Samsung Galaxy S2: How I solved my Globe network issues

Friends who I've seen recently would have noticed that I'm already using a different phone. A big leap from the previous unit I've been carrying, the Samsung Galaxy S2 is a monster in terms of features and performance. I've had the unit since the first week of its official release in the Philippines and from the moment I started using it, I've been having recurring problems with my long-time network of choice, Globe.

At first, the problem with my Samsung Galaxy S2 was the mysterious depletion of load credits. While others think I'm on a post-paid plan, I am actually a prepaid subscriber. I remember charging my account with Php 500, and had the need to subscribe to one of Globe's prepaid promos. The usual procedure is to key in UNLI150 or SUPERUNLI150, send it to 8888 and wait for confirmation that you've been registered to the unlimited call and text promo. However, I've been getting notifications saying that the keywords I used were invalid so I gave it the benefit of the doubt and called the Globe Hotline. I was instructed on what to do, step-by-step, until we reached the last of the instructions. We didn't know if the changes would solve the issue so I was asked to observe the unit and my account.

When the time came for me to once again register to a prepaid promo, I did exactly what I was told to do and was met with the same notification: keywords used were invalid (again).

So after repeated attempts to solve the problem by asking for help from the Globe Hotline (trust me, they were accommodating and I was even called by a representative after having my concerns escalated to a higher office), I tried to find my own ways of dealing with the issue.

Here's what I did: 

1. I played around with my phone, hoping to understand what's wrong with it. I noticed that my phone didn't recognize Chinese characters, an essential feature that I look for in a mobile phone. It also didn't have the optional Chinese input method or any of the Asian languages except for Korean, a given since Samsung is a Korean brand.

2. Did a bit of research and discovered that my Galaxy S2 was actually using a European firmware. While the Galaxy S2 was released in some parts of Asia just recently, the phone had already been released in Europe and the US many months earlier, which explains the difference in firmware. Interface wise, it's still the same Galaxy S2 but there are some features that are distinct to each firmware version. A good example would be the Chinese keypad.

3. Went to a Samsung service center to have my phone checked and was told that my phone was indeed using the European version of the firmware. I asked if I could have it changed to the Asian one and was told that it was possible as long as I still had my receipt. Waited for an hour and when I got my phone back, its application deck reverted back to the default ones so make sure you make a backup of your files before leaving it for firmware change/upgrade.

The ultimate test was in trying the changes by registering to the prepaid promos of Globe. I used exactly the same keywords I've been using as when I still had the old firmware, only this time, I was more careful and conscious of every letter. When I received the confirmation message from Globe, it said that I was finally registered. :) 

A hurried assumption would be that since my phone was originally using a European firmware, outgoing data from my phone didn't jive well with Globe's system. Either that or my Galaxy S2 was talking in Spanish while Globe's system uses Filipino. Hahahaha. Whatever, as long as it worked!

(油条) Youtiao's still my favorite breakfast snack

I have often been told of the importance of having breakfast as it is the very first meal of the day. I never really had time to cook breakfast for myself and would usually require someone else to cook for me; again, not that I'm lazy but because I really can't afford to use up what remains of my time every morning. For busy people like me who are always on the go, it's only logical to grab quick, stuffing breakfast snacks, ensuring that you won't be late for work (or at least not exceedingly late).

Don't they just look so yummy? :)

Known in Hokkien as you char kwai, the Chinese oil stick or oily bread stick called youtiao (油条) has been my favorite breakfast for the longest time. It doesn't compare to the nutrition one can get from having a complete breakfast but it's enough to fill your tummy and solve your early morning hunger.

Youtiao with a cup of doujiang/soy milk (豆浆)

I remember early mornings in school where I would have gotten out of bed with just 10 minutes before the start of class. In situations like that, there's no time to pop open a box of cereals, boil eggs, or think of what else there is to eat. I admit, back in the day, I have gone to class a few times without bathing but, again, not because I'm lazy--it was winter, and it was very cold! Brrr. A minute to rinse my face and gargle mouthwash gives me nine more minutes to go to class. But of course, I'd stop by the canteen first to grab a bag of youtiao, paired with a variety of naicha (奶茶).

My classmates can attest to my addiction to the oil sticks as they often see me barging into the classroom with a stick in my mouth. "油条?不是你昨天也吃的了吗?" (Youtiao? Didn't you also eat that yesterday?) I got warned by my professors that eating youtiao and gulping cold naicha was unhealthy though. Makes sense since the oil from the snack could easily solidify once it comes in contact with the cold drink. Since then, I opted to have hot naicha instead--tastes even better!

What's peculiar about the traditional youtiao is the taste. Those familiar with the snack would easily find it common-tasting but little do they know that having ammonia as an ingredient in food isn't common in other parts of the world. The combined taste of salt, oil, and ammonia gives the youtiao a taste like no other. While there may be other variants of this breakfast snack like the Philippine biscocho or sia-koy, the Thai pathongko, etc., I still prefer the original version, those which you can buy for 0.5元 a piece.

How I miss you, fragrant youtiao!