HEAD TO THE MOUNTAINS: WINTER VS SUMMER

The picturesque alpine resorts high above sea level, nestled in the stunning mountain ranges of Europe, aren’t just a skier’s Mecca.

Sweet Lie or Bitter Truth

If you're given a chance to choose in a situation which involves knowing a lie and truth, would you be happy to hear the sweetness of a lie or choose to get hurt as long as you're hearing the truth?

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) a.k.a Traitor In Action

TIA or Transient Ischemic Attack is a sudden onset of a focal neurologic symptom and/or sign lasting less than 24 hours.

When You Played The Music

Your music is very nice, very nice. However, I don't know when will it stay nice.I don't know when will it stay as a music to my ears.

Zabadani Cafe In Layers and More

Zabadani Cafe offers Layered Coffee, Soda and Milk Tea and whole lot more. Great place, great food.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

How To Unlock Your USB Modem

The wait is finally over folks as here is the step by step process on how I had my usb modem unlocked.I think I already mentioned in my previous post how convenient it is to have the unlocked one. Now before you read any further, bear in mind that is going to be a 'try-at-your-own-risk' process. The entire thing worked pretty well on my usb modem and I'm hoping that it would also work fine on yours. I'm just sharing here what I exactly did. You might be hesitant right now because maybe you think you're not that techy enough to pull through but I tell you this, 'We Are On The Same Boat', I'm not that techy either. I'm just a curious, determined and stingy person who doesn't want to pay anyone to do things for me if I can do it on my own. For everyone's convenience, I'd be posting screen shots for proper guidance. 


Here are the basic things that we need before we proceed: 


1. Your USB Modem. 
As to my case I have this white Huawei HSDPA USB Stick. 
Model: E1553 (I think this info is written in your stick, just look for it) 
IMEI No: 354112032341500 






You would be needing these information later on. 


2. Software/s 


v4mpire-unlocker.rar 


I downloaded mine over 4shared.com. I think you will needing an account in 4shared to do this. Don't worry, 4shared is one of the legit downloading sites in the internet. It is one of the places to look whenever you need anything. It is a rar file so make sure you have winzip or 7-zip to extract the file.





In there you will find two softwares. 
a. v4mpire.exe 
b. CargarCodigoUnlock.exe 


UNLOCKING Process 


1. To start the unlocking process, make sure you plugged in your USB modem. Do not connect the internet yet. 


2. Run 'CargarCodigoUnlock.exe' and click 'Please Select Com Port'. By this time, the software should have detected your usb modem, if not, pull it off then reconnect then try again. If it's already there, click 'Accept' then 'Unlock Modem' 






3. Then it would ask for a 'Modem Code' 






4. This time run 'v4mpire.exe'





5. Click Hauwei IMEI and enter your usb's IMEI then click 'CALC" 






6. On the black window on the left, it would display the 'Unlocking Code'. Copy then paste it to the 'Modem Code' being asked in step #3. 


7. Then click 'Unlock Modem'. You would be able to read in the white window that your USB is now unlocked. Yey! I hope you're going to be successful. Good Luck! 


Now for your dashboard configuration, here are the important information that you need to key in before you can successfully connect in the internet. Make sure also that you have enough credits/load.


Dashboard > Tools > Options > Profile Management 


SMART 
APN: Static 
APN Name: 
Smartbro Access Number: *99# 






Globe 
APN: Static 
APN Name: http.globe.com.ph 
Access Number: *99***1# 






Sun Cellular 
APN: Static 
APN Name: wap 
Access Number: *99# 





-niceurdaneta-

Monday, May 28, 2012

I Had My USB Modem Unlocked

Internet connection has become one of the most important parts in the life of a blogger. Most of us see to it that we are online 24/7 so that we won't be missing anything or be one of the first to know whatever's happening in the internet world. May it be a cool gadget's release date, celebrity breakups or wedding proposals, travel promos, blog contests etc. 

In the case of travel bloggers, having a wired internet connection is really not an option. We prefer having those plug-it or usb modems that we can carry anywhere we go. 

Ever since I started my online career, I only rely on my usb/plug-it modem for my internet connection. Admittedly, it's not that fast compared to the wired ones but the speed is just enough for my online needs. At first I had a postpaid one but later on I realized that it's not worth it. Though I could save few hundreds of having a postpaid modem, there are days that I couldn't connect, simply because the network doesn't have a a strong data signal in a place that I'm at especially if I'm in the provinces. 

The mentioned situation made me think that it would be best to have the prepaid one and having the modem open-line. In a certain place, there would always have this 'stronger' network provider and most likely it would be the same network provider that could give you the strong internet connection or data signal. I had my postpaid plan cut and bought a prepaid internet sim instead. And since I strongly believe that USB modems can be openlined or unlock, I spent few hours googling the process. I'm stingy type of person so paying someone to do it for me is not my way. 

After viewing some youtube tutorials and downloading a couple of softwares, ola! my usb modem is now unlocked. Of course, I bought the other networks' internet sims to try it out. It simply worked and I'm just so happy. Now I have an unlocked/openline usb modem, I can have an internet connection wherever I go. I would simply ask someone from the place that I'm at on what's the strongest network and use the internet sim accordingly. 


If you're not well versed with techy/internet terms, the process of having the usb modem unlocked is quite difficult but if you're determined enough to do it, Google is always there to help. 

For the configuration in your dashboard, here are the important data that you need to key in. (After unlocking) 


Dashboard > Tools > Options > Profile Management 


SMART 
APN: Static 
APN Name: Smartbro Access Number: *99# 


Globe 
APN: Static 
APN Name: http.globe.com.ph 
Access Number: *99***1# 


Sun Cellular 
APN: Static 
APN Name: wap 
Access Number: *99# 


Modem Used: HUAWEI HSDPA USB Stick Model: E1553 

-niceurdaneta-

Friday, May 25, 2012

Holiday Hotspots: Clubbing in Kos


If you’re after a clubbing holiday with that additional all-important ingredient of sunshine, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Kos. A small Greek island located in the South Aegean, just a few miles from the coast of Bodrum in Turkey, Kos is a hit with revellers young and old who love nothing more than partying all night and lazing on the beach by day. It’s a serious hit with British holidaymakers and as a result of its wide appeal, cheap holidays to Kos are widely available and perfect for groups on a budget. Central to the island’s nightlife is Kardemena - a buzzing resort with enough bars, pubs, karaokes and nightclubs to keep you entertained for a month, perfect for stag and hen dos. By day it’s all about the beach - where soft golden sands are peppered with parasols and the warm shallow shores were just made for watery fun, with plenty of activities on offer from parasailing and pedaloes to boat trips to the nearby islands. 

By night, Kardemena really comes into its own and this neon-lit resort transforms into a lively, boisterous town packed with bars and clubs - each jostling for your custom with plenty of two-for-ones on cocktails. You’ll find plenty of package deals by major tour operators such as Thomas Cook holidays who don’t just offer flights and accommodation, but usually throw in some inclusive tickets to the best clubs too. 

This is the place where partying all night and sleeping the effects off on the beach by day is the rule of play. The party goes on all Summer, so if it’s a little R&R you’re after and a quiet night’s sleep, Kardemena probably isn’t for you. But if it’s all-night clubbing with like-minded company and great weather to boot, then you’ve found the perfect place. -niceurdaneta-

Monday, May 14, 2012

Visiting Mati For The First Time - Day 2

As promised, here is my second day sharing of my awesome and first ever and definitely not my last Mati visit. If you were able to see the awesomeness of the city of Mati on my previous post, their awesomeness didn't end there. 

Waniban Island


Another famous spot in Mati that everyone has been talking about is the Waniban Island. In order to get there, you need to ride a motor bangka (small boat). The one that we had that can accommodate 5-10 passengers. For bigger groups, there were also bigger motor boats for them. It took us approximately 15 minutes to reach the beautiful island. 

Motor Bangka

There isn't any restaurant in the island nor electricity so you need to bring your own food before going there. You can bring your own mat for a picnic-like escapade and just pay the entrance fee of 35 pesos/head or spare yourself from paying it and just rent one of their cottages for 200 pesos. The clear waters was just so inviting but the heat of the sun was so painful. 

Much Effort For A Failed Jumpshot


Lefthanded Me

My friend KC didn't mind the heat and even brought one of her review booklets for her upcoming medicine licensure exam and continued reading while swimming. Such a brilliant idea to study isn't it? :) After few hours, our bangka returned to fetch us and brought us back to Jambay. 

Review For Med Licensure Exam

It's just so sad that my Mati visit would soon end. KC's cousin arrived in a short while and drove us to the city's transport terminal back to Davao City. My first ever Mati visit was indeed a blast. More than the awesome places, I enjoyed it much because I spent it with my dearest friends. I would definitely visit the place again.

The width strains against the failing hate. -niceurdaneta-

Visiting Mati For The First Time - Day 1

I've been hearing about the beauty of Mati since my college days and I've been always wanting to visit the place. They are saying that their beaches got very fine white sand and the entire place is completely picturesque.

Dahican Beach

One of my highschool friends KC just finished her hospital internship and she wants to have a summer vacation before she could seriously start her review for the medicine licensure exam this coming August. She wants to visit Mati so she persuaded me and our other highschool friend Dominique to accompany her. At first I planned not to join but then I realized that this would be the perfect time to fulfill my longed Mati visit.

Me and KC at the Facade of Hotel Beatrice
 Mati by the way is the only city in the province of Davao Oriental. It is also the capital. We left Davao City at around 8pm and rode the last trip of the van going to Mati. The van had limited stop-overs so we reached Mati in less than 3 hours. KC's cousin met us in the terminal and drove us to Hotel Beatrice where we stayed for the night. The supposedly rest time turned to be an infinite chit chat because one of our (Me and Dominique) college close friends, Jhepoy visited in the hotel. He's a resident in Mati and he has been inviting me since college years to visit their place. It was the second time for Dominique. 




Even though we slept late, we managed to wake up early and had our early beach hopping. Good thing KC's uncle lent us his car/s that made roaming around much easier. For those who would visit Mati without private vehicles, motorcycles are available for rent.

Inviting Waves


Our first stop is at the famous Dahican Beach. Just look at how beautiful it is. The waves are obviously huge which are great for skim boarding and surfing. Aside from the fact that I can't swim, I'm pretty sure there's no way I can learn to skim nor surf. So I just watched the kids enjoying it.

Skim Boarding
 After Dahican beach, we were looking for a place to stay for the night so we had the what so called "beach front desk hopping". We visited Masao, Gregorio and then finally Jambay. We decided to stay at Jambay and told the managing personnel to reserve one room for us.

Gregorio
Jambay
Masao
 It's almost lunch time and since your Mati visit won't be complete if you're not going to dine at Seaside, Jhepoy who happens to be the son of the owner called the resto and had our grand lunch prepared. For the detailed post of the grand lunch at seaside you may click here



After the sumptuous lunch, we went to Mayo, one of the baranggays of Mati and dipped into their cold lagoon. If you do not want to burn yourself to the hot sea water, better visit the Mayo lagoon. 



After several hours of enjoying the cool water, we headed to Jambay. Lucky for us because the tide is already high and the sea water is just so inviting. So we had another round of swimming while watching the beautiful sun to set. We enjoyed the rest of the night singing using the videoke machine while munching our delicious dinner from Seaside.




 That ends the first day of my first ever Mati trip. -niceurdaneta-

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Sweet Lie Or Bitter Truth?

Pain and happiness can sometimes go hand in hand. They're not always on the opposite sides as some people can tolerate that much pain for the sake of being happy.However, happiness is absolute and subjective. It doesn't follow a step by step process nor guided by a checklist. Someone else's happiness may not be true to others and vice versa. 

If you're given a chance to choose in a situation which involves knowing a lie and truth, would you be happy to hear the sweetness of a lie or choose to get hurt as long as you're hearing the truth? 
Let's just say you chose the first one, in the process, you were able to escape the episodes of pain. As long as you're believing the lie, your armor against pain is still intact and can never bring you down. However, the longer you're living believing a lie the more pain you're accumulating the moment you'll find out the truth. When that moment comes, you can't immediately start the moving on process because you would also hate yourself for being so stupid. 

Now let's say you chose to feel the pain of hearing the truth, right at the beginning you'll get mad and then you'll cry or whatever gesture you have when you're sad and then eventually you'd be able to accept it and start the moving on process. The acceptance is already there and somehow the hurt feelings will just be eradicated. It may not be forgotten but can easily be forgiven. Being able to know the difference, what would you choose then? The sweet lie or the bitter truth? It's up to you. Have a nice day! -niceurdaneta-