Calvin's Hub

Enjoy free mobile internet tomorrow from Smart

Calvin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 08:27:50 +0000

Smart postpaid and prepaid subscribers, get your 3G-capable handsets ready tomorrow because Smart is going to make mobile surfing FREE for the whole day of July 30. Free 3G for one whole day starting at 12 midnight later.

This is Smart’s Big and FREE promo that I was talking about a couple of weeks ago. Turns out that the 18 and Up part is just a bait to get you interested. Hehehe. What a letdown?

I don’t think you’d enjoy 3G speed this Friday if every subscriber’s going to take advantage of the promo. Smart must just be using this promo to test how much upgrade they need to sustain their subscribers’ data usage. Hmmm.

Anyway, better make use of it if you’re a subscriber. No registration needed. Prepaid subscribers only need a peso load to avail of this service. For FAQs, click here.

Win your Dream Itinerary from SLH

Calvin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:44:42 +0000

Want to escape to a place you never would have thought possible in your lifetime? Swim in the infinity pool of an exclusive retreat on the edge of Dubai. Enjoy a serene view of the Aegean Sea from a hotel overlooking Mykonos.

Well, you can win a trip to your dream destinations staying in three luxury hotels in the world if you join SLH’s Dream Itinerary online contest. All you need to do is head to http://www.slh-competitions.com, choose three hotel/resort destinations and describe you dream itinerary.

First prize winner gets to enjoy his/her dream itinerary on a 14-night stay with £8,000 (more than half a mil) for travel expenses. The runner-up and the one with the chosen holiday photograph will each get a 5-night stay for two at any SLH hotel worldwide.

Deadline of submission is September 1, 2010 and this is open worldwide.

I need a getaway. Gotta join. Gotta represent the Philippines. Go share this contest to your friends as well.

SLH is a site that covers more than 500 luxury hotels and resorts all over the world. And they have three here in the Philippines. Can you guess which three resorts carry the SLH brand?

Discovery Shores in Boracay. Eskaya Beach Resort & Spa in Panglao Island, Bohol. And the fairly new Misibis Bay in Cagraray Island, Albay, Bicol. I want to go to all three!

The notebook that got away

Calvin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:02:53 +0000

I told you before that part of the perks for writing a tech blog is you get to be invited to cover gadget events and launches. And usually these events have giveaways and raffles for the media and guests.

Earlier there were two events happening at the same time. One was the Samsung notebook launch and the other one was the launch of the LG Optimus. Our plan was to go to Samsung, stay for a bit, take photos and the press kit then catch up at the LG event.

There was a raffle at the Samsung event (as usual) but I didn’t bother waiting for it. I already won the Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3 netbook recently so I can’t be that lucky right?

It turned out that I still had some luck running. After the LG event, I was told that I won something at the Samsung event. I don’t believe it at first because it’s a typical joke for members of the press who leave an event early because only those present at that time can win stuff.

Initial news was that I won another netbook. It’s ok, I got the IdeaPad S10-3. But it turned out that it’s a 14-inch Core i3 Samsung R480 laptop worth Php45k. Ack!!! Hahaha. I hope this would not count in the number of luck per year that I have left. =P

Calvin. *boink*

Nakakapanghinayang but it was not mine to lose anyway. Although I could use it to get me a DSLR. Or to help pay for a really big purchase that we’re planning to do real soon (for another post).

We won the Lenovo IdeaPad S10-3!

Calvin — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:47:10 +0000

In the not-so-distant past, I posted my entry for Lenovo’s “What’s Your Idea of Fun” blogging contest. Most of you know that we won that contest (with your help of course) when they announced the winner of the Lenovo S10-3 last month.

Today, I met up with Lenovo Philippines executives to claim the netbook at their office at Citibank Tower, Makati. I also brought along Tia with me since she will be the real benefactor of the netbook hehe.

Here is Lenovo Philippines Country Manager, Michael Ngan, who presented me with the Lenovo S10-3. Notice his jacket.

While Tia was chatting with Michael, she commented how cool-looking the Lenovo jacket is. So he took it off and gave it to me. Bad Tia. Hahaha.

We were treated to a very hearty lunch at the Top of the Citi and I was able to chat some more with Michael and Ms. Karen Capellan (country marketing manager) about the Lenovo brand and upcoming products. Did you know Lenovo only started in 2005 when China’s Top PC Maker, Legend, acquired IBM and its popular ThinkPad brand? Legend = Lenovo.

Here’s Tia’s brand new toy.

Thank you to my readers who supported my entry. Thank you to Lenovo and Ardent Communication for hosting this contest. They’re coming up with a Facebook page that you might want to “Like” to know more about upcoming promos and contests.

The missing Takbo.ph Runfest experience

Calvin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:25:49 +0000

It was a good day to run. The weather forecast said it was going to be a cloudy, cool morning. Just right for the 6AM gun start for the 10km runners which my wife and I belonged to. It was our comeback monthly run after not joining one last month.

Most of the runners in this race are already well-acquainted. The frequent Takbo.ph forum-goers. Those who always meet each other and have their photos taken after every race. They were happily chatting with each other while doing their warm-ups and waiting for the race to start.

At least that’s what I think they were doing because you see, I was still in bed. Yes, I decided to stay beside my wife who had a bad case of cold yesterday and and felt sluggish to run today.

I didn’t mind missing the opportunity to finally meet other Takbo.ph peeps. I didn’t mind not being able to grab a loot bag that I paid for. Actually, I’m happy that I spent the morning in bed with my wife instead of running alone. At least now we have the singlet so we won’t be a stranger anymore to other Takbo.ph peeps when we wear it in future runs.

Sorry Jinoe for not being able to have finally meet you. I bet you did a bang-up job organizing this run. Maybe some other events. Didn’t get to see Noelle perform too. I wonder what she did. Hehehe.

Anyway, I’ll be checking the forums later today to see how everything went.

Real Leaf Green Tea: What’s in a name?

Calvin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 11:30:41 +0000

Anybody ever wonder how products get their name? Like for example the green tea drink called Real Leaf, does it really have real tea leaves as one of the ingredients? Or is everything artificial as what most people originally think?

According to my languid research, Coca-Cola claims that the benefits of natural green tea leaves that by the way, are sourced all the way from Zhejiang region of China are retained in their drink. Yes, I checked online that Zhejiang is a real province in China where 70% of the total green tea output in the world are produced.

Well anyway, I also realized that this is the only green tea drink that I know of that uses honey. Honey Lemon, Honey Lychee and Honey Apple. Now I don’t know if the honey used here is real honey but if it is, it’s a nice substitute for sugar in drinks. At least you don’t have to stick with sugar-free green tea drinks anymore. It also helps prevent seasonal allergies and is a good source for antioxidants.

Now I’m not promoting the Real Leaf drink. I was just curious why they decided to call it Real Leaf instead of a code word like uhmm… D3. Hahaha. If you love Real Leaf though, you can like them in Facebook or even follow them in Twitter.

Anyway I’m just curious, what iced tea drink do you prefer? And is Real Leaf one of the best-tasting iced tea beverage out there?

How much will you spend for a mouse?

Calvin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:21:16 +0000

How much will you spend for a mouse? I’m asking because I just spent P200 on a cheap CD-R King wired optical mouse and it’s giving me the fits.

When I bought it at the store, I made sure to try how it feels on my hand. Turns out it’s not exactly the same feeling for prolonged use. The mouse is a bit on the narrow side and the scroll wheel doesn’t react properly when doing short scrolls. Constant clicking with it was very tasking for my hand/wrist.

But for Php200, what can I expect right? So going back to the question, how much are you willing to spend for an optical mouse? Less than Php500? Less than Php1000? Should the cost be a priority rather than the comfort?

I read this great advice somewhere than if you have a new iPod or any mp3 player, the next thing you should invest in should be a very good pair of earphones. So should it be the same case for desktops or laptops?

Luckily, I was given this Microsoft Arc Mouse on one of the events I attended and I’m more than happy to replace my wrist injury-inducing CD-R King mouse. With a retail price of Php2,685, I should expect a more ergonomic and comfort fit for my new mouse.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Get ready for adidas King of the Road 2010

Calvin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:07:44 +0000

The adidas KOTR was the run that got my wife and I started into running. I love the singlet design and the running clinics and Running Expo they held before the event.

This year, the King of the Road will happen on October 24, 2010 and once again, at the Fort Bonifacio Global City. This time, the fee for all events (5k, 10k and 21k) is Php850. That’s a big jump from last year’s Php500 which was already high at that time. Will it entice more runners? What it will do is make it more exclusive especially for 5k runners.

So what else can you get for the Php850 registration fee?

Side activities and mini events during the race include foot scans, an adidas photo wall, massage and stretching areas, adidas sale and mini programs and concert and also a BUFFET BREAKFAST! Now how will they organize that? Thousands of hungry runners lining up at the buffet table? Good luck!

I hope they will give big discounts for participants on adidas products. Last year I was able to get 50% off on my customized adidas shoes.

No photos yet for the singlet design but it’s going to be black this year with a timing chip. Also included in your race kit is the race bib, a reflective slap strap, race routes/maps and a timing band.

It’s still expensive but I’m still willing to run the KOTR race. I think it’s still one of the premiere runs in the country… despite the unhappy 5k runners last year. Hehehe.

Join the adidas Philippines Facebook page to be updated with this event. I’ll be posting the singlet design once I get hold of a photo of it.

7 things you want to ask your Philippines customs officer

Calvin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 08:49:17 +0000

I had the pleasure to ask some questions regarding our highly irregular Bureau of Customs to our friendly licensed customs broker, Mr. Phillip. He was very helpful in helping me understand how Fedex and BOC was able to charge me an insane amount for an item I bought online and shipped from Singapore.

Through that post, I saw a lot of people getting irked with how Customs charge them for imported goods. So I compiled a list of questions and asked Mr. Phillip to answer them.

Here is some sort of FAQ if you’re planning to have an item shipped here from abroad.

1. Which method of shipping is better for the recipient? Via post office (regular) or via courier such as Fedex, DHL, etc.?

Both are better but it depends who is best in clearing your shipment on time and will free you of any hassle. My advice, if the goods are only letters, documents, etc. try to send it via EMS. If the items are loose cargo (LCL) or the so called “balikbayan boxes” send it thru so called “Balikbayan Cargo Forwarders”. Take note it will take a month or two for this kind of shipment method because it’s via seafreight!

2. What are the factors that comes into play why I have to pay Php4000 for an item valued at Php6000? Is paying almost or more than 50% of the cost normal?

Customs is implementing the WTO (World Trade Organization) Valuation System called “Transaction Value”. The dutiable value of an imported article subject to an ad valorem rate of duty shall be the transaction value, which shall be the price actually paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to the Philippines.

Usually, the cost of insurance and cost of transport of the imported goods from the port of exportation to the port of entry in the Philippines is also added in your dutiable value (purchased price).

3. Sometimes, people are not being taxed? How come?

There are a lot of scenarios that can happen. One thing for that is that shipment imported has Tax Exemption duly provided by the consignee. But NOT all shipments can be subjected to Tax Exemption especially personal shipments.

4. Are used or free items such as replacement items also taxable?

Yes as per section 100 of Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines:

ALL ARTICLES, when imported from any foreign country into the Philippines, SHALL BE SUBJECT TO DUTY UPON EACH IMPORTATION, even though PREVIOUSLY EXPORTED FROM the Philippines, EXCEPT as otherwise SPECIFICALLY PROVIDED for in this CODE or in OTHER LAWS

Calvin: Bummer. This is so unfair!

5. What is the rate of duty for and how do i know if they applied the correct rate for my item?

The rate of duty is the duty apply on the shipment arrived and based on World Customs Organization’s Harmonized Tariff System. This depends on the item you purchased or imported here in the Philippines.

It would be better if the seller or shipper determine the correct harmonized code so that customs can easily find the correct rate of duty.

Calvin: You can determine the rate of duty on the Tariff Commission’s website. Mobile phones don’t have rate of duty by the way while garment has the highest at 15%.

6. Is there an online calculator on how you can estimate how much Customs should charge you?

Not that I know of. But if you need to know the basics how to compute the duty and tax, you have to seek assistance of a licensed customs broker. Few courier companies has their own system of computing the duties and taxes.

Calvin: We’ll see if we can program one for you guys.

7. What happens if I can’t or I won’t pay for the item because the tax is too high?

Customs will treat the shipment as abandoned as per section 1801 to 1802 of Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (PD1464) as amended by RA 7651.

There is 30 days period starting from the date of discharge of the last package of the shipment and not extendible and 15 days after filing of the necessary import entry. Abandonment can be categorized as:

Express Abandonment – expressly signifies in writing his intention to abandon the shipment to the Collector of Customs.
Implied Abandonment – the importer fails to file necessary import entry within 30 days from discharge of the last package OR importer is duly notified and filed an entry but FAILS to claim his importation 15 days after the FINAL ASSESSMENT or notice to claim his importation.

Once abandoned, Customs will auction the abandoned goods as per section 2601 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines as implemented by CMO 5-2003 or the Rules and Regulations on Public Auction or Negotiated Sale.

Calvin: Or… sell it on eBay.ph?

I’m going to ask our friendly and helpful customs broker to subscribe to this post so if you have any more questions, maybe you can ask them in the comments.

A taste of Cebu-cooking in Manila with Chic-Boy

Calvin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:23:41 +0000

I’ve been wanting to dine at Chic-Boy in Jupiter St., Makati for over a month now to try their Cebu-style of cooking inihaw and lechon. As a kid who often spends his summer in Cebu, I grew fond of Cebuanos way of cooking lechon so I was quite stoked eating at this place.

According to my research (which only involves reading Blogalag’s entry), Chic-Boy is a subsidiary of Pier One Bar and Gril and it just opened last May. They specialize in chicken and pork (baboy) hence the name.

They have two specialties that you should definitely try when dining for the first time. The Cebu Lechon Liempo (Php155) and the Cebu Lechon Manok (Php210). Ordering both should already be good for 5 or 6 people.

No presentation on our Lechon Liempo and Lechon Manok

They have different sauces available which reminds me of Mang Inasal. The popular chicken oil plus Mang Tomas and garlic bits.

I don’t know why the presentation of our food doesn’t look too appealing compared to Blogalag’s but it shouldn’t deceive you. I can’t get enough of the tasty lechon liempo and the fatty parts which are so sinfully delicious. I didn’t even bother dipping it in vinegar or any sauce for the matter. The lechon manok was also very tasty. No soy sauce or vinegar yet even the white meat doesn’t taste boring.

With a bottomless iced tea and garlic rice plus some garlic kangkong to neutralize the unhealthy cholesterol then you’re all set for your meal. Next time I think I’m going to try their lechon sisig. Mmmm.

They should put the word “lechon” in every dish to make them really appetizing. Hehehe. You should definitely try this place out if you’re fond of

Sorry for the crummy shots, we only had a camera phone that time.