Comic Con Etiquette for Newbies

By JDC Monday, January 30, 2023

Finally, I resolved my Smart SIM registration, here's how!

Last week, I tried to register my Smart SIM thru their website (for the Nth time!) However, I always get this message when I reach the last step of the process:

"Sorry, your registration cannot be processed at this time. Please retry submission."

So I tried to fix it right away and shared my whole experience on my last blog where I performed several troubleshooting steps and even chatted Smart's customer service for help. But as mentioned on my blog, the only answer I was given was to RETRY and RETRY.

But that didn't really resolved my problem. Right? I still don't get my Smart SIM registered as of that moment and was hopeless knowing that I might get trouble with my OTPs in the future.

Until something came up unexpectedly (a news I didn't know was good and even better!)

Jane, who I chatted thru Smart's messenger (customer service) escalated my problem to someone who can look further to my problem.

That someone gave me a call and asked me if I was able to successfully register my Smart SIM. Of course, I wasn't. This guy asked me next if the ID photo I uploaded for the registration was under the allowed size. I said, "yes" since (as far as I was aware of) the image was 5mb in size.

The fact that there was no warnings or signs that I didn't submitted the correct files for my IDs, there shouldn't be any problem, right?

Until...

I looked at the photo of my UMID and to my surprise, it's 5.2mb in size! That is more than the required size of image you can upload for registration which is under 5mb only.

Out of my curiosity, I resized my ID photo and retried the SIM registration and guess what??? I successfully registered my Smart SIM, finally!

I was so happy and was a bit confused.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Anyway, the important thing is that my worries are gone and I have now the peace of mind with all my OTPs and verifications with my mobile number. I also got my 3GB Free Data a few minutes after I received the SMS confirmation that my SIM is already registered!

RELATED: How to Check if SIM is Already Registered

That's how I fixed this Smart SIM registration error message!

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

If you haven't registered your SIM yet, you can read any of the following guides for your SIM registration:

Failed Smart SIM Registration Error, FIXED!

By JDC Sunday, January 22, 2023

You can't proceed with your SIM registration because of errors and failures of attempts? This guide will help you solve this problem with Smart (might work to Globe and DITO, too)!

In this guide, I will elaborate the steps I followed to try to fix a failed SIM registration I have experienced with Smart recently.

ABOUT SIM REGISTRATION

First, this is the reason why I am a bit frustrated with my SIM and mobile number. The SIM Card Registration Act or RA 11934 mandates all SIM card users, both existing and new, to register their SIM cards with their respective telecommunications providers starting December 27, 2022.

All local SIM cards, including eSIMs, are covered by the SIM Card Registration Act. All SIM card owners are required to register their SIM cards within 180 days from the date of the law’s effectivity. Failure to register your current or new Smart Prepaid SIM card within the specified period will result in deactivation, making it useless for voice calls, internet access, text messaging, and other mobile services. SIM card registration is totally free of charge.

Register Existing Smart Prepaid SIM

Active Smart Prepaid subscribers, prior to the start of SIM registration (December 27, 2022), have a deadline of April 26, 2023, to register their SIMs. If you fail to register within the period specified, your SIM will be deactivated automatically.

So, basically, I followed all the steps and requirements (valid IDs) needed for my Smart SIM Registration. I used a Chrome browser on my laptop to register. I received an OTP to my phone number. I uploaded my UMID for the ID. Put in all details needed. However, at the end of the registration process where I confirmed all details I submitted, I got this error message:

"Sorry, your registration cannot be processed at this time. Please retry submission."

List of Smart SIM Registration Errors

Below are the other problems that appeared during the registration process.

Sorry, your registration cannot be processed at this time. Please try again later
Operation Time Out, please make sure your ID is clear and non-reflective
Smart API Failed to Respond in Smart Registration
Exceeded the Maximum Number of attempts. Please try again after 1 minute and 20 seconds.
ID card cannot be Identify or not the same with the ID in your form.
Connection Time Out

WHERE TO BUY A SIM CARD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are the top mobile networks (where you can purchase and get a SIM card) in the Philippines:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

I keep on getting this error message after tried to register my Smart SIM

Therefore, this Smart SIM I have which I use to all OTPs and verification is needed to be successfully registered ASAP. But with multiple attempts, I've been receiving this same error message.

What did I do after I got the error message?

After receiving the error message above, I waited for 10 minutes and tried to register again with the same browser on my laptop. Still, for the second time, I got the same error message at the last part of the registration.

How did I troubleshoot?

As a little techy myself, and as a technical support in my past job, I do not ask for help right away. If a problem occurs, I try to solve it myself first for me to save time and efforts (for both me and the customer service representative).

Here are some of the troubleshooting I tried as I research for a resolution for this mess:

Clear cache on my Chrome browser and tried another attempt to register. I got the same error message.
Used a newly installed Firefox and tried again to register. Still got the same error message.
Tried to register using my mobile phone. For the fifth time, it failed.

Note: I have a second Smart SIM that I also registered along with my primary number. That one was miraculously successfully registered in ONE ATTEMPT. Yup, in just one and only attempt, that second SIM was registered and in a few minutes, I got a message that I have successfully received my 3GB Free Data as promoted by Smart.

How to fix a Smart SIM Registration Error?

So, your question now (and mine earlier) is, "how did you fix this Smart SIM Registration error?"

My last resort to resolve this is to get help from someone from Smart. So, I tried to look for help on their website and looked on how to contact Smart. Good thing, they have a chat option where it redirected me to their Messenger.

We all know that this Smart chat on Messenger used auto-responses. So, first I needed to find out to be able to speak to a real person on the other end.

Note: at this moment, I already searched and looked for answers on Google and Smart's FAQs for SIM Registration. None answered directly on why I was getting the error message mentioned above.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Chat with a Smart Customer Service Representative

So here's what I did to get to a Customer Service Representative:

At this moment, I spoke to Jane, one of Smart's customer service representative. I explained the problem and elaborated the things I have taken to try to resolve it. As Smart's website suggests, Jane also recommended for me to try again the SIM registration from the scratch. But with her on chat, I got the same error message. Jane assisted me along the way (took us 20 minutes) and we tried to figure out.

I also mentioned that I was able to register my second number without any hassle.

After almost 30 minutes of chatting with her, apparently, there's also nothing they can do about it and advised me this:

It was very sad to know that my main number can't be registered and in a few months, it can be deactivated because I am getting this same error message whenever I try to register.

Imagine the hassle of you being required to change mobile number for OTPs and account verification.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

Is there any other way to fix Smart SIM Registration Error?

As of now, the only way we can do is RETRY. Yup, try and try until (I don't know when) we finally get our SIM registered.

There's nothing wrong about trying again. Maybe, for me it just really didn't work. I will update this blog once I get a "real" resolution.

Update!

I finally resolved this SIM registration error as I elaborated to my new blog. Check it out!

By the way, I also have a Globe SIM and I successfully registered it last week in 1 attempt. So far, Globe is doing good.

If you haven't registered your SIM yet, you can read any of the following guides for your SIM registration:

How to Fix Smart SIM Registration Error Message

By JDC Wednesday, January 18, 2023

The Philippines is a country that has 7,641 islands scattered throughout its territory. Just like a country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines also has a tropical climate because it is passed by the Equator. So it is not surprising that this country has interesting natural wealth.

A famous natural phenomenon in the Philippines is a typhoon called La Niña. Apart from Thailand, the Philippines is also a country that is a rice barn. The rice farming system in this country is quite advanced. There are still 2000-year-old rice farming sites that are still active today. While the sports that are so well-known among Filipinos are basketball and boxing. Do you guys know about this?

One of the islands that are famous for being a tourist destination is Boracay. From Manila to Boracay you can use transportation options such as planes or buses followed by ferries. The distance of Boracay from the capital city of the Philippines is about 441 km and can be reached in 1 hour by plane. As for buses or private vehicles, the time needed is at least 12 hours.

Boracay / Photo by Cojo Rosales on Unsplash

Besides Boracay, there are many other tourist destinations that you can try. Here are the recommendations:

What To Do in The Philippines?

1. Banaue Rice Terraces

As previously mentioned, the Philippines is one of the largest agricultural countries in Asia, especially rice. So, it is only natural that there are tourist attractions in the Philippines in the form of rice terraces.

Banaue Rice Terraces / Photo by AR on Unsplash

The name of the tourist spot is Banaue Rice Terraces. In addition to its very beautiful natural charm, Banaue Rice Terraces also get the title of the highest terracing in the world.

Not a few people call it a ladder to the sky. And please note that the Philippines can grow rice, with good results, even without fertilizer. The location of Banaue Rice Terraces is found in the mountainous province of Ifugao in the Philippines.

2. Chocolate Hills

You may wonder, is Chocolate Hills related to food or chocolate candy? The answers are completely unrelated. Chocolate Hills is a hilly region in the Philippines. This name is taken from the color of the hills which turn brown when the dry season arrives. This brown color appears from the dry grass that covers the hill.

Chocolate Hills / Photo by Robin P on Unsplash

The number of hills in the Chocolate Hills area is very large. The number even reaches 1,500 with hill heights varying from 30 to 120 meters. The Chocolate Hills are so unique that they have been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

3. Intramuros

Located in the City of Manila, a recommendation for historical and instagrammable tourist attractions is Intramuros. This city is an old city, which is historic. You have to know that in terms of architecture, and the atmosphere conveys a Spanish flavor.

Cobblestone along Real St. in Intramuros / 2022

The existence of Spanish architecture and atmosphere is not without reason. Intramuros is a fairly old city in Manila. This city is also a silent witness to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for 300 years.

Intramuros is a fortress with an area of 4.5 kilometers, and in it, there are other historical buildings, such as The Church, which has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old manila house, Prophet Jesus Painting, and Fort Santiago. Visitors can walk around the area or by using a rickshaw. The atmosphere is comfortable and calm.

4. Vigan

Another UNESCO world heritage site in the Philippines is the City of Vigan. This area is very historic in the Philippines because it is a silent witness to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. This city is popular and a tourist destination for foreign tourists who come to visit.

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The famous Calle Crisologo in Vigan

The arrangement of the Vigan area is very detailed and neat. You will probably agree with this statement when you see the building's architecture, ornaments, road conditions, layout of the building, statues, and the philosophy of the layout of the church.

The old city of Vigan can present romantic and instagramable tours in the Philippines. Especially when it starts to dusk, the lights start to turn on, so visitors will feel the atmosphere, and the view is very beautiful.

Are you ready to have a wonderful trip in The Philippines? Go download Traveloka App now and plan your holiday trip in The Philippines!

4 Tourists Destination in The Philippines You Should Visit

By JDC Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Smart SIM already registered? Here's how to know or check it!

Smart Prepaid users can register their SIM cards via the telco's online SIM registration portal. This is required in order to comply with the SIM registration law, which aims to prevent the spread of spam messages and scams.

It is important to know if your SIM Card Number has already been registered on Smart, TNT or Sun Cellular. If you know if your SIM is already registered, you can avoid deactivation problems.

To see the SIM registration links for all networks, visit HOW TO REGISTER SIM CARD IN THE PHILIPPINES

For frequently asked questions, visit PHILIPPINE SIM CARD REGISTRATION: Guidelines and FAQs for Smart, Globe and DITO

WHERE TO BUY A SIM CARD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are the top mobile networks (where you can purchase and get a SIM card) in the Philippines:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

How to Check if your Smart, TNT or Sun SIM is Already Registered

Follow these easy steps to check if your Smart or TNT SIM Card Number is successfully registered.

1. Go here https://simreg.smart.com.ph.

2. Enter your Smart or TNT number, and then verify it via OTP.

3. If your Smart or TNT SIM number has already been registered, a message will appear stating:

Your application is now endorsed to our Smart validation officer. Please expect an SMS or call should we need to further validate your registration form.

Once you receive this message, your Smart SIM is already or previously registered!

If you are a Globe subscriber and doesn't know if you already registered your SIM, here's How to Check if SIM is Already Registered on new.globe.com.ph/simreg

OTHER SIM CARD TO REGISTER IN THE PHILIPPINES

How to Check if Smart SIM is Already Registered (TNT & Sun Cellular)

By JDC Sunday, January 1, 2023

sim registration, smart sim registration philippines sim registration tnt sim registration dito sim registration smart tnt sim registration app philippines sim registration irr smart sim registration failed

You can now start registering your SIM cards with Smart, Globe and DITO.

The SIM Card Registration Act or RA 11934 mandates all SIM card users, both existing and new, to register their SIM cards with their respective telecommunications providers starting December 27, 2022.

All local SIM cards, including eSIMs, are covered by the SIM Card Registration Act. All SIM card owners are required to register their SIM cards within 180 days from the date of the law’s effectivity. Failure to register your current or new SIM card within the specified period will result in deactivation, making it useless for voice calls, internet access, text messaging, and other mobile services. SIM card registration is totally free of charge.

For frequently asked questions, visit PHILIPPINE SIM CARD REGISTRATION: Guidelines and FAQs for Smart, Globe and DITO

Register Existing Prepaid SIM Cards

Active Prepaid subscribers, prior to the start of SIM registration (December 27, 2022), have a deadline of April 26, 2023, to register their SIMs. If you fail to register within the period specified, your SIM will be deactivated automatically.

Therefore, you cannot use the SIM for calls, texts, and mobile data. However, a deactivated Prepaid SIM card will be given a 5-day grace period to register and get reactivated. Meanwhile, the registration duration may be extended for up to 120 days by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

What information do I need to have my SIM card registered?

You need to provide the following information:

Full name
Date of Birth
Sex
Address
Government ID with photo
Declaration that the ID presented is true and correct

WHERE TO BUY SIM CARD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are the top mobile networks (where you can purchase and get a SIM card) in the Philippines:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

How to register your SIM cards with Smart, Globe and DITO

All three telcos have outlined their respective methods for registering SIM cards. Luckily, they all have the same processes, with some minor differences. Here’s how to do it.

Go to your respective telco’s SIM card registration website.

Smart
Globe
DITO

Enter your 10-digit mobile number (ex. 9191234567) and click the “Register” button.
If your SIM card is eligible for registration, you will be sent a One Time PIN (OTP) text message on your phone.

For those with Mobile Prepaid Pocket WiFi or Home Prepaid WiFi devices, you would need to enter your device’s modem dashboard to access the inbox where you can find the OPT text message.

Enter the OTP on the registration website. Take note that OTPs have an expiration date.
Once your OTP has been validated, you can continue with the registration.
Enter all the needed information: Full name, Date of Birth, Gender, Address, and Nationality.
You will be asked to upload a valid ID and a selfie photo (as a declaration that the ID presented is valid and correct). For the list of accepted valid IDs, go here.
You can also add your contact number and email address. This is optional.
Double-check all information.
Tick the check box of the telco’s privacy notice, Attestation of Completeness and Accuracy, and marketing and promotional permission (optional).
Finish the registration process.
You will be given a reference number that will appear on your screen to signify the completion of registration. Keep this reference number as proof of registration.

For TAGALOG guide, visit - SIM Card Registration in TAGALOG (Paano mag-register ng SIM?)

Accepted IDs for SIM card registration

Here's a list of accepted IDs you can use for SIM card registration:

Passport
Philippine Identification Card (National ID)
SSS ID
GSIS e-Card
Driver’s License
NBI Clearance
Police Clearance
Firearms License to Own and Possess ID
PRC ID
Integrated Bar of the Philippines ID
Overseas Workers Welfare and Administration ID
BIR ID
Voter’s ID
Senior Citizen’s Card
Unified Multi-purpose Identification Card
PWD Card
Other valid government-issued ID with photo

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How to Register Your SIM Card Online (Registration Links for Smart, Globe & DITO)

By JDC Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Smart and DITO offer free mobile data for their current subscribers and potential customers who will successfully register their SIM cards beginning December 27, 2022.

In an advisory, DITO Telecommunity said subscribers who will successfully register their SIM cards would receive 2GB bonus data, which will be credited in 24 to 48 hours upon registration.

READ: How to Register DITO SIM Card (Registration Link & Step-by-step Guide)

WHERE TO BUY A SIM CARD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are the top mobile networks (where you can purchase and get a SIM card) in the Philippines:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

In a separate announcement, Smart Communications said Smart Prepaid and TNT (Talk 'N Text) subscribers could get 3GB of free data upon completing the SIM registration process.

On Tuesday, the SIM Card Registration Act went into effect, and several Filipino subscribers have already attempted to register their SIM cards.

Existing prepaid and postpaid users have until April 26, 2023, to register their SIM cards.

Failure to register your SIM will result in deactivation. Thus, you won't be able to use your data, call, text and other mobile services.

A deactivated SIM card will be given a grace period of 5 days for the SIM to be registered and get reactivated.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Smart, on the other hand, said its postpaid subscribers only need to confirm the personal information and ID cards they submitted for their postpaid plan application.

To do this confirmation, Smart Postpaid subscribers just need to text YES to 5858. They shall receive a confirmation message from Smart upon successful SIM Registration.

READ: How to Register Smart SIM Card (Registration Link & Step-by-step Guide)

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

For frequently asked questions, visit PHILIPPINE SIM CARD REGISTRATION: Guidelines and FAQs for Smart, Globe and DITO

Smart, DITO offer free data for successful SIM registrants

By JDC Monday, December 26, 2022

SIM card registration in the Philippines is set to begin on December 27, 2022. That said, existing SIM users, prepaid and postpaid, must register their SIM cards to prevent deactivation. Once the SIM is deactivated, it cannot be used for outgoing or incoming calls, internet access, or sending and receiving text messages.

To register their SIMs, users must submit their personal information and a valid ID to their respective telcos, according to National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). If you're a current cellular service subscriber of Globe, TM, Smart, TNT, Sun, DITO, GOMO, or Cherry Prepaid, here are the details you need to take note of.

For frequently asked questions, visit PHILIPPINE SIM CARD REGISTRATION: Guidelines and FAQs for Smart, Globe and DITO

WHERE TO BUY A SIM CARD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are the top mobile networks (where you can purchase and get a SIM card) in the Philippines:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

How to register SIM?

Starting December 27, 2022, existing prepaid users can register their SIM card for free via their telco provider's respective online SIM registration platform:

For Globe and TM - https://new.globe.com.ph/simreg
For Smart and Talk 'N Text - https://smart.com.ph/simreg
For DITO - https://dito.ph/RegisterDITO

For those who don't have access to the internet or still using a basic or feature phone, telcos will be setting up assisted registration sites.

Meanwhile, existing postpaid users will be notified by their respective telcos and will be asked to confirm the information they provided when they subscribed.

When is the registration deadline for existing SIM users?

If you're an existing SIM user, you have until April 26, 2023, to register your SIM cards.

What if I didn't register by the given deadline?

If you fail to register within the period prescribed, your SIM card will be automatically deactivated. You'll be unable to use its services, such as calls, texts, and mobile data.

How to reactivate a deactivated SIM card?

According to NTC, a deactivated SIM card will be given a 5-day grace period to register and get reactivated.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Will the SIM registration duration be extended?

The registration period can still be extended for a maximum of 120 days by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Why is SIM registration needed?

The passage of the SIM registration law was mainly to prevent the proliferation of scams and spam messages, as per National Telecommunications Commission.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

SIM card registration deadline for existing SIM users in PH

By JDC Saturday, December 24, 2022

And it's up for grab until February 15, 2023!

The local coffeehouse chain also introduces its limited-edition Harry Potter | Coffee Project 2023 planner.

From the pages to the big screens, the “Harry Potter” franchise has been a part of many Filipinos’ childhood years. Even today, many are still spellbound by its tales set in the Wizarding World as it continues to gain more and younger audiences since it first hit the theaters in 2001.

This time, Filipino Potterheads everywhere can experience a holiday season with a touch of magic and nostalgia as local coffeehouse chain Coffee Project unveils its newest offerings.

RELATED: List of Coffee Project Branches in the Philippines (with Addresses & Menu)

LOOKING FOR FOOD VOUCHERS?

Here are the latest discounts and promos from different restaurants and food stores in the Philippines:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Coffee Project Harry Potter Drinks

For the holidays, Coffee Project is gifting everyone with a piece of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with its latest drink lineup, dubbed Magical Mixes, which pays homage to the four houses of the iconic wizarding school.

Each flavor embodies the persona of the houses. First is the Gryffindor Mango-Berry Frappe, a cup that merges the fruity flavors of berries and mango with the velvety goodness of cream, a perfect drink for the brave and selfless ones.

Dark and mysterious is the Slytherin Matcha Frappe, bearing the Slytherin house’s signature color with its matcha mix made more enjoyable with coffee jellies.

Much like the diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw, the Ravenclaw Latte Frappe is a regal blue coffee-blended drink topped with a cloud of cream.

Lastly, the Hufflepuff Citrus Frappe is a zingy drink that celebrates the fair and loyal ones.

Click here to see Coffee Project's full menu.

Apart from the drinks, Coffee Project also introduces its Harry Potter | Coffee Project 2023 planner. Unlike Tom Riddle’s diary, the planner is a dependable partner in making the upcoming year your best one yet. Potterheads can get the planner by collecting 15 stickers, earned by purchasing these special beverages.

ALSO: This Harry Potter-themed Staycation in Tagaytay will Teleport You to Hogwarts!

Harry Potter | Coffee Project Planner Mechanics

Here's the full mechanics posted by Coffee Project for their Harry Potter 2023 planner:

Click the image to enlarge

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

You have more than 2 months to claim your Coffee Project Harry Potter 2023 Planner!

This is just the first part of Coffee Project’s releases in partnership with Warner Bros. Diners can expect to see more “Harry Potter”-inspired food creations and merchandise in the coming year. With all its offerings, a holiday experience at Coffee Project is definitely something “Harry Potter” fans shouldn’t miss.