Rough Groove

Free wifi internet at SM Megamall and the Podium Mall

For the past few days, I’ve been spending time at SM Megamall and Podium for the free wifi broadband internet that these two malls are offering. It’s a long way from my place in Makati but with the MRT and the lure of getting on a freebie is enough the travel. Is it reliable?

Well, SM Megamall is actually hit and miss. I was there for about five times and twice I encountered access problems. Of course, it can connect to their network but it just can’t make a connection to the internet. The first time it happened to me, I was submitting images for the World Press Photo contest and got no option but to use my Globe Tattoo and Smart mobile. As it was still unreliable, I am accessing the mall’s free internet at the foodcourt, I went to the 5th floor and stayed at Bo’s Coffee where the wifi is really fast and reliable. But I have to order coffee.

The Podium Mall? It’s fast as there are just too few visitors in this high end mall but there are no foodcourt or lounging area that I found yesterday where I can just stay. With no recourse, I ordered snacks at a restaurant and connected from there.

Other free wifi internet that I’m frequenting these days? Gloria Jeans at Glorietta via EYP but have to order something. Burger King also has free wifi.

I’m at CNN Go

My profile page in CNN GO

I contributed for CNN GO! Check my article and other info about the Boracay International Funboard Cup at langyaw.com.

Frustrated submitting World Press Photo images due to unstable connection

I’ve been trying to finish sending my photo stories for the World Press Photo contest which will close today and wonder of wonders, my Globe Tattoo connection is unstable. I tried with my Smart HSPA capable phone and it seems, their website is also problematic with the constant errors that I have been receiving.

Wanting to save on internet costs, I am here in SM Megamall for the free wifi. While it was working fine for me the other day, and fast, now, there’s no internet connection and stuck with my own mobile broadband internet. DARN!

Starbucks Love Project

Check this video out. It’s moving and beautiful!

Exasperating experience with Globe Tattoo

Yesterday, Globe Tattoo was working fine until last night. From that time until this noon, I cannot connect to the internet, Error 628 appears or, if ever I was able to connect, no data transmission occurs. I already talked with their customer service and was told that there was no problem and they will just monitor it for the next 24 hours!

WTF! There is indeed a problem and it seems they can’t do anything with it. Note the screenshots below that there is no signal at the signal indicator at the lower left hand corner.