Abby Ongyanco-Lim

The first thing I do when I wake up is to open my laptop. Check my e-mail, then log to my IM and surf.

It’s been a daily ritual. So, it was a major shakeup when my laptop died on me few days before my “Wide” Women on Web, Wireless and Outsourcing road show. Laptop won’t boot. I don’t know if it’s a memory problem, hard disk or motherboard.

Anyway, I found a shop near my place that fixed laptop. They diagnosed that my motherboard needs to be replaced. Oh good, that means there’s no need to buy a new laptop. Yahoo! Plus, my PCMCIA slot will be fixed. (Got this problem with my PCMCIA slot ever since I accidentally dropped my laptop, the PCMCIA slot got torn from my motherboard.) Unfortunately, I can’t bring my laptop with me for the Digitalfilipino and YOSSN roadshow.

You know, not having an internet access during those days was like. I’m in a withdrawal syndrome. Yup, my companions got their laptops with them. But, it was only Janet’s who’s always online via Globe Visibility. Stephanie and Cannie always scouting for wi-fi! Hahaha. Thus, they connote a term “Wi-fi Junkine” Always looking for a wi-fi hotspots.

In Cagayan de Oro, almost all restos there offers free wi-fi access. Unlike, in Manila, few restos offers free wi-fi, the only coffee shop I know that offers free wi-fi – Baang Coffee along Tomas Morato. Another, Shangri-La and Robinson’s Galleria offers free wi-fi too. And, yesterday I discovered a free wi-fi at G/F of Podium. Hehehe

Oh wi-fi is good, but I hate to be restricted. Last time when I went to Boracay, I bought with me my GSM modem. Planning to access the interent via Globe GPRS, I thought I will be charged a very minimal fee since I will just be accessing my e-mails and its 0.15/kb. To my surprise my bill shoots to 2000 pesos in just one day! So, I went around the place and scout for a free wi-fi. At the d’ Mall, there are free wi-fi by restaurants there. But, of course you have to order food that will cost you around 300-500 bucks. That would be cheap, if I will stay the whole afternoon. But, my dear hubby won’t let me.

To get free from being a wi-fi junkie, I’ve considered two options. Subscribe to Smart to get a free 3G phone. Smart charges 10 pesos for 30 mins usage, this is my choice. However, I heard a lot of stories. According to some, Smart 3G is slow! So, I move to my next option getting a Globe Visibility plan. Witnessing Janet high speed access using Globe Visibility, I’m game! For only 2000 pesos a month, you can surf and download all you want as long as there’s a Globe signal. How sweet is that! Compared to my one day GPRS usage, sulit!

My first attempt is to get the “Laptop + Phone + Globe Visibility”, this is a globe promo that includes a free HP laptop, HSDPA/3G Phone and PCMCIA card for only 7000 a month. I signed up one week prior to our road show. Unfortunately, have not heard from Globe, so after the road show. My second attempt was to signed up at Globe DigitalExchange at Glorietta. I thought at that time I could get my PCMCIA card already. Since, I asked the Chris (Globe staff) if there’s an available unit if I signed up. He said yes, so I’m excited. I even texted Janet that I’ll be getting a Globe Visibility. At that time, Janet was at the Bed Bar preparing for the IMMAP event. Unfortunately, there’s also someone beside me signing up. He beat me by a mere minute! After he passed his form, I followed. Unfortunately, Chris (Globe staff) informed me that there’s only one unit left. And, the guy who passed the form will be the one to get the last unit! ARrrgH! Third attempt, me and hubby shopping at SM Hypermart at Libis then I saw a newly opened Globe Business Center! I immediately went in and inquired if there’s a unit available. The friendly staff informed me that there’s one unit available. And asked if I want the PCMCIA or USB device, I told her I want the PCMCIA device. Good, I was told. They only have a PCMCIA device on stock. I shared with her that I’m so glad. Because, the last time I was beaten to it, then the staff informed me. If the guy before me chose a PCMCIA then I’m beat again. Fortunately, the guy wants a USB device.

Okay, to make the long story short. Finally and finally, I got my globe visibility! I just waited 3 working days to have it activated! And, viola! I’m hooked!