After watching yesterday's game of Gilas vs Chinese Taipei, I began to wonder whether or not Andre Blatche is still a good fit for Gilas Pilipinas. Sure, the Philippines won, but it was not an easy win. And if you compare the way Australia erected a near 40 point lead over Chinese Taipei, you'ld have to wonder if the Philippines has a chance by February next year.
The Philippines would have lost yesterday if Chinese Taipei didn't get into foul trouble. And the Philippines had a lot of turnovers made mostly by Blatche. I would attribute it to old age, and perhaps with unfamiliarity with the new batch of Gilas Players.
There were many times when Andre would make an errant pass. He also settled for threes and I don't remember him making any. But what really made my blood boil was how a lanky Chinese Taipei import who was smaller than Blatche was able to get through his defense most of the time in the 1st Quarter, allowing Chinese Taipei to erect a 10 point lead.
Blatche scored six points in that game. Six points for an import? I don't know if that will be enough to beat Australia. He needs to get in shape if the country even wants a slim chance at beating the Aussies.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Friday, November 24, 2017
Visiting Mang Larry's Isaw 2017
Mang Larry's Isaw was featured recently on an article of Entrepreneur. According to the article, what started out as a simple barbecue grill meant to augment a janitor's income in order to send his kids to school has grown into a business with six outlets.
I actually remember eating at Mang Larry's when I was a student in the nineties. They used to be a small food cart. And they only carried a few simple barbecue skewers with them - products that are all too familiar to students on a budget. But they had a huge following. And I think the secret was in their vinegar dip. It was delicious. So, no matter what type of skewer you purchased, once you dipped it in that "secret dip formula", what you were eating turned from ordinary to extraordinary. And during that time, all they carried was buko juice for drinks. So, a student who is trying to keep his costs down could easily eat a lot if his allowance was 20 pesos. So, it was no wonder that there were probably about 50 students flocking around that stall. And that was amazing, considering there were other fish ball vendors in the area who probably enjoyed having 5 customers.
When I visited a branch of Mang Larry's this year, It was very different. They now have a permanent branch. They now have outdoor chairs and tables under umbrellas. They now have freezers to store varied cold beverages, and fryers to cook any order on the spot. They now have a staff of about four people and a building to house their operations. They still have the different types of skewers, but a more elaborate menu - with meals that would rival a typical restaurant. But there were only about 10 customers this time - not 50. And I spent around 85 pesos to enjoy roughly the same amount of food I ate when I was a student. Each skewer was now priced at 5 pesos. And the branded beverages will also eat a huge chunk of your budget.
What changed? I think one major turn-off are the flies. There were plenty of flies in the area, you would think you were near a garbage dump. Next would be the vinegar dip. I think the flavor has changed compared to the nineties. It's like having a winning Coca-Cola formula and turning its flavor into Coke Zero. And finally, the pricing has changed. Having a menu displaying all the high-priced items could be a turn-off to students on a budget.
Has Mang Larry lost focus? Sometimes, that's what happens when your small nimble venture turns into big business. You try to be all things to all people, forgetting what made you successful in the first place. The good news is that Mang Larry's can re-adjust (if the margins require re-adjustment, only the ones doing the books can really say). Does he cater to a mass market on a budget, or to a mid-level market with varied pricing? If the bottom line is healthy, then don't mess with your business formula. But if it is suffering, refocus on your strengths and deal with your weaknesses.
I actually remember eating at Mang Larry's when I was a student in the nineties. They used to be a small food cart. And they only carried a few simple barbecue skewers with them - products that are all too familiar to students on a budget. But they had a huge following. And I think the secret was in their vinegar dip. It was delicious. So, no matter what type of skewer you purchased, once you dipped it in that "secret dip formula", what you were eating turned from ordinary to extraordinary. And during that time, all they carried was buko juice for drinks. So, a student who is trying to keep his costs down could easily eat a lot if his allowance was 20 pesos. So, it was no wonder that there were probably about 50 students flocking around that stall. And that was amazing, considering there were other fish ball vendors in the area who probably enjoyed having 5 customers.
When I visited a branch of Mang Larry's this year, It was very different. They now have a permanent branch. They now have outdoor chairs and tables under umbrellas. They now have freezers to store varied cold beverages, and fryers to cook any order on the spot. They now have a staff of about four people and a building to house their operations. They still have the different types of skewers, but a more elaborate menu - with meals that would rival a typical restaurant. But there were only about 10 customers this time - not 50. And I spent around 85 pesos to enjoy roughly the same amount of food I ate when I was a student. Each skewer was now priced at 5 pesos. And the branded beverages will also eat a huge chunk of your budget.
What changed? I think one major turn-off are the flies. There were plenty of flies in the area, you would think you were near a garbage dump. Next would be the vinegar dip. I think the flavor has changed compared to the nineties. It's like having a winning Coca-Cola formula and turning its flavor into Coke Zero. And finally, the pricing has changed. Having a menu displaying all the high-priced items could be a turn-off to students on a budget.
Has Mang Larry lost focus? Sometimes, that's what happens when your small nimble venture turns into big business. You try to be all things to all people, forgetting what made you successful in the first place. The good news is that Mang Larry's can re-adjust (if the margins require re-adjustment, only the ones doing the books can really say). Does he cater to a mass market on a budget, or to a mid-level market with varied pricing? If the bottom line is healthy, then don't mess with your business formula. But if it is suffering, refocus on your strengths and deal with your weaknesses.
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Car Batter Test
Our car's battery was completely discharged yesterday. As a result, the car refused to start. It was a good thing the car had a manual transmission. After pushing the car so that it could gain some momentum, it was able to start. If I understand it correctly, every time the car moves, the alternator charges the car battery. This allowed the battery to regain some energy, enough for the electrical systems to function and enable it to start.
Still, the family was worried that the car battery was failing after more than two years since we acquired the car. To put everyone's mind at ease, we brought the car to an automotive service center. Here, they tested the battery. Below is an image of the results.
I'm just thankful that the battery still passed. Paying for a new battery would have set us back around $200. Hopefully, the battery will last the usual average lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Again, am just thankful to the Lord.
Addendum:
The next day, the car had problems starting again. So we brought the car to the service center once again. They re-tested the battery and found that it had gone bad. The symptoms were difficulty starting and the radio clock always getting reset to January 2007. When the new battery was installed, we tested the ignition several times. This time, the car started fine each time. Am still thankful that the Lord allowed the car to be fixed. Praise Him in all things.
Still, the family was worried that the car battery was failing after more than two years since we acquired the car. To put everyone's mind at ease, we brought the car to an automotive service center. Here, they tested the battery. Below is an image of the results.
I'm just thankful that the battery still passed. Paying for a new battery would have set us back around $200. Hopefully, the battery will last the usual average lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Again, am just thankful to the Lord.
Addendum:
The next day, the car had problems starting again. So we brought the car to the service center once again. They re-tested the battery and found that it had gone bad. The symptoms were difficulty starting and the radio clock always getting reset to January 2007. When the new battery was installed, we tested the ignition several times. This time, the car started fine each time. Am still thankful that the Lord allowed the car to be fixed. Praise Him in all things.
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
Triada Virus
My Android phone got hit with the Triada Virus. Updating Kaspersky Antivirus does not work. The virus has protected itself from detection. Malwarebytes does not work. It detects the item, but cannot remove it. Had to resort to a factory reset and will have to reinstall apps one by one. Mental note, always start with your antivirus when installing apps on a new phone.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
SKK Chronos Era
Bought a new phone since my old phone was starting to have issues. Was looking for a comparable phone from SKK, near the price that I purchased over a year ago. The closest priced unit was the Chronos Era at 2799.
Here's the specs for the SKK Chronos Era based on the CPU-Z app from Google Play
Display: 4.59-inch 720 x 1280 pixels 320 dpi (same as what I had before)
Chipset: Mediatek MT6580 (same)
CPU: 1.3GHz Quad-core 4x ARM Cortex-A7 (same)
GPU: Mali-400 MP (same)
RAM: 960 MB (half of what I had before)
Storage: 5.24 GB internal storage
Memory: roughly 1 GB
Main camera: 8 MP (rear) (lower than what I had before)
Front camera: 5 MP
Connectivity: 3G/HSPA+, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
Freebies: Jelly case (instead of a Flip case)
Ports: microUSB
Android Version: 6.0
I think I'm beginning to have buyer's remorse because some of the specs are lower for roughly the same amount I shelled out last year.
In terms of performance, I was able to test out Clash Royale, Google Chrome and Instagram, and these are all working fine. Clash Royale was playing well without me having to adjust any settings.
I'm not a fan of the movable "button" on the screen for home, minimizing windows, and back. I think this was invented so that in case a part of the display no longer works properly, you can still move the button to a different part of the screen so that it can still function. But it is an eyesore when you open an app and I find that I have to move it to a different part to press a button on the app.
Also having a hard time adjusting again to a "physical" app management button. But this unit has that at the middle bottom part. Having to long press that to be able to cycle through all open apps, then swipe left to close the app seems more tedious than the swipe up - swipe left motion I got used to.
They tried to make the phone's interface look like an iPhone by using iPhone-like icons. You can look like an iPhone, but it would be better if you could perform like an iPhone.
Now, for some positives.
If you're a text to speech fan, it is now easier to get alternative voices. You no longer have to download additional apps on Google Play for additional voices on the phone. There's already an option under Settings > Language & Input > Language to select additional voices.
You now have an option to transfer files using the USB cable instead of charging the phone as the only option. In my previous phone, downloading File Manager to transfer files wirelessly was the only option.
I guess that's the end of my positive list. I'll try to come up with more as time progresses.
So, technology does not always advance with time. After a year, I was expecting better specs for the same price. But I feel like I got a downgrade for the same price. Maybe I didn't search well enough. I was actually considering the iRobot brand because their prices were below 2,000 pesos for roughly similar specs, but when I used their display, it seemed slower than what I was used to.
Maybe I should have gone for SKK's Hyperblade X, which was what the sales lady was aggressively pushing. But it cost 500 pesos more. I'd like tech to be better at the same price, or same at a lower price.
UPDATE: Was disappointed with this unit. I was getting all sorts of malware installed in it despite doing a factory reset and installing Kaspersky as my first app. It appears that the phone comes bundled with malware infested apps. Why would SKK even consider such a practice? One of the apps with built in malware was the HD Player. And once the malware has infected your phone, it is pretty difficult to remove it despite installing and updating antivirus or anti-malware apps.
Here's the specs for the SKK Chronos Era based on the CPU-Z app from Google Play
Display: 4.59-inch 720 x 1280 pixels 320 dpi (same as what I had before)
Chipset: Mediatek MT6580 (same)
CPU: 1.3GHz Quad-core 4x ARM Cortex-A7 (same)
GPU: Mali-400 MP (same)
RAM: 960 MB (half of what I had before)
Storage: 5.24 GB internal storage
Memory: roughly 1 GB
Main camera: 8 MP (rear) (lower than what I had before)
Front camera: 5 MP
Connectivity: 3G/HSPA+, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS
Freebies: Jelly case (instead of a Flip case)
Ports: microUSB
Android Version: 6.0
I think I'm beginning to have buyer's remorse because some of the specs are lower for roughly the same amount I shelled out last year.
In terms of performance, I was able to test out Clash Royale, Google Chrome and Instagram, and these are all working fine. Clash Royale was playing well without me having to adjust any settings.
I'm not a fan of the movable "button" on the screen for home, minimizing windows, and back. I think this was invented so that in case a part of the display no longer works properly, you can still move the button to a different part of the screen so that it can still function. But it is an eyesore when you open an app and I find that I have to move it to a different part to press a button on the app.
Also having a hard time adjusting again to a "physical" app management button. But this unit has that at the middle bottom part. Having to long press that to be able to cycle through all open apps, then swipe left to close the app seems more tedious than the swipe up - swipe left motion I got used to.
They tried to make the phone's interface look like an iPhone by using iPhone-like icons. You can look like an iPhone, but it would be better if you could perform like an iPhone.
Now, for some positives.
If you're a text to speech fan, it is now easier to get alternative voices. You no longer have to download additional apps on Google Play for additional voices on the phone. There's already an option under Settings > Language & Input > Language to select additional voices.
You now have an option to transfer files using the USB cable instead of charging the phone as the only option. In my previous phone, downloading File Manager to transfer files wirelessly was the only option.
I guess that's the end of my positive list. I'll try to come up with more as time progresses.
So, technology does not always advance with time. After a year, I was expecting better specs for the same price. But I feel like I got a downgrade for the same price. Maybe I didn't search well enough. I was actually considering the iRobot brand because their prices were below 2,000 pesos for roughly similar specs, but when I used their display, it seemed slower than what I was used to.
Maybe I should have gone for SKK's Hyperblade X, which was what the sales lady was aggressively pushing. But it cost 500 pesos more. I'd like tech to be better at the same price, or same at a lower price.
UPDATE: Was disappointed with this unit. I was getting all sorts of malware installed in it despite doing a factory reset and installing Kaspersky as my first app. It appears that the phone comes bundled with malware infested apps. Why would SKK even consider such a practice? One of the apps with built in malware was the HD Player. And once the malware has infected your phone, it is pretty difficult to remove it despite installing and updating antivirus or anti-malware apps.
Friday, October 13, 2017
Ginebra Wins Game 1 of the PBA Governor's Cup Finals
Barring any unfortunate injury, Ginebra might just be on its way to winning another Governor's Cup Championship. With the solid game they played tonight, they outclassed the Meralco Bolts and nearly had a twenty point lead as the game neared the end of the 4th Quarter. Basketball fans in the arena were making an early exit, knowing that the game was more or less decided even with five minutes to spare.
And I expect nothing less from the team that knocked out the Grand Slam seeking San Miguel Beermen with a thirty-point blowout and in only one game. And if you look at Ginebra's front line, they are actually pretty distinguished players. Joe Devance was the first overall draft pick in the 2007 PBA Rookie Draft. Japhet Aguilar was the first overall draft pick in the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft. And Greg slaughter was the first overall draft pick in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft. LA Tenorio was the 4th pick overall in 2006 and Scottie Thompson was the 5th pick overall in 2015. Not many PBA teams can say they have a core made up of high caliber talent. Plus, you have the PBA's Coach with the most wins.
Greg Slaughter's return has really made this Ginebra team deadlier. It is hard to double Justin Brownlee if you have a 6'11 player who can play the post or go for the rebound. Contrast that with Alan Durham on the Meralco side. Once he decides to go for a three point shot, it has to go in. Otherwise, there's hardly any chance they'll get it back.
And the three point shot is really Meralco's only way of keeping this game close since they don't have any other post threats aside from Alan Durham. Ranidel de Ocampo is really more of a stretch 4 than a post up presence like Kelly Williams. And tonight, Meralco's threes were not falling in as much as they wanted. And even Ginebra's three-point shooters were finding their range.
Tim Cone on the other hand prefers twos rather than threes. The higher percentage shot is better. That's why his teams are susceptible to losing to teams that can shoot the three at an excellent clip. Coach Cone would rather be beaten by the three, than inside the paint. And that's why San Miguel Beer was a nightmare match-up for him. That is until Greg Slaughter solved the Jun Mar Fajardo problem.
Meralco doesn't have a Jun Mar Fajardo. Alan Durham is the closest thing they have to a post up player. So, Durham will have to focus on a purely inside game. Leave the threes to your shooters like Baser Amer, Garvo Lanete, Jared Dillinger and even Reynel Hugnatan. If these players get hot from the three point line, then Meralco might make this finals series interesting to watch.
Coach Norman Black can actually try playing a speed game with Amer, Tolomia, Newsome, Dilinger and Durham. But that would only work if they can get the jump on Ginebra and build up an early lead in their next game. If Newsome could keep dunking in the open court like he did with that incredible dunk in the first quarter, then maybe Meralco could have a chance.
Another strategy is to double Justin Brownlee and let the locals beat Meralco in scoring. But if they can somehow shutdown Brownlee, and keep Ginebra in a low scoring game, then maybe they can tie this series.
It would be interesting to see both teams' adjustments in game 2. But without players who can bang bodies on the inside, a Ginebra sweep is probably gonna happen.
And I expect nothing less from the team that knocked out the Grand Slam seeking San Miguel Beermen with a thirty-point blowout and in only one game. And if you look at Ginebra's front line, they are actually pretty distinguished players. Joe Devance was the first overall draft pick in the 2007 PBA Rookie Draft. Japhet Aguilar was the first overall draft pick in the 2009 PBA Rookie Draft. And Greg slaughter was the first overall draft pick in the 2013 PBA Rookie Draft. LA Tenorio was the 4th pick overall in 2006 and Scottie Thompson was the 5th pick overall in 2015. Not many PBA teams can say they have a core made up of high caliber talent. Plus, you have the PBA's Coach with the most wins.
Greg Slaughter's return has really made this Ginebra team deadlier. It is hard to double Justin Brownlee if you have a 6'11 player who can play the post or go for the rebound. Contrast that with Alan Durham on the Meralco side. Once he decides to go for a three point shot, it has to go in. Otherwise, there's hardly any chance they'll get it back.
And the three point shot is really Meralco's only way of keeping this game close since they don't have any other post threats aside from Alan Durham. Ranidel de Ocampo is really more of a stretch 4 than a post up presence like Kelly Williams. And tonight, Meralco's threes were not falling in as much as they wanted. And even Ginebra's three-point shooters were finding their range.
Tim Cone on the other hand prefers twos rather than threes. The higher percentage shot is better. That's why his teams are susceptible to losing to teams that can shoot the three at an excellent clip. Coach Cone would rather be beaten by the three, than inside the paint. And that's why San Miguel Beer was a nightmare match-up for him. That is until Greg Slaughter solved the Jun Mar Fajardo problem.
Meralco doesn't have a Jun Mar Fajardo. Alan Durham is the closest thing they have to a post up player. So, Durham will have to focus on a purely inside game. Leave the threes to your shooters like Baser Amer, Garvo Lanete, Jared Dillinger and even Reynel Hugnatan. If these players get hot from the three point line, then Meralco might make this finals series interesting to watch.
Coach Norman Black can actually try playing a speed game with Amer, Tolomia, Newsome, Dilinger and Durham. But that would only work if they can get the jump on Ginebra and build up an early lead in their next game. If Newsome could keep dunking in the open court like he did with that incredible dunk in the first quarter, then maybe Meralco could have a chance.
Another strategy is to double Justin Brownlee and let the locals beat Meralco in scoring. But if they can somehow shutdown Brownlee, and keep Ginebra in a low scoring game, then maybe they can tie this series.
It would be interesting to see both teams' adjustments in game 2. But without players who can bang bodies on the inside, a Ginebra sweep is probably gonna happen.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Intex Keyboard Review
I just bought an Intex keyboard from PC Express and it hasn't even been a month and a key on the keyboard is already problematic. You have to press on it several times before it registers on the screen. Throughout the many years I've been purchasing keyboards, this is the first time the keyboard has failed in such a short time.
So, let the buyer beware of the Intex brand.
So, let the buyer beware of the Intex brand.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Import-less TNT Goes Down Fighting
Yesterday, the Talk and Text team tried its best to even up a series where Ginebra was leading two games to one. And for about a third of the game, they were doing well, even erecting an 18 point lead against the Gin Kings. And this was despite losing their import, Glen Rice Jr. in the latter part of the 1st Quarter.
If Glen Rice Jr. has already played in the NBA and NBA-D League, it boggles my mind how he ended up letting Ginebra play mind games on him and getting himself ejected. You don't reach the NBA without going through your fare share of heated and tightly contested games. And knowing that your team is depending on you against a power house team like Ginebra, to let a bruiser like Kevin Ferrer get under your skin really shows how immature Glen Rice Jr. is. Either that, or the defense in the NBA is, to borrow from the WWE, sawft (soft for the unfamiliar).
And Kevin Ferrer didn't even seem physical enough. I don't know if Glen Rice Jr. has been defended by Calvin Abueva or Beau Belga. Those two players have created reputations for themselves as being physical defenders. I don't know if Kevin Ferrer used words to get to Glen Rice. Maybe he called him the N word. I don't know. But whatever Ferrer did, it made Glen Rice so mad that he shoved Ferrer and threw the basketball at him while he was down on the floor in front of the officials and the whole Araneta Coliseum crowd.
I don't know if Coach Tim Cone and the rest of the Ginebra coaching staff expected something like this to happen. I know that they already saw the beginnings of this "love story" in Game 3 of their series. And an excellent tactician, will use whatever weaknesses he sees in the opposing team and exploit these. Dirty tactics, maybe, but effective, since the moment Rice threw that ball at his opponent, he set himself up for an ejection. And the Ginebra fans knew that the moment he walked off the court, the game was theirs despite whatever double-digit lead TNT had built up. They were already chanting "Uwian na" (time to go home) in the 1st Quarter despite TNT having a huge lead. They knew that their Gin Kings could easily catch up and beat the Talk and Texters now that their main offensive gun was out.
Now, many will say that Glen Rice Jr. was stupid. But what if he was actually very smart. What if he was offered a lucrative sum to throw the game away. The opposing team saw how effective he was against them in the first three games. Maybe they decided to play the game off the court, and the series was already decided even before game 4 started. All of this is pure speculation. But it makes for a great movie script, like Blue Chips which starred Shaq and Penny Hardaway with Nick Nolte.
Jason Castro tried to fight back for his team. You can't help but admire a player who makes his free throws despite boos and distractions from a thousand strong Ginebra fan base. It reminds you of the guts showed by Alaska players like Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa against Ginebra back in the 90s. Ironically, Coach Tim Cone was coaching against Ginebra back then. And somehow, one would probably feel prouder for a roster of 12-players who fight back and win against a Ginebra team and Ginebra crowd just like Leonidas made three hundred men the stuff of legends.
Except, the difference between TNT and Alaska is that Alaska would win their battles against Ginebra. TNT will simply have to try again next year, hopefully, with a more level headed import. And with stars like Kelly Williams, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Mo Tautua, and Anthony Semerad, they might just get back to TNT's winning ways. But Coach Nash Racela should really get a center with a post-up game since Kelly is more suited for the power forward spot. Easier said than done. Miss the days when they had someone like Asi Taulava at that spot. Maybe they can lure Enrico Villanueva out of retirement or look for some up-and-coming center.
Thank you to both teams for an exciting semi-finals series. Too bad it had to be marred with an ejection. And TNT fans will always wonder, what if Glen Rice Jr. was in that game. Would TNT have won and forced a fifth game?
If Glen Rice Jr. has already played in the NBA and NBA-D League, it boggles my mind how he ended up letting Ginebra play mind games on him and getting himself ejected. You don't reach the NBA without going through your fare share of heated and tightly contested games. And knowing that your team is depending on you against a power house team like Ginebra, to let a bruiser like Kevin Ferrer get under your skin really shows how immature Glen Rice Jr. is. Either that, or the defense in the NBA is, to borrow from the WWE, sawft (soft for the unfamiliar).
And Kevin Ferrer didn't even seem physical enough. I don't know if Glen Rice Jr. has been defended by Calvin Abueva or Beau Belga. Those two players have created reputations for themselves as being physical defenders. I don't know if Kevin Ferrer used words to get to Glen Rice. Maybe he called him the N word. I don't know. But whatever Ferrer did, it made Glen Rice so mad that he shoved Ferrer and threw the basketball at him while he was down on the floor in front of the officials and the whole Araneta Coliseum crowd.
I don't know if Coach Tim Cone and the rest of the Ginebra coaching staff expected something like this to happen. I know that they already saw the beginnings of this "love story" in Game 3 of their series. And an excellent tactician, will use whatever weaknesses he sees in the opposing team and exploit these. Dirty tactics, maybe, but effective, since the moment Rice threw that ball at his opponent, he set himself up for an ejection. And the Ginebra fans knew that the moment he walked off the court, the game was theirs despite whatever double-digit lead TNT had built up. They were already chanting "Uwian na" (time to go home) in the 1st Quarter despite TNT having a huge lead. They knew that their Gin Kings could easily catch up and beat the Talk and Texters now that their main offensive gun was out.
Now, many will say that Glen Rice Jr. was stupid. But what if he was actually very smart. What if he was offered a lucrative sum to throw the game away. The opposing team saw how effective he was against them in the first three games. Maybe they decided to play the game off the court, and the series was already decided even before game 4 started. All of this is pure speculation. But it makes for a great movie script, like Blue Chips which starred Shaq and Penny Hardaway with Nick Nolte.
Jason Castro tried to fight back for his team. You can't help but admire a player who makes his free throws despite boos and distractions from a thousand strong Ginebra fan base. It reminds you of the guts showed by Alaska players like Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa against Ginebra back in the 90s. Ironically, Coach Tim Cone was coaching against Ginebra back then. And somehow, one would probably feel prouder for a roster of 12-players who fight back and win against a Ginebra team and Ginebra crowd just like Leonidas made three hundred men the stuff of legends.
Except, the difference between TNT and Alaska is that Alaska would win their battles against Ginebra. TNT will simply have to try again next year, hopefully, with a more level headed import. And with stars like Kelly Williams, RR Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Mo Tautua, and Anthony Semerad, they might just get back to TNT's winning ways. But Coach Nash Racela should really get a center with a post-up game since Kelly is more suited for the power forward spot. Easier said than done. Miss the days when they had someone like Asi Taulava at that spot. Maybe they can lure Enrico Villanueva out of retirement or look for some up-and-coming center.
Thank you to both teams for an exciting semi-finals series. Too bad it had to be marred with an ejection. And TNT fans will always wonder, what if Glen Rice Jr. was in that game. Would TNT have won and forced a fifth game?
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
TNT beats Ginebra and Ties the Semifinals Series at 1-1
Just when I thought that Ginebra would sweep the semi-finals series of the PBA Governor's Cup and walk all the way to the finals, TNT pulls off a win to make this match-up exciting. Ginebra's 30-plus point blowout of game 1 is now an afterthought.
Coach Nash Racela has made great adjustments to TNT's game. One notable change is the aggressive double team on Greg Slaughter every time he posts up, forcing him to pass out instead of taking the shot. Another adjustment is the way Coach Racela used bigger guards like Pogoy and Reyes to preserve Jason Castro and also to try and take advantage of LA Tenorio at the post. These bigger guards also helped defend well against Ginebra's perimeter shooters.
I was also surprised at how the TNT changes made Joe Devance invisible in this game. He usually contributes well every time Ginebra wins. Perhaps using Tautua more and in combination with Kelly Williams instead of as his substitute has allowed TNT to match well with Ginebra's big line up. Semerad has also been a huge help on defense against Ginebra's import.
Coach Racela dug deep, using the entire TNT roster if I'm not mistaken. He even played an all-Filipino line up during the entire 3rd Quarter because their import was in foul trouble. And the local crew delivered, regaining their double digit-lead which they lost at the end of the 1st half. He was so confident, he used the rarely used guards to finish off the game, having built a double digit lead, despite the risk of a potential Ginebra comeback.
TNT was also fortunate that their treys were going in this time, compared to the first game. It's important for Pogoy, Rosario, and Castro's shots from beyond the arc to go in to prevent Ginebra from clogging up the lanes and gang rebounding. If Semarad's shots went in, TNT's lead would have been larger.
But make no mistake, Coach Tim Cone will make adjustments. So expect that this series might go all the way to game 5.
Coach Nash Racela has made great adjustments to TNT's game. One notable change is the aggressive double team on Greg Slaughter every time he posts up, forcing him to pass out instead of taking the shot. Another adjustment is the way Coach Racela used bigger guards like Pogoy and Reyes to preserve Jason Castro and also to try and take advantage of LA Tenorio at the post. These bigger guards also helped defend well against Ginebra's perimeter shooters.
I was also surprised at how the TNT changes made Joe Devance invisible in this game. He usually contributes well every time Ginebra wins. Perhaps using Tautua more and in combination with Kelly Williams instead of as his substitute has allowed TNT to match well with Ginebra's big line up. Semerad has also been a huge help on defense against Ginebra's import.
Coach Racela dug deep, using the entire TNT roster if I'm not mistaken. He even played an all-Filipino line up during the entire 3rd Quarter because their import was in foul trouble. And the local crew delivered, regaining their double digit-lead which they lost at the end of the 1st half. He was so confident, he used the rarely used guards to finish off the game, having built a double digit lead, despite the risk of a potential Ginebra comeback.
TNT was also fortunate that their treys were going in this time, compared to the first game. It's important for Pogoy, Rosario, and Castro's shots from beyond the arc to go in to prevent Ginebra from clogging up the lanes and gang rebounding. If Semarad's shots went in, TNT's lead would have been larger.
But make no mistake, Coach Tim Cone will make adjustments. So expect that this series might go all the way to game 5.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
The Gifted 2017
Warning: possible spoilers
After shows like Heroes and Alphas have already come and gone, how are we going to be entertained by The Gifted? Legion has been the first live-action show exploring mutants in the Marvel Universe. It's a shame that the X-men title is reserved for movies when the X-men cartoons were one of my memorable childhood pastimes. But the series tries to explore some of the mutant B-listers like Polaris, Sunspot (called Eclipse in this series), Thunderbird, and Blink. I'm not sure if the two mutant kids are new characters or known characters. I thought that the boy was like Legion while his sister was like Invisible Girl.
The huge robot Sentinels have been replaced by spider like ones which reminds me of a Metal Gear enemy.
The plot is similar to any mutant being rescued by the X-men when his/her powers manifest. But with the X-men incognito in this show, it's up to Thunderbird and his team to try and help out the newbie mutants and their parents. The first season of Heroes was actually cool in that you could not really predict where the story would go. I hope they can do the same in this series instead of the typical - kids gain mastery of their powers and become part of the team - team brings down the sentinel program (temporarily - cause we all know they'll be back in X-men Days of Future Past) and mutants live in peace.
I've always thought that a TV series involving mutants was an opportunity to explore the individual back stories behind our beloved characters - something that can't really be done in movies unless you're Logan, Professor X, or Jean Grey. Maybe we'll gain more insight into the lives of the mutants showing up in this series, whether hero or villian. I think Smallville was successful because, although the characters were familiar, they either reinvented the origins and made the stories current. And I hope this ends up better than Defenders, cause fighting the Hand for the upteenth time becomes boring.
After shows like Heroes and Alphas have already come and gone, how are we going to be entertained by The Gifted? Legion has been the first live-action show exploring mutants in the Marvel Universe. It's a shame that the X-men title is reserved for movies when the X-men cartoons were one of my memorable childhood pastimes. But the series tries to explore some of the mutant B-listers like Polaris, Sunspot (called Eclipse in this series), Thunderbird, and Blink. I'm not sure if the two mutant kids are new characters or known characters. I thought that the boy was like Legion while his sister was like Invisible Girl.
The huge robot Sentinels have been replaced by spider like ones which reminds me of a Metal Gear enemy.
The plot is similar to any mutant being rescued by the X-men when his/her powers manifest. But with the X-men incognito in this show, it's up to Thunderbird and his team to try and help out the newbie mutants and their parents. The first season of Heroes was actually cool in that you could not really predict where the story would go. I hope they can do the same in this series instead of the typical - kids gain mastery of their powers and become part of the team - team brings down the sentinel program (temporarily - cause we all know they'll be back in X-men Days of Future Past) and mutants live in peace.
I've always thought that a TV series involving mutants was an opportunity to explore the individual back stories behind our beloved characters - something that can't really be done in movies unless you're Logan, Professor X, or Jean Grey. Maybe we'll gain more insight into the lives of the mutants showing up in this series, whether hero or villian. I think Smallville was successful because, although the characters were familiar, they either reinvented the origins and made the stories current. And I hope this ends up better than Defenders, cause fighting the Hand for the upteenth time becomes boring.
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
San Miguel Beer's Grand Slam Bid Prevented By Ginebra
As a San Miguel Beermen fan, I was disappointed at the result of last night's game against Ginebra. San Miguel had an off night and Ginebra played well.
Many say that the Beermen placed themselves in this position when they squandered a huge lead against the Meralco Bolts and allowed them to come back, ending up as the 6th seed instead of as the 2nd seed. And because of that, they had to try to survive two do-or-die games against the Gin Kings.
Ginebra has been scary since the return of Greg Slaughter in their line up. And Coach Tim Cone has utilized him in what I call the Ginebra four-headed monster where he plays Slaughter, Aguilar, Devance, and Brownlee all at the same time - all tall players, with a single guard like Tenorio, or Thompson. I've even seen a case where Ferrer comes in to substitute one of the four bigs. Brownlee, can slide to the off-guard position or even the point guard position, and with three bigs dominating the paint on defense, even an inside offensive threat like Jun Mar Fajardo can find it difficult. And having bigger players allowed them to defend against Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos from three point line.
This combination also forced Coach Leo Austria to play with only two of his guards at a time. But I think that having Lassiter, Cabagnot, and Ross all on the floor at the same time is the key to San Miguel Beer's success. The three guard formation allows for fluidity on offense, helping them find the open man and not forcing their offense only through Jun Mar Fajardo. By playing his bigs, Coach Tim Cone forced Coach Austria to adjust to their game, instead of the other way around.
Many of the PBA teams are actually imitating the San Miguel Beermen's design, having three guards and one post threat. NLEX, Black Water, TNT, Star and even Meralco have tried having three guard formations with Eram or imports like Onuaku. Perhaps, teams will now shift their team designs to have four-headed monsters seeing how effective this was against the Beermen.
Fatigue could also have been a factor to the early exit of the Beermen from the Governor's Cup. They have won the Philippine Cup and the Commissioner's Cup this year. As players, it is probably hard to maintain being driven when you've already achieved a semblance of success. Even some of the PBA fans want to see a different team win - to give others a chance, and if you are a part of San Miguel, that can be demoralizing.
Some fans even had conspiracy theories that Ginebra, being San Miguel's sister team, would just allow them to win so that they could continue their Grand Slam campaign. But this loss just proves that there's no collusion between sister teams in the PBA - at least when it comes to important games. (Maybe there are in terms of trades, but that would be difficult to prove)
You could see that the San Miguel Beer core was tired. Ross, Cabagnot, and Santos' numbers were down. Even these guys probably want to go on vacation early. And without a supporting cast who can step-up in times when your core is slumping, San Miguel really had no chance at a come back. I felt that if they tried to load up on shooters at the beginning of the second half, they might have had a chance. But Ginebra took away their 3-point shooting and Ginebra's shooters were the ones delivering the goods. Props to Brownlee, Mercado, and Devance who gunned the Beermen down from the 3-point line.
And as for Watson, he tried his best. But trading two-point baskets was not a formula for a come back. And with the Beermen defense being absent from the game, the rest, as they say is history.
But this loss can also help the Beermen. This will be their drive for doing better next year. With a healthy and solid core, and perhaps, trusting a few more players from the bench, they can regain their Championship poise, and try another Grand Slam run. Their core is known as the only team that has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in the finals in basketball history. The Beermen can still become better. And as the saying goes, the hungrier team - the team that wants it more - usually wins.
Many say that the Beermen placed themselves in this position when they squandered a huge lead against the Meralco Bolts and allowed them to come back, ending up as the 6th seed instead of as the 2nd seed. And because of that, they had to try to survive two do-or-die games against the Gin Kings.
Ginebra has been scary since the return of Greg Slaughter in their line up. And Coach Tim Cone has utilized him in what I call the Ginebra four-headed monster where he plays Slaughter, Aguilar, Devance, and Brownlee all at the same time - all tall players, with a single guard like Tenorio, or Thompson. I've even seen a case where Ferrer comes in to substitute one of the four bigs. Brownlee, can slide to the off-guard position or even the point guard position, and with three bigs dominating the paint on defense, even an inside offensive threat like Jun Mar Fajardo can find it difficult. And having bigger players allowed them to defend against Marcio Lassiter and Arwind Santos from three point line.
This combination also forced Coach Leo Austria to play with only two of his guards at a time. But I think that having Lassiter, Cabagnot, and Ross all on the floor at the same time is the key to San Miguel Beer's success. The three guard formation allows for fluidity on offense, helping them find the open man and not forcing their offense only through Jun Mar Fajardo. By playing his bigs, Coach Tim Cone forced Coach Austria to adjust to their game, instead of the other way around.
Many of the PBA teams are actually imitating the San Miguel Beermen's design, having three guards and one post threat. NLEX, Black Water, TNT, Star and even Meralco have tried having three guard formations with Eram or imports like Onuaku. Perhaps, teams will now shift their team designs to have four-headed monsters seeing how effective this was against the Beermen.
Fatigue could also have been a factor to the early exit of the Beermen from the Governor's Cup. They have won the Philippine Cup and the Commissioner's Cup this year. As players, it is probably hard to maintain being driven when you've already achieved a semblance of success. Even some of the PBA fans want to see a different team win - to give others a chance, and if you are a part of San Miguel, that can be demoralizing.
Some fans even had conspiracy theories that Ginebra, being San Miguel's sister team, would just allow them to win so that they could continue their Grand Slam campaign. But this loss just proves that there's no collusion between sister teams in the PBA - at least when it comes to important games. (Maybe there are in terms of trades, but that would be difficult to prove)
You could see that the San Miguel Beer core was tired. Ross, Cabagnot, and Santos' numbers were down. Even these guys probably want to go on vacation early. And without a supporting cast who can step-up in times when your core is slumping, San Miguel really had no chance at a come back. I felt that if they tried to load up on shooters at the beginning of the second half, they might have had a chance. But Ginebra took away their 3-point shooting and Ginebra's shooters were the ones delivering the goods. Props to Brownlee, Mercado, and Devance who gunned the Beermen down from the 3-point line.
And as for Watson, he tried his best. But trading two-point baskets was not a formula for a come back. And with the Beermen defense being absent from the game, the rest, as they say is history.
But this loss can also help the Beermen. This will be their drive for doing better next year. With a healthy and solid core, and perhaps, trusting a few more players from the bench, they can regain their Championship poise, and try another Grand Slam run. Their core is known as the only team that has ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in the finals in basketball history. The Beermen can still become better. And as the saying goes, the hungrier team - the team that wants it more - usually wins.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Star Trek Discovery 2017
Warning: possible spoilers
Just watched Star Trek Discovery's first episode, and so far, I'm impressed and I enjoyed it! So far, the audience knows that there will be an impending war between the Federation and the Klingons. The Klingons have entered Federation territory and destroyed one of their relays. The USS Shenzhou's investigation results in the death of a Klingon soldier under the hands of the ship's first officer, Commander Michael Burnham. (her name is pronounced like a guy's name)
Michael's parents were killed by Klingons in an attack when she was young. Flashbacks show that she went under the tutelage of Sarek, Spock's father. And even near the ending of the show, she consults with Sarek via a holographic interface (The captain also spoke with an admiral of the Federation using the same interface... Star Trek finally stole a Star Wars staple - think Princess Leah's holographic message which projected from R2D2).
Now, for some nit picking. Apparently, they haven't heard of drones in space for reconnaissance missions. Why send a first officer on a jetpack to an unknown object and risk her dying of radiation? Because that altercation with a Klingon warrior will serve as the motivation for war.
Why are cowards now part of a ship's crew? I'm referring to you, Saru... Maybe they learned from that robot in Star Wars Rouge One who was a foul mouthed C3PO and now, personalities with negative traits will be one of the highlights of the crew. Saru kind of reminds me of Odo from Deep Space Nine. I guess he is there to balance Michael's brashness (which is strange, considering she was tutored by a Vulcan).
Michelle Yeoh serves as the captain of the Shenzhou, but based on the credits, it appears that she won't be on the show for the long haul - unless she dies and Michael keeps getting flash back conversations with her. They apparently have been working together for seven years.
The timeline of this show is somewhere before the Original Series and The Next Generation. So, that means that at some point, peace will be achieved between the Federation and the Klingons (unless this show is in a Mirror Universe, in which case, we could end up with a scenario where they never attain peace in their alternate reality.) But if peace will be achieved, then what's the point? Is the journey better than the destination...
Wish they'd also showcase new tech which could influence our present geeks and idea generators to come up with better products. Like the new uniform designs, despite no distinction between ranks and roles. Am excited to see the next episode and see the interaction between other crew members. But am not interested in the Mot the Barber look a like. Replace him with some hottie chick, please, like Bridget Regan from The Last Ship. And maybe recruit the Rat King from The Strain, cause he needs a job. The ship probably needs a security officer with a coward science officer unable to accompany the commander on away missions.
Just watched Star Trek Discovery's first episode, and so far, I'm impressed and I enjoyed it! So far, the audience knows that there will be an impending war between the Federation and the Klingons. The Klingons have entered Federation territory and destroyed one of their relays. The USS Shenzhou's investigation results in the death of a Klingon soldier under the hands of the ship's first officer, Commander Michael Burnham. (her name is pronounced like a guy's name)
Michael's parents were killed by Klingons in an attack when she was young. Flashbacks show that she went under the tutelage of Sarek, Spock's father. And even near the ending of the show, she consults with Sarek via a holographic interface (The captain also spoke with an admiral of the Federation using the same interface... Star Trek finally stole a Star Wars staple - think Princess Leah's holographic message which projected from R2D2).
Now, for some nit picking. Apparently, they haven't heard of drones in space for reconnaissance missions. Why send a first officer on a jetpack to an unknown object and risk her dying of radiation? Because that altercation with a Klingon warrior will serve as the motivation for war.
Why are cowards now part of a ship's crew? I'm referring to you, Saru... Maybe they learned from that robot in Star Wars Rouge One who was a foul mouthed C3PO and now, personalities with negative traits will be one of the highlights of the crew. Saru kind of reminds me of Odo from Deep Space Nine. I guess he is there to balance Michael's brashness (which is strange, considering she was tutored by a Vulcan).
Michelle Yeoh serves as the captain of the Shenzhou, but based on the credits, it appears that she won't be on the show for the long haul - unless she dies and Michael keeps getting flash back conversations with her. They apparently have been working together for seven years.
The timeline of this show is somewhere before the Original Series and The Next Generation. So, that means that at some point, peace will be achieved between the Federation and the Klingons (unless this show is in a Mirror Universe, in which case, we could end up with a scenario where they never attain peace in their alternate reality.) But if peace will be achieved, then what's the point? Is the journey better than the destination...
Wish they'd also showcase new tech which could influence our present geeks and idea generators to come up with better products. Like the new uniform designs, despite no distinction between ranks and roles. Am excited to see the next episode and see the interaction between other crew members. But am not interested in the Mot the Barber look a like. Replace him with some hottie chick, please, like Bridget Regan from The Last Ship. And maybe recruit the Rat King from The Strain, cause he needs a job. The ship probably needs a security officer with a coward science officer unable to accompany the commander on away missions.
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Brian McKnight - 6 8 12 Guitar Chords
Here's my attempt at a Brian McKnight classic, enjoy!
Intro
Bb F Gm7 F EbM7
Ooh, ooh
Bb F Gm7 F EbM7
Ooh, ooh
Stanza Pattern
Bb
Do you ever think about me?
Gm7
Do you ever cry yourself to sleep?
Cm7
In the middle of the night when you're awake,
F - Fsus - F
Are you calling out for me?
Dm7 (Hammer pattern)
Do you ever reminisce?
BbM7 EbM7 (Dm7)
I can't believe I'm acting like this
Cm7 F Gm7 Am7
I know it's crazy how I still can feel your kiss
Hammer Pattern
e 5 h 8 p 5 |-----------|-----------
B -----------|-6-h-8-p-6-|-----------
G -----------|-----------|-2-h-5-p-2-
D -----------|-----------|-----------
A -----------|-----------|-----------
E -----------|-----------|-----------
Chorus
Bb Gm7 - F EbM7
It's been six months, eight days, twelve hours since you went away
Bb Gm7 Dm7 (Bb) - Bbsus - Bb
I miss you so much and I don't know what to say
Cm7 F BbM7 EbM7 (Dm7)
I should be over you I should know better but it's just not the case
Cm7 F (pause)
It's been six months, eight days, twelve hours since you went away
Bridge
EbM7 Dm7
It's hard enough just passing the time
Cm7 - F - BbM7 BbM7 - Cm7 - Dm7
When I can't seem to get you off my mind
EbM7 Edim7 Dm7 G7sus G7
And where is the good in goodbye?
Cm7 F Gm7 Am7
Tell me why, tell me why
Chorus
Use Intro to fade
Intro
Bb F Gm7 F EbM7
Ooh, ooh
Bb F Gm7 F EbM7
Ooh, ooh
Stanza Pattern
Bb
Do you ever think about me?
Gm7
Do you ever cry yourself to sleep?
Cm7
In the middle of the night when you're awake,
F - Fsus - F
Are you calling out for me?
Dm7 (Hammer pattern)
Do you ever reminisce?
BbM7 EbM7 (Dm7)
I can't believe I'm acting like this
Cm7 F Gm7 Am7
I know it's crazy how I still can feel your kiss
Hammer Pattern
e 5 h 8 p 5 |-----------|-----------
B -----------|-6-h-8-p-6-|-----------
G -----------|-----------|-2-h-5-p-2-
D -----------|-----------|-----------
A -----------|-----------|-----------
E -----------|-----------|-----------
Chorus
Bb Gm7 - F EbM7
It's been six months, eight days, twelve hours since you went away
Bb Gm7 Dm7 (Bb) - Bbsus - Bb
I miss you so much and I don't know what to say
Cm7 F BbM7 EbM7 (Dm7)
I should be over you I should know better but it's just not the case
Cm7 F (pause)
It's been six months, eight days, twelve hours since you went away
Bridge
EbM7 Dm7
It's hard enough just passing the time
Cm7 - F - BbM7 BbM7 - Cm7 - Dm7
When I can't seem to get you off my mind
EbM7 Edim7 Dm7 G7sus G7
And where is the good in goodbye?
Cm7 F Gm7 Am7
Tell me why, tell me why
Chorus
Use Intro to fade
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Duranta and Garden Snails
Some of my Duranta plants started showing what I call "burn marks" on their leaves. These are black spots on the leaves, some so severe that about 50% of the area of a leaf is covered. I thought that my Durantas got some kind of plant disease. As I looked closely, one of the spots appeared to be crawling. It turned out to be a small black snail the size of a match head. I lifted the plastic pot where the Duranta was planted and found many of these small snails surrounding the pot, on the interior of the pot, and some on the leaves of the Duranta. They like to stay hidden on the underside of the leaves.
There were also several big snails, with a shell diameter of about a centimeter. The plants close to these bigger snails had more severe damage compared to those plants with only the small black snails.
I looked up ways of containing a snail infestation online and most recommend killing the snails. So I took two small bamboo sticks and used these as chopsticks, then started picking the snails off the pots and leaves and dunking these in a salt-water solution. I'm not sure I got all snails, but at least I no longer see these on the sides of the pots and underneath the leaves of the Durantas that appeared unhealthy. Will still have to check every now and then to see if some snails have evaded my initial search.
Just hope my Durantas survive the snail infestation.
There were also several big snails, with a shell diameter of about a centimeter. The plants close to these bigger snails had more severe damage compared to those plants with only the small black snails.
I looked up ways of containing a snail infestation online and most recommend killing the snails. So I took two small bamboo sticks and used these as chopsticks, then started picking the snails off the pots and leaves and dunking these in a salt-water solution. I'm not sure I got all snails, but at least I no longer see these on the sides of the pots and underneath the leaves of the Durantas that appeared unhealthy. Will still have to check every now and then to see if some snails have evaded my initial search.
Just hope my Durantas survive the snail infestation.
Sunday, September 3, 2017
PC Express Limited Warranty and Cash Price List
Bought an APC BX625CI-MS 625VA Battery Backup less than two years ago as of this writing. The unit failed last night and the circuit breaker would no longer reset. By just plugging in the unit to an outlet, a continuous tone would be heard. Power light is steady, but even if you press the power button to try and shutdown the unit, the noise would continue, and you would have to unplug the unit from the outlet.
I thought that the unit had a two-year warranty as advertised on the box it came with. But when I went to PC Express, the same shop I bought it from, they told me that items purchased from them only came with a one year warranty. This was despite the 2-year warranty label on the APC box. To process this unit, they wanted to charge me a Php 500 processing fee. They would then send the unit to APC and the processing time might take 3 to 4 weeks. And even if they return the fixed unit, its warranty would only end up being continuous, which means I could probably only use the unit for another three months before its warranty runs out.
The unit I purchased more than a year ago was priced at Php 2,850.
I couldn't wait for 4 weeks so I decided to purchase the same unit model. The price of the unit on PC Express' price list was now 3200. That's more than a 12% price increase in less than two years time. I figured I'd rather invest the 500 peso processing fee in a brand new unit than risk the old unit failing again in a couple of months.
I was expecting to get a discount from PC Express since they usually provide a discount for customers when they pay in cash. But they have what they call a "CASH basis" price list. It essentially is the same price list they have been providing all these years with the term "CASH basis" printed on it. This means, gone are the days of a cash discount from their stores. The price on the list is what you would pay if you paid with cash.
I was not a happy customer. PC Express discourages warranty claims by charging a processing fee. I got in touch with the Department of Trade and Industry and narrated my concern. (You can call them at 751-3330 local 1). According to them, in this case, PC Express shouldn't have asked for a processing because services should be free under a warranty. It should be PC Express' responsibility to spend for the shipping fee of the unit to APC's repair center because the product was still within APC's guaranteed two-year warranty.
Called up APC to see their take on the issue. (You call call their customer service hotline at 976-9999). They advised that I should have called them directly at their hotline and after troubleshooting, if the unit needs replacement, they can have a replacement shipped within 2-3 business days, or if the unit is out of stock, within a week. But APC agrees that PC Express shouldn't be charging their customers a processing fee since the unit is under the 2-year warranty.
So, if you go through the same experience I went through, if your battery backup is still within warranty, call APC directly.
I thought that the unit had a two-year warranty as advertised on the box it came with. But when I went to PC Express, the same shop I bought it from, they told me that items purchased from them only came with a one year warranty. This was despite the 2-year warranty label on the APC box. To process this unit, they wanted to charge me a Php 500 processing fee. They would then send the unit to APC and the processing time might take 3 to 4 weeks. And even if they return the fixed unit, its warranty would only end up being continuous, which means I could probably only use the unit for another three months before its warranty runs out.
The unit I purchased more than a year ago was priced at Php 2,850.
I couldn't wait for 4 weeks so I decided to purchase the same unit model. The price of the unit on PC Express' price list was now 3200. That's more than a 12% price increase in less than two years time. I figured I'd rather invest the 500 peso processing fee in a brand new unit than risk the old unit failing again in a couple of months.
I was expecting to get a discount from PC Express since they usually provide a discount for customers when they pay in cash. But they have what they call a "CASH basis" price list. It essentially is the same price list they have been providing all these years with the term "CASH basis" printed on it. This means, gone are the days of a cash discount from their stores. The price on the list is what you would pay if you paid with cash.
I was not a happy customer. PC Express discourages warranty claims by charging a processing fee. I got in touch with the Department of Trade and Industry and narrated my concern. (You can call them at 751-3330 local 1). According to them, in this case, PC Express shouldn't have asked for a processing because services should be free under a warranty. It should be PC Express' responsibility to spend for the shipping fee of the unit to APC's repair center because the product was still within APC's guaranteed two-year warranty.
Called up APC to see their take on the issue. (You call call their customer service hotline at 976-9999). They advised that I should have called them directly at their hotline and after troubleshooting, if the unit needs replacement, they can have a replacement shipped within 2-3 business days, or if the unit is out of stock, within a week. But APC agrees that PC Express shouldn't be charging their customers a processing fee since the unit is under the 2-year warranty.
So, if you go through the same experience I went through, if your battery backup is still within warranty, call APC directly.
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Windows 8 Forget Network Connection
When the repair guy for our Internet connection checked our modem, he surmised that it had no power possibly due to a lightning strike. He mentioned that another customer's modem was replaced because of the same issue.
After making sure that the Internet connection was alright, I decided to replace the security password for WiFi. One of the users of our WiFi network was using a laptop with Windows 8. She couldn't connect. I told her to "forget the old network connection" so that she could replace the password. She was having a hard time figuring out how to do this so I tried to do it for her, and I, too, had a difficult time.
The key is to right-click on the network connection you are trying to forget. That's when the "forget this network connection" option shows up. Afterwards, when you try to connect to that same network connection, it prompts you for the new WiFi security password.
Hope this helps out Windows 8 users having a hard time figuring out how to "forget" their network connection.
After making sure that the Internet connection was alright, I decided to replace the security password for WiFi. One of the users of our WiFi network was using a laptop with Windows 8. She couldn't connect. I told her to "forget the old network connection" so that she could replace the password. She was having a hard time figuring out how to do this so I tried to do it for her, and I, too, had a difficult time.
The key is to right-click on the network connection you are trying to forget. That's when the "forget this network connection" option shows up. Afterwards, when you try to connect to that same network connection, it prompts you for the new WiFi security password.
Hope this helps out Windows 8 users having a hard time figuring out how to "forget" their network connection.
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
PBA Kia Picanto At The Bottom Of The Standings
It is amazing how Coach Yeng Giao has turned NLEX around after being given about a year. And I guess some people look forward to the challenge of building a contender from a bottom feeder in the rankings.
Now, it looks like Kia Picanto - what used to be the Mahindra Floodbusters, has inherited the rank of PBA Teams bottom feeder. So, what exactly will it take to turn Kia into a contending team? And is Kia even in the PBA to compete, or is it merely there to serve as advertising for its product? Of course, no product wants to be associated with a losing team.
Maybe they should start with the head coach. Their head coach doesn't exactly have any PBA experience either as a player or as an assistant coach. Why not get Coach Erik Altamirano or Coach Alex Compton (who probably also needs a change of teams since Alaska is no longer winning under his leadership)? Even Coach Perry Ronquillo or Coach Ryan Gregorio would probably be better than the current coach of Kia. Does he have the job because no one else will take it? Who knows, Coach Yeng Giao might just take on the challenge of turning Kia around after NLEX wins a championship. And don't say Manny is the coach. We all love Manny. He's a national hero and treasure. But leave the coaching duties to someone who has been in the PBA, again either as a player or tactician.
After getting a better coach, the next step would be to land one or two star players. There isn't any player in the current Kia roster that stands out. But there are up and coming young players in the Gilas pool who haven't even signed with any team. Out of Ravena, Paras, and Parks, Ravena is probably the best player to build a team around on, if he wants the job that is.
Next step would be to try to get some of the good second stringers in the PBA. Why not make a play for a Tautua, Espinas, Agovida, Ganuellas-Rosser, Pringle (cause he's probably tired of Romeo's shadow), Abueva (cause he's probably tired of the many times Alaska has lost), Grey, Mariano, Melton, Chan, Almazan etc. Baguio could also be out of a job soon since Wright will inherit that shooter role in Phoenix. Yeo might still be decent. And Barocca might want out now that Jalalon is being groomed for the point guard spot.
And scout the D-League for up and coming talent.
Or Kia could just wait until Kai Sotto is eligible to play in the PBA. And then build a team around him.
It sucks to be at the bottom. But if there's anything we can learn from NLEX, any team can rise from that lowest rung and become a contender. The players just have to get tired of becoming the punching bag of the PBA.
Now, it looks like Kia Picanto - what used to be the Mahindra Floodbusters, has inherited the rank of PBA Teams bottom feeder. So, what exactly will it take to turn Kia into a contending team? And is Kia even in the PBA to compete, or is it merely there to serve as advertising for its product? Of course, no product wants to be associated with a losing team.
Maybe they should start with the head coach. Their head coach doesn't exactly have any PBA experience either as a player or as an assistant coach. Why not get Coach Erik Altamirano or Coach Alex Compton (who probably also needs a change of teams since Alaska is no longer winning under his leadership)? Even Coach Perry Ronquillo or Coach Ryan Gregorio would probably be better than the current coach of Kia. Does he have the job because no one else will take it? Who knows, Coach Yeng Giao might just take on the challenge of turning Kia around after NLEX wins a championship. And don't say Manny is the coach. We all love Manny. He's a national hero and treasure. But leave the coaching duties to someone who has been in the PBA, again either as a player or tactician.
After getting a better coach, the next step would be to land one or two star players. There isn't any player in the current Kia roster that stands out. But there are up and coming young players in the Gilas pool who haven't even signed with any team. Out of Ravena, Paras, and Parks, Ravena is probably the best player to build a team around on, if he wants the job that is.
Next step would be to try to get some of the good second stringers in the PBA. Why not make a play for a Tautua, Espinas, Agovida, Ganuellas-Rosser, Pringle (cause he's probably tired of Romeo's shadow), Abueva (cause he's probably tired of the many times Alaska has lost), Grey, Mariano, Melton, Chan, Almazan etc. Baguio could also be out of a job soon since Wright will inherit that shooter role in Phoenix. Yeo might still be decent. And Barocca might want out now that Jalalon is being groomed for the point guard spot.
And scout the D-League for up and coming talent.
Or Kia could just wait until Kai Sotto is eligible to play in the PBA. And then build a team around him.
It sucks to be at the bottom. But if there's anything we can learn from NLEX, any team can rise from that lowest rung and become a contender. The players just have to get tired of becoming the punching bag of the PBA.
Thursday, July 6, 2017
The Deele Two Occasions Guitar Chords
Here's my chord attempt at a great old song by The Deele. Hope you like it!
Two Occasions
Stanza Pattern
CM7
A summer love is beautiful
Am7
But it's not enough
Dm
To satisfy emotions
G
That are shared between us
Repeat Stanza Pattern
A winter love is cozy
But I need so much more
It just intensifies my wants
To have a love that endures
Refrain Pattern
(F -) Em Am7
Cause every time I close my eyes
(F -) Em
I think of you
Am7
And no matter what the season is
Dm
I still love you
Em Am7
With all my heart
Dm
And I wanna be with you
G
Wherever you are
Chorus Pattern
CM7 Am7
I only think of you on two occasions
Dm G
That's day and night
(F -) Em Am7
I'd go for broke if I could be with you
Dm G
Only you can make it right
Repeat Stanza Pattern
An autumn love is special
At this time of the year
But when the leaves are gone
Repeat Stanza Pattern
Does that love disappear
I never underestimate the new love of spring
But I'm glad to say in my heart
I know my love's lasting
Repeat Refrain Pattern
Cause every time I close my eyes
I think of you
And no matter what the season is
I still love you
With all my heart
And I wanna be with you
Wherever you are
Repeat Chorus twice
Repeat Refrain Pattern
Cause every time I close my eyes
I think of you
And no matter what the season is
I still love you
With all my heart
And I wanna be with you
Wherever you are
Repeat Chorus twice
Two Occasions
Stanza Pattern
CM7
A summer love is beautiful
Am7
But it's not enough
Dm
To satisfy emotions
G
That are shared between us
Repeat Stanza Pattern
A winter love is cozy
But I need so much more
It just intensifies my wants
To have a love that endures
Refrain Pattern
(F -) Em Am7
Cause every time I close my eyes
(F -) Em
I think of you
Am7
And no matter what the season is
Dm
I still love you
Em Am7
With all my heart
Dm
And I wanna be with you
G
Wherever you are
Chorus Pattern
CM7 Am7
I only think of you on two occasions
Dm G
That's day and night
(F -) Em Am7
I'd go for broke if I could be with you
Dm G
Only you can make it right
Repeat Stanza Pattern
An autumn love is special
At this time of the year
But when the leaves are gone
Repeat Stanza Pattern
Does that love disappear
I never underestimate the new love of spring
But I'm glad to say in my heart
I know my love's lasting
Repeat Refrain Pattern
Cause every time I close my eyes
I think of you
And no matter what the season is
I still love you
With all my heart
And I wanna be with you
Wherever you are
Repeat Chorus twice
Repeat Refrain Pattern
Cause every time I close my eyes
I think of you
And no matter what the season is
I still love you
With all my heart
And I wanna be with you
Wherever you are
Repeat Chorus twice
AVG Error: UI Failed to load.
Got this error early today when I tried to open AVG Antivirus:
UI Failed to load.
This is really embarassing.
AV service is not responding.
There were two buttons afterwards, EXIT and RESTART SERVICE.
I tried the RESTART SERVICE button but still ended up with the same result.
Tried to REPAIR AVG via Uninstall programs in Control Panel. Still no go.
Tried to disable AV service from my startup items using MSCONFIG. Still no go.
So, I uninstalled all AVG programs via Uninstall programs in Control Panel. I also downloaded the latest AVG installer, ANTIVIRUS_FREE_1856, as of this writing.
After restarting, I installed AVG using the installer. Then updated my virus definitions and ran a DEEP SCAN. All seems to be working well. I restarted my PC just to be sure that the same error no longer comes up. All was well. Hope these steps help you out, too, in case you're getting the same error message above.
UI Failed to load.
This is really embarassing.
AV service is not responding.
There were two buttons afterwards, EXIT and RESTART SERVICE.
I tried the RESTART SERVICE button but still ended up with the same result.
Tried to REPAIR AVG via Uninstall programs in Control Panel. Still no go.
Tried to disable AV service from my startup items using MSCONFIG. Still no go.
So, I uninstalled all AVG programs via Uninstall programs in Control Panel. I also downloaded the latest AVG installer, ANTIVIRUS_FREE_1856, as of this writing.
After restarting, I installed AVG using the installer. Then updated my virus definitions and ran a DEEP SCAN. All seems to be working well. I restarted my PC just to be sure that the same error no longer comes up. All was well. Hope these steps help you out, too, in case you're getting the same error message above.
Monday, July 3, 2017
Clash Royale 2 vs 2
Clash Royale 2 vs 2 has been the most fun gaming experience I've had on my mobile phone to date. It reminds me of the time I've spent on Starcraft, or Generals, or DOTA - where you are about to pulverize your opponent's base as a group. And there's also the thrill of coming back from a game where you are about to lose your base, but a timely counter, a fireball, or rocket to a weak tower, gains you the win when time is down to 00:00. And what's great about it is it is happening on your mobile phone.
2 vs 2 requires team work and familiarity with what each kind of unit does, especially those you rarely use in your deck. It is easy to spot if there is synergy between two teammates or not. And once your opponent sees this, they can easily take advantage of the situation.
The only thing I hate about 2 vs 2 is when your teammate goes offline - perhaps because of a lag in his internet connection, and you are forced to handle two players on your own. But I guess it is part of the game, but I wish there was a way to level the playing field when this happens, maybe allow you to control your opponent's deck, too, just to prevent from being overwhelmed by two player's combined forces.
It would be amazing to see if this game can expand to 3 vs 3, 4 vs 4 or even 5 vs 5. You would probably need a bigger map. And I don't know if you would then be forced to focus on a single unit - then it would be too much like DOTA.
But the Clash universe has already made a big investment in getting their characters recognized, that might just be the next step when Clash Royale losses steam. Still, for now, 2 vs 2 is too fun to pass up. Wish the tournament for 2 vs 2 always has a free entry, that was, I don't have to waste gems on losses. It's already a tough environment, I've yet to get to 10 wins. But it's really lots of fun, and if I could forego the payment of gems, I'd be more willing to experiment with my deck combinations instead of sticking to tried and tested ones.
Thank you, Clash Royale development team for coming up with ways to make this game better. May the game play continue to improve.
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Skycable Digibox HD - USB Videos Have No Sound
In case you've tried to play video files on a USB drive using the USB port of your Skycable Digibox HD, you might notice that your videos have no sound. To play a video file, go to MENU > MUSIC / PHOTOS > VIDEOS and if your storage device is recognized, you should be able to see a list of files that you can play. Press the PLAY button, and the video should start playing in preview mode. To maximize the screen, press the left red button at the top of your Skycable remote control. If your video is playing but doesn't have any sound, even if your regular Skycable channels have sound, you can try doing the following as a work around, in the hopes of getting sound.
- Try to fast forward the video a bit
- Press the PLAY button.
- Your Video should now have sound
This trick worked for me and I hope it can help out others who are experiencing the same issue. If in the process, you also lose sound on your Skycable channels, try powering off your Skycable Digibox and television for about five seconds, then powering them back on.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Downward Dog 2017
Possible spoilers:
So far, the show has introduced Martin, his owner, her boss, her boyfriend, and Martin's cat nemesis. It would be interesting to see if a lot of talking animals will have a part in the show, kind of like the movie Babe.
I don't know if Martin will somehow get lost and travel around helping people, or if every episode will be him interacting with his owner. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
DFA Passport Renewal 2017
I tried the DFA online appointment system. I was scheduled over a month ago. When I arrived on my designated time slot, 3 to 4 in the afternoon, there were about 50 people ahead of me. Is the processing time so quick that they can fit in 50 people within that time frame?
Then, I realized that the 50 people were all mixtures of new applicants, renewals, and perhaps other reasons for having an appointment with the DFA. It would have been nice if they separated renewals from new applicants. That is probably one step in streamlining the process.
Second, there should probably be an OIC checking if the applicant has all the necessary requirements before telling the applicant to wait in line. After waiting for about 45 minutes, and finally being let inside the DFA processing area, the checker who was receiving photocopies of I.D.s told me that they needed my birth certificate. I presented them with the original NSO issued birth certificate, but they said it has to be the green one issued by the PSA. I know that in a bureaucratic setting, workers are probably just concerned with following the rules so that they don't get in trouble with their superiors. But I cannot understand why renewing a passport requires a birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) when I already have an old birth certificate issued by the NSO. And my date of birth and place of birth has already been established in my old passport which I applied for in 2009. (Renewals, in my opinion, should no longer require a birth certificate. And as far as the PSA is concerned, all they do is enlarge the original Birth Certificate. So if the original details on the birth certificate are not clear, you practically have a useless document. If they are going to charge 315 pesos for the document, then they should at least have all the information on the original document printed and verified along with the birth certificate they send to the person so that the DFA cannot say that some of the fields are unclear. But again, instead of requiring a birth certificate, the DFA should just be able to verify a person's date of birth and place of birth from the PSA since these are the only fields required for a passport.)
Also, I cannot understand why the DFA has to keep the original birth certificate? That costs 315 pesos to apply for online and will take between 3 to 5 working days to arrive by courier after payment has been made. Is the PSA without a government budget that they need to partner with the DFA in order to earn money. What did the DFA do with my original birth certificate record? Throw it away or incinerated it? And that was only eight years ago.
Shouldn't government agencies be able to cross-check records with one another? Why does the Philippine Government have to be so backward in the age when people post Instragram photos regularly? Isn't it enough that the government earns so much on taxation - that there's plenty of opportunities for corrupt officials to pocket huge amounts? 950 pesos to get DFA approval to travel abroad. 315 pesos to get PSA's approval for whatever you are applying for - job, passport, etc. Plus fees for the government I.D. which you will need as an additional requirement. It's like each agency is trying to make money by being a blocker for whatever you are applying for.
I pity the new graduates and people who are applying for a job for the first time. You haven't even started earning an income, and the government is already milking you for money. Why does a printed document have to cost 315 pesos when a photocopy only costs 50 centavos. Same thing with a driver's license - 350 for an I.D. that can't even be supplied on time. Then there's NBI, BIR, SSS, Philhealth, Pagibig... the list goes on and on with every agency wanting to take money out of your pocket.
If government agencies would just coordinate with one another, there wouldn't be a need to get a birth certificate and photocopies of a government I.D. All one would do is give one's name and an inter-connected network of government agencies should be able to check your birth certificate, current valid government issued I.D., and personal information. Why fill out an online sheet if Step 3 at the DFA still requires the DFA personnel to re-enter your personal details. Why re-input your fingerprints if the NBI already does this? Why re-enter your signature if the PRC, and any other government I.D. you apply for requires this?
The government should help ease the burden of it's citizens, not make their lives more miserable. There is a lot of redundancy in government agencies, because quite frankly, that is the only way the government can create jobs sometimes. But if majority of the jobs that government provides are careers as pencil pushers and gatekeepers, you can't expect this country to develop innovative minds that are focused on value creation.
Cost of Applying for a Passport as of this writing:
Birth Certificate ------ 315 pesos
Regular Passport ----- 950 pesos (15 working days wait period)
-------------------------------------
Total Cost ------------ 1265 pesos
Optional Additional Costs
Courier delivery ------ 150 pesos (Passport delivered at your doorstep)
Express Passport ----- 250 pesos (Additional charge to cut down waiting period to 7 working days)
-------------------------------------
Total Cost ------------ 1665 pesos
Isn't it enough that we pay our taxes when it is automatically deducted from our payslips and from the goods and services we avail of? A government can become too greedy in that it has to make it's services a money-making scheme, too. A government should support its citizens and help them become productive. A productive citizen will be able to generate income that can be used to pay for taxes. A printed piece of paper shouldn't cost 315 pesos when printing out a page from a computer shop is only 25 pesos and sending it by courier is 150 pesos. A photocopier inside a government agency should not charge 3 pesos per page of a xeroxed document when a regular photocopier would only charge 0.5 pesos. And an organization should not be charging 1720 pesos for a certificate of good standing needed to apply for a PRC license. (Yes, granted that the organization says that the certificate of good standing is only 20 pesos, but you can't avail of it without paying for their membership fee.) Then take into account the monthly penalties for not renewing the PRC license when the government isn't penalized at all for not issuing driver's licenses and car plates on time.
I've probably gone off-topic, but I'm just dissatisfied with the way our government is being run despite the promised change that should have come.
Then, I realized that the 50 people were all mixtures of new applicants, renewals, and perhaps other reasons for having an appointment with the DFA. It would have been nice if they separated renewals from new applicants. That is probably one step in streamlining the process.
Second, there should probably be an OIC checking if the applicant has all the necessary requirements before telling the applicant to wait in line. After waiting for about 45 minutes, and finally being let inside the DFA processing area, the checker who was receiving photocopies of I.D.s told me that they needed my birth certificate. I presented them with the original NSO issued birth certificate, but they said it has to be the green one issued by the PSA. I know that in a bureaucratic setting, workers are probably just concerned with following the rules so that they don't get in trouble with their superiors. But I cannot understand why renewing a passport requires a birth certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) when I already have an old birth certificate issued by the NSO. And my date of birth and place of birth has already been established in my old passport which I applied for in 2009. (Renewals, in my opinion, should no longer require a birth certificate. And as far as the PSA is concerned, all they do is enlarge the original Birth Certificate. So if the original details on the birth certificate are not clear, you practically have a useless document. If they are going to charge 315 pesos for the document, then they should at least have all the information on the original document printed and verified along with the birth certificate they send to the person so that the DFA cannot say that some of the fields are unclear. But again, instead of requiring a birth certificate, the DFA should just be able to verify a person's date of birth and place of birth from the PSA since these are the only fields required for a passport.)
Also, I cannot understand why the DFA has to keep the original birth certificate? That costs 315 pesos to apply for online and will take between 3 to 5 working days to arrive by courier after payment has been made. Is the PSA without a government budget that they need to partner with the DFA in order to earn money. What did the DFA do with my original birth certificate record? Throw it away or incinerated it? And that was only eight years ago.
Shouldn't government agencies be able to cross-check records with one another? Why does the Philippine Government have to be so backward in the age when people post Instragram photos regularly? Isn't it enough that the government earns so much on taxation - that there's plenty of opportunities for corrupt officials to pocket huge amounts? 950 pesos to get DFA approval to travel abroad. 315 pesos to get PSA's approval for whatever you are applying for - job, passport, etc. Plus fees for the government I.D. which you will need as an additional requirement. It's like each agency is trying to make money by being a blocker for whatever you are applying for.
I pity the new graduates and people who are applying for a job for the first time. You haven't even started earning an income, and the government is already milking you for money. Why does a printed document have to cost 315 pesos when a photocopy only costs 50 centavos. Same thing with a driver's license - 350 for an I.D. that can't even be supplied on time. Then there's NBI, BIR, SSS, Philhealth, Pagibig... the list goes on and on with every agency wanting to take money out of your pocket.
If government agencies would just coordinate with one another, there wouldn't be a need to get a birth certificate and photocopies of a government I.D. All one would do is give one's name and an inter-connected network of government agencies should be able to check your birth certificate, current valid government issued I.D., and personal information. Why fill out an online sheet if Step 3 at the DFA still requires the DFA personnel to re-enter your personal details. Why re-input your fingerprints if the NBI already does this? Why re-enter your signature if the PRC, and any other government I.D. you apply for requires this?
The government should help ease the burden of it's citizens, not make their lives more miserable. There is a lot of redundancy in government agencies, because quite frankly, that is the only way the government can create jobs sometimes. But if majority of the jobs that government provides are careers as pencil pushers and gatekeepers, you can't expect this country to develop innovative minds that are focused on value creation.
Cost of Applying for a Passport as of this writing:
Birth Certificate ------ 315 pesos
Regular Passport ----- 950 pesos (15 working days wait period)
-------------------------------------
Total Cost ------------ 1265 pesos
Optional Additional Costs
Courier delivery ------ 150 pesos (Passport delivered at your doorstep)
Express Passport ----- 250 pesos (Additional charge to cut down waiting period to 7 working days)
-------------------------------------
Total Cost ------------ 1665 pesos
Isn't it enough that we pay our taxes when it is automatically deducted from our payslips and from the goods and services we avail of? A government can become too greedy in that it has to make it's services a money-making scheme, too. A government should support its citizens and help them become productive. A productive citizen will be able to generate income that can be used to pay for taxes. A printed piece of paper shouldn't cost 315 pesos when printing out a page from a computer shop is only 25 pesos and sending it by courier is 150 pesos. A photocopier inside a government agency should not charge 3 pesos per page of a xeroxed document when a regular photocopier would only charge 0.5 pesos. And an organization should not be charging 1720 pesos for a certificate of good standing needed to apply for a PRC license. (Yes, granted that the organization says that the certificate of good standing is only 20 pesos, but you can't avail of it without paying for their membership fee.) Then take into account the monthly penalties for not renewing the PRC license when the government isn't penalized at all for not issuing driver's licenses and car plates on time.
I've probably gone off-topic, but I'm just dissatisfied with the way our government is being run despite the promised change that should have come.
Saturday, May 13, 2017
The Flash Episode 21: Savitar's Origin Unsatisfactorily Explained
Spoiler Alert:
My head hurts. I'm trying to understand the explanation of Savitar's origin, but it just doesn't work for me. Savitar is Barry Allen's time remnant. Four years into the future, Barry Allen creates several time remnants to try and stop Savitar. So, if this was the case, who was the first Savitar? It couldn't have been the time remnant at the very first instance of Savitar's appearance. The writers could actually use this loophole to create a new storyline of the very first Savitar, and could probably borrow from comic book lore.
And Savitar, is for me, at this point of the show, is technically a speedster suit. So, it doesn't make sense at this point that Barry Allen created it cause Barry, despite being a scientist, isn't exactly a builder like Cisco. It could have been created by some other being, perhaps from some alien dimension. It could also have been created by Cisco and Team Flash, but for what purpose... before falling into the hands of the first Savitar - the one who isn't Barry Allen's time remnant. That way, continuity is established and this whole story line, despite being purely fiction, will sound more logical.
And unlike Arrow, which seems to be nearing the end of the series, there are still a lot of stories to explore in the Flash. We haven't even encountered Max Mercury, and Bart Allen - despite episode 21's attempt at making a pun at the expense of Barry's memory loss. It kind of sucks that the ultimate villain always seems to be a speedster. But I guess all heroes always go against a villainous version of themselves. Which I guess is the comic book world's way of saying that we are our own worst enemy - and it is up to us to make sure that the better version succeeds at the end of the day.
My head hurts. I'm trying to understand the explanation of Savitar's origin, but it just doesn't work for me. Savitar is Barry Allen's time remnant. Four years into the future, Barry Allen creates several time remnants to try and stop Savitar. So, if this was the case, who was the first Savitar? It couldn't have been the time remnant at the very first instance of Savitar's appearance. The writers could actually use this loophole to create a new storyline of the very first Savitar, and could probably borrow from comic book lore.
And Savitar, is for me, at this point of the show, is technically a speedster suit. So, it doesn't make sense at this point that Barry Allen created it cause Barry, despite being a scientist, isn't exactly a builder like Cisco. It could have been created by some other being, perhaps from some alien dimension. It could also have been created by Cisco and Team Flash, but for what purpose... before falling into the hands of the first Savitar - the one who isn't Barry Allen's time remnant. That way, continuity is established and this whole story line, despite being purely fiction, will sound more logical.
And unlike Arrow, which seems to be nearing the end of the series, there are still a lot of stories to explore in the Flash. We haven't even encountered Max Mercury, and Bart Allen - despite episode 21's attempt at making a pun at the expense of Barry's memory loss. It kind of sucks that the ultimate villain always seems to be a speedster. But I guess all heroes always go against a villainous version of themselves. Which I guess is the comic book world's way of saying that we are our own worst enemy - and it is up to us to make sure that the better version succeeds at the end of the day.
Monday, May 8, 2017
Zarks Burgers
Zarks Burgers has been around for a long time, but yesterday was the first time I was able to try it because most days, the places are swarming with customers. And I finally understood why. Their servings are hefty for their price. There were five of us and we only ended up paying around two hundred pesos per person.
I've tried Jollibee burgers, McDonalds burgers, Burger King burgers, Wham burgers, Army Navy burgers, and Wendy's burgers. And I can say that Zarks is somewhere in between that burger spectrum. Jollibee, McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's burger patties are too small for their prices. And they skimp on their vegetables. So if you go for these burgers, chances are, you still are not satisfied after having one. Army Navy and Wham give quality burgers - sometimes the meat is so heavy, you can't even finish a single burger. But they can be a bit expensive. A Zarks burger is just in the middle. Not to heavy on the tummy, but just right for a filling meal.
And they have mustard in their restaurants, something I think every burger fastfood should have. Mustard isn't just for hotdogs. Mustard with ketchup is great on a burger.
And one thing I also liked was their onion rings. I have tried Burger King onion rings and I have stayed away from these ever since and stuck with french fries. But Zarks onion rings are really great. I don't get overwhelmed with that annoying onion taste. It's really very subtle.
So if you're feeling a bit adventurous and want to try a new burger chain, then I would recommend Zarks. I don't think they deliver yet, which is too bad, but maybe later on, they'll catch up with Jollibee, McDonalds, and Army Navy, and begin delivering burgers at your door step, too.
I've tried Jollibee burgers, McDonalds burgers, Burger King burgers, Wham burgers, Army Navy burgers, and Wendy's burgers. And I can say that Zarks is somewhere in between that burger spectrum. Jollibee, McDonalds, Burger King and Wendy's burger patties are too small for their prices. And they skimp on their vegetables. So if you go for these burgers, chances are, you still are not satisfied after having one. Army Navy and Wham give quality burgers - sometimes the meat is so heavy, you can't even finish a single burger. But they can be a bit expensive. A Zarks burger is just in the middle. Not to heavy on the tummy, but just right for a filling meal.
And they have mustard in their restaurants, something I think every burger fastfood should have. Mustard isn't just for hotdogs. Mustard with ketchup is great on a burger.
And one thing I also liked was their onion rings. I have tried Burger King onion rings and I have stayed away from these ever since and stuck with french fries. But Zarks onion rings are really great. I don't get overwhelmed with that annoying onion taste. It's really very subtle.
So if you're feeling a bit adventurous and want to try a new burger chain, then I would recommend Zarks. I don't think they deliver yet, which is too bad, but maybe later on, they'll catch up with Jollibee, McDonalds, and Army Navy, and begin delivering burgers at your door step, too.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
The Expanse TV Series 2017
This show is already in its second season, and the reason I haven't
really written about it before was because its development was a bit
slow paced for me. In a nut shell, season one was about the discovery of
the Proto molecule - the first evidence of life that wasn't of earthly
origin.
This show is the closest thing sci-fi fans have to a Star Trek like series nowadays. And so far, mankind has only been able to colonize Earth, Mars, and some parts of the Asteroid Belt. But mankind has been split into three factions, each trying to gain an advantage over the other, and the Proto molecule might just be the key in terms of building a superior military force. Some scientists have tried to merge humans with the alien tech to try and create new soldiers. But, me thinks working with alien tech is a bad idea. Predictions: the human factions might have to unite as one to beat this alien threat.
If you enjoy politics in a sci-fi series, this show sure has plenty of that. There haven't really been any mind blowing technologies featured on the show that geeks and nerds haven't seen on Star Trek or in movies like Iron Man or the X-men. It would be cool if they would feature mechanized suits that could help battle the alien threat. So far, their weapons and suits are more ala Mass Effect or Star Ship Troopers. But I guess the creators of the show are trying to be realistic with the tech humans can achieve.
One of the logos on the show kind of reminds me of the Federation logo. I guess if other alien species were to appear on the show, that would kind of make it cheesy like Defiance. Maybe for later seasons, but for now, a human focused show is actually a working formula for me.
It's also good that the ship's crew is kind of in flux at the moment. It reminds me of how the Voyager crew was formed. I have a feeling the big Aussie-accented Martian woman will become part of the crew at some point. Might even be a love-interest for Amos. And it sure wouldn't hurt to add a blond girl at some point.
And a big thank you for killing off the detective character. I didn't think he was actually of help to the show. And right now, the potty-mouthed female ambassador is the most interesting character for me. She should always have some kind of ace up her sleeve to show just how good of a strategist she is.
This show is the closest thing sci-fi fans have to a Star Trek like series nowadays. And so far, mankind has only been able to colonize Earth, Mars, and some parts of the Asteroid Belt. But mankind has been split into three factions, each trying to gain an advantage over the other, and the Proto molecule might just be the key in terms of building a superior military force. Some scientists have tried to merge humans with the alien tech to try and create new soldiers. But, me thinks working with alien tech is a bad idea. Predictions: the human factions might have to unite as one to beat this alien threat.
If you enjoy politics in a sci-fi series, this show sure has plenty of that. There haven't really been any mind blowing technologies featured on the show that geeks and nerds haven't seen on Star Trek or in movies like Iron Man or the X-men. It would be cool if they would feature mechanized suits that could help battle the alien threat. So far, their weapons and suits are more ala Mass Effect or Star Ship Troopers. But I guess the creators of the show are trying to be realistic with the tech humans can achieve.
One of the logos on the show kind of reminds me of the Federation logo. I guess if other alien species were to appear on the show, that would kind of make it cheesy like Defiance. Maybe for later seasons, but for now, a human focused show is actually a working formula for me.
It's also good that the ship's crew is kind of in flux at the moment. It reminds me of how the Voyager crew was formed. I have a feeling the big Aussie-accented Martian woman will become part of the crew at some point. Might even be a love-interest for Amos. And it sure wouldn't hurt to add a blond girl at some point.
And a big thank you for killing off the detective character. I didn't think he was actually of help to the show. And right now, the potty-mouthed female ambassador is the most interesting character for me. She should always have some kind of ace up her sleeve to show just how good of a strategist she is.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Revisiting The Hundred Islands
Note: prices are as of the time of the writing of the article
It has been more than twenty years since I've been to The Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan. Years ago, there were still islands which you would consider as untouched. They were simply islands that your boat lands on, and you're pretty much on your own. If you didn't bring a tent with you, you'ld have to sleep under the stars. And there were no portable toilets on the island, so you would have to find an area where you could pee or poop privately.
Now, there are stores on the island and portable toilets. Some vendors will even offer to cook crabs for you at 300 pesos a kilo. And most of the islands that have beaches you can land on have some kind of cemented wall stating the name of the island. Some islands now have lights powered by solar panels. Some have concrete cottages that you have to rent for 600 pesos. Some islands have zip lines so that you could travel from one to the other. The islands now also have a marshal. And I guess the biggest change for me was the statue of Christ which can be seen from the Alaminos port.
There are so many people now. It might be because everyone was on vacation during the Holy Week. But it is hard to appreciate a beach when there are a group of people every ten feet. Years ago, we only shared a whole island with one or two families.
The boat ride now has a flat fee of 1400 pesos plus 80 pesos per head. There were five of us so we had to pay 1800. The trip from the Alaminos port to one of the nearer islands would probably be about an hour away. And you have to make sure you take a trip early in the morning. By 3 p.m., the port refuses to give boarding passes to tourists because the waves can become too dangerous for travelling.
I asked our boatman how long he had been doing his job for a living. He said that he stated out when he was 17 years old and now, he is 55 years old. I asked him if he ever got tired of it. He said that it helps feed his family, and that tourism is only viable from December to May. He fishes for the other months of the year.
I wonder if the government can help out these boatmen by providing them with solar panels and electric motors for their boats. That way, they could save on the cost of diesel or gasoline fuel. I've seen a diesel motor boat in Venice converted to a solar powered electric motor.
We only spent a few hours on the island unlike before when we slept on the island. A vacation that is full of stress isn't a vacation at all. Perhaps the 2000 plus pesos we spent could be better used on a hotel room with hot water, air-condition, cable TV, wifi and a swimming pool.
It has been more than twenty years since I've been to The Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan. Years ago, there were still islands which you would consider as untouched. They were simply islands that your boat lands on, and you're pretty much on your own. If you didn't bring a tent with you, you'ld have to sleep under the stars. And there were no portable toilets on the island, so you would have to find an area where you could pee or poop privately.
Now, there are stores on the island and portable toilets. Some vendors will even offer to cook crabs for you at 300 pesos a kilo. And most of the islands that have beaches you can land on have some kind of cemented wall stating the name of the island. Some islands now have lights powered by solar panels. Some have concrete cottages that you have to rent for 600 pesos. Some islands have zip lines so that you could travel from one to the other. The islands now also have a marshal. And I guess the biggest change for me was the statue of Christ which can be seen from the Alaminos port.
There are so many people now. It might be because everyone was on vacation during the Holy Week. But it is hard to appreciate a beach when there are a group of people every ten feet. Years ago, we only shared a whole island with one or two families.
The boat ride now has a flat fee of 1400 pesos plus 80 pesos per head. There were five of us so we had to pay 1800. The trip from the Alaminos port to one of the nearer islands would probably be about an hour away. And you have to make sure you take a trip early in the morning. By 3 p.m., the port refuses to give boarding passes to tourists because the waves can become too dangerous for travelling.
I asked our boatman how long he had been doing his job for a living. He said that he stated out when he was 17 years old and now, he is 55 years old. I asked him if he ever got tired of it. He said that it helps feed his family, and that tourism is only viable from December to May. He fishes for the other months of the year.
I wonder if the government can help out these boatmen by providing them with solar panels and electric motors for their boats. That way, they could save on the cost of diesel or gasoline fuel. I've seen a diesel motor boat in Venice converted to a solar powered electric motor.
We only spent a few hours on the island unlike before when we slept on the island. A vacation that is full of stress isn't a vacation at all. Perhaps the 2000 plus pesos we spent could be better used on a hotel room with hot water, air-condition, cable TV, wifi and a swimming pool.
Sunday, March 12, 2017
John Mayer's Still Feel Like Your Man Chords
Here's my chord attempt at Still Feel Like Your Man by John Mayer. Hope you like it.
Intro
I still feel like your man
I still feel like your man
I still feel
I still feel
I still feel like your man
Stanza Pattern
DM7 A7sus
The prettiest girl in the room she wants me
DM7 A7sus
I know because she told me so
DM7 A7sus
She says come over
DM7 A7sus
I'd like to get to know you But I just don't think I can
Chorus Pattern
Em Asus - A
'Cause I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A
Still feel like your man
Em Asus - A
I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A (DM7 - A7sus transition to stanza)
Still feel like your man I still feel like your man
Stanza Pattern
DM7 A7sus
I still keep your shampoo in my shower
DM7 A7sus
In case you wanna wash your hair
DM7 A7sus
And I know that you probably found yourself someone somewhere
DM7 A7sus
But I do not really care 'Cause as long as it is there
Chorus Pattern
Em Asus - A
'Cause I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A
Still feel like your man
Em Asus - A
I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A (DM7 - A7sus transition to stanza)
Still feel like your man I still feel like your man
Bridge
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
----- -----
e x x
B 6 1
G 7 2
D 5 0
A 6 1
E x x
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
Still like the letters in your name and how they feel, babe
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
Still think I'm never gonna find another you
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
Still like to leave the party early and go home, babe
Ebma9
And don't you know, babe
A - Asus - A (repeatedly)
I'd rather sit here on my own and be alone, babe
Chorus Pattern
Em Asus - A
'Cause I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A
Still feel like your man
Em Asus - A
I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A (DM7)
Still feel like your man I still feel like your man
Intro
I still feel like your man
I still feel like your man
I still feel
I still feel
I still feel like your man
Stanza Pattern
DM7 A7sus
The prettiest girl in the room she wants me
DM7 A7sus
I know because she told me so
DM7 A7sus
She says come over
DM7 A7sus
I'd like to get to know you But I just don't think I can
Chorus Pattern
Em Asus - A
'Cause I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A
Still feel like your man
Em Asus - A
I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A (DM7 - A7sus transition to stanza)
Still feel like your man I still feel like your man
Stanza Pattern
DM7 A7sus
I still keep your shampoo in my shower
DM7 A7sus
In case you wanna wash your hair
DM7 A7sus
And I know that you probably found yourself someone somewhere
DM7 A7sus
But I do not really care 'Cause as long as it is there
Chorus Pattern
Em Asus - A
'Cause I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A
Still feel like your man
Em Asus - A
I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A (DM7 - A7sus transition to stanza)
Still feel like your man I still feel like your man
Bridge
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
----- -----
e x x
B 6 1
G 7 2
D 5 0
A 6 1
E x x
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
Still like the letters in your name and how they feel, babe
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
Still think I'm never gonna find another you
Ebma9 Bbma7sus2
Still like to leave the party early and go home, babe
Ebma9
And don't you know, babe
A - Asus - A (repeatedly)
I'd rather sit here on my own and be alone, babe
Chorus Pattern
Em Asus - A
'Cause I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A
Still feel like your man
Em Asus - A
I still feel like your man
F#7 Bm7 - A (DM7)
Still feel like your man I still feel like your man
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Front Panel Headphone Audio Jack Not Working on Neutron Ion casing
Had a faulty tower power switch so I headed over to PC Express to see if they had parts for the tower's front panel. It turns out, you have to buy a new casing even if the faulty part is only the switch. So I asked for the cheapest available computer casing and they offered the Neutron Ion 1022qm. The price was 1,080 pesos. And it had no warranty. This was the first item I ever purchased from PC Express without a warranty. My spider senses were tingling. But being low on funds, I purchased it anyway.
Had to transfer everything from my old tower into the new tower except for the power supply, since the case came with a 700 Watt one. After plugging in the mobo, with CPU and RAM, I tried to power it on, and the tower was running properly. That solved the power switch issue. Plugged in the HD, DVD Drive, and LAN card. All is still good. Tested the USB ports. Still good.
So I thought that everything was working properly until I tried playing music. I got a speaker icon with a red circle and white x mark at the bottom right corner of my screen. It was saying I had bad drivers installed, which did not make sense since I didn't do an OS re-installation. So I checked the front panel audio connections and to make a long story short, the new casing came with Legacy AC'97 compliant pins for the audio connection while my motherboard already supported an HD-audio compliant configuration. So after searching for a solution on YouTube, it turns out, I had to re-install my audio drivers using my motherboard's drivers and utilities CD and make sure that Realtek HD Audio Manager is installed. To find this program once you finish re-installing your audio drivers, just go to Control Panel and make sure you are viewing Large Icons.
Once Realtek HD Audio Manager is installed, click on the screw driver icon for Connector settings and then check Disable front panel jack detection. Also click on the gear icon for Device advanced settings and check Mute the rear output device when a front headphone plugged in.
Finally try plugging in your headphones on either the headphone jack or the mic jack at the front of the tower. I don't know if this is an isolated case, but my headphones worked when I plugged them at the microphone jack. I don't have a mic so I haven't tested if a mic will work at the headphone jack. Hope this helps out other people who might have purchased a Neutron Ion casing.
Had to transfer everything from my old tower into the new tower except for the power supply, since the case came with a 700 Watt one. After plugging in the mobo, with CPU and RAM, I tried to power it on, and the tower was running properly. That solved the power switch issue. Plugged in the HD, DVD Drive, and LAN card. All is still good. Tested the USB ports. Still good.
So I thought that everything was working properly until I tried playing music. I got a speaker icon with a red circle and white x mark at the bottom right corner of my screen. It was saying I had bad drivers installed, which did not make sense since I didn't do an OS re-installation. So I checked the front panel audio connections and to make a long story short, the new casing came with Legacy AC'97 compliant pins for the audio connection while my motherboard already supported an HD-audio compliant configuration. So after searching for a solution on YouTube, it turns out, I had to re-install my audio drivers using my motherboard's drivers and utilities CD and make sure that Realtek HD Audio Manager is installed. To find this program once you finish re-installing your audio drivers, just go to Control Panel and make sure you are viewing Large Icons.
Once Realtek HD Audio Manager is installed, click on the screw driver icon for Connector settings and then check Disable front panel jack detection. Also click on the gear icon for Device advanced settings and check Mute the rear output device when a front headphone plugged in.
Finally try plugging in your headphones on either the headphone jack or the mic jack at the front of the tower. I don't know if this is an isolated case, but my headphones worked when I plugged them at the microphone jack. I don't have a mic so I haven't tested if a mic will work at the headphone jack. Hope this helps out other people who might have purchased a Neutron Ion casing.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Star and Ginebra are tied at 2-2 in the 2017 PBA All-Filipino Semis
It's amazing how a few days ago, people were talking about the Star Hotshots sweeping the Barangay Ginebra. And rightly so, since during the first two games, the guards of Star were waxing hot. And if Star wants to win this series, they have to get back to basics.
Never mind the wrong calls of the officials. In my opinion, there were some calls that should have gone Ginebra's way, and there are some calls that should have gone Star's way. But if players and coaches keep dwelling on the non-calls even when the game has already progressed, it destroys team and player morale.
If Star wants to know the reason it is losing, here's a piece of my mind:
Never mind the wrong calls of the officials. In my opinion, there were some calls that should have gone Ginebra's way, and there are some calls that should have gone Star's way. But if players and coaches keep dwelling on the non-calls even when the game has already progressed, it destroys team and player morale.
If Star wants to know the reason it is losing, here's a piece of my mind:
- They have lost their three-point shooting. And this favors Tim Cone. Coach Cone had a hard time when he was against team's that relied on the three in the past. Coach Cone favors two point exchanges. I don't know why Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Justin Melton and Alain Maliksi suddenly are throwing bricks. Jio Jalalon has yet to prove that he can score beyond the arc. But the four guards should get back their shooting form. And Marc Pingris and Raffy Revis can work better if they have more space down below since the defense is trying to guard their shooters. And if you want to get to the Finals, and you end up facing SMB, you'll have a hard time keeping up if you can't match their three point shooters with your own.
- Stop using Mark Barroca and Paul Lee as defensive stoppers. They are the play makers of Star, so they have to be fresh. Use Jalalon, Dela Rosa, Melton, Simon and other players off the bench for defense.
- Maliksi should learn to be a better defensive player. If you keep throwing up three-point bricks, then at least show some defensive hussle and make things happen on the court despite your scoring absence.
- Raffy Revis should really learn to rebound using two hands. Those one handed rebounds keep getting deflected to the opponent.
- Mark Pingris should loosen up. Playing too tight and with a temper affects your team. I know you are the leader of the Hotshots, but if your teammates see that you're not enjoying the game, they won't enjoy the game either. The series is tied. You guys are not down. You can still win this game. And stop guarding Sol Mercado during crunch time. You are the last line of defense. The reason why Aguilar was getting those alley-op plays was because you weren't in the shaded area. Put Jalalon, Maliksi, or Dela Rosa on any guard that thinks they can slash into the paint.
- Coach Victolero, stay calm and composed. If you team sees that you're rattled just because of a travelling violation non-call, they'll be rattled and play tense.
- Star team, please enjoy the game again. You have great new teammates in Paul Lee and Jio Jalalon. Use these guys' strengths. Lee is better shooting from the outside, and occasionally slasing. Jalalon should either slash, post, or shoot from mid-range until the time he has proven that he has a three-point shot. The semis isn't the time to experiment. Go back to your strengths.
This is just my two cents worth.
I'm enjoying this series because Coach Cone coached Star in the past and led it to a grand-slam. Now that Coach Cone is with Ginebra, I think the true test that one has learned lasting lessons from a mentor is if one can beat the mentor. And if Star wins, I think Coach Cone would be proud deep inside, since he taught that Star core how to win. With the exception of James Yap, that Star core is still in tack. And I think they still have a couple of championship runs within them.
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