iamninafaye

Win an iPod Nano

Do you want to win an iPod Nano with 16GB of memory? This is not a scam!! The mechanics are so easy; all you have to do is vote for my site. And you will be able to win an iPod Nano. Here’s how to join: You must login into Disqus via Facebook account in order for votes to be approved. You should cast your vote on their site: http://kaplaninternational.com/blog/how-to-learn-english/ .  Sounds nice right? So what are you waiting for go and vote for my entry so we could win some prizes… Voting will ends next week, June 1, 2012. 

Call Me Maybe

This Call Me Maybe sensation has been viral for weeks now. Saw some parody on youtube by some of the big stars in Hollywood but now it hit the Philippines. Just yesterday some of the Elite stars of Philippine industry tweet about their goofy video. It even trends on twitter. Call Me Maybe is a song by Carly Rae Jepsen. Here are some videos of the song Call Me Maybe.

The original version by: Carly Rae Jepsen

This second video is the parody by Selena Gomez and Justin Beiber

The third video, they say It’s more fun in the Philippines

So, Just Call Me Maybe.

How to learn English

English language according to Wikipedia is a West Germanic language spoken originally in England, and is now the most widely used language in the world. But how can we learn how to speak English?

There are factors that influence most of the people in the world and mostly it is learned through media such as television, movies, music and sometimes includes video games.

As I remember, the first time I started to go to work, the first company that I worked with requires all Employees to speak in English even though we are here in the Philippines and to be precisely the company is Davao based and which is not the capital city and that people would think that there’s such a company in the Philippines province would still see the importance of this language.  All of the employees had a hard time talking to one another because most of us are not trained to speak English in our everyday lives.  Our human resource personnel encouraged us to watch foreign films or any English talk show so that we will be used to talk in English. So I started watching Oprah, The Ellen show and some US TV series just to learn and be more confident on speaking in English. I would say that watching English movies, TV series and talk shows helped me a lot. Part of my work is to communicate with clients from the United States.  It is indeed a good start for me and an experienced not just in work place but also in everyday lives.

I came across with an infographic report showing results on how people can learn English. And guess what, big factor that had a great impact for an individual to learn English is through TV programmes. For me and with the experienced I’ve been through, I agreed that this is one teacher that helped me to learn English and improved the way I communicate.

Some of us had a hard time learning how to speak in English but I think it’s never too late to learn since there are a lot of ways on how we can achieve it.  It’s in the person if he or she is willing to be taught or not. 

Below  is the infographic I was sharing about. This can give a thought of what is the best factor to those who eagerly wants to learn English.

Infographic: How to learn Englishvia Kaplan Blog

Sunday 2pm Cafe

Sunday 2pm is a book-themed café that offers a relaxed ambiance and unique coffee and tea on a menu that reflects new style you never seen.  This café is managed by a Korean named Sean Yoo. It is located at Sarrosa Hotel, Mabolo, Cebu City. Store hours every Monday to Saturday 9:00am-11:00pm, while at Sunday they are open 10am to 11:00pm. They have happy hours on Sunday that is at 2:00pm until 5:00pm you can get any toast value for 120 pesos for free.

You can write or draw something and then post it on their walls. The manager even takes pictures of their customer and posts it on their facebook page. They even have books and magazines for their customers, and customer even can request for books they wanted to read. They also have the friendliest barista I’ve encountered and his name is Jay.  I noticed that he is the only barista in the cafe but yet he can accommodate all of their customers.

You can visit their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sunday2pmcafe

The Place

They took pictures of their customers

The message board. As you can see customers love this Cafe

The menu (this is the cutest menu I’ve ever seen)

Our order’s

Cappuccino Frappuccino

Mocha Frappucino

Snow toast

And we didn’t left the cafe without leaving some notes

And we posted it on their bookselves

My Rate: 

The Food: 10/10

The Price: 8/10

The Ambiance: 8/10 

Total Rate: 9/10

Boracay Escapade

Last January Cebu Pacific announced its seat sale for some selected domestic flight, the fare only costs 88 pesos. So me and my friends decided to booked a flight going to Kalibo, Aklan. Our scheduled vacation was last March 23-March 27, we planned to stay 3 day at Boracay and the rest is to go to my grandmother’s hometown.

Weeks before the departure date some problems aroused one of my friend had a difficult time of deciding whether he will join us or not and the other one was the weather was not participating that time it’s raining everyday.  As the day come of departure, fortunately my friend has decided to come with us and the bright sunny weather was there to welcome us for our summer escapade.

Our flight was scheduled 12:50 but we arrived at Kalibo, Aklan at around 1:30 so we are somewhat 20mins early upon arrival. On the airport my friend who was a traveler blogger knows which van we should take a ride upon going to Caticlan Port. The van ride costs 200 plus 50 for our boat ride going to Boracay Port. The ride took 2 hrs going to Caticlan Port so we have some time to rest since all of us had lack of sleep. At the Caticlan Port you are required to pay 75 pesos for the environmental fee and 50 pesos for the terminal fee.

To Boracay Port to our Hotel which is located at Station 2 we took a tricycle, the ride costs 20 pesos. The hotel we stay in was BandB Resort, we didn’t have any reservations which I think was a good thing cause this hotel was recommended to us by our friend and she told us that per night the fan room costs 1000. But when we went there the receptionists told us that the fan room costs 800 so we booked our 2 nights stay which only costs 1,600 not bad right? If you want to know more about this hotel you can visit their site: http://bnbboracay.multiply.com

The first day at the boracay was fun. We arrived there at around 4pm and still we didn’t have lunch so we decided to eat some of their barbeques (sorry I forgot to take a picture of it). The chicken intestine which we called ISAW was really good and it costs 10 pesos. I know it’s expensive but it was really big and delicious isaw I ever tasted. My bestfriend and I stayed at station 2 and my other friends stayed at station 1. So we will just text each other where we will meet.

The night is still young so we decided to roam around boracay imagine from station 2 to station 1. Boracay is so nice in the evening, you can see people partying every bar we’ve passed by. We stayed at a bar at Station 1, oh how I missed partying all night. We ended the night at around 3:00 am, is it considered night or should I say dawn.

Me and my bestfriend woke up at around 9:00 am. We texted some of our friends that we will have our breakfast but they we’re too lazy to get up so it’s just me and my bestfriend. Boracay by day is so peaceful and quite. Stores just opened and it was a nice time to buy some pasalubongs, if you are the first customer they will give you discounts. Had our breakfast, bought some pasalubongs and souvenirs and then meet up with our friends. 

This is our breakfast

The second day was more of exploring what boracay is to offer. We had our henna tattoo, hair braid, massage and lots of lots of swimming. We didn’t have water activity since I don’t know how to swim but maybe someday when I come back to boracay I will try those water activity. By night every corner there’s a buffet so we try the buffet of La Carmela de Boracay it only cost 275 it comes with an unlimited iced tea. After that sumptuous dinner we watched the fire dancing and had some picture taking with the small sand castle of boracay. Then we headed to Club Paraw for some Party!!

Ready to take a dip on the beach

Picture Taking with the fire dancer

Boracay’s Sand Castle

The party begins

It was indeed the most memorable vacation I ever had. Had some fun in Boracay and it is the best way to start Summer!!!!

Maitre Chocolatier

I love chocolates, this is my comfort food. Since I love chocolates, I would like to introduce everyone to visit this place, Maitre Chocolatier, they are located at 101, level 1, The Terraces Ayala Cebu, Cebu Business Park. 

Most of their foods do have chocolates. They also have some goodies where you can buy as buy 1 and take 1.  I’ve tried their Tonic Tier- Lindt Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake and their Churros and it was so tasty. You will be amazed on how they present their food. I didn’t order that much since I just wanted to taste and see what’s inside this café. But I’ll recommend this place for those who loves chocolates and would love to experience an elegant, peaceful place and tasteful desert.

The Place

The Menu

Tier- Lindt Mint Chocolate Mousse Cake 

Churros

My Rate

The food: 10/10

The Price: 7/10

The Ambiance: 10/10

Total Rate: 9/10

The Pantry

If you want homey yet elegant ambiance The Pantry is the place to be. The Pantry is your quaint little neighborhood café located at the Gallery Strip Mall, Juan Luna Avenue, Mabolo (across San Carlos Seminary).

Last February, my friend and I went to this place to feel the elegant ambiance.  It was our first time to visit this place, but I’ve heard rumors that their place and food are good.  As we entered the place, there were few customers.  We checked on their menus and looking for their famous food, there are foods that our friends recommended. We ordered the BLT and cold-cuts platters and paired it with red wine. It was indeed, such a nice experience.  They also serve desserts but that time we were to full to eat some but will definitely go back to try it.

Business hours from Sunday through Thursdays are from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Saturdays and Sundays they are open from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

To those who want to visit this place, I have a few pictures below for you 

The Menu

Cold Cuts Platter

BLT

The red wine

You can check their website: http://www.thepantrycebu.com/ for more info about the place and the foods that they serve.

My Rate

Food: 10/10

Price: 7/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Total rate: 8/10

Casa Verde

Dining on a weekend became a habit between me and my best friend. Since we want to eat in different places, a place that we haven’t been to we decided to look for a place at IT Park, Cebu. We found Casa Verde and decided to dine there since I’ve been staying here in Cebu for a longest time now and haven’t been there yet.

Casa Verde is a chain of family-style, casual dining restaurants that is located in Cebu. Established last 2002, their specialty and their bestseller is the Brian’s rib. Casa Verde is also known for is humongous burger.  But we didn’t order the burger since it’s just the two of us and I bet we can’t even finish it for a week, no kidding it is really that big.

So we ordered fish and fries, the famous Brian’s rib and 2 iced teas. The entire dish has an American servings but the cost hmmmm will it be surprise to you that all the dishes costs less than 200.

Casa Verde has several branches the one that we are at is at The Walk, IT Park. Their main branch is at 69 Lim Tian Teng St., and they also had a branch at Ayala Cebu, it is on the 3^rd level The Terraces Stall 304.  

My Rate:

Food: 10/10

Ambiance: 8/10

Price: 8/10

Total Rate: 8/10

Road Trip

Road trip is a book which can be your guide thru your walk of life, it is written by Ru dela Torre.  This can be your inspiration to be a better Christian a book which will awaken you that WE are not the drivers of our life, we are just passengers and God is the only driver and who has control with our life.

Let me take you on my personal roadtrip in life. I was once a believer of God until something happen that tested my faith. My mom died 3 years ago due to complications on her kidneys because of diabetes.  It was hard to accept her lost, I even ask God this question: “Why bad things happen to good people.” My mom doesn’t deserve it, she was a believer of God. So from the day my mom died I always asked God. I didn’t even acknowledge all the blessings I have received all I did was question him. I guess there was hatred within me, hatred I didn’t think I’ll let go.

3 years ago I met a friend she was a believer too. I even asked her questions about God and about my mom’s lost. She didn’t answer me; all she did was invite me on her church. I guess there’s nothing wrong with that, so one day I went to their church. At first there’s nothing unusual going on just they sing praises and the pastor will give sermon. Actually I just go to their church in favor of my friend.

2011 was not a good year for me. I quit my job because I get bored already and I just want some new environment. When my friend moved to Cebu I think I should follow just to have a new environment. I ask for my father’s permission if I can be on my own. My father allows me but I know he was still holding on. I can see sadness in his eyes as days would come near on my departure going to Cebu.

June 4, 2011 I arrived in Cebu, my friend fetches me at the airport and we went directly to her boarding house or should I say our boarding house. Later that afternoon she told me she had a band practice for the service tomorrow, but I didn’t go with her since I was not feeling well that day. Sunday came and I had no choice but to go to church with her. Honestly speaking I went to Cebu with nothing, just me and my resumes, I have no work, I don’t know until when I can survive with my 7,000 budget. On the service, I ask God if he can help me with my Job interviews and help me that I can survive this chapter in my life. A week after I got a job and survived the challenges on life as an independent.

 A month after I got a bad news at home my father was sick. He was confined in the hospital because he lost his appetite and he was losing weight. The doctors found out that he was diabetic and his sugar level rise up to 20, normal sugar level is only 4. So he was confined for four days. I was crying and I don’t know what to do, I was away from home and I don’t have any idea of my father’s condition. So I ask God for a sign if it was his will that I will go home and to be with father or continue my dream. When I call my sister I asked if I can talked to my dad, while talking with my father he confessed that he misses me much. I was really guilty at that time, asking God if this is my punishment of fulfilling my dreams. But on that conversation I think it was my father telling me that he needs to let go of me in order for me to grow. Days later he went out to the hospital and every month he has his regular check up and thanks be to God that he is doing well.

Lesson learned from my past experiences is that I should have not let go of my faith to the Lord. I should let him take control of my life. I should have let all my worries, problems, hardship and trials offer to him and let him take over. There are things that I should have done, but if I ever did it I might not get what is the lesson.

3 years had passed since my mom died and I can say that I totally have moved on. She’s happy right now, I can see that in my dreams. There’s no need to be sad because I know she’s contented and happy. I do miss her but I am happy that she already found her peace.

Now I let God control my life, whenever I have problems the only solutions I know is to pray to him and let him take control.

I think that’s what the book roadtrip is all about, it’s about letting God take control of our life and stop freaking out if we ever encountered bumps along the way. If ever we are thinking of taking our God for granted there’s always a gas station that is open 24 hours to gas us up.

My encounter with Phoebe’s cupcake

Cupcakes are one of my favorites. Over the holidays been watching encore of cupcake wars and been craving for it since then.

When I returned to Cebu to resume work and counting my days for my birthday, my best bud ask me what do I want for my birthday, I said I want Phoebe’s cupcake. I’ve been researching what is the best cupcake here in Cebu and one of those is Phoebe’s cupcake. I even ask some of my friends at work who have tasted Phoebe’s cupcake, they say that her cupcakes are to die for. Even searched the internet, and there were blogs who are giving good reviews about Phoebe’s cupcake.

So here’s the story, my best friend ordered cupcakes to Phoebe and Phoebe told her that she don’t have meet-ups on a weekend (by the way Phoebe don’t have a store and she only do meet-ups). Since my birthday fall on a Sunday my best friend surprise me with a cake from BreadTalk. I was happy since all I ask for my birthday was a cake or a cupcake. Monday came and she told me she was not feeling well, so she decided she will file a sick leave. But later that day she confesses to me that she had a meet-up with Phoebe because she ordered cupcakes for me. I was happy because I’ve been dying to taste this cupcake since it’s been a talk of the town.

We meet up with Phoebe at Banilad. Since she do her meet-ups there. Upon receiving the cupcake, ooohhh I feel my stomach grumbling cause I can smell the freshly baked cupcakes. I can’t even wait to go home to taste the cupcakes. The flavor that my friend ordered where:  Scarlette (red velvet with cream cheese frosting) according to some feedbacks this is one of the best seller and I can’t argue with that, Nuts for Nanna (banana cake with nutella spread) and the other one is Cookie Monster (chocolate cake topped with cream cheese and oreo bits). She has two new flavors the lemon cupcake and the carrot cupcake. I guess there’s still no name for those two cupcakes mention but I will surely try those cupcakes.

For more information about Phoebe’s cupcake you should check her facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/cupcakesbyphoebe or follow her on twitter: twitter.com/phoebescupcakes.