Archive for October 2016

Home Archive for October 2016

If you are searching for a new place to experience comfort and good coffee, you won't have a hard time if your search is within the metropolis of Cebu. With the city's fast-paced way of living, a number of new establishments can answer your needs in just a matter of time.

One of the newest players in Cebu's food industry is Q Cafe which is now brewing good vibes for every Cebuanos. It wasn't that long since the cafe opened its latest branch at A Pelaez St, Cebu City. I was lucky to be able to visit the place last week, and here are 5 five reasons why you should visit and love the cafe as much as I do.

1. They bring out the artist in you!

There is definitely no reason for us not to unleash the inner artist within us. Widely celebrated artist Pablo Picasso once said that every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.

Wide all the advancements in this digital world, it's easy for us to get caught in the pragmatic ways of living and neglect art. Art has been considered as a therapeutic way to get rid of stress and all the dramas in our daily life. What better way to celebrate art and create one with good coffee? Q Cafe provides what we long needed by going beyond just a simple venue of relaxation. The cafe allows their customers to make art using their used coffee grounds. It is indeed a great way to kill some time while waiting for your orders (though the cafe doesn't really let you wait that long) and to bond with your friends. Plus, you can bring home your artwork as a souvenir if you want to!

2. Q Cafe loves the nature.

Aside from their creative way of recycling their used coffee grounds by letting their customers turn it into artworks, Q Cafe proves their love and concern for nature by using environment-friendly food containers.

For most of their food choices, they are using starch ware containers. Starch ware containers are 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly containers which are completely compostable. Plastic containers made out of starch can decompose by itself as early as two days.

Who else loves match latte as much as I do? Q Cafe achieved my desired taste of matcha. Their latte isn't too sweet and not too bitter. Just enough sweetness to enhance the tea's rich flavor.

Aside from various beverages, the cafe also offers a good variety of food items. Q Cafe is bound to release their very own Beef Salpicao with Pasta - a ready to go flavorful bowl that can satisfy anybody's cravings.

Q Cafe has dope ass cupcakes. I had the chance to taste one of them and it didn't disappoint my palate. Topped with rich chocolate frosting, the cupcake is moist, soft and is definitely baked to perfection. I'm really going back for their pastries and you should try them too.

3. Their menu is budget friendly.

To cater to their younger customers, the cafe offers a wide range of budget-friendly items. From their beverages to their meals, the prices of their products wouldn't hurt anybody's pockets. Q Cafe offers a menu that is perfect for students and everyone else who are on a tight budget! Even their best sellers have a reasonable price so there's no reason why anybody can't enjoy them.

4. They have friendly and accommodating staff.

Q Cafe understands the importance of treating their customers right. Because of that, they trained they staff well in serving their customers. During my stay in the cafe, the servers were very nice and accommodating. They practiced basic hospitality skills such as asking their customers about the food and the service. A good service definitely means success for any business.

5. It's open 24/7 and easy to access.

Some of our fellow Cebuanos who are working on a night shift need a place to stay in and relax for awhile. The cafe doesn't want to exclude them to their service and other offerings so they cater to everyone everyday! The cafe is located in the heart of Cebu so it's not a difficult place to go to.

Q Cafe is spacious enough for everyone to sit comfortably.
Bonus: each of their tables have hooks below where you can hang your bags or other belongings. I've never been to any cafe in Cebu which has that kind of furniture. I believe it is something unique in Q Cafe.

Aside from the food and beverages in their menu, Q Cafe also sells go to snacks and delicacies. The cafe is the perfect place for anyone who wants to study, read a book, catch up with friends or grab a meal or a cup of good coffee. If you are craving for any of those, drop by Q Cafe at A Pelaez St., Cebu City right beside USC Law Bldg . If you find it difficult to get there, you may ask where Golden Valley Hotel Cebu is located. The cafe is right within the hotel's area. For more info. feel free to visit their official Facebook account.

love lots,

Tin

Smart Padala, the country’s leading remittance network, is calling on Cebuanos to seize entrepreneurial opportunities in the province and the whole of the Visayas region.

“We believe that entrepreneurship is a great equalizer. Having a negosyo, no matter how simple, enables families and communities to achieve an improved quality of life. With Smart Padala which is practical and profitable to run, it’s easy to start your own business in your community today,” said Lawrence Ferrer, Vice President and Head of Domestic Business at PayMaya Philippines, the digital financial services unit of PLDT and Smart Communications.

Based on data from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 7, the 8.1 percent gross regional domestic product (GRDP) average growth rate in the last six years for the whole of Visayas is the highest recorded and surpasses the national average of 6.2 percent.

Ferrer underscored the need to meet the ever-changing financial services needs of the regions that come with growing economies. “We continue to strengthen our commitment in the Visayas regions by providing services to consumers as well as opportunities to partner entrepreneurs,” said Ferrer.

Building A Solid Partnership with Smart Padala

In line with this thrust of promoting entrepreneurship, Ferrer calls on entrepreneurial-minded Cebuanos to become a Smart Padala Ka-partner by setting up their own Smart Padala centers in their communities.

“Having a Smart Padala center is a good source of income. The requirements are simple and there is no processing or application fee. With complete requirements, you can be a Smart Padala Center business owner and our ka-partner in less than a week,” Ferrer said.

Aside from revenues from facilitating remittance services, Smart Padala Ka-partners can also earn from offering complementary services such as selling telco load, loading up of PayMaya and Smart Money accounts, and facilitating bills payment.

Smart Padala Ka-partners enjoy support in running their business. This includes 24/7 customer care service, store merchandising, operations support, regular promos and incentives, and a tight community of Ka-partners.

Pamaskong Padala with Smart Padala

To help both Ka-partners and consumers alike, Smart Padala is introducing an early Christmas treat to Filipino families and hardworking breadwinners in the Visayas regions. Dubbed “Pamaskong Padalow”, the promo allows consumers in the Visayas to enjoy lower remittance fees until December 30, 2016.

For the Visayas regions, Smart Padala further reduced fees, starting with an 80 percent discount or P5 fee for transactions worth P500 and below. For transaction amounts from P501 to P1,000, the fee is only P10. For transaction amounts P5,001 and above, customers just need to add P5 for every additional P500 sent.

“The Pamaskong Padalow promo is not just an early holiday treat but a demonstration of our commitment and gratitude to our customers and partners in the region. We are thankful for the continuous support that we are enjoying here in Cebu and the whole Visayas region,” said Ferrer.

Padalapit lang with Smart Padala

Earlier this year, Smart Padala launched a new campaign with Angel Locsin as it further strengthens its leadership in the remittance service industry. The new campaign underscores the “Padalapit” message of Smart Padala - accessibility and convenience.

With more 15,000 Smart Padala centers nationwide, there is a Smart Padala center in almost every municipality so Filipinos can save time and money. These centers include the recently launched Smart Padala International flagship stores that enable consumers to receive money from abroad.

To sign up to become a Smart Padala Ka-partner, call 845 7777 or 15177 using your Smart number, or email padala@smartmoneypadala.com. For the complete list of the Pamaskong PadaLow fees, visit: https://smartpadala.ph/promos/pamaskong-padalow-visayas-promo.html. Stay updated on Smart Padala at Facebook.com/SmartPadalaPH.

Adding a new item to one's wardrobe is hand down one of the most effective ways to update one's current fashion aesthetic. From brand new tops to the trendiest accessories, making your wardrobe fresh doesn't have to be expensive. Moreover, the item doesn't have to be vogue.

One fashion staple that used to dominate the industry is maxi skirts. Maxi skirts, though often perceived as something one-dimensional can be the most sophisticated and most versatile piece that you can add on your wardrobe. Finding the right type, with the right length and type of cloth are the only things that you have to consider.

Here are three types of maxi skirts that will revamp how your style:

1. Pink Simple Pleated Solid Maxi Skirt by Suozai

A lot of women would go for a well-structured dress when going to their first dates. But did you know that you can attain the same kind of romantic appeal if you are wearing a maxi skirt? Pleated maxi skirts are best when you are going for a formal, but relaxed occasion. It's simple, comfortable and very stylish. The trick is if it's in a solid color, you may match it with a top with fine prints and you are ready to go.

2. Black Swing Cotton-blend Plain Simple Maxi Skirt by Suorang

The casual atheleisure aesthetic is everywhere these days. Adding an air of androgyny in our overall ensemble will definitely give you that effort less stylish look. A maxi skirt made out of cotton is less restricting and very comfortable. What's really good about plain colored maxi skirts is that you can pair it with different shoes. It's one good way to cheat on your usual skinny jeans and white sneakers combo.

3. Navy Blue Pleated Casual Solid Maxi Skirt by Suozai

A flowy maxi skirt made out a light material is a great option to deal the summer heat. Maxi skirts that are made out of chiffon are perfect choices for a day in the beach outfit. Doesn't matter if it's long or just a little below your knee. The light fabric will emphasize your torso area giving you that subtle sexiness without sacrificing comfort.

Personally, I've never been a fan of maxi skirts. but I've learned that there are actually a hundred and one ways how to style it depending on the occasion as well as on one's body type. Two things are most important to think about when styling such type of skirts: (1) choose something that will accentuate your waist regardless of its length; (2) wear it with confidence. The latter one is more important and will work not just in wearing maxi skirts, but also in any kind of clothes.

Should you wish to accentuate your wardrobe, show your would-be favorite maxi skirts at https://www.stylewe.com/. And don't forget to follow StyleWe's in social media like their Twitter account for daily news and discount updates.

How about you, what kind of maxi skirt do you love sporting the most?

The Language of Flowers Novereich Agustin art exhibit

One of the things that I love most about Cebuano artists is that they always find ways not just to grow as an artist, but also to create something that will set them apart from the mundane. Regardless of technique, medium or style, Cebuano artists have their own way of handling their brushes.

One of such artist whose works graced Museo Sugbo is Novereich Agustin. Novereich's solo art exhibit dubbed as The Language of Flowers served as an open space for him to showcase his identity as an artist primarily by his chosen medium and subject. His works present beautifully haunting art pieces which will make any viewer simultaneously imagine and ask questions.

Novereich's work seeks to translate what flowers long to speak. Inspired heavily by the decorative style of Art Nouveau on the 18th century, his collection embraces jewelry, clay, and makeup that works perfectly together creating a modern, detailed and sophisticated works of art.

Novereich finished his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts majoring in Interior Design at the University of San Carlos. The artist is committed to producing quality visual arts which evoke deep positive emotion. His fascination with flowers, as well as his powerful pursuit in producing one of a kind art, led him to create his flourishing The Language of Flowers collection. A collection which is as unique as the artist's name.

The Language of Flowers was initially showcased at the Art Center of SM City Cebu three years ago on December 13, 2013.

The female portraits on his artworks were made of air-dry or ordinary clay. Molded by the artist himself, the portraits are then painted and lacquered before being face painted using makeup and watercolor pencils. A thin clear gloss serves as the final touch of his two-month process of creating each of his 5x6 inches creations.

Art as the common ground between life and death

“There will be time, there will be time
To prepare a face to meet the faces that you meet;”
– The Love Song of J.Alfred Prufrock, T.S Eliot

History will tell us that portraits were meant only for those who were important in terms of religion, royalty and societal status. Much of the paintings before were created to reflect a significant likeness to the subject. However, the art of today goes beyond its subject, it draws its viewers to its overall essence. In that sense, it wouldn't matter if you recognize the faces in Novereich's artworks, his art emanates deeper emotions.

One of his works entitled New Beginning sparked a series of mystery when stranger claimed that the face in his work is a portrait of her aunt. So many questions were left unanswered by Novereich and the stranger, and the incident itself is open to a number of interpretations.

For the artist, the incident, though unfathomable, is a reminder of the vast purpose that art may serve. Art is no longer just an eye candy, but a wake-up call for each of us to value our lives and our family members especially the aging generation, which whether we like it or not, will soon meet the Father.

It was a pleasure to hear such tale coming from Noveriech and it made me think of trying my best to always do the right thing. We can commit so many mistakes in our lives and one of the things that we are so much guilty of is neglecting the old. Do we really have to wait for death to devour us until we realize how much they mean to us?

Art may or may not connect us to them, but we should be artistic enough to prepare ourselves for meeting life or death.

Creating Meaning: The viewer as the decoder

Similar to understanding literary works, art seeks to pose relevant questions which can be answered depending on the viewer's psyche and experience as his/her eyes follow the work. Novereich added poems in his art exhibit giving his viewers the freedom to interpret his art while allowing him to retain the subliminal universe that art has to offer.

So what does the language of flowers actually means? Since time immemorial, flowers are mostly present in any celebration. In some parts of Europe and in the United States, people have been giving meaning to flowers. Some even come up with flower dictionaries in an attempt to translate emotions into flowers.

For instance, roses generally reflect love, but when colors and numbers are at play, it may mean differently. A red rose may mean speak the language of admiration, while a white one may represent new beginnings.

The language of flowers is open to different interpretation, but in the case of Novereich's art, the meaning resides in the heart of his viewers.

One of Novereich's evocative poems posted beside each of his artworks.

As long as there are flowers, there will always be art. Florists, botanists, and other flora enthusiasts long argue about the meaning of flowers or whether floriography makes sense at all. I do not have the answers to such questions, but if flowers do have their own language, and if they could speak, would you dare listen to them? I will.

If we are on the same page, head over to Museo Sugbo. The Language of Flowers art exhibit will run until November.