Saturday, October 29, 2016

5 Reasons to Love Q Cafe

Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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.
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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!
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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.
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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.
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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 Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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.
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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.
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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. 
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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 Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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.
Q Cafe Golden Valley Hotel Cebu
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

Friday, October 28, 2016

PH's Leading Remittance Network Offers Entrepreneurial Opportunities




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.


Thursday, October 27, 2016

3 Maxi Skirts You Need in Your Wardrobe

StyleWe maxi skirts wardrobe essentials
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:
StyleWe maxi skirts wardrobe essentials
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. 
StyleWe maxi skirts wardrobe essentials
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.
StyleWe maxi skirts wardrobe essentials
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?

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Demystifying Novereich and the Language of Flowers

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.
The Language of Flowers Novereich Agustin art exhibit
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 Novereich Agustin art exhibit
The Language of Flowers Novereich Agustin art exhibit
The Language of Flowers Novereich Agustin art exhibit
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.
The Language of Flowers Novereich Agustin art exhibit
One of Novereich's evocative poems posted beside each of his artworks.
The Language of Flowers Novereich Agustin art exhibit
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.

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden Cebu: An Artist's Xanadu

Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
There is a special kind of mystery and beauty that only flowers can give. While relaxation often conjures up images of first class resorts, lavish dining experience, and world-class spa, I believe that its purest form and essence can be found in nature.

Flourishing on one of the mountain slopes in Malubog, Cebu City, an oasis of local flowers beautifully exists as a terraces. What used to be a plain two-hectare land is now a botanical garden dubbed as Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden (flower terraces botanical garden). The garden operates following a vision to let the general public experience the beauty of a pure Cebuano garden. With its over a hundred and twenty-seven foliage local flowers, the garden seeks to reflect Cebuano ingenuity. 

Terrazas de Flores doesn't limit itself as a tourist destination. The garden is set to commit itself in supporting nascent Cebuano artists by providing them a venue where they can showcase their talents and share them to the wider audience. An art gallery will soon grace the place. For similar reason, the garden hired local flower farmers to plant and tend the flora growing all over the place.

For the owner, the lush garden means more than running a simple business. The owner sees the garden as a way of helping fellow Cebuanos. To inculcate the educational value of the botanical treasures, Terrazas de Flores brings in the academe with its quest. The garden collaborates with the University of San Carlos, Department of Biology who helped the management identify the names of the flora as well as some key information about botany and horticulture.Together with San Carlos, the garden will soon provide lectures about botany focusing on the local plants indigenous to the Cebuano land.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
The garden has a cafe that serves food and beverages such as coffee, tea and home-baked products. However, they do not serve rice meals. 
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
In the cafe, you can enjoy sitting on one of their chairs overlooking the picturesque mountains of Cebu or you may sit on one of their chairs next to a man-made mini falls.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
The garden's colorful cabanas are an ideal place for guest to relax and feel united with nature.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Nature is definitely at its own pace in the Terrazas de Flores. I was able to capture few shots of flower dependent insects, but I was only able to get a couple of clear shots. It was hard to take photographs of the butterflies and the bees dancing on the garden's air simply because they move too fast. My digital camera which is what I used to capture all of the images here is not at par with their speed.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
With its surfeit of flowers, Terrazas de Flores is definitely any artist's xanadu. Who wouldn't find an inspiration while staying at the place? Be it a poem or any artwork, the garden can surely fulfill an artist's need for beauty.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical GardenTerrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
They have different variants of roses; my favorite flowers. Every single one of them are beautiful in their own color and size, which is how humans should also be. I do hope we grow comfortably with each other just like those roses.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
How beautiful life could be when you spend it reading on top of a mountain surrounded by flowers and while being serenade by the birds? I couldn't ask for more.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Aside from the inspiring quotes, are copies of poems etched in wooden blocks. They even have Lord Byron's She Walks in Beauty which is one of my all-time favorite poems.

I think poems written by Cebuano poets would go well in the garden as well since they are promoting homegrown culture. It would be great to witness the literary prowess of the Cebuanos which is very much healthy.
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden

Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden...
  • is vehicle friendly. Even wheelchairs are very much welcomed in the place because the owners designed the garden with concrete main road and paths which are not slippery even though the place is steep. I suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes going there because going around the terraces is more like hiking. I'm not kidding guys. It's like an instant cardio which is great.
  • has public restrooms available. They have one for the males and one for the females. The restroom has a full-size mirror which is good for people who will be doing pictorials in the place.
  • is pet-friendly. You can bring your pets inside the garden as long as you take care of them.
  • provides a great setting for comfort and relaxation. If the flowers and the natural breeze aren't enough, you can stay in one of their homely cabanas for an affordable price.
  • does not allow the picking of flowers. I didn't see any rules posted on the garden while I was there, but it's common sense not to pick the flowers and to keep the place clean. As guests. we should also do our part.
  • accept reservations for photo shoots such as prenuptial, engagement, birthday and anniversary shoots. So yes, they do charge for photo shoots. I believe is priced at 1,500php for the first hour and 500php for the next succeeding hours.
  • doesn't sell plants.
  • apply discounts for senior citizens, students and pwds as mandated by the law.
  • does have cabanas but doesn't have cottages for overnight stay. You can't stay at the garden overnight, but you can enjoy the garden's evening backdrop.
How to Get to Terrazas de Flores Cebu
Getting to the Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden is very easy. If you are going to the place via habal-habal or a private vehicle, all you have to do is to tell the driver to drop you at the Malubog Integrated School which is located parallel to the garden.

Here's what the school looks like:
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
The garden's entrance:
Terrazas de Flores Cebu Botanical Garden
Address/Location: 
Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden is located along Trans-Central Highway, Malubog, Cebu City (900 meters from La Tegola, Busay), fronting Malubog Elementary School.

Business hours: 
The garden is open every day from 7am to 8pm.

Entrance fee: 
You can enjoy staying at the garden for an unlimited time for only Php100.00/person. However, the price is subject for change as it is the garden's introductory price. The good news is that the price is bound to increase not more than 50php.

Locals and foreign guests can enjoy the garden for the same price. Entrance fee is 50.00php for children, and those who are aged below 4, can go inside for FREE.

As a handsome plus, your 100 peso fee includes a FREE choice of drink.

Contact details:
The garden doesn't have a website yet, but you can visit their official Facebook account for more details or contact them at 09088947825 (smart) or 09176534227 (globe).

Terrazas de Flores Botanical Garden is a fresh refuge for anyone who wish to unwind and escape the revelries of the modern city with its rich floral scenery. If you have spare time, relax and indulge yourself in the beauty of nature offered by the garden. Life is short. Go out. Smell the flowers. Learn a thing or two about your local culture. Carpe diem!

love lots,

Tin