad - For Beginners

2010-10-31T09:50:00.000-07:00

Since I have a tutorial request from a beginner, I just thought that I'd blog about it so my effort won't go to waste. Besides, I love doing these kind of tutorials.

In this tutorial, I will teach you how to restore your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad to their original state because of whatever reason.

Computer skill required: Very minimal

Just follow the screenshot and instruction carefully.

1. Go to http://www.google.com
then type 'Download iTunes' in the search bar right above "Hanapin sa Google" or click this

2. If done right, it should appear like this. Kindly click on 'Apple- iTunes - Download iTunes Now'

3. You will be redirected to this website if you click that link. Kindly click the 'Download Now' button as seen below:

4. Save the file. A window might pop-up. Whatever happens, just save the file. (Please remember where you save the file)

5. If you are using firefox, it will show you that you are downloading iTunes. Be patient as this file is 71mb. Be ready to wait for around 5 to 10 minutes depending on your internet connection.

6. After downloading, find where you saved it. In my case, I saved it in my desktop. Double click the icon similar to the one you see below:

7. This will then pop-up:

8. iTunes is now ready to install. Click 'Next'

9. Select the 'I accept' button then click 'Next'

10. Click 'Install'

11. You will now see the status of the installation. Time of installation varies on the speed of your computer. Please be patient and wait.

12. After installing, click 'finish'.
v

13. Click the 'Next' button

14. Click the 'Next' button..again..

15. Click the 'Next' button..once again..

16. Click the 'Finish' button.

17. You have successfully installed iTunes into your computer! Congratulations! Now, to restore your iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch into their original settings and state...

18. Plug your iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch using the USB cable provided with your gadget into the PC. Wait for awhile for your PC to detect it. If your PC detects it, you will see another option as highlighted below. In this case, I connected my iPad via USB.

19. Click on the iPad icon / iPhone icon or iPod Touch icon then click restore.

20. For the rest of the steps, just read the question and answer. Remember, your goal is to restore your gadget to their original state. This means that everything in your gadget will be erased.

You might be asked if you want to download the latest software. Just click yes / continue or next. Doing this, you will have the latest software in your unit. +)

Hope this helps! Thank you for reading!

HUGE lens I saw in Akihabara Japan

2010-10-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

I was looking for a photo I need from my recent trips and I saw this photo:

WOW! Huge lens! I forgot how big that AF S 600mm F4 was! At 898,000 Yen (Roughly 477,000 pesos), that would surely burn a big hole in your pocket or it might even burn your pants down!

It's THIS BIG! Look at how tiny the Nikon D3 looked like!

Photo grabbed from Flickr user Shadow Hunter

Images below are taken by a Canon 600mm F4 lens (also from Flickr)
Slideshow:

Setup Huawei e5830 using Mac, iPhone or iPad

2010-10-21T03:57:00.000-07:00

This was a problem unsolved for more than a week. After getting feedback from one of my many buyers, we finally found a solution on how you can setup your Huawei e5830 MiFi using whatever gadget enabled WiFi you have (interface is web based).

Step by step instruction on how to setup your Huawei e5830 MiFi using MAC / iPhone / iPad / Any wifi gadget
1. Install the default program first in your laptop (windows based -- still finding a way to not use a windows based OS)

2. Double-click the said icon above to check if it's installed properly and it can detect your Huawei e5830
3. Reboot your laptop / PC (just to be sure)

4.After rebooting your system, download the original Huawei e5830 firmware (click the link below):

Download Huawei e5830 original firmware

(Please note that these steps are only tested in a network unlocked Huawei e5830. Do not blame me if you try this on a network locked MiFi)

5. After downloading the file above, you will see this icon on where you save the file:

6. Select 'I accept the agreement' radial button then click 'next'

7. Prior to starting the update, this will appear: (click 'start')

8. A warning will appear. Don't be terrified ;) Go on.. (Just make sure that there won't be any power outages or that your laptop won't freeze)

9. Click 'Start'

10. Then, you should see the following:

...click finish then your done updating the software of your Huawei e5830!

11. Using your WiFi enabled gadget (Macbook, iPad, iPhone and other WiFi cellphones and laptops running different OS like linux and windows) , connect to your Huawei e5830 via WiFi.

12. In the address bar / URL bar, enter http://192.168.1.1

Accessing it via a mobile device:
When accessing it via your mobile phone, click "classic view" first before logging in. After logging in, click advanced settings and you can go change your settings immediately.

Accesing it via Laptop, Macbook, PC:
Just login and change the settings.

Login Username: Admin
Password: admin

For more questions, do no hesitate to post a comment below.

Thanks you all for buying and reading!

[Update]
It took me around 3 minutes and 30 seconds to update the Huawei e5830 firmware using Windows Xp - Core2duo 1gb ram.

If you want to order, do visit this post:
Order your Huawei e5830 MiFi (Network unlocked) here!

Related Huawei e5830 articles:

~ Order your network unlocked Huawei e5830 in Manila here!
~ Make your unlock openline Huawei e5830 work for other networks like Globe Tattoo, Smart Bro or Sun Broadband.
~ Password protect your mobile wifi (Huawei e5830 MiFi) connection.
~ How to setup your Huawei e5830 MiFi using your Mac, iPad, iPhone or any WiFi enabled gadget you have.

HMR Manila Philippines- Licensed Windows XP Pro for only 2100 pesos!

2010-10-20T03:35:00.000-07:00

I found this amazing place where I can buy licensed Windows XP for only 2,100 pesos! That's one of my major dilemmas before when putting up my office -- where to find discounted Windows XP that's licensed.

HMR, located in 3 places (see address below), is also a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program (RRP): This means that they are accredited by Microsoft to sell RRP Software which consists of the following:
Operating Systems
XP Starter - P990 (limited features)
XP Home - coming soon (can network up to 3 units, ideal for family home network connection)
XP Professional - P2,100 (complete encryption security services and networking capabilities, ideal for businesses with networking requirements.)

Want to know more about it?

Other than the Windows original software, they also sell several licensed applications:
Applications
Office Home and Student - P1,690 (Power Point, Word & Excel)
Office Basic - not available at HMR (Outlook, Excel and & Word)

PLUS, they include the following if you invet in their RRP software
- FREE Anti-Virus Software - Microsoft Security Essentials
- Windows Live
- Sky Drive - 25GB online storage space

*Conditions:
Unit must contain a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) sticker and at least 6 months old.

The RRP program is exclusive to HMR Branches only.

Three Branches:
HMR Philippines – Pioneer Branch
Pioneer St. cor Reliance St. Mandaluyong City
Open DAILY from 9AM to 7PM
Ph: (632) 634-0526
Fx: (632) 637-4488
Email: hmrphil@hmrgroup.com

HMR Philippines - Cebu Branch
Magallenes cor. P. Burgos St.
near Sto. Niño Basilica and Magallenes Cross
Ph (6332)254-6587
Telefax (6332) 253-6609
Email: hmrphilcebu@hmrgroup.com

HMR Philippines - Sta Rosa Branch
Daystar Industrial Park
Pulong Sta. Cruz, Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines 4026
Ph (632)5208618-19
Fax: (632)520-8546

Other items you can find in >>> HMR Philippines - Number 1 Surplus Destination in Manila!

iOS 4.1 JailBreak for Mac and Linux now out via limerain and greenpoison

2010-10-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

While most of us enjoyed Geohot's original iOS 4.1 jailbreak, Mac and Linux users weren't able to enjoy the same thing. Now, Limera1n and Greenpois0n will jailbreak your iPhone or iPod Touch with iOS 4.1 using your Mac or Linux OS!

Via Engadget

limera1n now supports Mac as well, and the Chronic Dev Team's greenpois0n variant can purportedly free your device from the Apple shackles of any of OS X, Linux or Windows. Mind you, there's still no working carrier unlock for iOS 4.1, so be sure to back up your baseband and don't expect to be making calls on T-Mobile USA -- and remember kids, there are always risks to playing chicken with the Apple firmware train.

To jailbreak your iPhone / iPod Touch iOS version 4.1, follow the instruction below:
- How to jailbreak iPod Touch iOS 4.1 using Mac or Linux
- How to Jailbreak iPhone iOS 4.1 using Mac or Linux

Related Articles:
Limera1n jailbreaks the iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 4.1

Is the BlackBerry Bold 9700 White Really Exclusive from Globe?

2010-10-10T19:25:00.000-07:00

I attended the Lucky 0917 of Globe last October 06, 2010. They invited the 1,700+ pioneers of Globe postpaid subscribers.Food served as superb! We came around 6pm that's why we had a table and a seat. Those who came late either didn't have tables or chairs but good thing, unlike other cocktails, they had spare seats so I think most guests were able to seat.

That night, they did also give away 220 units of white BlackBerry Bold 9700. The host did mention ten thousand times that, "This EXCLUSIVE BlackBerry Bold will NOT be sold in the Philippines." Yes, she mentioned it like ten thousand times.She also said that those who will be seen using white BlackBerry Bold 9700 will be tagged and branded as Globe Pioneer subscribers because they gave it away that night and won't be available anywhere in the Philippines.

That statement was partly true. Yes, they did give away 220 units that night but it doesn't mean that all those who use it are Globe postpaid pioneer subscribers. BlackBerry Philippines might not be selling them but after pondering a bit on where to buy the said unit, I discovered that almost ALL other stores selling mobile phones are selling the said "exclusive" white BlackBerry bold 9700 here in Metro Manila.

To know and experience if it will be hard to order a white BB Bold 9700, I ordered one and got it 2 days after. Free delivery plus great price -- A few hundred bucks difference compared to the Black edition.

See the photos below:

*Forgot to adjust the time and date.

Anyway,all in all, it was still an awesome event and it was great for Globe to give back something to their loyal subscribers other than their loyalty program. I think the other telcos should also follow. They really made everyone feel VIP that night -- the way companies should let their customers feel.

Mobile Internet Gadgets - Sapido, Huawei and ZTE (MiFi for sale)

2010-10-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

I like mobile gadgets. Those gadgets that help me be productive on-the-go. In fact, the first time Globe released a postpaid plan for Globe Visibility last 2008, I immediately subscribed. This is the Huawei e220 that came with it.

Globe and I was in a cat and dog relationship when I was subscribed to their Plan 2000 Globe Visibility package so after 2 years+, I decided to have it cut. Then, I switched to their competitor mobile broadband network - Sun Cellular Wireless Broadband.

It was a big help in terms of cashflow because from paying 2,000 pesos a month, I only paid 650 pesos a month for a similar but more reliable service. This was more than a year ago. I've heard good feedback now about Globe Tattoo. My cousin is subscribed to the Supersurf plan (Php 1,200) and when we did speedtest, I was amazed on the improvement of Globe. Given the chance that Sun won't improve the speed, I might be tempted to return to Globe but like I said, Sun never let me down. I am having second thoughts of transferring to Globe but if they can prove that they are as reliable as Sun Cellular, i'd gladly switch back to Globe.

My most used broadband stick now is a ZTE MF627. I openlined it by myself.

People get confused when they ask me what network I am using. You know why? Since it's network unlocked, my modem is a La Salle Smart Bro branded MF 627 stick, the interface I use is Globe Tattoo (when I plug the stick, Globe's dialer program autoruns) but, my simcard is Sun Cellular.

My problem that time (2008) was, how to share my mobile broadband connection to other people around me. I checked out some US stores and did a little research. After which, this lead me to the Windy USB WiFi Router. It works this way...
Connect your mobile broadband connection normally via laptop/pc - insert windy USB WiFi router to your laptop/ PC - a little configuration then, you can now share your mobile broadband connection!

I imported several units of the Windy USB WiFi Routers and sold it at around 6,500 pesos. It was expensive back then -- before the Sapido and the other MiFi gadgets arrived. I actually have one more unit of this, stuck at home. (Willing to let go at a low price)

At home, I'm currently subscribed to Sky Broadband plan 999 (I think). I'm pretty contented with it. If I can already 'slightly' recommend Globe Tattoo now versus before, I still DO NOT recommend you getting Globe Broadband. Just believe me. If Sky Broadband conks out on me once every 3 weeks (one day, the longest), Globe Broadband conks out like Once a week, sometimes, reaching 2-3 days before it gets fixed again. You can ask my friend, Hrudu and he'll be happy to tell you what he just experienced just several weeks ago.

If my Sky Broadband is down, I just plug my ZTE MF 627 into my Sapido GR-1102.

..after plugging my broadband stick to the Sapido then plugging the Sapido to AC power, I now have an instant WiFi network! Anyone around me can connect to my mobile broadband connection now. Of course, the speed of your connection depends on the speed of your internet. I bought my Sapido GR 1102 in Greenhills for 3,300 pesos (Add 200 pesos for the car charger).

Lo and behold... a few weeks after I bought that thing, a new gadget arrives!!! (Shucks! I shouldn't have bought the Sapido just yet!) An ultra-portable mobile wifi device called MiFi. It did cost a lot at that time.. The Huawei e5830 MiFi was selling at around 7,500 - 8,000 pesos. I just thought that it was too expensive so I waited.

Now that I can't wait, I got some units of Huawei e5830. I checked out stores and it's selling at 8,000-9,000 pesos (Tipidcp/ Tipidpc). Since I don't need a lot and I just bought it in bulk, I decided to sell the other units.

This is an openline Huawei e5830, brand new by 3uk. Guaranteed to work in the Philippines with your preferred network.

How does this work? Simply put your simcard in the unit, switch the e5830 on and there you go! You already have a WiFi network wherever you walk (don't forget to wear the shirt above!). This gadget can accomodate up to 5 gadgets -- PC, laptops, iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Nintendo DS.. Any gadget that has WiFi!

I'm going to sell this Huawei e5830 MiFi for only 5,700 pesos, free shipping to the province or wherever Metro Manila. I DO NOT ship to Nigeria, sorry :)

Note: This is networked unlocked so you can use Smart, Globe or Sun sims.

For more questions, just leave a comment below and I will answer them. If you want to order, leave your mobile number and name in the comment section below and we will get in touch with you. I won't publish mobile numbers to prevent mobile spamming.. I will only publish legitimate queries that may help other readers and serve as an FAQ.

Do check out the photos of the Huawei e5830 MiFi (Mobile WiFi)

Reasons to buy this gadget?
Let me tell you this. If you have multiple gadgets that are WiFi enabled - This is for you! Why bother subscribing to several broadband plans when you can just subscribe to one and use this gadget as your internet connection, wherever you go.

If you have an iPad with no 3g, this is also for you! The price difference of the Apple iPad 3g and the non-3g version is around 130 US dollars.. That's like 5,600 pesos ++. Why bother getting the 3g (unless you have the budget, of course) that's more expensive when this can do the same. Also there are programs that can't be used if you're connected via 3g. This will solve your problem. ;)

If you want to save on battery, this gadget will save your phone's battery. Connecting via 3g will drain your phone battery faster versus using this.

If you're a bachelor or just living alone at home and you don't want to have a separate internet subscription at home, get this! It's like bringing your home internet with you, wherever you go! This is better than you getting a subscription at home and your maids end up using it (or maybe your dogs)

Leave your contact details below if you want to order. After purchasing, I can also help you setup your MiFi via email. I won't publish your mobile numbers, don't worry. Only legitimate and sensible questions will be published as a FAQ for all readers.

Thanks for reading! :)

Do you own this product? Leave it in the comment section below and share your thoughts about the said gadget! :)

Related Post:
How to Setup your Huawei e5830 MiFi (Mobile WiFi) and how to make it work with Globe, Smart and Sun sims

[Update]
Thank you for the overwhelming support! That many units, sold in just 2 days! Put your numbers below to pre-order. Next shipment will be very soon (week of oct 18)

[Update] - Oct 14, 2010
Above prices are now accurate.

[Update] - Nov 01, 2010
Sold out. Standby for info on when the next shipment will arrive. Thanks for ALL who bought and read this blog! +)

Related Huawei e5830 articles:

~ Order your network unlocked Huawei e5830 in Manila here!
~ Make your unlock openline Huawei e5830 work for other networks like Globe Tattoo, Smart Bro or Sun Broadband.
~ Password protect your mobile wifi (Huawei e5830 MiFi) connection.
~ How to setup your Huawei e5830 MiFi using your Mac, iPad, iPhone or any WiFi enabled gadget you have.

Review: MiLi Battery Pack for iPhone and iPod Touch

2010-09-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Video Review of Both MiLi Power Skin and MiLi Power Pack

Video Review of MiLi Power Pack - Color Black and Color White

For a more comprehensive review, do visit:

MiLi Power Pack & MiLi Power Skin Review

Live a dream, live in Avida Settings Cavite

2010-09-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

If you get to choose to live a dream, where would you be? For Dr. Carlo and Carlota Magno, this involves retiring in the Philippines after living in Southern California for many years, working for their dream house in their dream community.

Having gotten used to the quality of life in the US, the Magnos searched for a place that would provide them with similar luxuries, the same sense of security and the comforts of living in the Philippines. All these they found in Avida Settings, Cavite where a community of young retired couples like them can spend the years after working hard the way they want.

Avida Settings, Cavite is one of Avida Land’s four residential developments in the Cavite area. Inspired by the American concept of courtyards that is reminiscent of life in Southern California, it became the perfect choice for the Magnos who wanted to experience the same quality of living as they did back in the US.

Dr Magno especially praises the helpful management for catering to their design specifications. As part of Avida Land management’s service offerings, customers are given the necessary assistance from design to the construction, and buying to moving into their homes – guaranteeing a stress- free buying experience.

Avida’s 27 residential developments feature serene communities located strategically to ease the hassles of travel. Accessibility through public transportation and the distance to churches, schools, hospitals and commercial establishments are primary concerns in choosing locations. Houses are also designed with aesthetics, practicality and long-term efficiency in mind.

With all these, the Magnos are able to enjoy every moment of their retired life. When their four children and six grandchildren are not visiting, they play golf, spend quality time together, help build a community that they can be proud of and live their dream as well as continuing with their duties as parents. The homes they are now building and fixing up are envisioned to be passed on to their children and grandchildren.

Avida’s residential developments are found in town and cities known for their idyllic environment, places that afford the best of urban living, yet have maintained their rustic charm—Laguna, Batangas, Antipolo, Quezon, Naga, Cabanatuan, Pampanga and Cavite. Its condominium developments, meanwhile, cater to urbanites who crave for a relaxing respite in homes that combine beauty and functionality in Metro Manila’s bustling cities—Makati, Quezon City, Manila, Parañaque and Alabang.

In the course of 20 years, Avida Land has already transformed close to 682 hectares of land into dream communities for Filipino families. To date, it has made 25,907 homes available in the market, homes that have provided Filipinos with a dream home they could truly spend many happy memories in for the rest of their life.

SLR Durability Test: Canon 400d VS Nikon D70

2010-08-23T21:43:00.000-07:00

Do not try this at home or anywhere you are. If you dare to, don't forget to record it on video and share the link to us! :)

Durability Test:
~~Nikon D90 and Canon 550D~~ Nikon D70 and Canon 400D

Wi-Tribe Move Up and Flexi Plans

2010-08-04T22:49:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: This is not a paid posting nor am I being sponsored by Wi-Tribe to post this.

How does the Wi-Tribe Free to Move Flexi Plan work?

Wi-Tribe is the only internet service provider that offers this kind of a plan. This is the only plan that automatically adjusts based on your usage that month. For example, your first month is a plan 598 (512kbps) guaranteed at the first 1GB , you'll be paying 598 pesos upon applying.

If you use around 1GB to 6Gb this month, your plan will be plan 998 at 1mbps for the 2nd month. In short, you pay 998 on the second month.

If you use beyond 6gb this month, you will be plan 1998 at 2mbps and you'll be paying 1998 for that month. The base speed for the plan 1998 is at 256kbps.

If for example, you go back to your 1GB usage, your plan for the month would be adjusted to Plan 598 again.

Wi-Tribe is the only service admitting that they are throttling down speeds unlike other ISPs.

For more info, visit Wi-Tribe Philippines Website

Products and Plans from their wesite:

MOVE UP Plan P998

Unlimited surfing & browsing. Consistent speeds of up to 1mbps. Get more out of your MOVE UP plans via our product-enhancing feature called...
Read more...

Happy Hours 1am - 7am

MOVE UP Plan P1998

Unlimited surfing & browsing. Consistent speeds of up to 2mbps. Get more out of your MOVE UP plans via our product-enhancing feature called...
Read more...

Happy Hours 1am - 7am

FREE TO MOVE Flexi Plan 598

wi-tribe’s FREE TO MOVE –Flexi Plan is another breakthrough product from wi-tribe. It’s the first unlimited 4G broadband postpaid plan...
Read more...

Happy Hours 1am - 7am

FREE TO MOVE Flexi Plan 998

wi-tribe’s FREE TO MOVE –Flexi Plan is another breakthrough product from wi-tribe. It’s the first unlimited 4G broadband postpaid plan...
Read more...

Happy Hours 1am - 7am

MOVE MORE Bandwidth On Demand

MOVE MORE introduces an innovative add-on feature that enhances your UNLIMITED post-paid plans. MOVE UP Plan P998 speeds of up to 1mbps stays...
Read more...

Happy Hours 1am - 7am

MOVE UP to 4G

wi-tribe MOVE plans are designed to provide you with reliable high-speed internet connectivity at 4G speeds with higher bandwidth than other...
Read more...

Happy Hours 1am - 7am

A Celebration of the “Live Work Play” Lifestyle

2010-07-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

You can always find a reason to celebrate. With the Avida Towers Global City launch, you have even more reasons to as the “LIVE WORK PLAY” lifestyle becomes a reality with these beautiful homes and exciting amenities.

Celebrating with everyone were Ayala Land Inc.’s top executives, Antonio Aquino and Bobby Dym as well as Avida Land’s Leo Montenegro and Chris Maglanoc. From the free -flowing wine and coffee to the scrumptious dinner offered, this night of food, wine and treats was a peek at the lifestyle that the Avida Towers Global City offers.

It was a night of enticement to stay a lifetime. Turning dreams into reality with the beautiful homes, exciting amenities, close proximity to BGC’s dining and lifestyle establishments, and readily accessible public transportation. A grand visual presentation showcased these features that will make you fall in love with their Avida Towers Global City home and community. Avida also gave guests a chance to share their messages and wishes on the Passion Wall, which also served as a way to hear about their own personal passions.

In addition to all these was a lineup headlined by Company with other performances by Aries Sales and Princess Velasco. The great music filled the launch as everyone experienced the “Live Work Play” lifestyle that you can have with Avida Towers Global City- one of the latest high-rises that Avida is offering. Live your dream in also other locations such as Makati, Sucat, Alabang, San Lazaro, New Manila, and Cebu.

To view the model units, please visit the Avida Towers Global City sales office at the 2nd floor of Market! Market! (entrance near Lord Stow’s Bakery)

For more information, call (02) 848-5200 or visit www.avidaland.com.

The Snickers Hunger Buster Challenge

2010-07-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

My favorite bar, Snickers did it again! After coming up a few months back with their Hungry for Football Snickers game, they are now announcing a new game to satisfy our cravings -- energy-wise, entertainment-wise and gadget-wise, all at the same time!!!

How did it satisfy my cravings? It consists of peanut nougat topped with roasted peanuts and caramel covered with milk chocolate.

How to play the game:
1. Hunt for the Snickers bar and energize the people in the city of snickers
2. Locate the Snicker bars the fastest time possible and you can win fabolous prizes!
3. Participants who manage to locate all SNICKERS bars and restore energy of the people in shortest time will be winning fabulous prizes

There's a bonus game this time. Hunt for the GOLDEN SNICKERS bars across the worldwide web and stand a chance to win yourself a prize! Look out for the clues on www.snickersgame.com, Twitter & Facebook and find out where are the Golden SNICKERS bars.

They never fail to surprise us!!!

What are you waiting for? Go help energize the city of Snickers by playing the game at www.snickersgame.com

Prizes : Sony Play Station, Sony Ericsson mobile phones, Canon cameras, movie tickets and many more mystery gifts to be won!

The contest is open to Malaysian, Singaporean and Filipino from 8 July – 21 August.

www.snickersgame.com

Interactive Cinema, now in the Philippines - SM Winema

2010-04-29T01:13:00.000-07:00

Some of the bloggers got the chance to try out the newest technology SM Cinema is offering. The SM Winema!

What comes into your mind when you were told or heard about the term "Winema"?

Honestly, I first thought that it's like playing Wii, only a cinema crowd level. Well, it's partially true.

Winema is actually an interactive game that everyone in the cinema will play before the movie starts. I don't think these games will replace the trailers (I hope not). In front of the cinema is a sensor that will actually detect the movement of your hands.

You will play the game this way:

Here are some videos of the actual game play:

Other posts about SM Winema:
http://cheftonio.blogspot.com/2010/04/sm-winema-philippines-first-interactive.html

SM's Most Interactive Cinema. Ever.

2010-04-13T00:02:00.000-07:00

SM Cinema tells its movie watchers to “prepare for the most interactive cinema experience ever.” Based on their ad materials, this interactive experience seems to involve something dynamic and playful, insinuating hand waving motions. If this is so, then it would be a first in Philippine cinema.

Together with the advent of 3D movies, efforts of creating unique encounters like the “interactive cinema experience” while watching in theatres is what makes cinemas still one of the best places for leisure.

This project is to be launched late April at the Digital Theater of SM Megamall, in time for the series of blockbuster movies this summer.

Online Easter Egg Hunt - With Real Prizes!!!

2010-03-30T03:47:00.001-07:00

Are you in for it?

Not only will you just be searching for online easter eggs but, you could also win P500 pesos worth of cellphone load!

Want to join? Here's how:

Rules and Mechanics from Aloo.ph Facebook page.

Happy Easter! Join our Easter Egg Hunt and get a chance to win 500 pesos worth of cellphone load. Simply check-in this Easter Sunday and find our eggs.

We have scattered virtual Easter eggs at predetermined spots for you guys to discover. Simply login at alooph and check-in to where you'll be celebrating Easter this coming Sunday (April 4). If you have checked-in to a spot with a hidden virtual egg, you will receive an email (using your alooph email address) letting you know that you have won.

Contest Mechanics:

1. You must check-in on April 4, 2010 (Easter Sunday)

2. You can only win once.

3. Depending on the predetermined spot, there can be more than one virtual egg.

4. Discovering our virtual eggs will be first come first serve. (Or in this case, first check-in first serve) So if there are 3 virtual eggs at Spot A, then the first 3 people will win those eggs for that particular spot.

5. Once you have checked-in to a winning spot, we will email you instructions on how to avail your 500 peso cellphone load. (We will email winners before the day ends.)

6. Winners will receive their load within the following week. (Starting April 5)

from http://www.aloo.ph
Mark your calendars! Don't forget to join! :)

Globe Unlimail Questions and Solutions

2010-02-26T06:33:00.000-08:00

Globe UNLIMAIL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is UNLIMAIL?
UnliMAIL is an unlimited mobile email service that enables you to send and receive emails directly on your mobile device anytime, anywhere.

*UnliMAIL is currently on BETA version until March 31, 2010.

2. What is UnliMAIL Beta?
Beta is the initial version of UnliMAIL. During this period, we invite you to download and try UnliMAIL for yourself. Any inputs and comments on the service may be relayed to the team for consideration of inclusion in the final UnliMAIL version.

3. What can UNLIMAIL do for me?
With UNLIMAIL, you are able to enjoy unlimited email communication and the freedom of mobility. Send and receive emails anytime, anywhere. Your emails are delivered to you real time, as if you were really online. No need for internet. Whether you’re at the beach or mall, you are online 24/7.

Other benefits of UNLIMAIL:
• For entrepreneurs and employees, you have your own mobile workspace
• You are able to respond to urgent emails without need for a PC
• You are able to send multiple emails to a group of people

4. Is my handset compatible with UNLIMAIL?
Currently, the only the following handsets are supported by UNLIMAIL but please watch out as we will be continually rolling out and expanding supported handsets:

Symbian
Nokia N73
Nokia N95
Nokia E90
Nokia E65
Nokia 6210 Classic
Nokia 6620 Classic
Nokia 3250
Nokia N80
Nokia E51
Nokia e63
Nokia e71

JAVA
Nokia 6300
Nokia 5310
Sony Ericsson K800i
Nokia 6280
Nokia 7210 Super Nova
Nokia 5300
Sony Ericsson K810i
Sony Ericsson K770i
Sony Ericsson K700
Nokia 6600 Slide
Nokia 3120 Classic

Please go to www.globe.com.ph/unlimail and check our device list. If your device is not on the list, please contact our support team to find out if we are developing a client that will support your device.

5. How do I register to UNLIMAIL?
• To register to UNLIMAIL, follow these simple steps:
• Text UNLIMAIL to 8888
• You will receive a SMS notification message containing a WAP link.
• To download the UNLIMAIL application for FREE, click on the WAP link.
• When asked for connection settings, choose myGlobe Connect APN.
• The application will automatically download onto your phone.
• Upon successful download, load the UNLIMAIL application on your phone to start sending and receiving emails.

Once the pilot promo ends on March 31, 2010, you will have to send a SMS to activate your subscription after downloading the UNLIMAIL application.

6. How much does it cost to register to UNLIMAIL?
As a pilot promo, UNLIMAIL will be on FREE trial until March 31, 2010.
Final tariff rates will be released prior to the promo expiry date.

7. Until when is the FREE promo trial of UNLIMAIL?
Free trial is until March 31, 2010.

8. Who can register to UNLIMAIL?
UNLIMAIL is available to all Globe Postpaid, Globe Prepaid, Globe Tattoo Mobile subscribers.

9. What email accounts can I push to my UNLIMAIL account?
UNLIMAIL supports the following email and PIM data on Symbian based devices:
• Gmail – Inbox, contacts and Calendar
• Hotmail/Windows Live mail – Inbox
• Yahoo Mail
• AOL mail – Inbox
• ISP based POP3 or IMAP accounts - Inbox only
• Microsoft Outlook, using the UNLIMAIL PC Connector – Inbox, contact and calendar
• Outlook Web Access – Inbox contacts and calendar
Important to note that for Java devices, the above email and data sources are supported, but only the Inbox can be pushed to the device.

10. What is Outlook Web Access?
OWA is the Microsoft Exchange Outlook web access Interface that enables you to access your Exchange server mailbox over the Internet.

11. What if my mail source is not on the list?
Please check back with us often, as we are adding new mail sources all the time. You may also place this request for our evaluation.

12. How many email accounts can I push to my UNLIMAIL account?
For Symbian users, you can sync as much email accounts as you wish. For JAVA users, you can sync as much as 5 email accounts.

13. Can I upload and download attachments using UNLIMAIL?
Yes you can upload and download attachments up to 500KB in size.

14. I can get email, but cannot send using my ISP mail
Some ISP's limit sending email through their outgoing (SMTP) mail servers ONLY to computers that are connected to their own network.
In this case, the UNLIMAIL Gateway is not permitted to send email though this ISP's SMTP mail server and you will only be able to receive email on your device.

15. Is my email safe using UNLIMAIL?
UNLIMAIL encrypts all the traffic using the AES128 bit encryption method, in no case is any data sent unencrypted over the UNLIMAIL infrastructure. The incoming mail is encrypted on the gateway, or on the PC Connector side and can only be decrypted by the device it is meant for. Similarly, outgoing email is encrypted on the device and can only be decrypted by the gateway

16. Does UNLIMAIL keep any of my data on its servers?
No, UNLIMAIL dos store any data on its servers, UNLIMAIL does NOT use the store-and- forward method, so data is pushed to the device ONLY when the device is connected

17. Does UNLIMAIL work in my office with the proxy server?
Yes, UNLIMAIL uses the standard http ports of your office's proxy server, the same ports that your browser uses to connect to the Internet

18. Do UNLIMAIL people know my email password?
No, your Email password is stored encrypted on the device and is sent encrypted to the process running on the gateway.
When the device disconnects, the password is removed from the gateway memory.

19. What do I do if I lose my device?
If you misplace or lose your device, you need to change your mail account password so that if anyone finds your device cannot use UNLIMAIL to access your email account.

20. Where can I get help with my UNLIMAIL?
For help in configuring and using Globe Tattoo UNLIMAIL, you may call Globe’s 24 hr customer service hotline at 730-1000 or toll-free at 222. You can also visit the website for the UNLIMAIL user guide at http://www.globe.com.ph/unlimail.

20. How do I check my registration status?
Just text UNLIMAIL STATUS to 8888.

21. If I open a HTML link on my UnliMAIL device, will browsing be free also?
No. By clicking on the HTML link, you are directed to your phone’s web browser. Once this happens, you are charged the standard Globe Mobile Internet rate of Php 5 for 15 minutes.

22. Why can’t I view, download, send attachments?
The attachment functionality will be part of the UnliMAIL upgrade on February 26, 2009.
Do note that JAVA clients can only receive and forward attachments. Also allows users to open 100kb max attachments.

> Read more about Globe Unlimail
> Globe Unlimail Press Release

Unlimited Email Service - Globe Unlimail

2010-02-26T06:26:00.000-08:00

Unlimited Email Happiness from Globe Tattoo

If unlimited offers make you drool, if the gadget freak in you loves to type more than talk, and if the thought of not having email at your fingertips gives you pangs of separation anxiety, Globe Tattoo gives you the ride of your life with a new never-say-die deal that make mobile email virtually limitless.

With hard work as your addiction and email as your drug of choice, Globe Tattoo UnliMAIL is the fix for you. With Globe Tattoo UnliMail, you get unlimited email right on your mobile phone, and it’s totally free until March 31, 2010.

Globe Tattoo UnliMAIL lets you send and receive emails at home, on the beach, at the mall, or from anywhere else you like. Even email attachments can’t stop you; download or view them as you please with no hassles. And you can hook up with your current web-based inboxes like Yahoo! Mail, GMAIL, Windows Live, or your office Microsoft Outlook email. No smartphones, no laptops, no internet shops needed. You can be the consummate professional, always in the know even while on the go.

Globe Chief Marketing Officer Menchi Orlina says, “As we see it, we are not just a phone service, not just an internet or email provider; we are an enabler, the brand that helps young people express who they are and enjoy every facet of their digital lifestyle.

With Globe Tattoo our job is not just to put together offers that people will want to try. It’s also about blasting through the old limitations of calling, texting or emailing, and re-defining the experience so that Tattoo users get not just the best possible deal and a rich experience that really delights them and keeps them plugged into everything they love.”

Globe Tattoo has made mobile fun easier and more affordable than it’s ever been. Get Tattooed and get set for unlimited happiness.

Text UNLIMAIL to 8888 to download the UnliMAIL application for FREE or visit www.globe.com.ph/unlimail for more info.

Do you want a detailed instruction on how to use Globe Unlimail?
> read my other blog entry about Globe Unlimail here.
> Globe Unlimail Frequently Asked Questions

5 Reasons Why You Should Register (Free) in Aloo.ph

2010-02-25T00:36:00.000-08:00

So, you’ve heard about aloo.ph, the newest local location-based social network, and you still have doubts as to whether you should add this to the already-growing list of social networks you maintain.

It doesn’t take too much work, really --- just sign up, log in and check-in (log) the place where you are now. The location-based service keeps track of how many times you check-in to a specific spot, and allows your friends to see where you last checked-in, or where you frequently hang out.

Here are 5 top reasons to check out the newest location-based social network:

1. You’re competitive, aren’t you? It’s a game!
It’s the secret game of finding out if you really truly are as well-traveled as you say you are. It’d be a blast discovering more places than your friends --- maybe even compare places later. Location-based services means the more places you visit, the more you discover and contribute to the community. Wouldn’t it rock to be the location-based pioneer?

2. Put that tech to good use.
So you’ve got a new phone/pda/netbook that can check on the internet ANYWHERE. Put that tech to good use! What use is a GPS if you aren’t even using it for location-based services? Add pictures from your 500mpx camera, or write an extensive blog entry on-location on your touchpad smartphone!

3. Help your favorite establishments.
The more you log in to a spot, the more your friends will notice. Why not help your favorite restaurant/café/hangout via location-based check-ins? If you love the service in an establishment, consider it as a “thank you,” on your part by letting find your discoveries. It may be election year, but frequenting a coffee shop more often than the next guy could probably start up your political dynasty. It also works in reverse, say, I was visiting a different area tomorrow, I could check in what are the hottest spots there via other people’s check-ins.

4. It’s good to be king.
Leading from number 3, the more establishments embrace the idea of location-based services, the higher the likelihood that they’ll name their most frequent visitor “mayor” of that establishment. Being “mayor” has it’s perks, like free appetizers or beverages. Remember to check-in constantly, lest you be usurped by someone else!

5. From location-based social network aloo.ph’s site itself: take social networking to the real world.
Visiting your friend’s profiles, checking up on their pictures and leaving comments --- in front of your computer --- does that feel social to you? Location-based social networks allow you to check if there are others like you within proximity, maybe you’ll meet someone interesting, or it’d make finding your friends a bit easier. Socialize! Discover new places with new friends, via location-based suggestions.

The service is pretty new, but it shows that some people are already embracing logging in their real world locations via a location-based service. Where will you be when you read this? Will you be in a more interesting place than where I’m writing this? Check out aloo.ph and check-in, now!

Octagon Computer Store Review and another iPhone Portable Charger

2010-02-05T22:57:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, I was in Megamall and saw yet another charger in Octagon Computer Store.

It's a Connectland portable charger with model number "CHG-USB-DX-P112". (Priced at Php 395.00)
Click here for the Specifications (PDF file) of the Connectland USB Battery Box

Anyway, if this is the first time you've read my blog review about portable iPhone chargers, you might want to check out what other iPhone portable chargers that DO NOT actually work.

Here is a list of iPhone portable chargers that do not work:
1. iPhone Emergency Charger Using 2 AA Batteries
2. Clik brand - Square iPhone Emergency Charger using 2 AAA Batteries
3. iPhone portable battery pack - Mobile Power Station emergency iPhone battery

You might ask me why I still bought it after previously buying and returning similar products that didn't work. Well, this one utilizes 4 AA batteries! Four! That is why I had my hopes up and kept my fingers-crossed, hoping this would finally work.

Some more photos of the said Connectland USB Battery Box:

Connectland's Website - http://connectland.com.hk/

FYI to all, I used 2 kinds of batteries to try this gadget out. For my first try, I used 4 freshly charged rechargeable Sanyo eneloop batteries. Nada! Then, I tried using it with a newly purchased set of 4, Energizer batteries. (The expensive kind) and yet, it didn't work.

I also tried using 3 different iPhone cables to charge it:
1. Original iPhone charging cable
2. Belkin retractable USB iPhone cable
3. 3rd party iPhone usb cable

So, using all those above methods (mixed combinations) and given the following circumstances, it still didn't work.

Final verdict?
This would be now added to my list of not working iPhone portable battery charger! Yes, the connectland usb battery box do not work on iPhones!

Again, as with my previous products, this is a two-birds-in-one-stone review. I have the right to return the product so, I also am writing about my experiences relating to non-working products.

Before I purchased it in Octagon, I already asked about the return policy. 7-days, they said. Well, today is just the 3rd day and I returned the product. Everything went well until they delayed me for around 45 minutes.

First, they were finding the manager to sign the form. Then, they searched for AA batteries they could use so they could test the product if it actually wasn't working. I already told them that it wasn't working and I wouldn't return it if it actually would work. I know that this is SOP but, please be considerate of your customers time and move double-time as if you are making a sale.

First of all, you should be responsible for the products you carry, therefore, your customers do not deserve the punishment of waiting for you to check on the products you sell that do not actually work.

Of all so far, Infomax has the best after-sales customer service yet. Again, they are a bit more pricey but with that kind of customer service, there is no doubt customers would keep coming back to them.

*by the way, I exchanged my non-working Connectland USB iPhone portable charger to an iMobile wireless mouse (IM-M58). I added 400 pesos. Wait for the review :)

Aloo.ph - Facebook Tag 'Em Contest

2010-02-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

Want to get an Apple iPod Touch, the easy way for free?

I know there is no such thing as free in this world but, what if I tell you that you're gonna get one by just tagging your friends?

Yes! Aloo.ph, the country's first and only localized location based social networking website is hosting a contest called 'Facebook Tag 'Em Contest'.

Registered Facebook users who are currently living in the Philippines can join this and best of all, it's free for all to join! No limits! No purchases necessary! :)

If you happen to be interested (which I'm sure you are), just read the mechanics of the contest.
Aloo.ph Contest Mechanics

It's like Foursquare but, this one is localized and Filipino made!

Do you have a business? Don't forget to add your restaurant/ store/ Businesses there! It also serves as an establishment/ business directory!!

iPad: When you are being taked about, you must be doing something right

2010-01-28T21:13:00.000-08:00

Postive. Negative. Neutral. It is still publicity. -Cheftonio

This is another crazy yet effective marketing tactic of Steve Jobs and it sure is working! Congratulations! The crazy name, or so we thought has given Apple all the free publicity they can get, for free, virally!

Below are some of the funniest iPad photos / remarks I have ever saw:

New updated Funny iPad images:

Funny remarks from all over the net:

@myerman
I really am curious how all these whiners propose to use a camera on a 10" form factor iPad to take photos. Seriously?

@hillelaron
my favorite iPad name joke, from @olgakhazan: "it just sounds like someone from boston saying iPod." http://tinyurl.com/ykuveo9

@mobileman1
Too funny! RT @KKSchiller iPad is actually a $700 iPod Touch with a Boston accent

@scottros: so funny, so true, so painful RT @kevinmarks: It wouldn't be an apple launch without a new incompatible video connector

Steve, I'ma let you finish, but Moses had the greatest tablet announcement of all time #iPad #Apple

You have a funny comment or a hilarious photo? feel free to comment below :)

Oh, By the way, If you have a Facebook account and happen to be living currently in the Philippines, I suggest you check out the contest from aloo.ph. They are giving away an Apple iPod Touch just for tagging friends. (It's called the Tag 'em Contest). G'luck! :)

Read Aloo.ph Contest Rules here

Leaked Photos: New Huntkey Products

2010-01-26T06:19:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to post this. No where anywhere in the internet could you find these photos as of the moment because these photos are leaked!!!

From an insider working in Huntkey, these are just some of the products to be released by Huntkey this 2010!!!

I must admit, Huntkey has been improving a lot year after year! I've personally been using Huntkey PSUs for a year or 2 already. Excellent performance as I usually turn off my PC once a week only.

On topic, here are the said leaked photos:

Huntkey PSUs are looking somewhat very similar to Enermax PSUs

The casing is similar to the one that Thermaltake makes.

Huntkey, don't sue me for posting the leaked photos here in my blog. LOL.

iPhone Portable Charger - Using AA Batteries

2010-01-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

This is my 2nd month searching for the ultimate iPhone portable power supply (in case I would be roughing it out in the woods soon where there are no electricity).

Well, Just last week, I purchased a portable iPhone charger from Infomax in Megamall. The packaging and unit is exactly what I will show below:

I bought it for 700 Pesos (Roughly around $15.25 USD). Before purchasing it, I tested it. It worked well as my iPhone unit indicated that it was charging.

I took it home and tried if one set of 2 AA batteries can fully charge my iPhone 3g. I started charging it at around 25% remaining battery life. Surprisingly, after charging it for 1 hour+, the battery level indicated that there was only 6.25% left!

So, instead of charing my iPhone 3g, it was draining it!

I returned the unit 2 days after and thank God that infomax refunded me cash without any questions asked. I've been a loyal infomax customer although I know that they are a bit more expensive versus other gadget shops in the Philippines.

Just yesterday, January 17, 2010, I went to Digital Hub Robinsons Galleria branch and I saw another neat iPhone portable charger! This time, it was just priced at 495.00 pesos! (roughly $10.80 USD). They clearly explained that by using 2 AA batteries, It can charge my iPhone anywhere I go.

It looked like this:

The brand was "Clik".

Compared to the charger I bought from Infomax, Clik doesn't have a cable attached where you can directly charge your iPhone/ Apple gadgets.

The advantage of Clik is, you can charge your gadgets that can be charged via USB anywhere! UNTIL, I tested it...

It Might be too good to be true. I experienced the same thing. I started charging my iPhone 3g at around 50% then, 1 hour after, the battery went down to around 30%.

It's not charging too!!!

Well, I immediately returned it within less than 2hours of my purchase. Guess what? I had to argue my way just for Digital Hub to refund my item.

See the difference with Digital Hub and Infomax? After 30 minutes of asking them for a refund because their item wasn't doing what it was supposed to do, they did refund me. I just lost 30 minutes of my lifetime asking for a refund. This is why I like infomax more even if it's a bit more expensive.

After buying 3 iPhone portable power chargers, it looks like I still haven't found a working one. I guess I really have to stick with the AC charging method? Darn it! Why is iPhone battery life so short? :s

I'm hoping that I can find the perfect portable charger for my iPhone.

I'm going to purchase next a solar charger I found somewhere and make a review of it also. It was priced at only 400.00 pesos. Worth a try, I think.

Mobile Power Station for iPod follow-up review - DO NOT BUY!

2010-01-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Remember the iPhone back-up battery power I bought last December? Apparently, after 2 weeks of using it, it just wouldn't work anymore! That explains the1-week warranty duration! In short, you get what you pay for. Pay for a cheap-o device, get cheap-o quality!

Actual unit - Mobile Power Station iPhone backup battery

I bought it at Greenhills last December 2009

Here is the box:

Back view of the box

Well, if you plan to use it for just 2 weeks, this might be what you are looking for. It's like renting an external battery for 400 pesos a week. UGH! expensive!

What's Your Bra Color? It's a Facebook Meme/ Viral thing

2010-01-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Why the hell am I making an entry about this?

Well, it all started when I was wondering earlier why the hell a lot of people are putting colors in their statuses. Well, if you are also wondering, you are not alone. Read on.

I'm not sure if this is a Viral marketing campaign of an underwear company BUT, it's working, I tell you. Being in a conservative country like the Philippines, the response to this campaign was awesome! Well, if they were to make a male version of it, I won't even think about joining. No way Jose!

Still not clear? Here's the gist:

In an Internet meme that spread like wildfire on January 7 (January 8 in the Philippines), female Facebook users have been posting the supposed colors of their brassieres in a concerted effort to increase public awareness of breast cancer.

As a marketer, this sounds more like a "Viral Marketing" campaign rather than plainly something like promoting awareness for breast cancer, which is odd because breast cancer awareness month is in October, nine months away from where we are now.

A message has supposedly been circulating around Facebook, which reads: "Something fun is going on. Write the color of your bra in your status. Just the color, nothing else. And send this on to ONLY women no men. It will be neat to see if this will spread the wings of cancer awareness. It will be fun to see how long it takes before the men wonder why the women have a color in their status…LOL!"

Want to read more about it? Check out this article in Inquirer.net

Bayan Wireless Broadband user spotted in the wild!

2010-01-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

Bayan Telecommunications Holdings Corporation a.k.a. BayanTel has already announced before the plans of providing wireless mobile internet within Metro Manila. To date, we haven't heard of any news on when they will be launching the said service to the public.

Well, this week, we saw someone using it! Does this mean that the service will be available soon?

Here was the photo I took when I saw it:

Apparently, as announced, the Bayan Wireless Broadband utilzes the EV-DO technology. According to evdoinfo.com,

>Evolution-Data Optimized or Evolution-Data only
>Rides on CDMA signal- 1x data capability
>Up to 10 times the peak data rate of the next best public wireless solution - 800 - 1,000 Kbps (kilobits per second) average download speeds, comparable to DSL speeds
>1xRTT: 50Kbps - 100Kbps Upload and Download (bursts to 144Kbps)
>EVDO Rev 0: 400kbps-1000kbps Download (bursts up to 2.0Mbps), 50kbps-100kbps Upload (bursts to 144Kbps)
>EVDO Rev A: 600Kbps-1,400Kbps Download (bursts to 3.1Mbps), 500Kbps-800Kbps Upload (bursts to 1.8Mbps)

For the rates? A blog post dated April 06,2009 said that it would be P699.00. It was also mentioned there that it would provide around 256kbps. But from the info I got from an insider just today, January 08, 2010, the one I saw was subscribed to the 512kbps. I haven't asked if higher speeds would be also available.

It was really fast! We streamed videos as if we were using a wired broadband connection. For a 512kbps, it seemed like 2mbps! Well, I think that the reason behind it is, the Bayan Wireless Broadband isn't saturated yet.

The Bayan Wireless Broadband speed just annoys me. Why? I am subscribed to a 3mbps Globe Broadband, A wired DSL service by Globe yet, my "modified" Sun Broadband wireless and this 512 Bayan wireless is way faster than what Globe provides.

*Globe Broadband did improve a bit when 2010 entered, still, not fast enough for a 3mbps sub.

Bayan Wireless Broadband profile settings:
Access number: #777
Username:
Password:

iWantv! I want TV! (Sky Broadband and Bayan DSL)

2010-01-08T00:39:00.000-08:00

Good news to Sky Broadband and Bayan DSL subscribers!

Enjoy iWantv! for FREE!!!
iWantv! is a website that hosts all your favorite ABS-CBN and cable channel shows. This is a value-added service offered by Sky Broadband and Bayan DSL for their subscribers* (*With at least 512kbps package)!

There will be 2 kinds of streamed shows:
1 is what they call the Video on Demand and the other is the LIVE streaming of selected ABS-CBN/ Cable shows

For the Live Show streaming, here are the list of available shows as of January 2010 in iWantv!

1. ANC
2. DZMM Teleradyo
3. Al Jazeera
4. Myx

Video on Demand
As of January 2010, here are the list of Video on Demand shows available in iWantv!

1. Katorse
2. May Bukas Pa
3. Dahil May Isang Ikaw
4. Pinoy Big Brother
5. TV Patrol
6. Bandila
7. SNN
8. The Buzz
9. E-Live
10. Wowowee
11. Maalaala Mo Kaya
12. Kalye
13. Correspondents
14. Profiles
15. XXX
16. SOCO
17. Bottomline with Boy Abunda
18. Sports Unlimited
19. Showtime
20. Lifestyle Channel Shows (MetroWear Randy Ortiz 60s, MetroWear Gala, Metrowear FDCP 2008)

If you are not a Bayan DSL or Sky Broadband subscriber, you cannot watch these shows because only their subscribers can access the iWantv! website with a username/ password.

If you are a Sky Broadband or Bayan DSL with at least 512kbps subscription, CONGRATULATIONS! You can watch the said videos in iWantv! FOR FREE starting January 16, 2010!

How to register/ access the iWantv! for free?
Instructions on how to use/access iWantv for free:

1) Go to http://www.iwantv.com.ph
2) If you are going to use it for the first time, register** here
3) After registering and receiving your account details, you can now login at http://www.iwantv.com.ph
4) You are now ready to watch LIVE shows and/or Video on Demand FOR FREE!

**When you are registering, please have your Sky Broadband or Bayan DSL account number with you. You will be asked to enter it upon registering. Check your e-mail after to get your username and password.

Step 3: Then just choose whether you want to watch live TV or video on demand.

As of the moment, MAC OS users won't be able to utilize this service but according to them, they are working on it as you read my post. BUT! MAC OS that has Windows OS CAN watch the said FREE shows on iWantv!

Based on my testing, the video on demand shows are current meaning, the TV Patrol news I saw last night can be watched at anytime on the following day. The same goes with your favorite Pinoy teleseryes.

Unfortunately, imported teleseryes like Boys over flowers and other koreanovela, Tsinovela and the likes won't be available because of copyright issues and rights.

Again, this is not a paid service. This is a free service to SkyBroadband and Bayan DSL customers brought to you by ABS-CBN interactive, Bayan DSL and Sky Broadband.

More updates to follow. For the meantime, you can check out their website at http://www.iwantv.com.ph

Inquirer.net hacked

2010-01-05T20:55:00.000-08:00

Inquirer.net Blog section was hacked by someone named Goro

In the said website, this is what you can see:

HaCkED By GORO (Vadim Afonkin)

Email: finch.woork@gmail.com

Email: vadim.afonkin@gmail.com

Phone: +1-617-8389345

Screenshot below by Cheftonio:

Advantages and Disadvantages of RFID

2010-01-04T03:19:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've gone shopping on the recent Christmas holidays or have travelled. And with that, i'm sure that you unknowingly (or knowingly) experienced the RFID technology in one way or another.

Notice the 2 post like structures on shops that looks like this?

These are RFID scanners. It protects the shops' products from being shoplifted. On those products, you will see these stickers:

Another use of RFID technology is for the E-pass tag used in South Luzon Expressway. This saves motorists time because rather than lining up to pay for toll and wait for change, embedded in car windshields, this RFID tag collects tolls automatically as people drive by.

BUT let me remind you readers. Not all technology are good. Some, can be used for the darker side of the world.

RFID tags can invade your privacy. Just imagine, if LTO implements this, they can get all the information they will need even without your permission. Although this is great advancement for a slow country like ours, the intentions are NOT for the betterment of the country.

One of the dark sides of this is, this will act as a fund raising activity for the upcoming elections. Last 2008, almost six million or 5,891,272 cars were registered. If LTO would charge 350 pesos per RFID, it would equate to roughly two billion! (2,061,945,200) -- (I'll leave your imagination to imagine the results)

(This strategy is also the same with GMA's strategy. She implemented the 3-year LTO registration for new vehicles. By doing this, the current government can use the funds in advance at the same time, leaving a budget problem to the new President)

Also, 350 pesos for one RFID tag sticker?? Outrageous! According to some websites, one tag costs around 70-80 pesos. Yes... BUT THAT WAS BEFORE! Did you hear that Japan, is aiming to reduce the cost to 5 YEN?!?! According to some sources, RFID chip costs around 20-30 pesos only.

If those car theives can escape the government by faking the authentic LTO documents, changing the chassis number and engine number, what's going to stop the car theives from faking a RFID tag? This is much easier for them to do rather than doing those I mentioned first. Much easier, what if they just remove the sticker?

LTO officials were of course using the "positive effects" of using RFID on interviews but don't divulge the other side of it. If they want to prevent colorum and theft, why don't they start internally? Besides, if they are going to use this to implement better road discipline, they are wrong! It's those government officials who keeps breaking the rules!

Worst case, they should only implement this on PUBLIC VEHICLES, including GOVERNMENT VEHICLES. (Government vehicles are public property, right?) Gov't vechiles are being used in weekends to go to malls, parks and other entertainment places. This is where RFID can be useful!

The COA issued Circular 75-6 dated Nov. 7, 1975 that says all government motor vehicles, when not in official use, must be kept in the garage designated by the bureau, office or entity to which they belong.

Want to hear a much more evil plan?

THIS.IS.EVIL. - Embedding of a chip in your hands.

This technology will be put to evil use as predicted in the bible so be warned.

It is very possible the "mark of the beast" will be a Digital Scanned Tattoo (DST), the next generation of microchip implant technology. "CHIP IN YOUR HAND, TATTOO IN THE HEAD. IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT STARVE AND BE DEAD."

¹⁶He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, ¹⁷so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. -
Revelation 13:16-17 (New International Version)

May you all be forewarned.

If you have more time, try and read this article too:
Big Brother under your skin. The future is now. Microchip implant free for every Venti Latte!

Engadget's Keepin' It Real Fake Edition: Nintendo Wii.. I mean, MiWi.

2009-12-19T02:50:00.000-08:00

I'm a fan of Engadget's Keepin' It Real Fake series. I don't usually buy those fake stuffs but recently, someone gave us one. No offense to the one who gave us that MiWi unit but, I can't help to feature it here in my tech blog :)

First, I'll show you the real thing then, I'm going to show you the Wii-mitation.

This is our original Nintendo Wii unit...

...and this is the fake Nintendo Wii a.k.a. MiWi (The whole package costs $32 USD)

Side-by-side with the REAL Nintedo Wii

The fake Wii can be battery operated??

MiWi's Cartridge Slot (No dvd/cd reader)

MiWi's AC-DC adapter socket

MiWi's Reciever

MiWi Controller side-by-side with the original Wiimote

Back view

Top view

MiWi Controller

MiWi tennis racket attachment

You insert it in the top portion...

To remove the attachment, click the bottom just bellow where you attached it.

MiWi's cable and adapters.

MiWi's attachments! (Included in the package)

Apparently, the MiWi doesn't have the original Nintendo Wii's infrared receiver.

MiWi Box

MiWi accessories (Not included)

Mi Guitar?????

These are all the included games in one cartridge.

Notice the Model Number? (Lower right)
Apparently, the creator of the MiWi is kinda intelligent. He is so correct by using the code "BS"-9900-89

If you think you've seen it all, wait till you see how SUCKY the graphics are. Let's not start with the game play.

Overall, it's a waste of time buying this unit, waste of energy playing it and last but not the least, one of the worst imitations I've ever seen.

*Video of the gameplay to follow
**For a sneak preview (info) of the game play: even if you don't click or move the controller, it plays by itself. It's like on autopilot mode.

iPhone Power Station Battery - mini review

2009-12-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

Well, as you have read yesterday in my Lowepro Classified Sling 180 aw review, I will be leaving soon for a short vacation. Did I also tell you that having an iPhone while traveling is now essential?

I have this application called XGPS. It lets you download maps for offline use. Cool, huh? And because my iPhone 3g has a built-in GPS, guess who's never going to get lost in a foreign land? :P

There are limitations with the iPhone though. Battery power is one of them. I always use 3g and I can drain the battery within 4 hours of usage. I won't be bringing my laptop to where I am going because my iPhone would serve the purpose. For long travel times, it would be my entertainment machine -- watching movies, listening to music and playing tons of games!

But again, I would be needing a mobile-charger. Since I won't have a car where I can charge my iPhone while traveling, I need a back-up battery. Here is the closest I can find in Greenhills Shopping Center -- It's called the iPhone Power Station.

It has that same battery indicator you can see in Macbook batteries. You charge it like how you charge your iPhone. By the way, you cannot charge the Power Station and charge your iPhone at the same time. I tried that already. :)

It's almost half the size of the iPhone.

Upper portion of the Power Station

Rear view

Well, as of testing (1st day), it can charge your iPhone up to 87% of its' full capacity. According to the box, it takes 4 hours to recharge the Power Station (Twice the amount of time compared to charging your iPhone)

I'm going to try use a USB hub to charge both gadgets using one Apple adapter. hehe.

Lowepro Classified Sling 180 aw - Camera Bag Review

2009-12-07T07:42:00.000-08:00

After a long search and research for the perfect DSLR/Laptop/Tripod bag for me. I've seen actual bags and my alternative to the Lowepro Classified Sling 180 aw was the Tamrac Aero 85.

Before I proceed, here are the specs from the Lowepro website:

Interior:
9.3 x 4.4 x 12.6 in.
23.5 x 12 x 32 cm
Exterior:
10.6 x 8.9 x 16.5 in.
27 x 22.5 x 42 cm

Fits:
DSLR with standard zoom lens attached; 1-2 extra lenses (up to 70-200mm f/2.8) or flash; accessories; personal gear; 7-9” netbook in front pocket.
Note: This bag meets most airline carry-on size requirements.

Photo below by AQC photography

Lowepro Classified Sling 180 aw

Left view

Notice the cool security feature? The zipper to access the inside of the bag cannot be opened. :)

Right view - Tripod holder tucked inside. (below the orange tripod icon)

Left side of the bag where the main pocket can be accessed.

memory card pockets - notice the "flappable" memory card icon? cool!

This is where the All-Weather raincoat is hidden :)

You can also pick it up like an ordinary bag! Check out the bag handle...

Huge capacity!

Top portion of the drawer - That's my ENL3e battery

My ENL3e battery plus my Nokia e63

Top view - with my lenspen visible.

Additional pocket on the flap.

What's this for? I don't really know..

The laptop slot in front. According to Lowepro, it can only fit 8-9" netbooks. According to my test, my 12" laptop can fit! coooool!!! (I'm pretty sure laptops bigger than 12" won't fit)

Bottom part of the bag.

Brand and model name tag

The cool zipper protection lock :)

You can attach Slip lock cases (where the Lowepro logo is located). Here are several sliplock optional accessories you can purchase.

To tell you the truth, every single feature I can think of at the time of not knowing the feature exists is in this bag!! I'm very impressed and contented. Now.. I'm going to take this bag to my trip this weekend and test it some more. Follow-up review to uhm, follow.

(While researching, this was the only other review for the Lowepro Classified Sling 180 aw I found)

Pacquiao vs Cotto FREE Live Streaming - MGM Grand November 2009

2009-11-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

This is gonna be one exciting fight!!!

So, you might be wondering if you can watch the Pacquiao Cotto live streaming in the internet for free... Many, like me, are stingy (but resourceful) and I am going to teach you on how to search for the free live streaming of the Pacquiao - Cotto fight that will happen this Sunday, November 15, 2009 (Philippines) or November 14, 2009 (US).

Before I share some secrets, I want to also inform you that there are several (paid) venues you can watch the game live. Check our the nearest sports bar near your place. I know several places like TGI Fridays in Trinoma or National Sports Grill in Greenbelt.

So, how would you be able to watch the free live streaming? Here are some tips:

1. It's not going to be easy. Of course, you're going to watch it for free. What do you expect? Don't give up. Many bloggers and websites are going to take advantage of the keywords relating to the Pacquiao - Cotto fight or firepower or similar keywords.

2. Utilize and search in your network. Use google, yahoo, facebook, twitter or anything you have access to! For the past few fights, I was able to search for the free live streaming version of Pacquiao's fight in google alone. If it would be harder this year, you might also want to try your friendly-neighborhood-SNS sites.

3. What keywords do you use? Well, you don't need to be imaginative and creative to find it! Just search for free Pacquiao Cotto Live streaming, live streaming firepower, watch pacquiao vs cotto live, hbo pacquiao vs cotto 24/7 and similar related keywords.

4. If you are beginning to get more desperate because they are stricter in guarding the free live streams this year, check out justin.tv or just wait for the free-yet-commercial-loaded-pacquiao-cotto-fight.

5. Last but not the least, do check out this blog of mine because I PERSONALLY will search for the live streaming of the said fight and I WON"T be selfish to not share and I am pretty sure I'll find the free live streaming as I do every single fight :)

So there.. don't forget to check out my blog comment section below.

also check out my other blog

November 2009 - Wii price update and package (Philippines)

2009-11-08T18:44:00.000-08:00

If you are thinking of buying a Nintendo Wii this Christmas, here are the prices and packages (with shop names) wherein I canvassed yesterday in Greenhills Shopping Center (3rd floor Virramall).

(Arranged by price)

E Stop
10,550 pesos
Basic Package
Korean Version

V318 (near Pixel pro)
11,500 pesos
Basic Package
Korean Version
add 1,000 (USB HD playable configuration)

Cardinal Audio
13,800 pesos
Basic Package

Rockfire Commercial
14,000 pesos
Basic Package
Korean Version
320gb Western Digital External Hard drive
Plus, you get to pick two accessories:
Wii Memory card 64mb worth 400 pesos
Wii Remote control charger with rechargeable battery worth 1,200 pesos
I forgot the 4 other choices.

Discovery Mall
14,700
Basic Package
Korean Version
250gb unknown external hard drive
Extra original Wii Remote + nunchuk

E Stop
14,950 pesos
Basic Package
Korean Version
320gb External Hard drive
38 in 1 sports pack
Dance Pad
Wii Bag

Rockfire Commercial
15,500 pesos (package A)
Basic Package
Korean Version
320gb Western Digital External Hard drive
Extra original Wii Remote + nunchuk

Rockfire Commercial
15,500 pesos (package B)
Basic Package
Korean Version
Plus, you get to pick three accessories:
Wii Memory card 64mb worth 400 pesos
Wii Remote control charger with rechargeable battery worth 1,200 pesos
I forgot the 4 other choices.

Cardinal Audio
15,700 pesos
Basic Package
Wii Bag
4 in 1 sports pack
1 class a Remote + nunchuk

Golden Sound
17,500 pesos
Basic Package
38 in 1 sports pack

Nintendo Wii Accessories prices:
All Wii Remote plus nunchuk costs 2,000 pesos
Wii Fit Original (Rockfire Commercial) 4,000 pesos
64mb Memory Card for Wii (Rockfire Commercial) 400 pesos

Other accessories I also inquired was:
Benro Monopod mp-91 m8 (1,995.00 pesos)
Brand new Nokia e63 with 1 year Nokia warranty (11,300.00 pesos)

Where I purchased:

Rockfire Commercial
15,500 pesos (package A)
Basic Package
Korean Version
320gb Western Digital External Hard drive (pre-installed with more than 100 Wii games)
Extra original Wii Remote + nunchuk

Also got the original Wii Fit from them at 4,000.00 pesos + the 64mb Wii Memory Card at 400.00 pesos.

*All prices are accurate and was inquired on Nov 08, 2009
**Although these are Korean versions, all languages are in english already

This is my favorite game in my Nintendo Wii so far :)

Tiger Woods PGA Tour '09 All Play