Apple iPhone 3G in the Philippines

Apple’s uber-slick phone, the iPhone, is still not launched yet throughout Asia but the gadget is already penetrating the Philippine mainstream market.

A friend showed off his jailbroken (read: hacked) iPhone last week which he bought from Virra Mall in Greenhills. His 8GB phone costs P21,000 (US$525) — a 30% price drop from the cheapest iPhone we saw back in September 2007.

Yesterday, I went to Robinson’s Place in Manila and spotted an “Authorized Apple Reseller” selling the iPhone. Whether Apple is aware that an authorized reseller is selling an unauthorized iPhone, I’m not sure. Anyway, their 8GB phone comes at a hefty P28,000 (US$700) tag. If you’re expecting a warranty, you won’t get one. But in case the phone gets broken for any reason, “we can repair it for only P2,500 (US$62.50),” declares the store staff.

Individuals are not the only ones getting hold of iPhones. Although “unofficial” versions, several iPhones were previously used by some companies in their marketing promotions.

GMask, for example, gave away an iPhone early this year to one customer who accessorized his gadget.

French fries store NYFD (New York Fries and Dip) conducted a raffle promo this year where iPhones were at stake.

Last year, local bidding site Auction.ph used iPhones as prize for their Double Bingo Mania promo (see promotional ad on the left).

The iPhone is not officially marketed yet but the phones are already in the Philippines. Apple should rush to launch it here because if they delay it further, probably only a few will buy itby the time they launch it because most people already own one.

Talk more about iPhones in the discussion thread Apple iPhone in the Philippines.