Nimbuzz

This is my first time knowing about Nimbuzz and I must say, I am extremely happy with this gem of an application.

If you haven't stumbled upon this application yet, Nimbuzz is a mobile application that consolidated famous messaging services like Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk into a single one (think of this like Meebo, but not a web application but rather a standalone one). So for those of you who like being online to your YM or GTalk while being mobile, you may want to look into this. Why? Because it's free! However, please do take note that the application itself is free, but NOT your incurring data charges while logged on (as the app requires an active data connection to the internet).

But mind you, this mobile-internet-messaging-on-the-go is not what sold me to this app. It is with the mobile VoIP features. VoIP wha? Remember that you can call your friends online via YM or GTalk? Well this baby right here supports it too! I did mention that Nimbuzz consolidated famous messaging services: well Skype is one of them! So for a guy like me that prefers talking over the phone (mine's a Nokia E63) rather than in front of a computer; Nimbuzz is love.

I've used this app for 4 days now, mainly for messaging (over Wi-Fi though, I haven't used Globe's internal access points yet). But last Saturday, I've tried this for a good a hour or so while talking to my bestfriend who is back at the U.S. (over YM). Well, reception is acceptable but not exceptional due to this issue with my internet connection (boo!). It comes with the standard notifications (pop-up, sound and vibrate could be enabled) when a buddy chats or calls you, but I haven't quite figured it out why the sound and vibrate options would not work when in a different sound profile, only in General would (darn). Aside from that personal internet connection issue and sound and vibrate notifications bug, I rate this application 10 out of 10 for pure awesomeness. Go check this one out guys. Just use your mobile device internal web browser to download the installer on their website. Happy messaging!

PLDT Slowband Internet 2

I AM PISSED.

So PLDT do admit that they have made a mistake in our connection. Plan 990 wasn't supposed to be that "fast" in our case, achieving speeds in excess of 800kB/sec (look at my previous post). So now, because of the "upgrade" the speed was set to the proper speed of 100+kB/sec.

The past 2 years of our connection with PLDT myDSL has all been a joke. A way for us to "enjoy" the speed and service they provide. And then, baam!: a letter comes along asking you to upgrade your plan "suggesting" a better and faster service. Who wouldn't be interested with such a proposal, adding a couple of bucks more in your current plan doubles the speed!

...but hell no. They apparently found out a mistake has been made ever since the first installation and they corrected the error of the contractors who placed the physical line to our home. They found out we were using the speed not meant for Plan 990 and corrected it to Plan 1299 now.

The GREATEST question now is: HOW DO YOU CALL THIS AN "UPGRADE"? The previous average speed of 800kB/sec is now down to 100kB/sec? AND I AM ACTUALLY PAYING MORE?!

Could anybody out there suggest a solution or help me with my case? Because I am willing to go as far as filing a case to court for the simple reason that I am not receiving the same quality of service I have experienced before.

This a downgrade, not a freakin' upgrade.

PLDT Slowband Internet

Dati naming connection, Plan 990:




...at eto na ngayon after upgrading to Plan 1299:


T***ina. Pag di pa naayos ng PLDT to, papa-disconnect ko na. Hindi pa nga dumadating yung replacement modem nila. 3 weeks na. Kagaguhan. Kung pwede lang sigawan customer service nyo, matagal ko ng ginawa.

Oh yeah, you read that right - it's f**king in KILOBYTES PER SECOND not in kilobits/sec.

Restart

Well, I think this is a good time to start things all over again. A time to start with a clean slate as well (that slate meaning this blog, haha!).

On a serious note though, I wanted to run this dumb head of mine some serious work: the creative juices (whatever that means) has been stagnant for too long.

So for starters: if anyone out there is in need of a PHP programmer that can work part-time in your project - I guess that would be me. Let me know the scope and I'll see if I could make the cut. Just do remember that I am a PHP programmer, NOT a web designer. If you need someone to make you a site that is all flashy and shiny, that is not me. My job is to make that flashy and shiny site of yours do some real work: one that would require logic/process to get a result. So, feel free to contact me at joel(dot)geronimo(at)gmail(dot)com = joel.geronimo@gmail.com (duh!).

By the way, my credentials are:
- 3 years work experience in back-end programming using PHP
- Knowledgeable using the MySQL database (database design)
- Familiar with the Linux OS
- A certified Scrum Master (2010)