HDTV programming comes to Davao

Cignal brings direct-to-home, high-definition television for the first time in Davao.

High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system that displays resolutions of 1280x720 pixels also known as 720p or 1920x1080 pixels also known as 1080i or 1080p. Cignal offers channels either in 720p or 1080i resolution.

There are two Cignal subscription bundles: Cignal HD and Cignal Digital TV.

Cignal HD Bundle offers eight high-definition channels such as HBO, Star Movies, National Geographic Channel, History Channel, Disney Channel, Sony Entertainment Television, ESPN, and Star Sports. Only HBO, Star Movies, National Geographic Channel, and History Channel are broadcasting in true high-definition. The rest of the channels are digitally-enhanced. Cignal is offering this bundle's one-time fee at the promo rate of ₱6,500 instead of the regular ₱10,500. Monthly subscription fee is ₱990.

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Kangaroo Coffee Company's "Passion for Flavor" promo

From October 12 to 17, 2009, order any of the following drinks at Kangaroo Coffee Company:

• Kangabrew
• Americano
• Kangaccino
• Kangalatte
• Steamed Milk
• Espresso Ice-Blended
• Coffee Cooler
• Mocha
• Espresso Mocha Ice-Blended
• White Choco Mocha
• White Choco Mocha Ice-Blended

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Basti's Brew turns 10!

Basti's is celebrating their 10th year anniversary today and they have brewed up something special.

It's 50% off for their ten most popular menu items, which includes the following: cappuccino (₱33), brewed coffee (₱23), cappuccino float (₱53), mocha shake (₱53), oreo shake (₱45), carrot cake (₱45), bolognese (₱56), pinoy pizzas (₱75), carroza (₱60), and banana muffin (₱23).

Customers can also get a big slice of their limited edition creamy moist choco monster caramel cake for only ₱199. I've seen this beast and it's huge! One slice is probably good for three to four.

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Fire!

A plume of dark smoke greeted me at 6:30 this morning.

Davao's night sky phenomenon

Last Sunday, December 16, we observed, to our delight, the Geminid meteor shower. I estimate that we saw around 15 meteors within one hour and that was when we were paying attention. It's estimated that 60 to 120 meteors were to be seen during the peak on December 13, however, light pollution would cut the number.

Tonight, we were surprised to see unusual patterns in Davao's night sky. The first one (7˚04'52.30"N, 125˚36'36.23"E) appeared sometime near midnight. We saw a streak of white plume the stretched across the sky going from southeast to northeast. Whatever caused the phenomenon, it was low enough to have disturbed the clouds. This was followed by another at around 1:00AM and yet another at around 2:45AM (7˚04'13.55"N, 125˚36'49.90"E). The directions were more or less parallel to the first. I tried to take pictures but the SE K800 phone wasn't suited for the task.

Tianx was really intrigued by this. As soon as he got home, he scoured the net for information. He sent an SMS telling me that last week's event was right after the peak of the Geminid meteor shower and tonight was the peak of the Ursid shower.

Tianx was thinking that perhaps the three meteors (at least) entered the Earth's atmosphere and caused the unusual patterns.

I'm curious to find out whether the meteors made impact, sank into the sea or simply burned out.

Staying out until the wee hours has its rewards.

Davao underwater

Tonight there was a sudden downpour that lasted a little bit more than an hour. The deluge was enough to flood the streets of Davao though.



When the rain stopped, the flood cleared up after a couple of minutes. Other parts of Davao wasn't that quick to dry up though.