This is ridiculously overpriced.
Tip: If you’re visiting another country, even say for only a few days, get a local sim from them. Most sim cards already come with unlimited data out of the box for a lot less price than P500 a day. Or even if you have to top-up, still going to be cheaper.

Did this both in the UK and in Hong Kong.
In UK, I got a sim pack from ThreeUK which offered unlimited data for 30 days, 2000 minutes of all, and 2000 texts
All for £ 20 (approx. P 1,500)
Imagine, this is for 30 days! For the same amount, you only get 3 days with smart roaming. And definitely no thousands of free calls and texts.
In Hong Kong, I got a PCCW-HK Tourist sim, which was good for 5 days. Does not offer unlimited data, though. I think I had about 3GB of data (Uhm, not really sure?? But point is, still cheaper than 500/day to update and check-in to places), which is just about enough for a few days stay.
If you don't already know, Facebook browsing, and tweeting is not going to reach up to a gigabyte in 5 days. I was using data mostly for the maps, and even the maps will not max out to more than your limit for a few days. You can top-up for unli data if you really want to. You can check out their site but I'm betting my bottom dollar it's still going to cost less that Smart's roaming rate. (Goodness, who knows how fast and reliable this data roaming is?)

For your reference:
Three UK Pay As You Go SIM (Unlimited data for 30 days)
Heathrow Terminal, London (Vending machine in exit doors going to parking lot) - £20

Hong Kong Tourist Sim Card
7-eleven , Ground Floor, Hong Kong Int'l Airport - HKD 59

Let me know if you have questions and I'd be very happy to help!

My sister came home with a present for me from an event a few days back (some advertising thing I really don't know about so I'll stop talking)..
I took out of the box a supercool bamboo speaker from Loudbasstard.
Witty name. I like it. Except that the word bass in context here is actually read as /beɪs/ so you'd probably read it in your head as "base-tard". Kinda weird, huh.
(reference: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/pronunciation/british/bass_1)

 

The packaging is made from what looks like 100% recycled material, We kind-of expected this one from a bamboo-made amplifier.

(You can get a free P300 credit by using this promo code: uberTRXGB8)

It's at times like this when you can really put things to the test.

I have recently discovered this not-so-new pay-per-ride chauffeur service that takes your cab experience to a new level:
Uber - Everyone's Private Driver
It may sound a bit overwhelming (the way I said it, maybe), but to put it simply, it's a taxi* service that let's you book a car to pick you up through an app--whenever you need it.
Basically it's just a fancier version of GrabTaxi.
But instead of riding a taxi, you ride a personal car;
But instead of having a taxi meter, they have an iPad (way to go Manong!);
But instead of paying cash, you pay with your credit card (could be a downer for some, but this actually makes it so convenient.)

I was really looking forward to trying it out. Today in Manila, we are in a bad weather under Typhoon Mario--and it really looks like I could use a good service to bring me home.

Found this interestingly cheap but attractive headphones at DataBlitz. At P 650, it's really hard to say no.
Not expecting too much, I came back the next day and got a pair, and I am really surprised to see it comes with a zip semi-hard case! (Who knew right?)

Moving on to the product itself, here's a little summary you lazy bastard,
- Build quality feel - OK
- comes with a remote & mic (the mic works with smartphones and (take note of this!) PCs with shared mic/headphones jack)
- Fabric cord - FTW! Fabric cords are extra awesome since it's better than the plasticky rubbery ones that gets brittle in time and breaks. (*cough* iPhone cables *cough*)
- comfort - Meh. It gets a little uncomfortable at about an hour using it. Leaves a pain that lasts about a few seconds. (is that normal? Not sure. I'm not a headphones-type so I it's either  THAT, or my ears are weird.)
- Design - Bright and solid. I got the purple one but it also comes in pink, black and brown. (this is what's available in DataBlitz, Glorietta 2) I didn't like how "Masterpiece" was written on both sides of the headphones, Just not a fan of huge branding label. (or is it because it doesn't say Beats Dr. Dre or something else fancy?! Quit whining you little cheapskate.
- Durability - I think I am using it for about 3 months now (way to go!) And I am a rough user, I tell you. I pick this up by the cord most of the time.
- Sound quality - Average. Not too much bass. More treble that I wanted to be there. (I may or may not just saying random audio terms here).

Seriously though, if you are not very much of an audiophile, doesn't mind the big unknown logo, and has P650 to spend (this is even cheaper than average earbud headphones), this is the way to go.

Store: Datablitz. Glorietta 2.

 

So I got my earphone jack port cover replacement parts from Ebay.
(Will talk more if you need this explained)

I recently posted a problem with my Xperia Z where the earphone port cover keeps popping out by itself.

For some people who has the same issue, here's how I fixed it.
(If you are looking for a quick fix, I'm afraid this isn't for you. The steps below involve getting replacement parts.)

Part 1
First things first!
Before ordering anything from anyone, you would want to try first if you can remove the port covers MacGyver-style.
I wanted to make a video but I'm kind-of in panic to get this over with to setup a video shoot! Don't worry I promise to make it as visual as possible.

Step A.
Gather your tools.
What I used:
- twist ties
- tweezers

[caption id="attachment_203" align="alignnone" width="300"] Twist ties (those little pieces of twisty things that puts your cable together when you buy them)[/caption]

Step B.
Peel off the plastic casing of the twist ties.
I left the other half on just so I have something to hold on to.


Step C.
Bend the bare half of the twist ties all the way down.

[caption id="attachment_205" align="alignnone" width="300"] With the round-ish tip. NOT pointed.[/caption]

Try not to make the bent area too flat or pointed. You would need that later. Make it flat enough sideways by putting and pulling it between the tweezers this way.


Step D.
Open the earphone port but keep the plastic strip half-way in.


Step E.
Insert the bare part of the twist ties inside the hole of the plastic strip on the shorter side of the cover. Take note this plastic strip has a hook-like tip on the other side.
Insert the twist ties on the opposite side of the earphone jack and push it far down as you can. Just don't push it too hard so you don't bend it instead of getting it inside.



Here's how it should look like when it's inside, maybe this will give you a better picture.


Step F.
This is the part where it gets tricky. When the twist tie is further down as possible, pull the cover as high up as you can. Then pull the twist tie trying to scoop out the "hook" plastic tip of the cover. This took me several tries before actually making it work--tip: When they're both as nearly getting out of the hole, just pull them together and pull with pressure, it isn't likely to tear apart that way.

After several tries and a lot of patience, the cover should be out. Putting it back in is a lot easier.
Since the hook tip already flattened a bit, I just pushed it back my hands, no tools or what.

Part 2

Step 1:
Hop on over to Ebay.com and get yourself a new set of port cover replacement parts.
Now you know it's possible for you to possible for you to replace it yourself, get the replacement parts. Some have suggested they are available on Rounded.com which is good if you're in the UK. But if want it shipped in South-east Asia (like here in Manila), Ebay stores from Hongkong sellers sounds good enough (and they're cheaper). I even got mine with Free Postage.

[caption id="attachment_208" align="alignnone" width="844"] I really recommend this seller since I got my order pretty fast.
Seller: gsm4world[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_209" align="alignnone" width="167"] Xperia Z port cover replacement parts (Set of 4)[/caption]

Step 2:
Once you get your hands on the replacement parts, pull out the faulty one just like how you did it in Part 1.
This should be fairly easy now 'cause you've done it already a little loose.

Step 3:
Insert the new port cover.
This was harder than putting back the old one since it's new and stiff (or at least that's what I got). I had to push the hook part with the end of a twist tie (not bent) to get it in.

And that's it!
While getting an Xperia Z1 to get rid of the earphone port cover sounds like a great idea, maybe you should think twice because Z1 still has other port covers around it, too!

Hope this helps. If you have any questions, just leave a message/comment!

So I've been actively watching this series and I do this on my way home everyday. Having an Xperia Z, I had to open the port covers to access, well of course, ports like the earphone jack, every time I needed to listen to anything on earphones.

After a couple of days, I often find the port open when I take the phone out of my bag. At first I thought it was just me for keeping a jungle inside my bag, but I, with my nitpicking eyes, kept it out, and observed it for a few minutes. Turns out, son of a gun, it pops out by itself.

Similar to what happens in this video of someone else:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HH4ROZCAFM

It was driving me crazy because Xperia Z's waterproofing is useless with the port covers coming off.

My phone being 3 months old, doesn't deserve to have it's waterproof-ness taken away. (Maybe not now. Not ever)
Things that came to my mind is 1) I need a bluetooth headset; and 2) I need to fix this cover--and fast.

The internet suggests I bring it to a Sony Service Center to have it replaced, they might charge me for only a little, thing is, they will take your phone apart just to replace that tiny piece. And I am not very comfortable getting my phone taken apart for a small issue.
It's not an iPhone.There's no way I can get replacement parts here in Manila. So I hopped on over to Ebay (get the Ebay app on PlayStore). I've had a few international Ebay transactions before, so this isn't new stuff (will talk more about this some other time).

And yey! I was able to pull it out.

Good thing the replacement parts were easy to find, they come in sets of 4 (one for each port--USB, microSD, earphone jack, sim card) for $7.99 (around P370 when converted by PayPal) and it's with Free Postage.

Note: I took the cover out just to try it before I made the purchase. I didn't want to wait for item to come only to find out I can't take it out at all.

Will let you know how I did it in another post-a technical one this time.

References:
Ebay product -
OEM Black Audio Jack Micro SD USB Sim Card Slot Port Cover For Xperia Z L36H
Seller: gsm4world

Eneloop sounds like they have the best promise about rechargeable batteries I've ever heard.

In case you haven't heard, Eneloop is a product from Japan by Sanyo that consentrates on batteries and other battery associated devices.

I've got myself an Eneloop 4x AA Blister Pack which seems to be the latest ones thet have of its kind.

Here's the comparison between the old and the new one I got from their site:

 

New, improved eneloop

(HR-3UTGB & HR-4UTGB)

Up to 1800 charging cycles

Up to 90% of charge remaining
after 1 year of storage

Up to 70% of charge remaining
after 5 years of storage

Old eneloop

(HR-3UTGA & HR-4UTGA)

Up to 1500 charging cycles

Up to 75% of charge remaining
after 3 years of storage

Up to 85% of charge remaining
after 1 year of storage

It also comes pre-charged so you can use it right away just like regular disposable batteries. Just remember NOT to throw it away. ;)

I got this pack from Fujifilm for P850.00 at SM Megamall.
Be sure to get yours from stores you trust because I heard there are fake ones you'd probably find lurking around. Hint: when it's too much below the mall price, think twice.

These are the stores which carry Eneloop batteries:
- CDR-king
- Infomaxx
- Henry's
- Camerahaus
- Fujifilm

Look for the Genuine Eneloop seal!


(Let's just hope there are no fake seals.)

I'm using this pack for my bridge camera--still on the factory charge. And I will be more than happy to give dates on how long it lasts after a few uses. If it lives up to its promises, then this just might be the best rechargeable AA's I've ever had.

So do you know of any other rechargeable batteries better than this?