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.
September 3rd, 2008
Good riddance to him (from Pinoy Idol). But I’m sure we’d be listening to him in the future because he’s got a beautiful voice. I’m hoping he’d go solo as a rock artist. It wouldn’t be wise for him to form a band. He needs an image change and make good music because I’m pretty sure there’s a hit in him. You’re the second idol finalist who has been booted that’s deserving an entry in my site. Idol is not a place for a rocker, but it’s a very good exposure, so it’s good you’re out. Rock on!
July 20th, 2008
A pure democratic state is defined to be a state of the people, for the people, and by the people. Obviously, this form of government is inexistent therefore I’m not talking government politics in this entry. I’m speaking of Pinoy Idol (Philippines’ installation of “… Idol” reality show). This kind of contest shouldn’t be allowed in a country where text messaging is a way of life, not a necessity. “… Idol” is a singing contest where the winner is decided by the masses. I am not saying that voting in an installation like the American Idol has a 1-1 vote/person ratio, but the sampling is closer to the actual number. In the Philippines, one out of five texter could (a hypothesis) vote at least 100 times for his contestant and that clearly manipulates the curve which then yields a non-democratic politics. What’s worst is that (again I’m hypothesizing) the multi-voting texter does not know about the talent. However, that doesn’t matter because as far as the show is concerned, they are just counting the number of text votes.
Why am I getting so hyped up about this? I have been hyped up about this, but I’m only writing about this now. Last night, the viewers eliminated deserving candidates and kept mediocre talents. The judges even agreed with my thoughts. I know that one of them will eventually win, but if the deserving candidates are not permitted to compete (because they were kicked out) then what’s the using of discovering new talents. The viewers who care about a talent are left frustrated because the majority of viewers who don’t know what a talent is voted out the talented ones. Eventually, the show will have talents that aren’t up to par. The show must start rigging the votes. It’s nothing new in the Philippines anyway.
I’m done criticizing the system, now it’s time to criticize some contestants…
Sue Ellen - you’re a trying hard fashionista. If it doesn’t suit you however trendy the dress is, don’t wear it. I’m begging you in the name of all Ilonggos.
JJ - You should have been sacked this week, but I guess you’re too pretty for that.
Jeni - Excellent performance this week, but I’m worried you’re only restricted to a genre. If ever you’re voted out, make a jazz album and make sure to write your original music.
Ram - You have to be original, but keep rocking! I hope you win the shit.
Topher - Nice voice, but work on the image.
Warren - Be original; love the voice.
Obviously, I don’t pay attention to the girls. I want the contestants to ROCK and the boys are the only ones capable of doing that in the current season. I can’t sing, but I yap a lot, don’t I? Get used to it!
June 9th, 2008
I saw the episode of All Star K! last night featuring the mermaids of GMA’s latest series Dyesebel. They were a nice looking bunch save Vaness and Sheena. Who caught my attention? It wasn’t Kilantang or Jaya. They were Rea Nakpil, Ava Jugueta, Sachi Sanders and Precious Adona. The latter two I need more information, so fill me in anyone. I enjoyed the voices of Ava, Rea and Sachi. I don’t care if they can act…they caught my attention damnit!
# Start digression
I enjoyed the opening of Eat Bulaga! on Saturday. They had the hosts as a complete band: Pia (keyboards), Michael V (drums & percussions), Lougee (bass), Julia & Aiza (guitars), Tito & Vic (guitars) and Joey singing along with everyone. The entry was actually to introduce the latest competition that the show will be undertaking which they call E-Banda. The contest is for college bands which don’t have recording contracts yet. Tito is so serious when playing his guitar. In my knowledge, Tito is the producer amongst the trio (VST & Company = Vicente Sotto III & Company), Vic makes the melody and Joey for the lyrics. What I’m saying is that Tito knows his shit :)
June 2nd, 2008
I’m not exactly in the mood to write something non-innocuous (I’m just negating thoughtlessly here). So I finally am connected to a WiFi network and I have nothing to say except…
For the past few days, this machine has been acting up on me. Today I finally figured out why (moral of the story is to always check the error log when getting errors). After finally checking the error log, the problem is that I have no more space left. I had to empty the Recycle Bin and delete a few files that I no longer need. I only have 4GB in this machine and about 2.5 is being used by the system. Right now, 62% is used by the system, 16% used by me and 22% unused. Not much really if you think about it because the 22% is about 800MBs. It’s easily filled because I’m too lazy to use the SSD space. I have to spend time to work things out so that I have the web server and database files stationed on that SSD. I need to slim down this baby without compromising my GUIs.
Ate Loreta finally installed WP 2.5 in her site. She’s using Brinkster for hosting which is predominantly using Windows and it’s just a hassle working with Windows as the web server if you’re not configuring it. I have worked with Windows for web serving as a test site and it’s too perky. I will go with a *NIX flavored platform to serve web pages anytime. At work I’m still using Windows for web serving because they need the Frontpage capability. Such a useless technology if you ask me.
I will be adding another 1.5 line at work, I don’t know how I’d do it. i may have to expand the voice channels to full T1 and the added T1 goes to data. I’ll have to check with another tech for the complexity. I’d also be implementing BGP so that I don’t have to forward the goddamn ports to something else. By the end of the week, I’ll probably work a nigh shift to format a TS. I’m still allocating a schedule for it; been thinking about it since last night.
I’ve been programming at work whenever I have a spare time. I need to automate everything there. I can’t rely on our programmer overseas for every little thing. It sucks troubleshooting something you didn’t make because you’re working blindly. Time, time, time — I need time, but I can’t get any. I should really teach someone everything I’m doing!!!
May 20th, 2008
Yesterday I went to the festival with four colleagues. We arrived at the expo center a little after 1. There weren’t too many people. When we entered the expo, we were greeted by WU exhibitors. So fun begins. We did everything so that we each get a souvenir from WU. Then we roamed around the expo and found the MG booth. We again asked for souvenirs. The result is the photo below. These two companies are the competitors of the company we work for — that’s why it’s fun. Needless to say, we also acquired a few souvenirs from X (another competitor) later that day.
The entrance was fun, now to the show. Firstly, since it was a Filipino event, the Filipino time has to play a role. The show started an hour late, so that means we have to leave an hour late. Papa Sam (Milby) is the last performer which is at 9:30 (adjusted due to Filipino time). MYMP is to perform before him, that means we have to wait at least until 9:30 before leaving. We sat down to watch the show an hour before the bandfest which we were counting on.
The bandfest bored us to death. I almost fell asleep. Only one band got me excited and only for one song out of three that they performed. The band is called The Grudge and the song is incidentally called Hoy! Gising! Only two bands sang Filipino songs and they were the bands that didn’t advance to the finals. Judges of the contest didn’t know what they were doing. I think they weren’t so broadminded judging the talents. I confess, The Grudge didn’t know how to perform on stage, but the bands who advanced were the same and I couldn’t even make out their lyrics because their vocals are so bad. All bands weren’t original with their music that’s probably why I got bored. They will always remain in the local scene.
The festival showcased a couple of comic act. They were funny, but were rated-R. A few performances that led to MYMP were terrible because they simply are not my type.
MYMP — Make Your Mama Proud — should only perform in cafés because that is the only environment their genre can handle. I will not intentionally go to an MYMP gig again unless I’m in a restaurant having dinner and they’re playing. I’ll just listen to them on the radio because it’s better to listen than to watch them play. The performance has no life and is to be expected because again of the genre of their music. The voice of Juris is there, but I’m supposed to be watching a gig, not listening to my iPod.
In conclusion, the festival was dismal. The journey to and fro the center was fun though — tiresome for me because I was driving. We had a good chat in the car, but what happened with Papa Sam stays with Papa Sam.
May 18th, 2008
While I was waiting for the ferry at the terminal a few minutes ago, I witnessed something very amusing. When I arrived at the terminal, there’s a group of students which I guess on a trip. A member of this group is a little man who is handicapped. Since they are at the door, I stood next to them because the door was about to open. While standing there an old Albanian woman went to the little man, tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a dollar bill. At first I thought maybe she was part of the group – the chaperon. But then the woman continued on her way past the group and the little man looked over his shoulder, awed and confused why the old woman gave her a dollar. I couldn’t hold myself so I grinned in front of his friends. They also were shocked and laughed at what happened.
It was amusing because the guy did not look like a beggar. He was sporting a Hollister Kids clothing. He himself smiled at what happened. I can’t believe someone really is that insensitive these days that they patronize people so easily. People should only give if they are asked because everyone has pride. I am generous, but I seldom give if I’m not asked. I will volunteer if I’m not asked, but I’d ask permission from the receiver before I give. I’m too considerate of others – not all.
On a side note, I miss the wife. So to her, I offer this verse from Ryan Adams:
And I was breathless on a Sunday morning
And I was speechless on a Sunday night
For a lack of better understanding
Felt like an engine that just didn’t need a tire
I see your face, I hear your voice
I touch the screen and wonder
And I been waiting for the sun to tell me
It’s just been sitting here, I don’t know why
If you could give me anything tonight
Just a wink, or even just a sigh
I’ll be okay…
April 24th, 2008
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