How to Fix: Phantom Unread Message Notice on Android

The problem: Your Android phone's stock Messaging application says there is one unread message, even though all the messages in your SMS inbox have already been read.

The solution: Install AVG Memory & Cache Cleaner from AVG Mobile. Open the app, go to Calls & Messages, tick the Received (unread) checkbox under Text messages and press the Clean button. Tap OK when it tells you that your device is looking cleaner.

When you go to back to your Messaging application, the phantom notice will already be gone.

Cable TV: SKYcable vs. Cebu Cable vs. Cignal vs. Dream

Previously, I have posted the complete channel listings of both SKYcable and Cebu Cable. This time, let's compare the various offerings from the different cable companies in Metro Cebu. Let's find out which is the most sulit between SKYcable Silver 780, Cebu Cable 675, Cignal Plan 790 and Dream Star 650.

Here is the comparative table of channel availability for the selected cable packages:

Cebu Cable Channel Line-Up

If you are in an area where the sky ain't the limit or the signal is weak, then you might want to consider Cebu Cable. Currently serving select areas in the province, they offer more than 100 channels for only P675 per month, which is already good for two TV sets. They also have promo packs you can avail of so you would be able to get discounts on your cable TV connection.

Say Hello to SKYcable Bronze 299

Last month, SKYcable increased the monthly fee of their most affordable package from P280 to P299. Now called SKYcable Bronze 299, they juiced up the subscription by adding History Channel and Pinoy Box Office on their channel offerings. It also now includes access to iWant TV.

Here is SKYcable's complete channel line-up in Metro Cebu as of December 3, 2013 (there are 61 channels available for SKYcable Bronze 299, listed in bold):

NBI Clearance at Robinsons Cybergate Cebu [2013]

UPDATE (9/25/2014): NBI Clearance Center at Robinsons Cybergate Cebu is currently CLOSED. You may secure your NBI clearance at their regional office in Capitol Site, or at J Centre Mall in Mandaue.

This is an updated guide on how to get an NBI clearance at the NBI Clearance Center at the 3rd level of Robinsons Cybergate Cebu. This post is accurate as of August 12, 2013, based on information gathered by the blogger, and his first-hand experience in getting an NBI clearance.

SkyCable Implements Organized Channels

Effective December 3, 2012, SkyCable has implemented Organized Channels (OC) by grouping all its channels according to program types. Their new channel arrangement gives a "more seamless channel surfing experience" and "makes it easier for [its subscribers] to find and remember [their] favorite channels". Here's the current channel line-up in Metro Cebu:

Getting an NBI Clearance - Robinsons Cybergate Cebu

NOTE (August 14, 2013): This is an outdated blog

entry. For the updated 2013 version, click here.

Robinsons Cybergate Cebu has an NBI Clearance Center housed on the mall's 3rd floor. Getting an NBI clearance is fast and easy - the actual processing takes only about 20-30 minutes. But, you may have to endure a very long queue which might take hours!

Queuing Up. In my case, when I arrived at around 9:45am, I had to stand in line outside the mall (through the heat and dust) for about three hours, and around another hour seated at the waiting area inside the mall (air-conditioned and more comfortable). Then, there's a final queue at the clearance center, where you will also be given a form to fill up while waiting for your turn.

Requirements. Just two requirements are needed: the duly-accomplished clearance form you filled up, and a valid ID. School IDs, company IDs, government-issued IDs (SSS, Postal, Voter's, PRC, driver's licenses) and passports are among those which will be accepted. In lieu of a valid ID, you may also present your original NSO birth certificate or police clearance (and I heard that even baptismal certificates will also do).

After your patience is tested will come the easy part. You'll undergo these four steps:

1. Payment - Pay P115 for each purpose that you indicate on your clearance form.
2. Encoding - Watch the monitor, and see to it that the data entered is correct.
3. Biometrics - The NBI will take your picture and fingerprints.
4. Releasing - If you're clear, then you can get your NBI Clearance instantly!

Notes

• NBI Clearance Center is open Mondays thru Fridays, officially from 10am to 5pm. The mall itself opens at 10am, but the security guard told us that they start operations as early as 9am.
• If you are still on the outside queue by noon break, a guard will let you write your names down on a paper. Note your number and come back by 1pm to re-queue according to the order written on paper.
• You will be given priority numbers just before entering the mall.
• Only 100 people will be allowed in the afternoon. If you're 101st, you will be told to come back the next day. (But you might probably want to try to plead your case, maybe, just maybe, they'll reconsider.)
• If your NBI record has a hit, you'll need to come back after three weeks. But the good news is: you won't need to queue again!
• For local purposes, your NBI clearance will be yellow-orange. If your purpose is to travel abroad, it will be green.
• If you're wondering, there's no more new clearance or renewal. Everyone goes through the same process.

It was already almost 4pm when I finished. After what I went through, I felt like the NBI clearance I was holding was some precious reward. I would recommend though, that if you're going to get an NBI clearance, go to the center as early as possible, so you would also finish earlier, as I would, should I need one again next time.

Update (August 14, 2013): For the current entry on how to get an NBI clearance at Robinsons Cybergate Cebu, click here.

How to Apply for a Passport in Cebu [Quick Guide]

Note: This is the quick guide. A more detailed version of this guide is also be available here.

The Department of Foreign Affairs Cebu is located at the 4th floor of Pacific Mall Mandaue (formerly Super Metro Mandaue). If you are an individual applying for a Philippine passport for the first-time, here's a guide (accurate as of February 24, 2012):

How to Apply for a Passport in Cebu

Note: This is the detailed version of the guide. A quick guide is also be available here.

The Department of Foreign Affairs Cebu is located at the 4th floor of Pacific Mall Mandaue (formerly Super Metro Mandaue). If you are an individual applying for a passport for the first-time, here's a guide (accurate as of February 24, 2012):