a record of thoughts

Finally had Smart’s Plug ‘n Talk. I had it bought from the Philippines and had my grandmother bring it. After a couple of days use, here’s what I think and know about the technology:

• The flashdrive comes with 1GB memory space.
• PnP; installs everytime I plug into the USB port.
• Runs on XP/Vista.
• E-Load link does not work.
• Shows Philippine time.
• Shows status of device. If not ready, re-plug the device if Re-Login does not work.
• I can’t copy-&-paste onto the message box.
• The new message does not show an excerpt; just a blank row.
• So far, not all promo by Smart is covered.
• You will be tempted to spend so much because text messaging is so easy.

I can finally come out of the shell and talk about Smart’s latest technology release — Plug ‘n Talk. I met with Smart representatives earlier today and I was able to witness a demonstration of this very cool gadget. It is a hybrid VoIP unit. In a nutshell, the unit which is essentially a thumbdrive accepts a Smart Buddy Simcard, plugged into a Windows computer with internet connection and can take outgoing and incoming voice calls and SMS/MMS messages incurring Philippine local rates. The hybrid nature of the technology is derived from the model whereas the party using the unit uses an over-IP technology which connects to Smart’s network in the Philippines and from there a circuit-switch communication occurs. The reciprocal applies when the unit becomes the receiver. In other words, it’s a VoIP-Circuit-switch technology.

Though I know the launch date, I will not provide that information as well as any pricing. I’m just to excited to post the technology’s overall concept. For more information, visit the hyperlinked site above.

During the demonstration, the call is quite loud and clear, however I won’t be too optimistic. There still is that VoIP characteristic. I’m only after the text messaging because it only costs P1/outgoing message to any Smart/TNT and P2 for Globe/TM/Sun and the MMS which costs the same as what they charge in the Philippines. I’ll have my dongle hooked into my PC and find TXTM8S.

The other night I was watching Nuts Entertainment on GMA PinoyTV and Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero was the guest in the Balakubak segment. One question was whether he’d consider running in the presidential election in 2010. As usual, Chiz gave an intelligent answer whereas he said that he’s only thirty-nine years old so he won’t comment on such, but he hinted that he would be forty by the election day. Unlike the United States which requires a 35-year-old limit, the Philippines requires that its President is at least forty. Escudero has been considered to be one of the candidates in 2010, and so thoughts amassed. (more…)

I’m not exactly a music critic, but I’ll mention a few things about Rico Blanco’s album Your Universe and especially the first single, Yugto. I’ll call this album good. Blanco’s poetic abilities is still evident in this solo album. Yugto has an operatic feel to it trying to follow Freddie Mercury and Queen. The intro surprisingly sounds Eastern European which I thought was cool. I can’t imagine the Vikings in the Philippines. Blanco did not try to sound different from Rivermaya and I think it’s a better move because he was after all Rivermaya. It’s good that he did not attempt to escape. I can’t wait to see him perform Yugto live because the song has a tendency to be an awesome live act.

It’s not a secret that I’m a sucker for cool t-shirts. I visit Threadless weekly for new killer designs that are up for purchase. Most of the time I can’t buy because I can’t choose. I have TVJ shirts that I can find when I go home to the Philippines or have my aunt buy if she finds any. The most recent shirt order I had were Francis M’s 3 Stars & A Sun FMCC shirts. Not the best fabric, but it’s very Pinoy. I received a newsletter from Divisoria and in that newsletter, they were advertising t-shirts produced by ASTIGSHIRTCO. and I found them really cool designs. My favorite so far is the image I’m attaching with this entry. It’s flagrantly offensive, but a brave design.

Okay, here we go. You may have noticed drastic changes in the site. It looks more crowded than the previous one. Don’t worry, an upgraded version of the old one will return. For now, let me enjoy the pinkish motif. I love the header so much that it compliments the site’s name.

Over the weekend, I finally had my first entry at Tech Blog Philippines. I’ve been looking for a topic for nearly a month and I finally found it yesterday. I don’t intend to write regularly there, but I will formulate a better piece next time I come across an interesting gadget.

This morning, I took my learner’s permit exam for a motorcycle license and I passed. I’m going to take the rider’s course later this month or early next month once I’m fully geared up. I have to do this before the winter starts. Then save for a bike for next summer. I’ve been eyeing a Ducati Monster for a few years now.

Tonight, before catching up with a late entry before midnight strikes, I cleaned up my Friendster list. I deleted a few accounts which are duplicate and/or have been dormant for a few weeks.

A few years ago watching people on Filipino TV wearing parkas bothered me. The country is very hot, yet people wore warm clothings. Nowadays with all the typhoons hitting the nation, I’m excusing such display. However, what bothers me now is the new trend that artists are starting in Philippine showbiz. They are now wearing scarves and shawls.

How cold is it in the Philippines for these “fashionista wannabees” to be wearing scarves and shawls? I strongly believe that fashion compliments the season. Aren’t these people scorching with scarves tightly bundled on their necks? I blame Korean Drama for this trend, but it makes sense in Korea because it’s cold there. Not in the Philippines. Do these people know that every time foreigners see them on TV they are laughing because of their so called “fashion” sense?

Panawagan, Christian Bautista… Hindi ka ba naiinitan sa porma mo?