Cloudfone GEO 402q Review & Specifications (Specs)

Here I wish to write my thoughts on this new phone I just got through the Globe Promo Load Tipid Plan 300. An agent called me about this and the agent was really quite "makulit" so I gave up and just go on with the plan. Anyway it was P300 / month and the phone was free. By the way previously agents of Globe were calling me about these new promos and I think the first offer to me was 500 having a Lenovo phone, I forgot.... but this Cloudfone GEO 402q looks promising at first sight... I mean... compared to the previous Lenovo phone they were offering me, I find this Cloudfone having a better feature which is the 8MP camera, though the Lenovo phone has a free powerbank... but I think the 8MP camera still is better... =)

Anyway, here's the Specifications / features of the phone I got.

• 4" IPS OGS Gorilla Glass Touchscreen
• 3G, WiFi
• Android 4.4 Kitkat
• 8MP Rear Camera w/ Flash, 2MP Front Camera
• 1.3 GHz Quad Core Processor
• ROM: 4GB, RAM: 1GB
• Dual SIM, Dual Standby
• FREE Extra Colored Back Cover

I suppose this phone is limited edition or available only under Globe Telecom.. as I was trying to look at their website for this product to see for more info, but I haven't found it under their products. Just recently I found this in their website http://cloudfonemobile.com/products/geo-402q saying available only with Globe. Hmm? interesting...

So some initial look and experience? I kind of like it. I'm not that techie but trying to learn and use it comparing to other Smart Android Phones I've used... it seems to be fine... But I'll just try more of it, to see further it's capability specially when having much apps on it...

Something though to take note, it really drains fast, that is if you are using 3G. I think it can only last for a day  or 24 hours, if one uses 3G capability specially when the data connection is "on". That's why I put it off since I don't usually use it for the net via 3G service... if the data connection is off, I think it can reach up to 2 and a half or 3 days.

The photos produced by it? It is just quite enough, but preferably fine on day time only. At night time? it can still take pictures but it is quite dark.

Speed and response time of the Smart Phone? as of now it responses fine and fast. And I kind of like how it has a feature where it is not easily put "on" or "awake" when pressing the "home" or the screen, but only through the "power" button found on the right side middle part, and it is not easily pressed on. Though there is a feature called "gesture" which I still haven't figure out what it does. It also has a feature on "enabling gadgets" which I notice that when enabled, the sensitivity of the screen is increased which causes it to be awake when the screen is touched or something. So I put that features off so as only to "wake" when the power button is pressed.

[added as of Nov. 21, 2014] And in addition to the response or how the android takes up on hard task like for gaming activities, it seems to work great. I installed a game (though an online RPG) named "Iron Knights" just to test it... and it seems to be working good and fine. It does not slow down nor hang up.

So far that's my feedback on this phone... hopefully I could add more as I get on it. =)

Enchanted Kingdom Experience

Well, first off! To those who doesn't have idea of what Enchanted Kingdom is all about... It's a place of fun rides and entertainment for family and friends. It's a theme park found somewhere in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, Philippines. For more information about them, check out there website: http://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/aboutEK.html.

For so many years, having heard of others share their experiences about the EK, of course gives me a sense of curiosity. And indeed, after my own and first experience, it was quite challenging and probably shocking... Well, of course there were rides that would really give you an experience you've never felt before, unless you had previous experience of falling or such kinds. My own experience on the other hand was really unforgettable, because most of it were a test of facing one's fear: fear of heights, fear of falling, and probably fear of death. To some of us who've probably experienced already, gives an advantage given the already known feeling. But as for me, being for the first time, it was really unimaginable and challenging. The worst and challenging experience I've had was on the rides of: "Space Shuttle", "Log Jam", and "Free Fall". Perhaps amongst other people, it doesn't. What made my own worst experience, was the experiencing of falling at the speed I didn't expect. It truly felt my body can't take it. The feeling that catching breath was important and experiencing pressure before your face and body. That was indeed a challenge. Adding to it was fear that one could feel and the thought of death was just near. But that was what I think EK boast of compared to other theme parks in the Philippines.

But anyway there were other rides that was indeed enjoyable. For me, the Flying Fiesta was the most enjoyable as it felt that I was indeed flying. Though it was on a circular direction still it was enjoyable for me. Another enjoyable ride with friends was the Rio Grande, where people get wet at some point. Another would be the water squirting against friends ride. Don't know the name of the ride, but me and my friends enjoy it. Though it was really a short time. The mini-roller Coaster is also fun, because at some point my body can at least bear with the speed of the coast ride, unlike the space shuttle. Probably fear is one of the factor though why I can't fully enjoy it though....

One of the most uncomfortable ride for me was that of the "Anchor's Away", specially when you sit on the extreme sides. And I must say, I have somewhat really uneasy with the kind of rides, because even on just a simple swing it has bad effect on my body. Though I have to say, when I was a kid, I did enjoy swings... I just don't understand why on my matured body, I can't seem to enjoy such anymore... By the way, one of the other factor why it is the most uncomfortable ride, was that it felt a long period of time when on it. Not that the time is so long, but when the ride starts to move, you have to wait for it's time to end. Unlike other rides, it happens once or twice then it stops.

One of the MOST BORING thing on the park was their "scaring" theme park. I don't what they call it... but it was a waste of time and money when we tried it. I think the theme was "alien invasion" where there goal was supposed to be scaring people. Well, we weren't that scared or even felt any entertainment, since we were just like toured around the area, while people dressed in costume tried to scare us... It was like?.... "huh?"... well, probably one factor that made it boring was that we were in a group of probably 7 or 8 who went in... while we had a tour guide, so those who were supposed to experience first were those on front, but alas, they weren't and we who were on the back were just spectators. But my judgement on the props and the design? It really lacked design... and probably strategy on enforcing "scaring" tactics. Therefore, we were unsatisfied with it.

Some rides were simply normal and fun too. Probably it's because it is already seen on other theme parks. But overall, I have to say it was quite an experience. I probably recommend it for those of curious minds and first timers, but after then, doing it again maybe of no more excitement, unless you want to continue enjoying it with family and friends. There's nothing better than doing activities with others, than doing it just by yourself.

Non Proffessional Driver's License Application in Baguio LTO

Recently, I was able to apply for a student driver's permit or license and I wrote my experience here. This time, I'm trying to apply for Non-Pro (Non Professional) Driver's License.

Well, at first I went to inquire at the person in-charge (the person who gives the form for application). And surely fixers are all around or near the place. Usually they will approach you and ask if you are going to get driver's license. But anyway, I think it's much better not to entertain fixers. One reason: You don't get to experience the system LTO does for license applications. Second reason: I believe it is more costly to entertain fixers, though I know they can give it fast (but no assurance of validity and authenticity).

So when I inquired, of course I had to make certain I have my requirements ready. Though I actually only have my application form already filled-up, which I downloaded from their website and of course my student driver's permit which is already a month old. Actually the person I inquired of still gave me a new form. But anyway he said that the application for Non-Pro has to be scheduled.

So what happened was that he just checked my requirements. First, he asked me for my student driver's permit. Then after checking (probably checked if it is a month old), he told me to go take my medical exam. Hmmm? I thought to myself... **so... no more drug test? Yes!!! I hope so**... So I went for a medical exam near the place. I just followed the arrows and observed the area, I find rooms where drug test was supposed to be taken, but they are mostly closed. I think the other rooms were for medical exam as well but never went in since I was following the arrows. So the last arrow pointed me to a room at a dead end. So I went in, then they've let me take my weight, height, checked my BP (which was 140/90... hey, I got tired walking and carrying a heavy bag) and also checked my eyesight. After that, I paid P100.00. Then went back to the desk-man. Then he gave me the form to fill up, which I did since I haven't shown my already filled-up form and he stapled my student permit with the new form. And of course I had to made some changes on my weight and height (simply copying what was written in my medical exam). After filling it up, he checked it and told me to go and write or set a schedule for my exam near the Window 1. So I went, and alas!!! the schedules were all filled up within the month the next free days were already on the next month. The slots were only 22 slots per day. And the instruction was that, I have to be back by 7:30 A.M. for my exam.

So made my decision on what schedule I would take. And after that went back to the desk-man and he told me to simply come back on the schedule I chose. Soooo.... To be continued! =)

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Globe WiMax Review 2014 (after a year)

August 2013, I changed ISP from SmartBro (Canopy) to Globe WiMax... Within a year, I enjoyed the speed and the service Globe WiMax gave.... Didn't feel much the dreaded FUP (Fair Use Policy) of Internet Service Providers (ISPs - Smart, Globe and PLDT MyDSL). If you are still unaware or uninformed of what the FUP is, this policy introduces a slowing down of your internet whether planned or post paid or whatever ... after having consumed a certain amount of data capacity which it depends on how much data capacity the ISPs provide.

ISPs claim that other countries does this as well, but I am uncertain to that detail. They give their own evidences or "arguments" to prove their claims... Whereas, some other people also give their "arguments" saying that even if other countries give such FUPs, they don't feel the traumatizing effect of what consumers experience here in the Philippines. Because I think they have better plans and better speed and larger data capacities. Well, I actually have no real hard evidences yet but probably for us who have love ones abroad, we can always ask them. Ask them to test their speed by going to this website speedtest.net and ask them how much speed they get (the download speed and upload speed), then compare it to what you get.

I must say, this is where we Filipino Cyber Citizens are really in a disadvantage, knowing as well that all the ISPs don't seem to have the capability NOR (possibly) have a heart to improve on this area: "Having a better speed with fair and satisfying paid service and customer service". As far as I know there are only two main competitors, that of Smart and of Globe. Smart has the great upper-hand since I think they are much resourceful and let's just say the biggest number of customers (basing from knowledge over seen and heard details from media and cyber space). While, Globe is trying to cope up with the demand as well. Seeing this picture, the greatest disadvantaged is really... the customers!!! And add up to this? sorry, but I think as of now (year 2014), still the government has their corruptions... Why would I say that? just look at our simple getting of driver's license, you think if we are not corrupt, there are open-eyes-directly-near-the-office fixers?

So, anyway... getting back on Globe WiMax Review August 2014? Well here I place my current unsatisfactory on the Globe WiMax 1Mbps plan... after a year. And to think that the plan I got is a two-year lock-in period. Such a deceptive plan by them (I think). Well, I can't put them thoroughly down though... since comparing to the previous SmartBro Canopy to which I'm really very much unsatisfied. At least I don't have to call their CSR every two months and hear their CSR's annoying "sorry for the inconvenience".. etc... Well, I know, that's their job. Anyway, I can't really compare thoroughly SmartBro with Globe WiMax today since I don't know SmartBro's current status. But anyway, with both ISPs, I get to always read negative comments for both of them. But as of now? basing on my experience? I still have a plus points on Globe since it didn't lose connection for almost a year. Had some minor disconnection, but it only lasted half a day and that happened twice within the year. The recent, I called their CSR! And with my first experience to call them, I get the sense that they really have no idea on their technical side or matters. When I called, the result after talking for minutes, was that they had to send technicians to check on my connection and therefore was scheduled. But alas! After the half day, the internet came back. So... no need for technicians! And they never called nor texted anyhow.

As of Globe's Data Cap or Data Capacity limit, I really have no idea how much or how big. But the technicians who installed the Globe WiMax told me, it was 3GB a day. Makes me wonder though if I really have consumed 3GB for the whole 24 hours. And if I remember it right, I think there is a 20 GB limit capacity for a month. And the speed will be back every midnight. Not sure yet if that would really happen since, recently I have been experiencing slow net for some days now. Not yet for a week.

Oh yeah, the reason why I was satisfied for the year of Globe WiMax, every time my net slowed down, I always reboot and/or on/off my Globe WiMax. How to reboot the Globe WiMax? I think I wrote the steps here in this blogsite. And every time I do that, the speed just came back. So now, after a year, that seems to not work anymore... =) ... well, that's why I think they have just become more strict in their FUP.

Well? I'll just observe more if this situation continues on... I just hope it wouldn't continue on... feeling unsatisfied always is just stressful... =D.. and Oh yah, haven't tried PLDT DSL yet since their agent or center always say, we have no slot... or probably they can't provide us a line coming to our place. That's why I can only depend on Wireless Broadbands.. as of now!

Well I'm just hoping for the better!

Getting Student Driver's license at LTO experience 1

Well, just want to share a bit of my experience on taking a student driver's license or a student driver's permit. First of, it's been my third time to get a student driver's license. Why? Uhm? probably I don't have that much time to practice and I'm hoping to have my own car first before really having a real driver's license.
But anyway, on my third take, I was hoping I could actually apply on a driver's license by this time though my problem was when taking or applying for it, my license was expired. Why not take it earlier before the expiration? Well probably I was really hoping to hone my skill on driving. I don't often get an opportunity to take hold or to take our car (my parents' car or van) for a drive nor practice for that matter.

But anyway, I did try to ask first the one in-charge of giving out the forms for application. I asked if what if my student license have expired, can I still apply for a non-pro driver's license? And the person said "No." So, no choice... But if I would think about it, they should allow such things since it still goes along with their requirement of a minimum of one month old of having a student driver's license. They should be adding such a step or possibility since they do it for expired driver's license. They could just add up some extra fee just like on expired driver's license. That would solve the problem.

Anyway, one of my observations really, these fixers. I just can't understand how is it that the LTO has no authority or even capability in dealing with them. They have all the placards saying don't go to the fixers, and yet how come there are still many fixers on plain sight just around the corner of the LTO. By the way I'm in Baguio, the LTO I'm talking about is found in Pacdal, Baguio City, Benguet, Philippines. Somewhere the map below is showing... made a map of my own since google maps hasn't updated the location of LTO-CAR or LTO-Baguio. (See map below)

So that's just my disappointment with the LTO department and perhaps to the Government. Maybe really describes or just gives a glimpse of how corrupt our government is, when even at the smallest or simplest function, they can't even deal with it. And the problem I think is the people, us as well. We never learn. And yet, I wonder why in other places, people are very much disciplined on this matter. Such a shameful thing for our so called heroes fighting for our freedom, when in reality we are in bondage of corruption, selfishness, greed and others....

Anyway, where were we... Oh, taking a driver's license... so since the person-in-charge (the one who gives the application form) said "no." No choice but to get a student permit. By the way, you can download LTO Application form before hand and search or know their requirements in applying in their website http://www.lto.gov.ph/. In such a way you don't have to fill up forms at their branch office but fill it out at home already. And if ever you wish to apply for driver's license, you can google up driver's license exam reviewers to give you some idea on what might be in the exams. Did this in preparation for my application but since I wasn't able to apply one, I just like to share it. Maybe in a few months, I would be trying to apply for driver's license already, just the non-pro.... And I would like to try the non-fixer experience, so I know how our branch in Baguio LTO or LTO-CAR handles such application.

Applying for the student license was pretty much awesome though.. I mean it was fast, I think it didn't took an hour... though I had to wait for minutes. But it was fast. Of course provided you give the complete requirements... I think if you have an expired student license, you can use that provided you also have the receipt of it (so keep your receipts) along with the filled up form, you can now start processing the student license permit. Though mine? I used my TIN ID with a photocopy of it with your filled-up application form. After confirming the details, the officer gives back your TIN ID then asks you to proceed to a window for you to submit the form. After submitting the form you will  have to wait for your name to be called to go to another window where your picture will be taken and digitized signature. After that, you'll have to wait again for you to go to another window (cashier) to pay up the fees then your student permit with the receipt be given. Then they will ask you to fill up or enlist your name signature along with the number given to you.

Walah! That's it! you are given a student driver's permit. Of course just a caution, student driver's permit IS NOT A DRIVER'S LICENSE... it just allows you to handle a vehicle along with someone who has a legit driver's license.

How to fix printer like (Canon MP287 / MP280 Series) when Laptop or Computer can't detect well printer

Well, I'm not that expert on fixing or troubleshooting printers. But just want to share my experience on how I fixed my printer to be detected again by my laptop. I currently have my Canon Pixma MP287 printer and one time, my laptop no longer can detect my printer. That's probably I was trying to install another printer to my laptop which affected my printer or I did something stupid.. Hehe!

What I needed was my printer drivers first.. Usually a printer should have it's CD driver... but since I lost it... I just downloaded it from the internet. You can just google it having the key words you need like "free Canon MP287 Printer drivers download" looking for the good drivers may take some time and figuring since there are sites which just fools around with you. Anyway... securing printer drivers is one important thing. If you already have one, best save it in an external drive or even a hard disk where you think you can back-up your files.

Then, cleaning and uninstalling unwanted drivers or connected programs to your printer has to be done. First off in Windows, one has to un-install all programs related to your computers and drivers as well. At times there are things that can not be easily removed, probably it was corrupted or something. To fully clean any files related to previous printer, I have to reboot my laptop and go to safe mode for Windows 7 (can be in XP, or Vista as well)... After booting in Safe Mode, I use "regedit" by going to MS DOS prompt or Command prompt then type "regedit" or in the search bar of start menu, just write "regedit".

Once entered in regedit, then you are facing a window, maybe a bit technical or scary cause once something is destroyed or manipulated in it, might cause your computer to malfunction. But anyway, it is good to explore and learn from it. So what do I do with this regedit? I search anything related to my printer and delete it... so example is my printer is Canon MP287 or MP280.... I search the word "Canon" (if I know there is no other Canon software or driver installed in my computer other than my printer)... then searching all through out the "registry" once found, I check, I read and by discretion if confirmed that it is connected to my printer, I delete it. then press "F3" a shortcut to search again the same previously entered word. Then if found I do the same process, check, confirm and delete. If the item can't be deleted, I just memorize it and skip on it. And if I again gone through it, I just skip on it. So everything connected to the "Canon" is to be deleted if can not just leave it. If done, then I think the computer is somewhat fresh and ready to be installed with the new drivers. YOU HAVE TO WAIT for the instruction of the program to give the "GO" signal of connecting the cable from the printer to the computer / laptop and putting the power to "ON"... Once you don't follow that instruction, then usually it goes berserk or the printer will not work properly or the computer does not detect it or something. At times, putting the cables on the right USB port makes it also a problem and usually printers like the USB Port with a 2.0 version... not the 3.0 something or else it will not detect it.

So that's it! Some experience I have on dealing with printers that computers might not be able to detect by computers or laptop. Feel free to comment or add up or tell me I'm wrong, that's fine... but do provide corrections so we can learn together. Thanks! and God bless! =D

problem with Canon Pixma MP287 printing lines

At times I get to have a problem with my Canon Pixma MP287 Printer, printing with lines drawn or shows some mixing ink. First thing is first, "Printing preferences" have their "maintenance" tab where you can also find the "Cleaning" or "deep cleaning" button. This will unclog ink cartridges if it the printer doesn't print properly... Usually I do this 3 times on the "deep cleaning" if necessary. Specially if you are using a "continuous ink flow system" on your printer since sometimes the ink does not flow well or goes back to the original ink container.

At times, when I print from fast or standard printing, there are lines drawn, but when using the high quality printing, it prints good or fine. I believe this is a sign, the cartridge is nearly damaged or is damaged already and requires to be changed. Therefore you should go to your technical service center or the shop where you've bought the printer or to which shop you've applied for a "continuous ink flow" system and let them do the job. Unless, you are skilled enough to buy a new cartridge and replace the ink cartridge.

So far my cartridge was maxed out up to 2 years, though my black cartridge was only 1 year; I mean a cartridge with installed continuous inkflow system. If you don't use inkflow well, you're probably be buying new cartridge everytime.... or you could re-fill it with refillers but I believe the maximum lifespan of the cartridge is about 6 months.. depends on usage though... I think cartridges likes to be used everyday... once it is unused, the ink tends to solidify or stiffen probably damaging the cartridge itself....

just a test

test lang

How to Fix and Troubleshoot Canon Pixma MP287 or MP280 Series Printer with Error Codes?

I have a printer Canon MP287 installed with the continuous ink flow system and just last time I had these errors going on the screen of my printer.... and I couldn't get it why I couldn't print well... or if I could print, I can only print once... then the printer goes berserk... eating up papers etc. and / or sometimes jamming then these error codes come out...

I have searched these and found these infos

E, 0, 2  or E02 or 02E or 2E0 = The machine is out of paper / paper does not feed.

E, 0, 3 or E03 or 03E or 3E0 = Paper Output Tray is closed / paper jam.

E, 0, 4 or E04 or 04E or 4E0 = The Cartridge cannot be recognised.

one way by which I addressed this problem was that I tried all the steps I've been able to google... even tried resetting like following these steps:

• Turn OFF first the printer, make sure it's dead.
• Press and Hold the “Reset button” and the "Color Start" on the printer.
• Then Turn ON the printer.
• Wait for 5-10 seconds.
• Release the “Color Start”  and "Reset" buttons.

But doing these didn't really help me much... so just opened or lifted again the top cover...

and figured, since the error is being given as E03 and E04 mostly maybe there's something that really is blocking the way of the papers..... but I checked, nothing... and just wondered on my tube... what if I extended a little the tube inside since I noticed the tube from the ink to the cartridge seem to be too tight, so I unloosed in a little...

ALAS! my printer can now print better.... or the error codes were gone.... 

so just want to share this... if incase you have an inkflow system installed in your printer...

Review on Globe WiMax plan 999 as of January 2014

Well, it's almost six months of usage for my subscribed Globe WiMax plan 999 having a promised up to 1 Mbps speed... and comparing to Smartbro... I think I'm satisfied with this plan... though it would really be more satisfying if Internet plans here in the Philippines will be likened to abroad plans where speed is very high and with affordable prices I suppose. Hearing and having researched from other abroad Internet Service Provider (or ISPs).... Philippines gives a very high priced Internet Service Provider... which is really sad therefore we have no choice but to stick what we have...

In our area, cabled internet service providers with the cheap plans can not reach us.. we could only use as of now... Wireless Broadband such as Smartbro and Globe WiMax.... having been dissatisfied by Smartbro I switched and tried Globe WiMax... though the process and application was had setbacks or trouble, because they seem to not guarantee we could have an internet signal from our place, but an agent took risk to try out in our place... so alas! it has signal... It just needed for a higher height to be able to receive and send out signal to their tower.

So anyway.. having almost 6 months of connection from Globe  Wimax... I'm quite satisfied compared with Smartbro.. internet connection is stable... but perhaps I'm dissatisfied only with their FUP since they too have adopted the FUP issue... I think if the data cap reached 3 GB... net speed goes to 0.2 Mbps... which really is useless and very much frustrating... but I kind'a have some kind of ways that I do with this to try to make it fast again... Don't have a real evidence on this, but it works for me at times...

So what do I do? there are a few steps that I do...

First, I put off and wait for 10-15 seconds then put on the WiMax device again.

If that doesn't work... I try rebooting the WiMax then after reboot, I do the first option again...
Well I was able to read the steps on how to reboot a WiMax device on Globe's Forum so I think it's fine for me to share it here as well...

I have HUAWEI BM622i device for my Globe WiMax plan... and accessing the device.. I write on a browser's address "192.168.254.1" which would place me in a log-in interface or window... for username I use "user" then on password it's "0SlO051O"

placing the following log-in details, we can now access the details on the device... I never try to change anything in the details 'cause I have no idea what would really happen but anyway, I only use the "Reboot" button found in the maintenance tab or button. After waiting for a couple of minutes... the device is then rebooted. So that's what I do to reboot the device.

And observing my net after doing so, it seems the net speed comes back.... There was just one time out of 6 months that even doing these steps didn't work in putting back the speed of the net... but anyway.. it was just for a time or period of time and didn't have to be days... 

So as of now? I like the Globe WiMax and currently satisfied with it....
In addition though, I'm curious with Globe's New additional Plan which is the Globe Tattoo Home Broadband LTE... they have this plan 999 internet only having up to 3mbps speed.. and I wonder if that plan is available in our area too... and if I can transfer my current subscription with that plan... as of now I'm just curious but I think I can not entertain my curiosity as I'm more busy thinking first of how could I be employed again..(hehe!) I've been unemployed for months as well so that means having "no proper income" so just additional thoughts or idea... if someone have applied or subscribed in this plan, feel free to comment and I would love to hear any feedback on their plan. 

And oh yeah, there are times I get a higher speed from Globe WiMax plan 999... one time it reached 2Mbps... and at times 1.5Mbps... and I don't know why... I checked my account on their online Globe account and my plan is still 1 Mbps... anyway.. I just hope it would stay that way or better yet it would grow higher speed.. 1 Mbps is really slow at this cyber era... T_T .... 

And, in addition again, if you still don't know we could actually pay our bills online for the Globe WiMax... if you have BPI or BDO online account... and if you have knowledge on how to enroll an account for paying bills, you just have to look for "Innove" as the Company Biller.... I actually haven't hard-copy confirmed this... but I was able to confirm it on my online account... so perhaps to truly confirm this, I would have to see my next bill for the next month if my current bill was really paid or will it be carried next month. Paying on their center is a little disturbing and well let's say it... makes us lazy... so paying online is really something for me... =D

so that's it... hopefully these infos are great help or something.... =D

Review on PTA Beach Resort in San Fabian, Pangasinan

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Every 31st day of December, our clan always go for an outing... most recent outings, we go to the beach... and most often we go to PTA Beach Resort in San Fabian, Pangasinan. And too often, we're the only ones who goes there every 31st of December day time... rarely do we see other people go there... at times there are a few... but this end of 2013... pretty much we took the whole place like ours... lol! I mean it was just us! =D

Anyway, the rates of the place seem to be the same... I think... I think the entrance fee per head was like.. P35 / head except probably the babies... and the huts? there were P250 and P500 ... so we took the two P250 ... because it's the nearest to the beach and the place where we could cook our food... "tinuno!"

By the way we seldom use rooms or something... and if we would use their pool... I think the payment is P100.. if I'm not mistaken... unless it went to P120 as other pools these days would charge.... but we're just good with the beach... the sand... and the waves!!! =)

For the people like us, the place would be just fine... though I must say.. I'm noticing some changes... and probably some degradation of some facilities... previously there were tables that we could use... now? there is none... I mean... portable or tables for extension... and of course more degraded facilities than improvements.... I'm not sure if is it because there are no more customers? and enough fees for them to improve? on other places or resorts, somehow I see improvements... but the PTA Beach Resort? I don't find much...

I even saw dead fishes which makes me wonder... is the beach still good for swimming? although we did still swam at the beach... well I don't know... But it would be great if they would make some improvement to the place... so as their would be a variety or something... and yeah... their comfort rooms hasn't improved as well... more of degraded... it would be probably best if they would make additional comfort rooms or rooms for taking a bath...

Oh well this is just my thoughts and opinions... if ever they would read this... =) cheers! and oh yeah... below are some photos I'd like to share with the place... =)

Canon Pixma 287 E03 / E04 error code

Previously I had these error codes I got from my printer...

I can not print well and that it always eats up the paper then brings out an error code.. I have to put off and on my printer so as the paper to come out....

Two things I did to this was that of pressing and holding the "reset" button (while it's off), then pressing the on while holding the reset button for like 10-15 seconds...

I was trying to reset the printer somehow I think... but that didn't work...

secondly, (oh yeah, my printer has an installed continuous ink flow system) I checked the tube where the ink goes through.. and extended it a little to give space for the cartridge to reach the left side... And i had to fix or arrange it well, the tube, so as not to hinder or obstruct the cartridge when moving. and wala! It's fine again...

And oh by the way, one thing I find seem to be good practice especially for continuous ink flow systems, it's best to use the "quiet mode" found in the "maintenance tab" of "printer preferences." I think it is quieter and less stress on the printer itself... well... just want to share some experiences I've had...

My parents' first try on Visa Interview

Technically it's my father's first try and second for my mom. My mom's first was denied. I'm not sure why she was denied but back then she was still at work in Texas Instruments. Now, both of my parents are retired... though my father now 60 years old or a senior citizen, still continues to be a missionary pastor as long as he can...

Well, I was able to be part of preparing them to apply for Visa going to US, where my brother & his family resides in North Carolina. He was the one who paid and will be paying my parent's needs since both of them have no real income and that includes me as of now.

So first thing is first, we had to apply online. I've searched and researched on how to apply for a visa. And unlike last time with my mother, this time, every thing is online. Even the forms to fill up is online. Filling up the form online was lengthy and somewhat funny at the end. Funny? because I got to read a question like asking if my parents were terrorist... well I don't know if that is logical or something.. but anyway, that doesn't matter much. So I had to fill-up their forms online, filling up their details of course as true as it should be. Sometimes there are details that needs to be confirmed, so I get to save the details first then back to it after the details are final. You get a code for the form that you fill-in so you could retrieve it when you need it again.

After filling up the form, you will have to print a given form or paper. I think it's a means of confirming you've filled up the form. From which you will have to bring this form with you before you go for Interview. You can also print out the filled up form, but that wouldn't be needed at the interview. It might be simply for your use if needed.

Then, paying up for the fees would be next. Just follow the given instructions by the websites. if I remember it right, my parents should have different voucher or invoice to be paid. Then we went to BPI bank to pay for it. After which will be given receipt of payment which would again be used for designating the date of interview.

We then had to pick out the interview date online. Before doing so, we had to register into a website and needs only one account for my parents. After registering, it has to be identified that my parents will be interviewed together. And after, we picked up the date.

On that day, we have to be early going to Manila from Baguio. The scheduled time was 6:30 a.m. and we were there, I think 5:00 a.m. So we have to wait...

What caught my attention was what I saw there.... there were already people lining up with chairs.... There were people talking and instructing them about many things... giving them tips. And offered ballpens, photographs, chairs... etc.. of course with an amount to pay... Then I was informed that they weren't actually employees but simply people looking for ways  and means to earn... here are some pics I got...

As you can see, they were letting their chairs to be for rent... new comers might think it was for free, so when they sit on and after using it, they would be asking you for a fee. There were those who would sell ballpen, my mother thought she would need it... but guess again... she didn't use it.... There's this lady who was sharing experiences of previous applicants, trying to instruct them many things about what would happen in the inside. Instructing them to smile, etc... As if she knew much more than the people in the US embassy.. after the interview of applicants some would pass, some wouldn't ... to those who passed, she would ask them to free her some snack or something... to those who didn't she would entertain them and ask details... probably infos that she would be sharing on next applicants.... In our tongue, we call this "chismis"...

So that's a glimpse of the early preparations before the interview of my parents. My mother, due to past experience was I'm sure nervous... She was instructing my father many things on what to say and what not to say.... Whereas, my father was careless about it simply entrusting to God whatever happens. After hearing the initial interview of the other applicants, my mother said to my father, I think we'll be denied. There were questions that were asked about businesses and income, etc. But when it was their time to be interviewed, my mother was the one mostly answered the questions with a yes or no. If I'm right, the consul was simply asking questions to confirm if the details submitted were true or not. And if I'm right, these are trained people to sense whether one is telling the truth or not. Just a guess, cause the questions I've heard my parents shared to me was just as the same details we filled up online. Afterwards, the consul only took the first page of the form which was printed after I filled up their application online. The consul never asked for other documents for that matter. My mother even took all documents she thought was needed. Anyway.. better prepared than never.... So that's it! My parents passed the interview!

Not  really sure what are the tips or what but, I think one has to really understand instructions well enough... By the way, they haven't even used the photos they took along with them... Oh well..... that's just an experience of my parents for their Visa Interview. And one thing I'm reminded of and probably a good lesson from it, "If it's God's will, it's God's will!" Cheers!