The Cat Knows All, Sees All

Still recovering from my bum stomach. But I wanted to mention this article (available only today) I saw in the daily:

Globe bares G-Pass ticketing for MRT

Ayala-owned Globe Telecom has introduced a quick way of paying for mass rail transit (MRT) trips using an experimental ticketing service dubbed G-Pass.

The alternative electronic chip system currently on trial at all 13 MRT stations – from North Ave. in Quezon City up to Taft Ave. in Manila – was developed by Globe together with Hypercash Payment Systems, Inc. in an attempt to make riding the MRT easier for the public.

Under the agreement, Globe will provide the G-Pass chips and mobile interface while Hypercash will put up the reloading booths and card reader terminals as well as handle all negotiations with MRT management.

Instead of carrying cash or falling in line to buy MRT tokens, G-Pass users only need to tap the pre-loaded chip on the G-Pass reader located on the turnstile to enter and exit the station. The fare, which includes a minimal service fee of only two percent per ride, will be debited from the chip upon exit.

(The Philippine Star, 11/17/2006)

Ironically, I remember the first story I ever submitted (to the 1st volume of dean's Philippine Speculative Fiction anthology) involved the main character getting a ride in Manila's train system using his cell phone. Now it seems like its coming true. Weird.

(Another idea I had in that story was people watching on giant screens set up by companies and advertisers and tuned to TV stations on the streets. Right now, the screens are there-- especially near Guadalupe Bridge and a few branches of Mercury Drugstore-- but so far nobody's showing Lost or American Idol yet.)

In other news, I hope the people who will be in the area (whether in the city or in the country) can drop by the book launch of the 2nd volume of the Philippine Speculative Fiction anthology:

Philippine Speculative Fiction Volume 2 Book Launch

Sunday, December 10, 2006 - 3PM

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Ground Floor, The Promenade, Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila

Copies of the book will be available then. Afterwards, the anthology will be available at Fully Booked, Comic Quest and other venues.

Yep, I've got a story in this one again so I hope to see you guys there!