A life without DATA

It all began when my cellular phone switched off. I looked for ways how to fix it but everything I did has no effect.
It happened about a year ago, same problem but after a few hours...it worked again.
But the current situation is very far from last year...after my visit to a repair shop, they say that the "Motherboard," has a problem.
Analyzing its diagnosis, it goes without saying that everything on it were erased.
No single photo, not even a text, and worst is I haven't saved any numbers from my current contacts.
I'm thinking that the phone is just enough to save everything.
I never thought of having a back-up, like saving them on a memory card.
But I am lucky to send all important photos directly through my email.

The importance of DATA

I have a 30 month contract with SMART. And a month before it finally ends the phone bugged down.
I actually think of applying right away for my retention. I think I communicated with them thrice.
There was even a time that one agent from Smart called me and offered me an Android phone.
They made mentioned of "Samsung A-7," and "Xiaomi Mi4i."
Via phone I was enlightened of its features, but I believe I made the right decision to say and said..."I still have to check on its features and then I will decide soon."
Since, I declined their Android offers, the downside of it...now, I have to wait for its availability.
Now, its like listening on a tape recorder that plays over and over again..."The phone is not available yet."

But the thing is how many subscribers a Smart has?  And do they really assess each subscriber who would want to avail RETENTION?
If the answer is YES, then why they lack supplies?
You see, this was how "POLITICAL ECONOMY," exists.
When the "SERVICE PROVIDER," actually mean "BUSINESS!"

If I will be availing retention, that means I will have the same monthly charges.
Where in, I believe they would have wanted a single subscriber like ME to "UPGRADE," my services.
Meaning, get the latest "ANDROID PHONE," and pay for extra "CHARGES."

They can't be (Service Providers) provide subscribers a better service, a new phone, without taking extra-money from your monthly subscriptions.
Sad to say, but this is the "TRUTH and nothing but TRUTH."

Limited DATA

Most of the service providers now recently end giving the access of "UNLIMITED DATA," for "POST PAID," users.
Literally mean now that, every subscribers has to slow down and monitor checking every "SOCIAL MEDIA SITES," they wanted to visit.
I am now looking at it as "DEPRIVATION," of citizen's right to "FREEDOM OF SPEECH, and of "FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION."
Excuse me service providers, "YOU CAN'T EVEN FIX YOUR TURTLE NET CONNECTION. AND NOW YOU WANTED TO REMOVE UNLIMITED DATA ACCESS?!"
Your getting too much from millions of subscribers and yet you can't even provide us a fast "INTERNET CONNECTION."

Better review the services you are providing with us before you demand for extra charges and resolved immediately every single request of subscribers.

And what raises my eyebrows higher than the tallest building in the world is that your giving away "gadgets for FREE," in some Universities. HELLO, they're not even your subscribers!
This was the advertisement,  I have seen in one of my recent visit in your store using "Jasmine Curtis," as your ambassador.

I mean I can associate and link this to the reason why you lack supplies of gadgets.
And this was according to your agent, I spoke with and branches of your store I recently made a visit.

Gadgets Logic

An android phone with the best features is useless without better DATA, and vice-versa.
AND, without subscribers patronizing the services your providing with us...your nothing.
So, better give us the SATISFACTION we're looking for or you'll end up losing all of us!

Surviving the day without Cellphone

A throwback photo of my Samsung Galaxy S-4 when it was still very new
May 16, 2013

You know me, I can't last a day without looking at my messages, sending texts, checking emails, taking selfies for Instagram but today everything happens like I never expect it to be.

Well, I'm thinking that all throughout the day in the absence of my CP...I'm naked.
Naked because, I'm not equip now. It's like a soldier in a battlefield without any weapons. 

I have a theory that its not working because, I became too abusive using it to the max, until it became empty battery. And this became a practice, over and over again.

One friend, had told me that a "smart phone," should not be in any manner put into a battery drain level.

But I am looking at the big possibility that, I am using it for almost three long years now.

As a matter of fact, I have a contract for 30 months that's going to end on the 16th of November, this year.

A week ago, I can't help but think that I let go an offer from my service provider regarding a "free," smart phone,  I'm supposed to have and delivered straight through where I live.

But don't worry, I made a call earlier and they promised to call me back for my cellphone "retention."

Right now, I need to find ways, how I can have my CP temporarily fixed, so that I can return to my usual routine and habit. And also, to finalize everything that I now agree to have the retention and get the new phone.

Human Trafficking

Althea Garabot in grade school uniform

Most of the movies I have seen and also some teleserye's has a story about Human Trafficking.
Human Trafficking simply implies forced labor and sexual slavery.

Never had any personal experience about it, but recently feared that what if my daughter will be a victim of it.

I normally send my eldest Althea to school in the morning but asked someone to fetch her in the afternoon.
This is because by the time her class ends, that also a signal for me to go to work.

At noon, I and my wife decided to give the responsibility of fetching her through a trusted tricycle driver from the neighborhood.
My wife just labored from our second baby about 5 months ago, and it goes without saying that much of her time would be devoted on taking good care of our youngest.
Well, we can ask my Mom to babysit, but since we never wanted to bother her, with her condition which still in the process of recovering after suffering from a mild stroke just last January, we do not see that as a better option.

Earlier, while my wife and I were on our way to one destination, we have rode on my daughter's tricycle driver.
The tricycle driver, started to tell us a story about a certain old guy pretending's to be Althea's family and that would have wanted to fetch her from school.
We were told that this narration were coming from my daughter's school security guard.
Of course, were parents and our main concern always is our child's welfare.

I verified this information from Althea's school security guard. And just found out that the driver just misinterpreted his narration. And that he (the security guard) was referring to another student who happened to be fetching another student.

It was actually a big relief for me to know that my daughter is now safe from a possible danger of "Human Trafficking."
But before leaving the house for work this afternoon, I even asked my Father if he made a visit on my daughter's school yesterday. But he said with conviction that he wasn't there and never made an attempt.

My wife just told me through text that because my father became so worried about the situation, he asked my brother to check and had fetched my daughter.

Well, at home we orient our daughter about a specific scenario like this, and told her that in the absence of her fetcher, she should stay inside her school. And, that do not trust anyone especially strangers.

I think I will just provide her a cellphone, so that in the case of her fetcher's absence, Althea could easily send a message to me or on her mom at home.
Its always better be safe than sorry.

Bye for now Sir Ferdie

With Sir Ferdie during "Solar Newsday," 2nd year anniversary
Oct 1, 2013

Taong Bayan photos with Sir Ferdie and Producers
December 2013

A Photo Opportunity with Weekend Updates and Network News Weekend staff with Sir Ferdie
 June 13, 2015 (SAT), Pilot Episode
CNN Philippines

For an almost 4 year employee of former Talk TV, Solar News Channel, 9TV, and now CNN Philippines, no employee in the company do not recognize Sir Ferdie.

Sir Ferdie is known to be one of the pillars of the company.
The vision that we have before and the dream that we wanted to achieve now is actually first visualized by him.

Somehow Sir Ferdie is strict but he will allow you to learn from your experience.
Sir. Ferdie always reminds us to follow broadcasting rules but gave us liberty by challenging us to be creative and competitive.

At times, you will see him mad about some on-air discrepancies, but at the end of the day, you will realize that all of this is not just for the Network's sake but also for your growth as a person in your chosen career.

I remember, Sir Ferdie used to say..."Be mindful of small things."
Emphasizing on its value on our everyday work.

Now, that he's finally moving for a better opportunity...its like losing a trusted friend that never fails to always give his best advice on every tough and bad day.
We will surely miss you Sir.

And we promise to keep and apply everything you taught us.
'Til we work again Sir Ferdie!

Mini Me 2015 Most Look-alike...Grand Winner: Althea's story of success

Althea with faculty members accepting trophy for the "Grand Winner of 2015 Mini Me Look-alike," Contest

Althea accepting her first award for..."My Mini Me 2015 Most Look-alike."

A split picture of Althea's Teacher who happens to have resemblance with her

Finally, a personal meet-up of Althea with Teacher Duenas

Yes, we have received so much blessings today.
My eldest Althea, were one of the finalists for a "Mini ME Look-alike," contest in their school.
This was school's tribute as they commemorate this particular month to honor "teacher's contribution as molders of young minds in our society.

This "Mini Me Look-alike," contest literally translates a certain student has a resemblance to a teacher he/she is copying.
It includes the showing of participants on this category a talent a student posses.
They'll be also judge on the ramp that they have to do.
But the biggest part of the criteria is if a student is really somehow close to a teacher he/she's imitating.

Since it involves too many students from the secondary level, the showing of their talent and their ramp on-stage were done in two different dates.

About a week ago, Althea and the rest of her classmates showed their unique talents, some dances, while we let her showed her talent in singing a popular song from the movie..."Annie,"..."Tomorrow."

When it comes to dedication, Althea really gave her hundred and one percent.
At times, I really couldn't practice with her due to my work schedule.
But she always find ways how to practiced by herself...most of the times in acapella.

I have seen Althea has a tough times in getting a "timing," that is one disadvantage she actually got from rehearsing without music.
And also, the minus one especially its lyrics was far more different from what has been shown in the movie. And that was another adjustment on her part.

But on the day of the showing of her talent, her voice was powerful and her diction was so clear.
And a week after, particularly this day, she successfully ramp on a stage provided by the school along with her classmates and schoolmates and even rendered a special dance number.

Then came awarding ceremonies. I and my wife are not "hypocrites," of course we expect Althea to win.
But really, the competition is very tight. Most candidates would have wanted to win also...that they also gave their best.
They were awards given such as "Best in Talent," and "Best in Modeling," to name a few but none of these were given to Althea.
Honestly speaking, we're about to lose hope until Althea's name were called for a specific award and
that is the "My Mini ME 2015 Most look-alike award.

And the whole family were rejoicing. So we went up on stage for the photo opportunity with some faculty members and of course the "teacher," Althea, has a close resemblance.

We were overjoyed with that award...but wait there's more my daughter's name got called again and this time as "Grand Winner of My Mini Me 2015 Look-alike!"

We asked Althea to join to develop her skills in showing her talents and showing it without any hesitations by learning how to become confident on-stage.

As her parent, we see how important this in building her personality and discovering also what else she can do.

Parents and guardians played a vital role in bringing out the innate talent in your child and one great bonus to this is when she learns new things as she continue her journey on her chosen field.

We are still overjoyed with your success Althea. And we know that there's still more that you can achieve. Just continue to believe in your talent and always remember that we are here your Mom and Dad...your number one fan giving you a full support.


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If you want to know more about Althea just visit her Facebook Account: facebook.com/kirstenalthea.garabot Or follow her on Instagram https://instagram.com/altheagarabot/

MRT ba ako sasakay o sa Bus sa Edsa?

Dalawang sunod na araw na akong nahuhuli sa trabaho sa linggong ito.
Yung una kong experience nagsimula nung Miyerkules, kung saan dinanas ko yung sa hagdan pa lang ng MRT3 nakapila na ako.
Wala pa ako sa platform nun ha, tapos nung nasa kuhanan na ako ng magnetic card, dagdag pasakit na oras ng trenta minutos ulit.
Gaya ng maraming nakapila ubos na ang "Stored Value Ticket," na binili ko.
Nagkataon naman at dagdag inis talaga, hindi na sila nagbebenta nun.
Dahil nga ito sa nalalapit na implementasyon o paggamit ng "Tap and Go," na Beep Card na sisimulang ikasa sa a-tres ng Oktubre.

Wala talaga akong choice kundi magtext sa opisina at mga kasamahan ko na hindi talaga ako aabot.
Nung nakapila ako, iniisip ko na ang mangyayari kinabukasan. Dahil ayoko ng maulit yung patagalan sa pila na naranasan ko, naisip ko na bumili na lang ng isa pang "Single Journey," na ticket.
Ang sabi naman kasi ng isang pasaherong nakausap ko, 24hours naman daw ang expiration nun.

Kinabukasan, Huwebes sinubukan kong ipasok yung single journey na magnetic card nga, ayun ang lumabas na notice..."Ticket Rejected!"
Ayun, balik pila na naman ako. Kibit-balikat ko na namang tiniis ang pagpila.

Kanina naman, sa takot ko na maulit na naman ang hindi magandang karanasan ko sa pila sa MRT,
hindi na ako bumaba ng Bus. At mas pinili ko na lang na magbiyahe sa Edsa.
E kasi naman, malayo pa kita na ang haba ng pila ng mga tao paakyat pa lang ng hagdan.

Akala ko, naging matalino na ang napili kong desisyon. Pero, yung iniisip kong biyahe na mabilis sakay ng Bus sa Edsa ay inabot ng isang oras mahigit din.
Ano pa nga ba? Hindi na naman ako umabot sa trabaho ko...at kahit na grace period nagamit ko na rin.

Hindi ko alam kong tama na sabihin na, mas mainam pa rin talagang sumakay ng MRT kaysa sa Bus.
Pero, "Tried and Tested," na rin kasi na nakukuha ko ang biyahe papuntang Shaw Blvd. galing sa North Avenue station ng mga 15-17minutes lang. At kung ikukumpara mo naman sa biyahe sa Bus
mula sa North Edsa hanggang Shaw Blvd...mahigit isang oras.

Napapakamot na lang ako ng ulo sa sobrang pagkayamot ko.
Pero, isipin natin ha na talagang ganito na kalala ang problema natin sa transportasyon sa Metro Manila.
Karamihan pa naman sa atin dependent sa MRT, kasi nga mabilis.
Pero, hindi rin kasi nga hindi naman agad umaalis ang bagon nila pagbukas ng pinto ng tren.
Minsan tumatagal pa ng hanggang 15minutes bago umalis.
Parang terminal ng mga Bus kapag nagba-biyahe sa Edsa.
Ganun siya katagal.

Hindi pa kasama diyan ha yung, ibang abala gaya ng paghinto ng tren kasi may isa pang tren na hindi pa makaalis ng istasyon. At kung anu-ano pa.

Ang hubad na katotohanan wala ni isa sa mga ito ang mabuting sakyan. Kung nagmamadali ka at nais mong sumagip ng buhay, dahil sa mabagal na usad ng mga sasakyan sa Edsa...malalagutan ng hininga ang taong minamahal mo.
At kung lagi mo namang iaasa sa MRT ang sa tingin mo ay mabilis na biyahe mo papunta sa iyong trabaho...sigurado lagi kang mali-late.

Sa halimbawang ibinigay ko, bahala na kayong pumili.
Pero kung ako sa inyo, kung may helicopter kayo...yun na lang ang sakyan ninyo.