My Blogs

As a blogger, I am focused on creating multiple websites that reflects each of my various interests and passions. My main strength is being able to perceive the problems or needs of internet users (at a macroscopic level) and coming up with blogs that serve to address those needs. I believe that blogging will go very far in the future and this is the reason why I have invested my efforts to starting and developing my blogs.

Explore Iloilo – Your Online Gateway to Iloilo and Western Visayas

Explore Iloilo is my maiden and most successful blog to-date. Started in 2006, it has become one of the most recognizable websites about Iloilo and has reached out its presence outside of the internet after being featured in TV, Newspapers, Magazines, and Radio.

Pueblo Philippines – Promoting Philippine Towns and Cities

PuebloPhilippines is my newest pet project that I started because I wanted to make a travel/urban blog that encompasses the whole Philippines rather than just one area. Learning from the success of Explore Iloilo, it’s going to have a more local approach rather than skimming through places in the Philippines. I’m definitely excited at how far I can push Pueblo Pilipinas to be an excellent source of information and a change agent in the society.

Everything Boracay – Your Local Guide to Boracay Island Philippines

Everything Boracay is an portal for tourist planning to visit Boracay Island. Viewers will be able to learn everything there is to know about Boracay, browse though a comprehensive list of hotels and resorts, view pictures, and interact with other tourists planning to visit or have already been to Boracay Island.

Explore Guimaras – Your Online Gateway to Guimaras

Explore Guimaras is like the little brother of Explore Iloilo. It contains pictures, travel information, and updates about Guimaras. It is still largely incomplete because I’ve put it off to prioritize my other blogs but there are already some helpful content in the blog for visitors willing to experience what Guimaras Island has to offer.

Smart Bro Share it Speed Test

So how does the new Smart Bro Share it measure up in speedtest.net? I have saved screenshots of my speedtest.net results taken from different days and times.

When I connected to Smart Bro Share it for the first time; 8:30 pm

Two Hours Later; 10:30

I was actually ecstatic that Smart Bro had nearly met its published speeds. The draw back is its high ping rate. This is important since a high ping rate also limits the amount of bandwidth you can receive in your connection. During this time, I wasn’t able to watch Youtube videos without pausing.

Early Morning Today; 4am

Yes, you read that right … 3.06mbps during non peak hours. Youtube videos were loading without pausing.

Late Afternoon Today; 7pm

This totally blows! If it didn’t have a dual internet connection, I would be really suffering right about now. I’ve actually got speeds like this during peak hours since I installed Smart Bro share-it.

I have already contacted Smart Bro to fix this problem. I hope they resolve this issue.

Combine 2 Internet Connections with Windows 7 Network Load Balancing (NLB)

Recently, Installed a Smart Bro Share-it connection here at home. I originally planned it to be a replacement for my Smart Bro Plan 999 (the one with the canopy / antenna) but due to connection problems I’ve been having recently with Smart Bro Share-it, I decided to keep my Smart Bro Plan 999 at least until next month so that I can have a back-up connection. Now I have two internet connections, my Smart Bro Plan 999 (up to 1mbps) and Smart Bro Share-it (up to 2mbps). Naturally, I did some speed tests to measure how my “combined” bandwidth would add up. First I did a speed test of both connections separately:

Smart Bro Plan 999 Speed Test

Smart Bro Share-it Speed Test

Configuring Network Load Balancing on Windwos 7

I was so excited when I found about Windows 7’s built-in feature which allows you to use multiple internet connections in just one pc. This feature is called “Network Load Balancing” or NLB. No need to pay for additional software or buy a Dual Wan Router. You just buy a separate LAN Card for each connection, make sure that both connections can access the internet, and that’s it! Windows 7 automatically does the rest for you.

How does it Network Load Balancing work?

Theoretically, if I combined my two internet connections I would get a total bandwidth of 2.71Mbps. Unfortunately, load balancing does not work that way. I still have two external IP addresses connected and most programs would only choose to use either one of them since they were designed that way. What it does is it allows me to use multiple programs optimally like downloading or watching youtube videos and still be able to play games or surf with no delay or lag since both connections have their own separate line.

Think of it as water pipes. Rather than widening the size of one pipe or increasing the flow of water, Network Load Balancing optimizes my speeds by adding another separate pipe. Now, I have a more stable connection since if either one of them bugs down or is being used extensively, I still have the other to compensate.

Increased Torrent Download Speeds!

Torrent downloads work very well with load balancing since they rely on multiple connections. I tried testing on a heavily seeded torrent and I was surprised to find out that the bandwidth of both of my connections added up! One of my torrents was downloading at 323.2KB/s … 1GB in just one hour … I love my dual connection!

Things I’d like to know about optimizing Network Load Balancing

If only there’s a way to do this in all my downloads or when watching online streams and stuff. I’m still new at this so I don’t know how to do it.

Also, I want to know how to set rules so that specific programs would only use a specific connection. Currently, I don’t know how the programs decide to use which connection. What I do is that before I launch program I have the other connection disabled and I open it later once the program is connected.

I use the Smart Bro Plan 999 when playing Garena (DoTA) since it has better ping and the Share it when I’m downloading single large files since it has higher bandwidth.

Smart Bro Share It Review – P999 with Free WiFi Router and up to 2mbps

I just recently installed a Smart Bro “Share It Unlimited” internet broadband connection for P999 per month. Smart Bro’s newest unlimited wireless service promises speeds of up to 2mbps and comes with a free HSPA modem, which doubles as a WiFi router. I’m so excited to finally be able to share my experiences now that I have it connected to my home network.

Why I applyied for Smart Bro Share It

I actually have a great Smart Bro Plan 999 post paid connection, which I’ve been subscribed to for 3 years already. The signal in my area is great and I’ve enjoyed its published speed of up to 1mbps (in my experience its mostly around 700+kbps) and I’ve only had disconnections very rarely. Recently, I’ve upgraded to Windows 7 and found out that it does not support the latest drivers of one of my LAN Cards in my desktop computer, which is the internet server here at home. We lost our home network and, as a result, my sister couldn’t use her netbook to connect to the net. This left me with the option of buying a new LAN card with driver support for Windows 7 (less than P500) or a new WiFi router (around P2000+). Good thing I discovered Smart Bro’s new Share It Unlimited service before I had bought a LAN card or a WiFi Router.

What’s the catch, why does it seem too good to be true?

I inquired about the new service in our nearest Smart Wireless Center and asked them particularly what the difference is between my current Smart Bro “Plan 999 Unlimited” and “Share it Unlimited.” I wanted to know if there’s any “catch” … why they offer faster speeds and a free WiFi Router for the same P999 price. The general answer I got was that it’s a great service since for the same price I get more for my P999 per month BUT it’s only available to selected areas covered by Smart’s 3G network. Sound like a good deal to me since my area (Mandurriao, Iloilo City) has 3G coverage and a great signal from Smart since our house is near their cell tower.

What do you get with Smart Bro Share It Unlimited?

True Wireless Service

They added that their Share It Unlimited does not require an antenna (canopy) since the modem receives wireless signals via Smart’s 3G (HSPA) network. This means their new Share it Unlimited is a true wireless service not like the Plan 999 service, which they just claimed to be wireless but (if you don’t have a wireless router) you actually still need cables to connect the canopy to your computer  … You can actually easily bring the new modem with you and transfer to a new location with Smart’s 3G coverage anywhere in your province.

I was told that their modem has a province lock and you have to apply for relocation if you want to use it in another province. You can only have the modem registered in one province at a time and can apply for another relocation every 4 months.

Free WiFi Router

The 3G / HSPA modem doubles as a WiFi Router, which can handle up to 5 connections at a time. The modem also has one port for LAN connections if, like me, your desktop computer doesn’t have a WiFi adapter / receiver. The CSR of Smart told me that only 2-3 connections is recommended as not to sacrifice speed and connectivity. The WiFi Router also has a usable range of about 30 meters.

Unlimited Internet Connection

Share It Unlimited is now post paid … No more limited free hours and additional charges per minute of excess.

Faster Speeds of up to 2mbps

Now we get to the most important part. Does Smartbro’s Share It Unlimited live up to its promise? I’ve done a speed test and got this result: Download speed of 1.61mbps, upload speed of 0.29mbps, and ping / latency of 321ms

It’s not 2mbps but I’m not complaining … for the same P999 price I still get twice the speed of my old connection.

What will you need for the Smart Bro Share It Unlimited?

To apply, you will need to fill up their Subscriber Application Form, Proof of Address (Power, Water, Credit Card Bill etc…), Proof of Identification (Government ID), signed Waiver Form, and initial monthly service fee of P999.

Smart Bro Share It Unlimited has a lock-in contract of 24 months. If you decide not to comply, you will have to pay for the remaining months and P2,500 for the modem / WiFi router.

I hope Smart Bro’s Share It Unlimited will consistently give me a good connection for the whole 24 months. If you have your own experience with this new service, please let us know and leave a comment.

Smartbro Share It Speed Test Update

Did the speed test again and it’s true! Share It Unlimited does go up to 2mbps (1.96mbps was the average speed but it got up to 2.01mbps a briefly). I got this speed when I moved the modem closer to the window. Download speeds go up to 250KB/s.

Smartbro Share It Ping Test

Just found out its flaw, which could be a very big deal to a lot of potential subscribers. I get a high ping most of the time. I tried to play DoTA in GG client and the hosts keep kicking me out because I have a ping of 120-140+. I’ll try to find out what’s the problem but I’ll get back to it next week since I’ll be leaving for my next trip (and the last for the year) in Guimaras. Here’s the ping test result that I got:

Starting a New Blog Mindmap

If you’re doing a complex task over and over, one way to help you do things more efficiently and help you remember key steps is making  a mindmap about it. I’m currently starting to make a living out of blogging, and experimenting on starting new blogs to make my own little blog network. Starting a new blog takes some time and effort, and for it to become successful, bloggers have to be  diligent in setting it up and promoting it. So I decided to systematize my workflow on starting new blogs by making a mindmap for it. Here’s how my first draft looks like:

As I make more blogs, my “Starting a New Blog” Mindmap will also have more improvements and edits, which will enable me to carry over what I’ve learned from making previous blogs and apply successes to the next one.

Further Reading:

• Increase Your Blogging Productivity through MindMapping

Three Years Internet Subscription with SmartBro

It’s been almost three years actually that I’ve used SmartBro as my internet provider. I pay P999 every month for my unlimited internet at 384kps, which is actually a bit lame and more pricey compared to internet access in other countries. I’ve hang on with them for so long because their line is, I think, the most reliable IP in Iloilo City. My friends have had experiences with Bayantel, PLDT myDSL, and Globelines, and they said their internet access have hiccups from time to time.

The installation time of Smart Bro was quick! It was setup after a few days of application and their support team also responds very timely. Even during strong typhoons, my connection doesn’t flinch.

There was a time lately that I lose my connection even during a hint of rain. I complained about it and the support people came over to check out my antenna/canopy the day after. They had to extend the height of my antenna because they said a tall tree was blocking the signal (lol). I had it extended from 10ft to 20ft for P700+ (GI Pipe = P300+, 1KG Wire = P40+, Service Fee = P400+).

I just hope they increase their bandwidth soon, they’ve not upgraded for a long time already! 384kbps is really low nowadays, you can’t even continuously view youtube videos with that. I found out from their website that their “plug-it” prepaid plans are already 1mbps, that’s so unfair

Payment is super convenient, I just have to go to SM City and drop an envelope with my payment in a computerized payment counter in the Smart Wireless Center. During my subscription to SmartBro, I’ve amassed 34,965 rewards points, which entitles me to a P100 rebate, which is kind of insignificant compared to the total amount that I’ve paid them. I’m thinking of just collecting the reward points for future promos.

If you’re also living in the same area as me – Housing, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, I have my thumbs up for SmartBro

Increase Your Blogging Productivity through Mind Mapping

I’ve recently discovered a great tool to easily manage my growing number of blogs by downloading programs based on a simple concept called Mind Mapping. Mind Mapping is basically a term for “listing down your ideas”. The term was quite daunting at first because Mind Mapping seems like one of those complicated techniques that an obsessive compulsive person might use. I later realized that it’s awesome and has actually simplified the way I run my blogs and has made my work a lot faster.

Photo by Auzigog

I used to make lists about topics I needed to post about for my blogs in pen and paper so that I won’t forget to post about them or certain things about a topic. It was a lot of work and time consuming. If I wanted to see the list, I have to remember where I put the notes and find it through the clutters of my room. Whilst browsing the web, I found out that there are many software that can help make mind maps. I tried some that are listed here, and found that Mindjet MindManager is the best. It is easy to use and powerful. The only drawback is that it’s not free. There are, however, a few free mind mapping programs that can do the trick.

Mind Mapping is great for people who run Information Blogs like me because it keeps my mind organized and clutter free. Usually, I would continually research many topics about a city like Iloilo for Explore Iloilo, for example, and I would forget posting some topics because of many other new things that I have known about that needs to be posted immediately. Instead of having all that information floating in my head, I now use MindManager to make a list of everything I know/want to post about Iloilo. Everytime I need to post something in Explore Iloilo, I just open the file in MindManager and then I can see what subtopics I need to post about that hasn’t been featured in my site yet.

Recently, It has also been a great tool for planning my travel itineraries. I frequently go out of the houses and visit many places because of my blogs, I don’t usually have the luxury of time (because staying at a particular place longer also means taking out money, which I also don’t have a lot of) so I need to make the most of my stay/money by planning the trip ahead of time: Places I need to visit, how to go there, what I am going to ride, at what time I will arrive, how much I should spend etc…

It has so far been great! I’m now convinced that I should find even more ways to make my work easier.

MoneyBlogger – Win a iPod Nano

There are a lot of informative websites about making money online. One such site that I have come across on and am subscribed to is MoneyBlogger, which has a lot of insightful articles that helps me in learning more about monetizing my blogs.

Currently, MoneyBlogger is holding a contest and the winner gets to receive an iPod Nano. Isn’t that cool? Definitely, I would want to have that thing in my pocket and all I have to do is have a blog

SEO and Monetizing Speedlinks October 11 2007

• The reason I’m ignoring your blog – Lists 5 reasons why you’re blog can be ignored during the first visit. The list is quite simple and straightforward but most bloggers will find it very enlightening.
• Ten Timeless Persuasive Writing Techniques – I believe bloggers need to be good at being persuasive, people generally read blogs to learn something and bloggers, in part, should write in a way that will be able to have an impact on readers.
• 21 Ways to Build a Better Blogger
• How to pick up a Western Union Quick Cash AdSense payment? – Recently google has enabled western union quick cash payment to Philippine-based published, Yuga writes a guide on how to pick up your earnings from western union outlets.
• http://headzoo.com/alinks – creates a a link automatically when word is mentioned in pages and posts. Really helpful in providing your visitors with better site navigation.
• Inside Adsense: Introducing video units – Google integrates adsense with youtube. Make money with youtube videos!
• How to Easily Prioritize your Projects – factors to consider what to prioritize when having a lot of projects in mind

Speedlinks – SEO and Monetizing

Now that I’ve expanded my subscriptions to SEO and Marketing blogs, I was able to read very informative articles that I know will help me in some way or another.

• The real secret to SEO – talks about how ol-fashioned hard work works best in sustainable SEO and not just use quick get rich schemes to climb to the top of search engine rankings. I always am tempted to obsess in the link hype, but now that I know that what I’m doing all along is going to be more effective then I guess I’m just going to avoid them. So far, it’s been a very slow process but I see a gradual progress.
• Sphinn – I’ve heard about it before but it’s the first time I visited their site and I regret that I didn’t do it earlier. I thought that it would be similar to other online bookmarking social services but Sphinn is actually focused solely on Internet and Online Marketing related posts. Plus they have RSS feeds to even individual categories, which makes it a treasure trove of new ideas for me.
• YouTube does a Revver with AdSense – If its really true then I sense a big thing to happen in youtube. It might even mean authentic videos/episodes to be posted in youtube by media companies themselves.
• The Website Marketing Mind Map: Internet Marketing Made Easy – looks very geeky but it’s one of my most informative reads yet
• The importance of a page 1 listing and how to get it – has statistics on how many clicks a page 1, page 2, etc. get per keyword search
• 10 Reasons to be Interested in Youtube – gained an idea on how to gain more traffic
• Using Flickr for Search Engine Optimization – Interesting read for flickr users

(Just thinking: If I can only direct this effort to Nursing, I hope next time around I’ll be able to post Nursing Stuff for a change.)

Speedlinks – SEO and Online Marketing

Here are some interesting websites that I’ve found and subscribed to today. Just learning so much from all these kinds of people.

Subscribed to:

• Aaron Wall’s SEO Book.com – lots of interesting articles
• Grey Wolf’s SEO Blog – writes articles in an interesting way but they’re also quite informative.
• Jensense – A blog mostly about google Adsense
• Official Google Blog – need I explain?
• SEOshed – Web and SEO Services for the Running Community
• SEOptimized
• SEO News Blog
• Free search engine ranking facts newsletter
• Natural Search Blog
• Matt Cutts: Gadgets, Google, and SEO
• Inside AdSense

Interesting finds:

• Read about Ashley Qualls, a 17 year old who started out making free myspace layouts and is now earning $70,000 per month. Her website is called Whatever Life and she now owns a similarly named magazine among other business ventures that she has developed. Due to her new career, she has bought a 2 storey 4 bedroom house and a car. She also dropped out of highschool to spend more time on her business, yeah! Who needs highschool when you’re earning $70,000 a year? She has also been offered $1.5M to sell out her website but she DECLINED.
• Discovered that Yahoo Image Search now favors pictures hosted in flickr, which is good for me because all of my pictures are hosted in flickr. I did some searches for the keyword “Iloilo and it turns out my pictures show up on the 3rd page and below. I’ll have to find out how to have them displayed on the first page.