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!