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I have recently unlocked my girlfriend's globe tattoo Huawei E160E so I decided to compare the different wi-fi internet providers (Globe, Smart and Sun).
Here are the results summary per category:
1. Speedtest Results Winner: Smart Bro
2. Maximum speed capability : Globe Visibility/Tattoo
3. Stability: Sun Broadband
4. Coverage: Not yet performed (will perform at SBMA, Olongapo)
*Disclaimer: Results may vary depending on your location*
Review Conditions:
Modem: Unlocked Huawei E160E
Modem Dashboard: Mobile Partner (from dc-unblocker)
Location: at my room (Baesa, Quezon City)
Time: 5:30am to 6:30am
Profile Settings:
Carrier: Globe Prepaid APN: http.globe.com.ph User name: [blank] Password: [blank] #: *99# Carrier: Smart APN: internet User name: [blank] Password: [blank] #: *99# Carrier: Sun Cellular APN: minternet User name: [blank] Password: [blank] #: *99#
Review Results:
** Speedtest (speedtest.net)
WINNER: SMART BRO
** Maximum Speed Capability
Test Condition: Multiple youtube videos loading at the same time
WINNER: Globe Tattoo
** Stability
I will give this category to SUN Broadband, this is because during night time connection for both Globe and Smart becomes erratic. Though the other providers give high speeds during night time, the connection becomes erratic to the point that it is very annoying (especially for Globe).
Stability Ranking:
1. Sun Broadband - Very stable, though speed is only 40-48KB/s
2. Smart Bro - Slightly unstable connection, timeout every 10-15mins (no need to reconnect). Fast connection of 50-100KB/s
3. Globe Tattoo - Crappy connection, connects but cannot browse majority of the time, timeout every couple of minutes (need reconnect). Connection is worse than dial-up.
WINNER: Sun Broadband
** Conclusion:
As of now, I would recommended SMART Bro for having high speeds, though unstable during night time, it is still tolerable.
Minor Kamot : Aluminum Tierra Strut BarI've recently bought a strut bar for my Lynx. My officemate offered it to me, naka-sale raw kasi yung isa sa mga supplier na kakilala nya. I got it for a very cheap price *wink*. I didn't expect a good item at first because of the price, I just wanted to test the improvement kapag mayroong strut bar. But when I saw it I was very impressed, shiny aluminum strut bar with the "Tierra" logo (I think Tierra is the Lynx's counterpart in Taiwan, not sure though). . I thought of DIYing it during the holy week break.Holy Week Penitensya:
The Tierra Strut Bar:
Strut Bar and its function:Based from my research, A strut bar is designed to reduce strut tower flex by tying two parallel strut towers together. This transmits the load of each strut tower during cornering via tension and compression of the strut bar which shares the load between both towers and reduces chassis flex. Thus stabilizing the car and improves cornering. (Salamat kay Wikipedia, hehehehe)You could also refer to Ultra Racing's website for visual explanation.Having researched this, I immediately thought "Kailangan ko ito, especially kapag aakyat ako ng Subic kasi zigzag."Installing the Strut Bar:As curious and willing to learn as I am, I decided na i-DIY ko na lang yung pagkabit sa strut bar para ma-experience ko naman mangalikot ng kotse. Ayun after 3 grueling hours, naikabit ko siya.. Sobrang tagal no? Hindi ko kasi alam yung tamang orientation kaya I tried both ways.Strutbar installation mission - Success!
Happened a couple of days ago
This time it's not with my car, it's with my health. Lately, I have been noticing blood on the tissue after taking a dump. Worst, a couple of blood droplets dropped when I was trying to take a dump after eating too much marjolaine cake.Out of fear that something inside me is bleeding, I told my girlfriend the problem (she's a student nurse by the way) and advised me to go to a Gastroenterologist (geez, how do you spell this?) . That's what I did, I went to Dr. Pineda of Capitol Medical at Quezon Avenue. After some interview, he told me that blood is not good especially if it comes from your @ss, it may be caused by hemorrhoids, or maybe an internal bleeding caused by polyps, or even cancer (Based from his experience, he had a 24 year old patient with colon cancer - Oh crap! This is scary). He also told me that the blood may come and go for sometime, but we need to be sure of the cause. So he did a rectal examination he found no blood. He told me that I need to undergo sigmoidoscopy, a procedure similar to endoscopy, which will confirm what caused the bleeding. He scheduled me the next day and gave me some laxative to clean up my colon in preparation for the procedure.So I did some research on the procedure (which you can find upon clicking the previous link), and I told myself, "WTF, do I really need to undergo this procedure? Maybe the blood drop is just a fluke..". But then his word flashed back "My youngest patient who was diagnosed with colon cancer is only 24 years old" I got scared and told myself, "I don't want to die young. If this is serious, I need to know it immediately so I can treat it early"The next day, I had the procedure.. I asked not to be sedated because I will be driving afterwards... Which is a big mistake because the procedure was painful and very uncomfortable (not to mention that a lady gastroenterologist was doing the procedure, she is under Dr. Pineda - forgot her name). But I was very happy with the results, No polyps were found, no cancerous tumors too. :-) I only have an inflammed portion near the rectum. Dr. Pineda told me that this will become hemorrhoids when not treated early. He prescribed a suppository to cure the inflammation and a laxative to soften up my feces, advised me to avoid sitting for long periods of time, avoid eating spicy foods and avoid tight briefs LOL.
Happened 1-3 weeks ago
Finally, me and my girlfriend now have a common sport of interest...
BADMINTON!
At first, I thought - Huh? Badminton? kinda gay sport, I think that's very easy.. I won't even get a good sweat. So my girlfriend dared me to have a badminton game with her 1-3 weeks ago. I told her, "Sige, bili rin ako racket natin. Lalaro tayo basta ba gagalingan mo :p". (Yup! I like to trash talk a lot LOL.)
The big day has arrived, our first badminton match.. We rented a court at SBMA (forgot the name of the gymanasium, pfft) . After our first game, I am already soaked with sweat and I LOST BIG TIME to my girlfriend (score: 15-4). My reaction time was very slow and I can't even hit the damn shuttlecock.. pffftt!!! As a trash talker as I am, I made an excuse.. :p "Nakaka-ilang kasi yung salamin ko, dapat nag-contact lens ako eh.. Di ko tuloy mailabas yung hidden potential ko". During that day, we had at least 4 games and I didn't win even a single match, highest point I achieved was 6 points (15-6). After the match, puwede mo nang pigain yung shirt ko, pati yung towel ko sa sobrang pawis. After the game we had a great lunch at BBQ Chicken.. YUMMY! :-D
Couple of days later, my body is aching, my forearm is in pain, and my pinkie finger at my feet are killing me (most likely because of the side-stepping movements).
The next badminton match we had this week.
The Match: Best of 5 games
The Wager: Lunch at Max's
This time, I had my contact lens on, However, nothing's changed she still beat me, 3 games to none (3-0). I think I've improved a little because I broke my 6 point per game barrier LOL.
After the game:
Happened 1-2 weeks ago :-)Recently, I've noticed that my idling is kind of erratic and my belts are squealing during cold starts. The Problem: Erratic IdlingWhen I start my car, the RPM shoots up to 2,000rpm then drops up to the point that my engine chokes and then the RPM will shoots up again to 1000+rpm. Also I am having trouble finding the "timpla" of the clutch and gas when coming from a full stop (in other words, I am choking my engine most of the time when I am moving from a full stop). So I have to press the gas more thus, consuming more fuel.. pfffftttt....The Solution: Clean Sensors and Throttle BodyI consulted Kiper - a Ford Club Philippines' (FCP) member who own a car repair shop near our house, he told me that the MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor and the Throttle body are the usual causes of erratic idling. So I went to his shop and had all the sensors and the throttle body cleaned . Voila! My ride is so smooth again, Another Problem: Squealing BeltsI also had this squealing belt problem everytime I move from a cold start, which is kinda weird considering that my belts are newly replaced. However, the squealing would stop after the car gains momentum. This squealing occurs at random. The Solution: Re-tension/Re-tighten the beltsThis one I consulted with Migs - Owner of SpeedyFix, he told me that new belts have a tendency to loosen a little after a week or two after installation because of the engine heat. He told me that I could come to his shop anytime to have the belts tightened for no cost at all. So that's what I did and so far no squeals yet.. :-)
Happened last March 12 :-)
Well it's already summer here in the Philippines and the sun is scorching hot. My A/C is working so hard to give me a comfortable ride. Plus my girlfriend will be visiting me soon, so I thought of having my windshield tinted and the side and back tint replaced since they are very light colored. I thought that by doing this, it can ease a little load from my A/C. I decided that I will have 3M tints installed, the side and back tints will be medium black and the windshield will have a light black tint
Upon arriving at Maspro (an accessories shop at Banawe, near E. Rodriguez), I asked suggestions from the shop owner what tint color would be perfect for the summer, he said "Have the magic tint installed. Unlike the single toned black (super black, medium black, etc.) it doesn't absorb that much heat since the outside color will be silver. Also, you will still have the shade of black tint". The shop is offering 2 brands of tint, 3M and SolarGard.
3M only have 2 colors for the Magic Tint, the Black and the Neutral Black while SolarGard offers more variety of colors for the Magic Tint, the Super Black, Medium Black and Neutral Black. I really wanted super black, however, I haven't heard of the "SolarGard" brand. So I asked if the SolarGard brand is good, he replied that his clients who went from 3M to SolarGard were very satisfied with the tint. Plus, he only gives 2 year warranty for 3M while 5 year warranty for SolarGard (warranty covers discoloration and bubbles). Did I mention that SolarGard is 25% cheaper than 3M? :-)
So I decided to go for the Magic Tint of the SolarGard brand: Windshield - Medium Black, Sides and Back - Super Black.
The result: I am very very impressed with the tint, because when you stand outside, you can barely see what's inside of the car. But when you're inside, it's like you don't have a tint on. :-)
Pictures to follow....
Since I am not yet very good at driving, I decided that I should have a comprehensive insurance for my car. My office mate referred BPI-MS. He said that its a good and reliable insurance.
The staff of BPI-MS Cubao was very accommodating and polite, all of my questions were answered. The insurance cost me around Php 10,000.00 for a year. Lots of riders (even damage from typhoons are covered) =)
I would really recommend this Insurance company. Should you go there just look for Mr. Olan
PS: The bad thing is I already dented and scratched my left rear door and left rear quarter panel before having my car insured, and it really sucks. pffft..
Then My first Preventive Maintenace Service at Ford Edsa. Since my ODOmeter reading is already at 69T kms, I requested a major maintenance (PMS of 50T kms) which involves changing the following:
- Element Filter
- Fuel Filter
- Spark Plugs
- Engine Oil and Filter
- Coolant
- Power Steering Fluid
- Front Brake Pads
However, I was disappointed because I requested that they change my timing belt for my peace of mind but they did not do it saying that it is not yet due for replacement based on the ODO reading (pfftt.. that's why it's called a request. If that breaks can I hold you liable?). Also, I needed to return for a back job since the front brake pads that they installed produces a loud whistling sound everytime I stepped on the brake. Also, the job list also includes "checking the suspension". To my surprise, when I had my suspension checked today the lower arm bushings were busted. Plus, when I was cleaning my engine bay I found out that the clamp of my filter tube going to the EFI was not tightened. Very very bad service.
Well, I wouldn't consider going back there for another PMS or any other service nor would recommend them to my friends.
First on the list is the Change of Ownership from the previous owner to my name. It wasn't that difficult actually, I did it in 2 half days (because I always start after lunch). What do you need to have the ownership transferred to your name:
a. Notarized Deed of Sale (and secretary's certificate if company owned)
b. Original Certificate of registration and official receipt
c. Photocopy of previous owner's ID and your ID
d. Endorsement from the Insurance Company to the New Owner
e. PNP-TMG Clearance
f. Your Tax Identification Number (Very important)
g. Photocopy of all documents at least 2 copies
h. Php 2,500.00 (For everything including your merienda)
Before going to LTO, you need to have a PNP-TMG Clearance. You need to bring (a), (b), (c), (g) and (h). When you arrive there, one of their "assistants" (seems to be more of a glorified fixer) will approach you then he will ask you to fill up some forms and he will stencil the chassis number and engine number. Then you will pay the amount due at a nearest Landbank of the Philippines. In my case, since ownership will be transferred twice (from Abbott Company→Employee who bought the car→To me), the clearance was worth Php400.00. The clearance will usually take 3 days to be released, unless you would tell the "assistant" to have it rushed. Rushed means you can have it within the day but for an extra cost (you know what I mean... *wink*), which is Php300.00. And as pakikisama sa "assistant" a tip of Php100.00 will do for stenciling and working on the rush service. Voila! PNP-TMG Clearance in 1/2 day and Php800.00
Next thing to be done is going to the LTO branch where your car was originally registered. Bring all of the documents and fund you need (a to h). I arrived at branch just 15 minutes before lunch time so It was just enough to have the engine and chassis number stenciled by an "assistant". Since I went there during my coding day, I can't afford to be delayed because I wanted to finish it within the coding window (10am-3pm). So I asked the "assistant" if there is a way to make things faster (Am I bad?). Of course there is, but for another additional cost. This time it cost me Php800.00 all-in (meaning the extra cost and the cost of the registration). I agreed, and then his friend went inside and worked on my documents even during lunch (sweet). I think it only took his friend only an hour to have my new CR ready for signing by the Head of that branch. However, the head of that branch is late coming back from his/her lunch so it took another 2 hours to wait for him/her. All in all the transfer process in LTO cost me Php900.00 (including Php100.00 for the assistant)
Thus, the whole process totals to: Php 1,900.00
I just bought my first car last December 10, 2008 (if I remember correctly).
At first I thought I will be taking things slow in modifying it. So far I have already bought/done the following within 3 months:
1) Change ownership (To prevent sleepless nights)
2) Preventive Maintenance Service at Ford Edsa (Very crappy service)
3) Comprehensive Insurance (Courtesy of BPI-MS)
4) Washover Paint (courtesy of AutoPassion)
5) Leatherette seat cover from Maspro (Banawe)
6) New Rims and Tires (a birthday gift from my loving girlfriend. love you baby!)
7) Indiglo gauges (from wolfracing of Ford Club Philippines)
8) Car wash accessories (TONS of microfiber towels, Car shampoo, Mother's Wax, etc.)
Yeah, it was kinda fast considering these were done in 3 months time so right now I'm broke. But what can I do? I couldn't control the urge pfft (sabi nga nila, kapag nangangati kailangang kamutin hehehe).. =)
Just click the link for more information regarding the items here.
