Globe Telecom Continues To Perform Badly Under Ernest L. Cu

Despite all Mr. Cu's alleged efforts to improve Globe's services, Globe continues as one of the worst Internet Service Providers in the Philippines. And I think their stock price reflects that.

They are actually at a worse position today compared to a year before despite the gains caused by Philippine elections during the middle of the year.

From a customer's standpoint, I've had to deal with their technical support service eight times in the past ten months of 2016. They sure are consistent - consistently under-performing.

We've lost our internet connection for five days, and until now it hasn't been restored. We've called their hotline, and even spoke to a supervisor named John Iraga who promised to provide us with feedback, but hasn't done so. They can't even provide a reasonable timeline on when their service will be restored.

I guess Globe's goal is to steal customer's money by hoping that their customers opt out of their service once they discover how bad it is.

And with Mr. Cu at the helm, Globe will probably find itself declaring a state of bankruptcy.

Postscript:

After roughly two weeks of dealing with Globe and still not being able to resolve the issue, we decided to shift to a different ISP. Good riddance Globe Telecom. Hope you don't end up acquiring our new ISP and turning their services to $hi+.

Akari LED Circular Lamp Causes TV Interference

While watching Game 3 of the Ginebra - Meralco Finals, I noticed that the TV had a lot of interference compared to the times I've been watching before. It turns out, my friend bought a new LED circular lamp to replace the old one.

The new LED purchased was the Akari ACL-V83ADL. Below are the specs:

• 2-in-1 LED circular lamps
• The light cycles from the middle to the outer and then both, when you switch it on and off repeatedly
• One lamp is rated at 4 watts while the other is at 16 watts for a combined 20 watts when both lights are on
• 6500K daylight rating
• 1650 lumens rating
• 220-240 VAC
• 50/60 Hz
• 1299.75 Php

Ace Hardware should reconsider allowing this product on their shelves. I absolutely DO NOT RECOMMEND the purchase of this product since it interferes with TV signal receptions. Who knows what other electronic devices are affected by this device when it is turned on. It might even be a health hazard.

The Philippines should really reconsider allowing LED products to proliferate in the local market. These new-types of lamps have not been tested long enough for people to study their long-term effects on other gadgets and human health.

Ako Na Lang Guitar Chords (Dave Lamar and Keiko Necessario Version)

Here's my attempt at the guitar chords for "Ako Na Lang", originally sang by Zia Quizon, but the version I'm using is that by Dave Lamar and Keiko Necessario. Hope you enjoy it!

Stanza
(Initiall starts at key of D but moves up to key of E)
DM7                  
Naghahanap ka ng maaaya
G                        Gm
Pagkat sadyang wala kang magawa
DM7           Adim             G      Gm
Nagsasayang ng bawat oras sa wala, hala
EM7                  
Na-search mo nang lahat sa internet
A                         Am
Na-ubos na ang load sa kaka-text
EM7           Bdim             A          Am
Naghihintay ka na ng may makukulit,ulit

Refrain
G#m                  A
What are you waiting for?
G#m                     G#m-G-F#m
Call may number, knock on my door
G#m          A
Nandito lang ako
G#m                  G#m-G-F#m
How I wish, you let me know

Chorus
EM7                                                   A - Am
Kung sino sino pang tinatawagan mo nandito lang naman ako
EM7                                                   A - Am
At kung saan saan ka pa naghahanap nandito lang naman ako
EM7                                                   A - Am
Kung sino sino pang tinatawagan mo nandito lang naman ako
EM7                                                   A - Am
At kung saan saan ka pa naghahanap nandito lang naman ako
G#m           A
Ako na lang sana
G#m             A (you can also try G#m-G-F#m instead of A)
Tayo na lang dal'wa
G#m              A
Sana nalaman mo pala
G#m             A - B
Ako na lang sana

Repeat Stanza Pattern (transition from D to E)
Ako na lang, kung pwede lang, I wish
Ako na lang, ako na lang, I guess
Ako na lang ang paborito mong ma-miss, Oh yes      
Hindi ko babasagin ang iyong trip
Whatever man ang gusto mong gimik
Sabay sa jamming at ka-duet mo sa gig, astig

Repeat Refrain

Repeat Chorus but use the following for the last line

Last line end with G#m - A - B - EM7

San Miguel Battles Ginebra in Do-Or-Die Game for Finals Berth

There will no longer be any matches this year between San Miguel and Ginebra. Tonight, one team will go home and enjoy resting until the next season, while the other looks forward to a match against the Meralco Bolts.

And let me just voice out my disgust at the way the officials handled that foul against Jason Castro in the fourth quarter. It was like throwing out Michael Jordan at a critical point in a match and handing the opposing team the victory. Credit Newsome for selling. But instead of treating it as an offensive foul, the referees slap Castro with a second flagrant for the game resulting in his ejection. I hope the referees call tonight's game in a fair manner.

So Meralco waits for tonight's winner.

This San Miguel team has already done what can be considered as the greatest comeback of any basketball team in all-time since no other team in history has achieved it. They have come back from a 0-3 deficit against Alaska this year in the Philippine Cup. And as a team, you can use that as a reminder of what your team is capable of. Amidst the body aches and pains, bruises and fatigue, you dig deep, and use that as motivation to claw your way to another championship.

I don't know if such an achievement reduces the hunger factor. But I know that teams only have a short time in the league to build a legacy and to chase championships. You will not always be a dominating center, or a sharp-shooter, or a fast sprinter. At some point, old age and injuries catch up with every great player. So play while you can, play every game as though it were your last. Give it your all because tomorrow, you might never play again.

Forget about the lost opportunity for a Grand Slam. Win because your fans are supporting you and sticking it out with you despite a Ginebra team supported by the masses. I've admired the way Coach Tim Cone and Alaska handled the pressure in the 90's whenever they heard the crowds chant "Ginebra!" I'd imagine it must be strange for him to be on the opposite side of the fence, being the crowd favorite this time. And as San Miguel, when you have the crowd against you, wanting you to lose, you have to strive harder and find a way to draw strength elsewhere. Some players may draw that strength from their love for their families. Some may draw it from the trust they have developed with their teammates. And some draw strength from their faith in God.

San Miguel did a tremendous job in Game 4 of this semi-finals series. I don't know if they can win with another blowout since Coach Tim Cone will surely try to make adjustments. But it doesn't matter if you win with thirty points or with just one point. A win is a win.

I don't know how tonight's game will end. But this semi-finals series has been an exciting one for me, and whoever wins tonight's game might just end up as the 2016 PBA Governor's Cup Champions.