Friday, December 18, 2009

I'm staying with Globe, but Sun USB modem is best



A day before the "deadline" for Globe to fix my phone and DSL, technicians came over and restored the service. The Globe DSL speed is still less than the advertised, unlike Sun Cellular, who delivers more than 2Mb/s (screenshots).

Actually Sun landline+3G broadband offers more bang for the buck mainly because of the 2Mb/s, but I don't have a 3G router yet and at the same time my wifi setup with Globe DSL still works perfectly. Unfortunately my wireless router will not work with a USB 3G modem. In the meantime I'm staying with Globe, 'til I get a 3G compatible router or Sun offers me to test drive one.

But for Metro Manila residents, if you're thinking of acquiring a USB 3G modem, I recommend the Sun Cellular broadband option. It kicks the ass of Globe (and Smart also).

Thursday, December 17, 2009

As the Globe turns (for the worse), the Sun rises


More than 10 years ago when PLDT monopolized the telecoms industry in the Philippines, clients had to wait for years to get a phone line. Phone lines can be bought from the black market for as high as P30k. I bought one for P15k plus the arrears of the seller. But PLDT cannot immediately transfer it to my house even if I had paid the transfer fees. I ended up losing close to P20k. When Globe entered the market after the deregulation act, phone service became much easier to acquire. And Globe gave good service too. But that was then.

Monday, December 14, 2009

A pasta putanesca recipe

Some say there is a curious story how pasta putanesca got its name. What I find more curiouser is how from its lowly past it got to be  a sosi fare. Anyway, I learned this recipe from a kumare. My friends like it very much and many ask for the recipe. So here it is.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The recipe for a successful new systems installation

My experience in installing information systems brought me to many places. I've installed systems to rural barangays, mid-level bureaus, and high level administrators. Sometimes not all users readily embrace change. More often it is the younger set that are more willing to absorb new things.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Who says chess is boring? 2


Wesley So may have not made it all the way to the top but his recent success in the recent FIDE World Cup should bring renewed interest in the sport at the local scene. The introduction of the rapid and blitz formats and the emergence of online coverage of the games make the game more exciting. Perhaps one more way to lure more public interest is to introduce young, female participants to the game. It may sound sexist, but no one can argue against the success of women's tennis now.

Chess have beautiful women players. Here's proof that brains and beauty mix well.