Laptop Trouble

I've been wanting to update our blogs more,  but we've been having laptop troubles for the past month now.  Berto's laptop is younger than mine by a year,  sadly though it conked out on us already. So we've been sharing a laptop.  Being photographers who do heavy post processing, this is a big hassle!  We now take turns in using the laptop and sadly business comes first and blogging second.  

It all started when his laptop begun to run so slowly  or hang in the middle of a project.  Hubby initially tried to just make it work but it got so annoying that he decided to just have it reformatted (thinking that a virus got to it.) we had it reformatted but it was still so slow, so we upgraded the memory.  It helped for a while until it developed booting problems.  Windows won't load.  So now we're thinking it's a hardware problem.  Argh! 

We'll bring it to a technician tomorrow.  For now I'm trying blogging thru my Samsung Note 8 while Berto is still hogging the laptop. 

Runner Runner by Nuffnang and Globe

Two weeks ago, Nuffnang Philippines launched a contest in collaboration with Globe Telecoms. They had a “Runner Runner” movie screening blogger contest. They asked bloggers whether they preferred to Go Bigger or Go Better and write a post about it. Although I’ve been blogging for many years, I’ve never joined a contest before that’s why I decided to join this time. Click here to see my post about it. 

 After a few days, I finally got the email I’ve been waiting for, I won! I get to see the movie in Shangrila Plaza on September 26 for free and I get to take Berto with me! Wee! 

 Registration started at 8:30pm. Upon registration, we got a globe gift pack, 2 movie tickets and free snacks. While waiting for the doors to open, we were approached by one of the organizers. She asked if we were bloggers, when I said yes, she also gave me a stub for Print Social. They’re a special kind of photobooth, they instantly print guests’ Instagram photos live as long as you use a specific hashtag for that event, the hashtag was #GlobeGoBIGGERMovieNight. She told us that we can tag as many pics as we want as long was we use the hashtag. We got 4 prints! Hahaha, excited much! 

Inside the cinema, the organizers announced the name of a lucky blogger who got to take home a smart phone. Lucky girl! Although we didn’t get to take home a phone, winning the movie tickets was enough! 

Berto and I had so much fun that night! I think I will try and join more contests hosted by Nuffnang Philippines and other blogs. Who knows, I just might win!

SOLVED: WIFI Connection Problems with Samsung Galaxy S4

My dependable Samsung Galaxy S3, which has served me so well in the past, has been showing signs of wear and tear in the past months. The upper part of the screen turns dark after hours of use, battery life is more horrible than usual and is has developed a crack on its lower casing (mini usb port). I am not usually one to sell my old mobiles just to upgrade. My old cell phones are still with me, rotting away somewhere in the house. I just get too attached. This time though, I decided to sell my S3 while it still has SOME value. 

I have no intention to upgrade. I'm perfectly happy with my Samsung Galaxy S3, but it seems absurd to sell my old unit to buy the exactly same old model. So I decided to just but the newer model, the Samsung Galaxy S4. To be honest, I feel the updgrades are barely noticeable, save for the 13megapixel camera from the S3's 8 megapixel camera. I was just afraid my old phone would die on me, and that would just be unacceptable!

So I went home with the new phone, all happy and excited. I immediately tried to connect to our wifi router to download my apps. My new phone detected the router instantly, but as I was trying to connect, it got stuck on "Obtaining IP Address...". I tried everything! I restarted the phone, restarted the router, even reset the phone back to factory settings, to no avail! I was so frustrated! I tried to google the problem and apparently, Samsung acknowledged that there was indeed an issue with the Samsung Galaxy S4 and connecting to certain wifi routers. Ay naku! Buyer's remorse immediately set in! 

I found a solution online, apparently I had to update my router's firmware... and I had no idea how to do that!!

The next day, I immediately called PLDT, and the customer service patiently listened to my rantings. I asked him if they received complaints about Samsung S4 and wifi connections. He said yes, apparently the Samsung S4's system is so hi-tech, the router's firmware needs to be updated to recognize it in the system. 

The wonderful thing is, he updated the firmware remotely! He restarted the router and updated it from where he is. Amazing! And hassle-free! =)

After a few minutes, I tested the connection again and I was immediately able to connect! Woot woot! 

For those having similar wifi connection problems between the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the PLDT Prolink H5004N wireless router, don't worry. Here's the solution, just call the PLDT customer service hotline 171 and report the problem, they'll do everything from their end. And you'll be downloading and surfing again in no time!

Problem solved!

photo from http://www.gizmodo.com.au

Macky's Goto of Marikina City

Last Monday, classes were suspended because of the heavy rains... again. The good news is that we got to spend more time with our Bea. We spent the whole day rolling in bed, eating and watching TV. After lunch, Bea's tutor arrived. I worked on my laptop as I kept one eye and one ear on them. 

After the tutorial, we decided to drop by Marquinton for some supplies. Then, because of the wet and cold weather, Berto and I were inspired to try one restaurant we've been meaning to try but haven't gotten around to actually trying... Macky's Goto.

Located along JP Rizal St. San Roque, Marikina City, Macky's is always filled with people. Inside, there is homey feel, with wooden chairs and tables scattered about, the type you'd typically see in old households. 

Menu is quite simple and affordable. Goto - P25, Tokwa't Baboy - P30, Spaghetti - P32, Palabok - P30. Halo-halo - P30, Sago't Gulaman - P30, Hamburger - P28, Chili Dog - P40. Drinks: Miniral Water - P10 while softdrinks in can are P12.

Don't be fooled by the simple menu, the food was delicious! Goto was so tasty. No need to add calamansi to make it flavorful! Even Bea loved it, and finished her bowl immediately. This is also the best Tokwa't Baboy in my opinion. Instead of using boiled pork, they used crispy lechon kawali. Absolutely yummy! I wasn't too happy about the halo-halo though. I know, it was already cold but Bea wanted halo-halo so Daddy ordered it for her.

And the price is just crazy! They could've raised the prices even just a bit, but they chose to keep the prices affordable.

We arrived at around 6pm and were still served. However, customers that came after us were warned that there was no more Goto and Tokwa't Baboy since they were about to close! Whew! Lucky us, apparently we just about made the cut off! So if you're planning to try this resto out, come early.

Macky's Goto
JP Rizal St. San Roque Marikina City.
Just before Our Lady of the Abandoned Chuch

McDonald's Concepcion Marikina is Open!

Early this month, our favorite fast food chain opened one of its branches near our place. McDonald's opened its Concepcion Marikina branch! It is open 24 hours and it has a drive thru window! Woot! Too bad thought that it doesn't have a McCafe but that's ok, who knows it might come in the future.

A few days within its opening Berto and I swung by and ordered some drive thru snacks. =)

After and before

The new McDonald's stands where the old Concepcion Market used to stand, before it burned down. Although an era ended when the Concepcion Market closed down because of the fire, admittedly that busy intersection is now much more pleasing to look at.

Hopefully delivery will now be much faster and cravings for premium brewed coffee and midnight snacks will now be satisfied effortlessly.

Craving for Champorado

Yummy, easy-to-cook Champorado

Earlier, while watching KrisTV, I had the incredible craving for champorado. Good thing Berto and I remembered to pick up a White King Cham-O-Rado pack when we went to the grocery last week. All the food I see in Kris Aquino's show just makes me hungry!

           Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this chocolatey goodness:

• White King Cham-O-Rado pack
• Water
• Sugar
• Powdered Milk or Evaporated Milk (depends on your preference)

         Procedure:

• The box contains 2 individual packets that's good for 5 servings. We used both packets so that  it's good for 10 servings.
• Boil together 10 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar and 2 packets of the champorado mix.
• Stir occasionally to make sure the rice doesn't stick to the bottom of the pot. 
• Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the rice is cooked.
• Serve with milk on top.

I love how this recipe is so easy to follow, because everything is instant! Perfect for someone like me. (I hate being in the kitchen). 

Berto and I prefer powdered milk on our champorado. It makes it more creamy. Berto prefers Nestle Bear Brand, and I just let him have his fun. =) That was my breakfast earlier, a bowl of champorado paired with a big mug of coffee. I cooked so much champorado Berto and I had 2 servings each in the morning and we also had this for snack in the afternoon. Bea loves it too! 

Ahh! Thank you Lord for the simple joys in life! =)

I GoBigger and GoBetter with Globe

This year, my life went through so many changes. I quit my job, tried my hand at working from home, decided to try surviving without a nanny for my daughter and go full time with our photography business.  I must admit there are days when I feel I have so much on my plate, juggling too many balls, and overwhelmed with the daily tasks to be done.

There are days when there are just too many things to do! Aside from wifey and mommy duties, there are the inquiries from potential clients I need to reply to. There are days when my cellphone just won’t stop ringing and beeping! Sometimes calls come when I am in the middle of something and I miss them.  I have no other choice but to call clients back. Some clients would rather discuss photography packages through text messages. Do you have any idea  how long it takes to explain inclusions in our different photography packages through texts? For just one client, I’d have to send so many texts! And I have to reply to several inquiries in a day! You can only imagine how much I spend with prepaid load. I needed to look for a better solution to limit my phone costs.

Thankfully, only Globe Prepaid gives me Bigger and Better unli offers.

Go Bigger

– GoCALL100 gives me more call minutes (500 mins) VS Competitors offer (200 mins). No need to use prefix to enjoy unlicalls.

– With GoUNLI30, I get real unlimited service with unli allnetwork texts, unli calls to Globe TM, plus the real UNLI-chat experience with the best apps available. It’s the real deal compared to competitor’s UNLI offer.

Go Better

- GoUNLITXT49 gives me the same UNLI texts to Globe/TM at a BETTER prices VS Competitors offer.

– With GoUNLI25, I get real unlimited service w/ unli Globe/TM calls and texts, plus unli Viber chat to the rest of my friends. It’s the real deal compared to competitor’s UNLI offer.

Which brings me to the question: should I GoBigger or GoBetter? After going through these offers, I’ve decided to GoBigger!  I think GoUnli30 is perfect for me, I can answer all the client’s inquiries through text messages (for all networks!)  or call them without thinking of my load balance (Globe / TM). I can explain to them fully the inclusions of our packages and hopefully close the deals with just as little as P30 a day! Cutting back on daily costs is very important for a business  owner like me who’s just starting out.

My husband and I have been loyal Globe Prepaid Subscribers since the very beginning, and we’ve been loyal to Globe ever since! So I think it’s just right that I take my husband with me to watch Runner, Runner should I win in this Globe Prepaid Promo.  He’ll surely love it!

You can either try to GoBigger or GoBetter  depending on your needs, and get value for your money! 

How about you guys? Would your rather GoBigger or GoBetter? Find something that will suit your needs and try it out!