PLDT watchpad- how's your experience

I was utterly disappointed with PLDT watchpad not only was it hyped but it did not deliver what a decent show should during the height of the Pacquiao vs Cotto Firepower. It was heavily advertised over the leading national papers and in the television, even I promoted it here and here. It was buffering and crashing like crazy even early on the undercards.  If you had relied on the PLDT watchpad to watch the firepower and did have have a back up plan you would have ended with a stop and go show. Well, sometimes being free is not good after all.  If this is the future of paid IPTV of PLDT, i think they should think twice before charging their subscribers .  So how was you experience?

Rihanna's Rated R album launch with Nokia Music

Rihanna is going online for her Rated R album launch in London on Nov. 16, 2009. Catch her live performance in a secret location in London. This is exclusive for Nokia Music so you have to sign up to get to see the show.

Update:  Show will be in Nov. 17 @ 4 am Manila time

Unlimited free sms

 

Unlitext offers free sms for  Philippines mobile subscribers.  No registration required. When sending from their website the message arrives almost immediately or at the latest with 2 minutes delay.  Your recipient will receive a text from their gateway number and an announcement from "ulink.com.ph". If you would want your recipient to reply with your number, you need to include it in the body of your sms.

Globe immortaltxt 10 TV commercial

If there's one tv commercial that truly sends its message across it would be "Alive",  Globe Tattoo commercial for  Immortaltxt 10.  It's short, very visual and message is clear even without any dialogue, "the immortality of your load".  I would not be surprised if this would garner accolades in the ARAW awards in the 21st Philippines Ad Congress to be held in Subic by Nov. 18-21, 2009.

To Register text IMMORTAL10 to 8888, to enjoy 50 sms to Globe/TM and 10 sms to other networks without expiry. You'll received a confirmation sms if you have successuflly registered to this service. You need to have atleast P1 remaining balance to use this service.

No Expiry pertains only to the available sms or load and not the SIM validity.  Therefore you still need to load every 2 months to avoid having your line disconnected (yeah it seems Globe knows what you're up to).

This is available only to the new globe prepaid tattoo sims and the regular globe prepaid sims.

Update: Promo for Immortaltxt 10 extended to Nov. 30, 2009

Update: IMMORTALCALL+ also available, 50 sms and 5 minutes call to Globe/TM, text IMMORTAL 15 to 8888 , you need to have P3 remaining balance.

Sun cellular unlimited internet for 1 day

Sun prepaid broadband subscribers and sun cellular regular prepaid subscribers can enjoy 1 day of unlimited surfing. You need to get the SBW50 (Sun broadband wireless 50) either in scratch card or via xpressload. 

Using your Sun Broadband modem’s interface, just key in LOAD followed by the 9-digit data card number and the 5-digit PIN found at thne back of the card, (LOAD 123456789 12345), then send to 2225. After successfully loading, you will receive a text message indicating expiry date/time of your load.

For the regular prepaid subscribers, you can browse directly in your mobile browser after following the same procedures above.

Sun unlimited surfing for 1 day is valued at P50 compared to Globe Tattoo Surf All Day P20, but it does not limit the sites you may want to surf.  This makes it truly unlimited surfing for a day.

Watch Pacquiao vs Cotto - Firepower for free

If you plan to watch the World Welterweight Championship Firepower Pacquiao vs Cotto bout, for free, right in comfort of your home and have a pldt mydsl  starting at plan 990 then you can.  Pldt Watchpad has announced to air the Pacquiao-Cotto fight on Nov. 15, 2009 starting at 9AM (Manila time).  This should include a couple of prefights before the main event.  If you want to know how to go about in watching it in watchpad then read my previous post on this. You have to register and get the watchpad software on of before Nov. 7, 2009.

Unlimited surfing all day in your mobile

Globe has offered unlimited surfing in Friendster, Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, wikipedia ,gmail ,wikipedia and  ping.fm. If you're addicted to these websites, which i know you are and if you're with Globe then you can have your fix.  Each Registration to these websites is P20 for the 24 hrs access.  

Update: Sun cellular has offered and unlimited surfing also for a day.

Blackberry Bold 9700 announced

Officially announced by RIM, the Blackberry Bold 9700 is going  to be available worldwide through different carriers around the world by November.  Long rumored as the onyx, this Blackberry Bold 9700 is a fit successor of the well loved Bold 9000.   The new screen resolution is 480 x 360 up from 480 x 320.  Continuing what has started  with the Blackberry 8520, navigation is now via the optical trackpad.  The new spanking OS 5.0 is on board out of the box. Camera is now 3.2 megapixels. Some teaser video after the jump.

Update:  The Bold 9700 and the Bold before it both features 624 Mhz core and now the MicroSD is hot-swappable.

Globe Super Duo

Globe Duo has been upgraded to be Globe Super Duo.  This is an add-on landline number to your existing Globe cell number. Globe is going to assign a landline number apart from your cell number.  With the SuperDuo you can call unlimited globelines nationwide (MetroManila, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Bohol and Roxas, Capiz ) and other  Globe  and TM subscribers.

Sun Unlimited Plus

Sun Unlimited Plus has been extended till Nov. 30, 2009. To avail of this promo, you need to load up 2 consecutive CTU 25(sun call and text unlimited)  for 2 days, and on the 3rd day you will be credited with another day of CTU 25.  The unlimited does not come with restrictions like Smart so this should keep your fingers busy all day.

Keeping things simple and basic, you don't have to dial a special prefix to call other sun subscribers, no minimum balance to maintain when on this promo and no registration needed.

For new subscribers, just purchase the P59 super value sim which is already preloaded with 2 days of CTU25 and when you activate your sim within Nov. 30, 2009 it'll entitle you to another day of unlimited call and text.

Free movies with your Citibank credit card

The sweet things in life are indeed free.  With your Citibank credit card you can have a free movie pass every time you spend a minimum amount.  I've been frequenting the  SM Cinema these days cause of this. Well if you've been catching all those P15 movies then you won't need this.  However if you're spending like a fortune in your credit cards might as well get more than what you're paying for all those finance charges. What is good with these free tickets, is that they are without restrictions.  You may use it immediately upon presentation with option for upgrade. And use them whichever movie you have been looking forward to see.

Globe Tattoo 30 with unlitxt

For all the Globe surfers out there , Globe is making your thumb happy by offering  UNLITXT ALL DAY** every time you load a Minimum of P30 to your Globe Tattoo USB Stick via Globe Auto Load Max and use it for surfing the internet within a day. This should not only keep your computer burning but your mobile as well. I guess you need to transfer then your tattoo sim to your mobile to trigger thumb happy.

**UnliTXT All Day Promo runs from October 12 – November 15, 2009
 Update:  Alternatively if the 1 and half hour surfing isn't enough for you from your P30 load you can instead subscribe to the unlimited surf all day.

Nokia N900 unboxing

If you are salivating on the Nokia N900 then that makes the two of us.  Some 300+ developers and enthusiasts were given  pre-production units of  Nokia N900 for 6 months to play, test and sleep with in the 2nd Maemo Summit 09 in  Westergasfabriek, Amsterdam from Oct 9 to 11, 2009. Some guys really have all the luck. Video of unboxing after the jump via UMPCPortal.

Update: Peter Schneider, head of Meamo marketing, has casually suggested that Nokia N900 is to start shipping during November 2009. This should put them head to head with another November release.

Blackberry 8520 now available

The EDGE only entry level of Blackberry is here.  Known as code name Gemini, Blackberry curve 8520 is a lower version of the beloved Blackberry 8900.  It features Blackberry classic keyboard goodness and the new optical trackpad.  The overall design is much a carryover of the 8300 like the screen, battery and camera. And yes there is wifi in this little beauty.  Globe has offered this device free starting at Gmatch or Gflex Plan 2500.

If you want to get more intimate with the details of the plans so you can sleep with it first before signing in for 2 years, then read more

Update: Blackberry 8520 is now also available as prepaid for P14,995

Eset Online scanner - free antivirus scan

One of the more trustworthy anti-virus out there is Eset.  I've been to Bitdefender, AVG and Avast and but i always come back to Eset. And now not only is it reliable it is also free the legal way. So scrap those warez anti-virus you have and  head on here to get you started but before doing that here's the minimum requirement you need.

Smart on Twitter

Twitter is all the rage now.  Smart Communication launched their twitter account last Sept 22, 2009.  As an extension to their customer service, it hopes to aid subscribers on their concerns and also announce their ongoing promos and news. If you are a Smart subscriber and you're feeling a little less loved from smart don't fret just follow Smart on twitter cause Smart Cares..

So are your feeling the love of smart?

Heroes ep4 Acceptance

Summary episode:

As Hiro's life continues to hang in the balance, he distracts himself by saving the lives of others. Meanwhile, Angela tries to help the new "Nathan" remember his past, at the risk of his remembering too much.

Video after the jump.

Heroes ep 3

Originally aired Sept 28, 2009

Episode summary:

While Claire deals with the revelation of her secret while settling into college, an injured patient sues Peter. Matt gains a new partner while investigating a major drug case. A reluctant new hero emerges and Samuel goes recruiting while visiting his old family home.

Should you miss out the pilot episode, watch here.
You know the drill after the jump.

How to have push email in your Nokia

Early last week a long awaited news made my week.  If you want to let email rule your world but are not inclined to go the black(berry) side you can consider Nokia Messaging.  The new push email only data plan of Smart of P299/mo entails you to sign your soul for 2 years.  Well before you decide to go into that route you can always test the waters and see if you would like emails to command your life.

I love my Heroes

If you're a Heroes fanatic like me then you are in the right place. Season 4 kicked off last Sept 21 with  a 2 hour special. Chapter One-Orientation and Chapter Two-Jump, Push Fall. Watch it while it's hot. Be sure to click on the full screen mode to appreciate it. Video after the jump.

Globe and Smart P3.00/min calls

Globe loves you. In response to the onslaught of typhoon Pepeng ( Parma ) Globe has  lowered their per minute call rate  between Globe/TM subscribers to P3.00/min until Oct 4, 2009 11.59PM.  Calling to other network will be charged the  regular rate. You don't need to add a prefix number to enjoy this special call rate.

Similarly Smart has announced a  call rate reduction starting Oct. 3, 2009 2:00AM until  Oct 5, 2009 2:00AM.  All calls made within the same network will be charged P3.00/min. Just dial as you would to your Smart/TNT contacts to enjoy the reduced rate.

How to watch GMA, PBO, National Geographic via PLDT watchpad

If you are a PLDT Mydsl subscriber Plan 990 or higher, then you are in luck.  You can watch these channels for free and legally over the net just in case you are tired of watching these programs  in your just purchased LCD TV. Point your browser to PLDT watchpad.

Update:  You can watch the upcoming Pacquiao-Cotto World Welterweight Championship on Nov. 15, 2009 also via PLDT watchpad.

The Echo - don't watch it ... alone

If you want to get scared you have to watch The Echo.  This 2008 Yam Laranas film is a  hollywood remake of his original film  Sigaw (2004) which he himself directed and acted by Richard Gutierrez.  I find the film really effective in scaring and building up the suspense.  The film is dark, i mean literally dark.  Even the day shots are dark, but serves its purpose as it makes you feel the eeriness of the place.

Cignal Digital TV - are we ready for HD broadcast

Going into the foray of Digital TV broadcast in the Philippines, Mediascape's Cignal TV has been launched a while ago.  As this is a subsidiary of PLDT, you can subscribe also via Smart Wireless Center. This is directly competing with the Cojuanco's Dream Satelllite. Both are DTH (Direct to Home) satellite broadcast.  When you're subscribed to this you can immediately see the picture difference with the regular cable tv subscription of Skycable.  It's never hazy and absolutely crystal clear, well except maybe when there's a storm that may affect the reception of your satellite dish.

Twitbird lite - free app with so much more

With like a new app being developed every minute in the AppStore, finding a gem is  quite a challenge.  Such is the Twitbird lite, a free app that do so much more. Twitbird is a twitter app for the Iphone or Ipod touch running on OS 3.0 or higher.  If you don't know what twitter is you can search it right in my google widget in right sidebar.

Push email in your Nokia via Smart

I've been waiting for this for like ages  already.  Nokia finally has annouced that Smart will be the first to offer Nokia Messaging in the Philippines. Smart Communications, Inc (SMART) has recently signed a deal with Nokia to offer Nokia Messaging on selected Nokia Nseries and Eseries devices. If you don't know Nokia Messaging is an easy-to-use messaging service that will be available on a special data plan to SMART subscribers beginning September 26, 2009. The Nokia Messaging plan will initially be offered with the Nokia E75 and will also be offered to other Nokia Messaging capable devices in the near future.

I am a bearer of Hope

Just like in Noah's flood, there will be a bearer of good news to all after the strorm.  Will you be that bearer of hope to our brothers and sisters whose lives were drastically changed overnight by nature's fury?

Inquirer list a comprehensive way for us to help.  There's always something for everyone.

Globe tatoo vs Smartbro prepaid internet kit

Too lazy to go get yourself a tattoo? The Globe tattoo prepaid internet kit is available via online and can be delivered wherever you are. In case you haven't heard, the Globe tattoo is already P895 and it comes with P300 preloaded value.  Surfing rate is P5 for every 15 minutes.

I guess if you are too chicken to get yourself a real tattoo, this is the closest you'll get to the real thing when you say to your friends, "hey i got myself a tattoo".

Valid only till Oct 31, 2009

You can call 211 from your mobile or (02) 730-1000 from your landline.

Ninja Kunai usb

Chances are we grew up pretending at one time or another to be ninjas.  If you grew up  and became a geek then all hopes in relieving those ninja childhoold dreams of yours  are  not lost.  This is a must have for all geeks with a warrior heart.  With just 2GB capacity, storage capacity is lame but who cares, i'm gonna dart this from afar into my usb drive.  Just don't bring it with you when you board the plane, "Sir, deadly weapons are not allowed on board".

Cheapskates Panasonic L32X10 32in LCD TV

Looking for that first LCD TV? Maybe something with a decent panel,  average contrast ratio, HD ready and a black frame to compliment your place and of course a budget that will not have you breaking your  piggy bank?

Texcited - are you excited

If you are like me wondering what's with those yellow banners displayed in the cellshops across town announcing Texcited, then read on. 

Texcited is a gateway that provides a way for you to have unlimited text to other network other than your own, provided you've unlimited sms in your own network to start with.  Is is confusing?  Just remember you'll be able to maximize on this service only if you've unlimited sms on your own network.  However, the method in texting to your intended contact is a bit cumbersome for me to consider this service.

Just the same here's how to do it:

Nokia 5530 XM now available

Officially announced in Connection 09 event in Singapore last June 14th, the Nokia 5530 Xpress Music is now available.  This is a stripped down version of the nokia 5800XM, sans the 3G but with wifi connectivity.  For me the wifi is the deal breaker as i prefer to get connected thru my home's hotspot than with the carrier's connection.  It has 3.2 megapixel camera with LED flash.  Since its offering only EDGE data, video call is not possible thus the front facing camera is absent. It has 640 x 360 touch screen display and 3.5mm jack. As with the 5800, this younger sibling is running symbian S60 5.0. and come shipped with 4GB microSD for all your music and video fix. If you want to get down and dirty with the specs that matter and prices in the local market then read on.

Update:  now with video courtesy of Mobileburn.

Update your Twitter timeline via sms

If you are a twitter fanatic and wants to update your timeline in more ways than connecting to the net, then @tweetitow is right for you. This is basically a way to update your twitter timeline by sending a text/sms to a gateway.  To get you started pls click on read more below

Calda Pizza - what's the hype

My wife spotted a newly opened branch of Calda Pizza not too far from where we live, north of Cebu.  It's a stone's throw away from our favorite Chowking Branch (local Chinese fast food) in Mandaue City, Cebu.  Calda Pizza, known for their 30" super pizza, is located in Fortune Square, a mini open mall, along Highway Mandaue and AS Fortuna.  The Pizzeria offers al fresco dining and has around 6 bench-like tables that sit 4 pax each.  Read more

Smart Talk Plus vs. Globe Tatoo Unli

Smart Talk has been upgraded to Smart Talk Plus. Disappointingly it now includes unlimited text from 10PM to 5PM the next day only. Unlimited calls and texts can only be used from 10PM to 5PM. Calls and texts made between 5:01PM to 9:59PM while enrolled in SMARTalk will be charged with the following rates: 2.50/minute and P0.20/text

Smart subscribers can text PLUS100  to 6401 to enjoy 5 days of unlimited calls and "conditional" unlimited texting to Smart & Talk n Text subscribers.

To make a call change 0 to *6401  eg *6401921xxxxxxx

Offers expire by Oct.30, 2009, extended to Dec. 15, 2009

For Globe Tatoo Unli pls click read more

Cheapskates- Buffalo Ministation Portable Hard Drive

Buffalo Ministation Lite Portable Hard Drive 320GB is on sale right now in Octagon Computer, Cyberzone SM Cebu. Currently from Php 3995 down to Php 3600 cash or charge.

additonal picture pls click read more

SM Cebu Cinema Php 15 movie schedules from Sept 18 to Dec 3, 2009

Scheduled on Sept 18-24, 2009

A young girl discovers her father has an amazing talent to bring characters out of their books and must try to stop a freed villain from destroying them all, with the help of her father, her aunt, and a storybook's hero. full summary | full synopsis

 For more schedules pls click read more

Unboxing of Nintendo DSi

Got myself a Nintendo DSi  from Toys R Us, Tsim Shiat Tsui.  Toys R Us is selling it at HK$1599 or roughly PHp 9833  while Toy Kingdom branch in the 3rd Level SM city Cebu is Php 11799 for the unit alone.   However for the DSi from Toys R Us you need to purchase at least one title from them.  I got myself addtional two titles:  pls click on read more below