Do they know it's Christmas?

In 1984, proving that they are the music trailblazers, popular British singers grouped together as Band Aid and recorded "Do they know it's Christmas?" to raise money for famine relief in Africa. It was a huge success. Their American counterparts copied the act in their over the top "We are the world" recording.

There was another Band Aid effort in 1989 and also a bigger one in 2004 to mark the 20th anniversary of the original. But the first will always be the best.

It's been 25 years hence. A lot has changed since then. Bob Geldof is now a white haired Knight. Simon LeBon and Tony Hadley put on a lot of weight. Bono went on to further greatness. Boy George fell from grace. But the message still rings true.

Let them the know it's Christmas time.

Merry Christmas!

A very Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year to all!

A Very Special Christmas

More than 20 years ago, I bought an audio cassette of Christmas songs titled "A Very Special Christmas". The artists were among the important pop/rock artists at that time. It was a big hit and their versions are still being played today. Consider these:

"Merry Christmas Baby" - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" - The Pretenders
"Christmas in Hollis" - Run–D.M.C.
"Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" - U2
"Santa Baby" - Madonna

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).

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.