Dual SIM mobile phone from China

During the trip to Escolta, we visited the 168 Mall where goods can be bought at wholesale prices. One of the electronic products on sale is a mobile phone with TV and dual SIM capabilities.

This phone that costs 10,000 pesos bears the brand "PDA Phone" and is probably made in China (based on the Chinese characters in the opening screen). It features a touch screen and other basic features of a mobile phone.

Marketed as a PDA phone, it does not live up to my needs. It does not have a word or spreadsheet capability and does not even have a notes feature. It does have an alarm clock and to-do list.

It's TV capability offers analog TV and supposedly CATV capabilities. Its stylus acts as the antenna. Though the reception when we tested it is not that good (due to weak signals according to the sales person) it is free compared to the soon-to-be-pay-per-view myTV feature of a local service provider.

The phone's dual SIM capability allows a user to switch from one network to another by simply turning off the unit. This is good for us since we have a prepaid electronic loading business that requires two phones to use for both major networks (and we are running out of phones).

Sadly, the 10,000 peso unit is the only one with dual SIM. there are cheaper units with TV features but without the convenience of dual SIM.

For those interested, you can visit that stall at the 3rd floor of 168 Mall near the food court. 168 Mall is in the Divisoria District of the City of Manila, just a ride away from the Escolta station of the Pasig Ferry.

By the way, this is not a paid review. :)

Photos from Pasig Ferry Ride

Here are some photos from our Pasig Ferry ride last time.
A view of the back end of the enclosed and air-conditioned ferry. Each ferry has three rows. With three seats on either side row and four seats on the middle row.

At the front, you can see to the left and partly to the right the exit doors leading to the front side exits. Also featured is the HDTV up front for the passengers' entertainment. Not much use for those seated way back though.

The door to the bridge is also seen to the right of the HDTV.

The ferry travels from Kalawaan, Pasig City, Metro Manila to Escolta in the City of Manila. Stations along the way are Bambang in Pasig City, Guadalupe near the Guadalupe bridge in EDSA, Sta. Ana and Lambingan stations both in Mandaluyong, PUP in Sta. Mesa, Manila, and finally Escolta across the historical Philippine Postal Corporation.

Four ferries alternately arrive every 35 minutes in every station. The trip from Bambang to Escolta takes about an hour and 15 minutes.

They charge from 25 to 45 pesos during weekdays and a flat rate of 25 pesos on weekends.

Well, we are on our way now to have another ride on the ferry to visit Divisoria for some bargain shopping.