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The Philippines is the record holder of the country that has the longest Christmas celebration in the world. Filipinos start the Christmas countdown as early as September 1st, or as it is known locally, the start of the “Ber Months” (September, October, November, December), and rounds it up before the start of the Chinese New Year which is usually towards the end of January. As the Catholic stronghold in Asia, the celebration of Christmas mainly revolves around religious aspects and this is shown artistically through colorful lanterns, illuminations, statues and paintings depicting the birth of Jesus and other related events. Christmas decorations can be seen almost everywhere you go. In homes, malls, parks and even along the streets, there will always be something to remind you of Christmas. There are even Christmas Light shows which usually take place every night around the last week of November until the first week …
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As the famous writer Stephen King once said, “What people say often conveys their character to others in ways of which they—the speakers—are completely unaware.” I want to share a motivational story and give account to one of our students at Face to Face Language School. Let me start by asking “How do you conceptualize your life in the next 5, 10, 20 years?” Most common answers will be: I intend to be employed with a good company, for some it will be, to try new adventures or more likely, to pursue advance studies, have my master’s degree, and so on. But the sad part, for some students when I interviewed them was “I don’t know?” I don’t like studying and I simply want to have a good time, less stress and enjoy life. During the very first day we usually conduct a “get to know” each other moments with …
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I always wanted to experience having a hair make-over in a Korean Salon. I need not to worry as a newly renovated full Korean salon just opened in Olivarez, Tagaytay City. The place is so instagrammable! It’s a light brown and violet themed salon. It’s so spacious and so tidy too and they have designated areas for every service they offer. The salon offers the following services: 1. Haircut/ Hair Make-Over/ Hair Color/ Hair Rebonding (anything related to hair beautification 2. Nail Art 3. Microblading 4. Make-Up/ Updo 5. Piercing 6. Eyelash Extension Price actually depends on the service. Some can be a bit pricey too, yet this salon offers discounts from time to time. Currently, they have this package promo and a student discount. Also, they offer free cucumber juice and candy. The receptionist is very accommodating, as well as the Korean owners. As for my experience, …
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Learning begins at home. Even after school, parents also learn by helping children with homework. A popular adage says, “A family that prays together stays together.” Well, let me revise it this way: “A family that learns English together achieves wonderful things together.”What if parents and children learn together as students in the same school? The same is true at F2F. Some students come to study with a member of or with the entire family. There are instances that the parents’ performance level is higher than their children’s, or vise versa. Whatever levels they may be in, the objective is clear: to help their young ones be globally competitive through developing and enhancing English communication skills. Through the years, a lot of Japanese and Taiwanese families have enrolled in F2F study program, and I have experienced handling a few of them separately (in one-on-one classes). I …
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Christmas is one of the most important events in the Philippines. It’s a religious event in which the members of the family gather and celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Actually, I will not talk about Christmas. I want to show you some types of traditional rice cake that can usually be eaten during the Christmas season. First, I want to show you Puto Bumbong. I think this rice cake is a bit similar to mochi in Japan. It is eaten with mixed grated coconut and muscovado or brown sugar. It is best with hot tea. The other one is Bibingka. It’s a baked rice cake traditionally topped with salted eggs or cheese. To bake this, a unique clay pot (oven) line with pre-cut banana leaf is needed. One of my students tried our native rice cakes which you can buy during the dawn masses on …
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Do you Love outdoors like Hiking? Trekking? mountains? lake? swimming in a hot-spring? Horseback riding? Taal Volcano is Perfect! If you are heading to Tagaytay, one of the things that you definitely can’t miss is hiking Taal Volocano and enjoying the views from the top or explore beyond than that. Taal Volcano is the second most active volcano in the Philippines. And Tagaytay is a very popular destination in the Philippines because of the good weather. The weather in Tagaytay is warm during the day but not so warm like in you’re in Manila. And at night the temperature goes down, but it’s refreshing without the feeling of it being too cold. So yes — Absolutely! perfect weather. We had so much fun with great outdoor activities, and had an amazing time in Tagaytay. If you have been thinking of which places to visit then hang-out with me here. …
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Tagaytay’s Name: What does it mean? The story goes like this. A father and son went on a hunt. Their prey is the Wild Boar. The Wild Boar is a fierce animal; when provoked, it can take down a grown man. As the enraged beast charged toward the father, the child cried “Taga (slash) itay! (father)”, “Father hack it!”. The boar was bested by the duo. And the city’s name came to be. City College of Tagaytay, an educational institution located just a few meters away from Face to Face uses the Wild Boar as its team name/symbol — the CCT Wild Boars. Now being improved, the college will have more of the glorious animal. At least 3 sculpted boar heads are found near the gate which is still under construction.
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Aside from the fact that F2F provides excellent quality when it comes to teaching the English language, as we are able to cater to various levels of our students, personalise lessons for their specific needs, and as well as being flexible to some unexpected changes. The school is also located at one of the most visited places here in the Phillippines, the city of Tagaytay. Tagaytay is known for its mild climate which is ideal for people who couldn’t bear the humidity in other cities, especially during the summer season. Some students took a photo at the entrance of Tagaytay heights. Tagaytay heights is a housing estate where students and teachers stay. Some of the students share the house or a room with the teachers, this is also a good opportunity for us to communicate and practise the students’ communication skills. These F2F classrooms are intended for one on one …
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F2F’S MOTHER! Everybody agrees that a mother’s love is the most unconditional power in the world. Mothers are willing to give you anything without asking anything in return. Here in Face To Face, we have a mother who helps anybody anytime. Let’s meet Mariko-san. Mariko-san has been my student for more or less 7 years. I love her very much and I know that everybody does too. She has a very pure heart as she knows how to listen. She is also a good student because she always practices English and she never seems to forget her homework. Surprisingly, she has the mother instinct: she is sensitive to what others feel. She knows when somebody is feeling down or unwell. Plus, she is hilarious! She knows how to make people laugh with her jokes followed by iconic “20 Pesos!” Another good trait of Mariko-san that people love is her vibrant …
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When I was a kid, just like all my other friends, I dreamt of becoming a doctor so that I could give assistance to people who are sick free of charge, or maybe for a very cheap price. Then when I was in high school, I thought why not be a news anchor or a journalist since I was keen on speaking. Being a dancer and a singer also crossed my young mind because I thought “Why not?” As you can see, I had lots and lots of dreams, but eventually I became an English teacher, and I am beyond glad to have landed this unexpected yet one of a kind job. Why do I love my job so much? I could give you several reasons. First and foremost, I get to grow in my job every single day. Teaching requires not only passion but also hard work. In my …
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Learning a second language is not as easy as eating marshmallows or as fast as blinking, but not as difficult as climbing mountains or digging diamonds. Learning another language is a process that can sometimes be frustrating and discouraging. “How can I learn and use another language that sounds just as normal as my own, especially on a daily basis?” “How can I study abroad if I always miss my home and my family? “How could I live in another country if my culture were different?” Worry no more! Face to Face Language and Culture School is where learning English becomes a leisure… Face to Face Language and Culture School is located in Tagaytay City, Philippines. A place where a city and countryside meet. Its altitude and cool climate give everyone space to breathe and a retreat from a stressful city life. Studying English in Face to …
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Student blog
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LET’s GET READY FOR TOEFL (Part 1) English as an international language is perceived to be one of the more important languages if not the most in the world to date. There are several reasons why many people aim to learn the language. One of which is to go to another country, whether it be for the purpose of vacation, looking for a new job, or simply enrolling in a college or university overseas. In doing so, one’s readiness in immersing to another culture is of bigger challenge thus requiring not only physical and emotional preparedness but also deep understanding of ENGLISH communication skill. The Global Standard for assessing English Proficiency may come in different levels, costs, and names. One of the more popular tests we have today is TOEFL which is accepted in more than 10,000 colleges, institutions, agencies in more than …
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I remember it was a rainy Tuesday evening as I was my way home. At that time, I didn’t want to go home yet. Then it came across my mind of having something to drink. I passed by a local coffee shop. I didn’t realize it is a café at first because of its unique name. Out of my curiosity, as I entered the vicinity, I discovered an astonishing place. I was impressed with how well organized it was. New location: Hillcrest Plaza, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, Silang Junction South, Tagaytay City ‘Kuuma’ means ‘hot’ while ‘Kaakao’ means ‘cocoa’ in the Finnish language. The store itself means ‘hot cocoa’. Don’t get me wrong, the store also offers cold drinks and mostly, Filipino delicacies. Wondering why it’s Finnish? I guess the owner got inspired about the country–Finland. It is actually one of the top three coffee-drinking countries in the …
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The Dining Tables That Never Sleep Who can say “No” when talking about food? Who doesn’t crave every time you read blogs about different cuisine? And who doesn’t drool over mouthwatering dishes when watching cooking shows? Food is more than survival. With it we make friends, and count our blessings. The sharing of food has always been part of the human story. In the city of Tagaytay some markets have food stalls that do not sleep. Those stalls are in Mahogany Market. They are open 24/7 all year round. Rain or shine, they are always open to serve hungry customers with their delectable dishes. The Cooks and servers often say, “We cook and serve not just tasty food, but we cook and serve with our hearts in it.” Mahogany market food stalls offer various dishes for everyone to enjoy. All ingredients are freshly harvested. The source of meat and …
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The Taal Lake and Volcano is Batangas’ most treasured gem. It is what made Tagaytay a famous tourist destination having been blessed with its most beautiful view. However, there are also other places surrounding this natural wonder where you can admire its beauty more peacefully. Away from the throngs that crowd Tagaytay every weekend or holiday is my humble hometown, Cuenca. It is more well known for Mount Maculot – a favorite among mountaineers from far and wide. And tucked here is also a quiet haven that gives you amazing views of both the famous lake and mountain. Endaya Cove is owned and run by one of the most prominent families in Cuenca. It is a humble resort with an infinity pool overlooking the magnificent view of Taal Lake and Mt. Maculot. There are also lodgings for different group sizes. They have amenities that can cater to day tour or …
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Good day everyone! Teacher Em here… On this blog we are going to talk about food. It is originally a middle-eastern cuisine consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone like shaped “pita” bread and roasted slowly on a turning vertical rotisserie or spit. For those of you who don’t have any idea, I’m talking about “Shawarma” (some other names includes: Chawarma, Shaurma or Showarma). Still no idea? Okay, other similar dishes are Doner Kebab, Al Pastor and Gyros. Nothing comes to mind? Okay, originally they use Lamb or Mutton for the meat it is said that Turkey and Veal are also alternatives but in the Philippines; Beef and Chicken are the most common. They commonly have tomatoes, cucumber and onions to go with it. This dish is usually “made to order” meaning, they only prepare it after you order it and you can usually see …
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Good day everyone! T. Em here for another blog… For today, I will be sharing about a “bread icon” in the Philippines, but before that try to understand this, Every country has a nationally beloved bread. Example: French- croissants, San Francisco- sourdough, and Italy- focaccia. For Philippines – pandesal. It is a type of bread that Filipinos love and pair with a lot of things and can be eaten not just for breakfast but also for snack. I give you the “Pandesal” (Filipino Bread Roll) For some Asian countries, “bread” is a staple food, just next to “rice” the same goes in the PH (PH = Philippines) but when we talk about breakfast food we cannot put aside the fact that many Filipinos love bread and one of the favourite is the “Pandesal”. Originally, the name “pandesal” means “salt bread” in Spanish where it originated but contrary to the …
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Manila Ocean Park is a sea-themed park that features animal exhibits, thrill rides, a playland for young kids, and a wide range of shows for everyone that Face to Face students experienced. Here in face to face we can make our lives not just educational but truly enjoyable for everyone. Students are free to enjoy their free time wherever they wish to go during weekends. Studying in Face to Face as part of their education is the most effective and accessible means for the students to develop needed skills because it pushes to get out of their comfort zones to experience another culture, language, environment and education system. Face to Face teaches the students to appreciate the difference and diversity firsthand, and enables them to recognize -and then dismiss – stereotypes they may have held with the people they have never met. Studying in Face to Face has made students …
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F2F teachers students and teachers went on a trip to Puerto Galera Incorporating the core of English education, Face to Face offers the best of both worlds. High caliber teachers not only provide an exceptionally considerate and learning-focused atmosphere for the students but also offer an innovative and progressive curriculum distinctively designed to come across the fast pace global needs through aspirations and goals. While students are being reassured for language excellence, they are also guided exclusively to advance their distinct potential and aptitude to the fullest embedded in the rich and multifaceted programs. Teaching English Language is what we do best! With the teachers sharing common goals, we help students make their mark in the world.
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Bulalo is the most famous local dish here in Tagaytay. It is made of beef shank, marrow bones and vegetables. This food is automatically part of the menus of many restaurants here in Tagaytay and it is a perfect match to the cold weather of this city. Since you know Tagaytay is known for this food maybe you want to ask, where to eat? Here are some of the most famous restaurants here in Tagaytay. Bulalo Point, Leslie’s, Josephine’s, Balay Dako, Bulalo Capital, Balinsasayaw, LZM, Jaytee’s and many more. But if you’re looking for cheapest yet delicious bulalo here in Tagaytay you can try the Mahogany’s Bulalohan. It is located in Kaybagal South inside Mahogany Market. Mahogany Market is the most iconic bulalohan destination in this city because it is cheap, delicious and it is near to the market where tourists and locals can also buy beef, vegetables, and …
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Grab in Tagaytay Travelling especially at night is quite difficult. People need to wait long time for a jeep or tricycle to pick them up and send them into their destination. It’s also caused inconvenience for some commuters like those who are running late for work in the morning or wanted to go home early in the afternoon. It’s also a struggle when its rush hour. Everyone is waiting for public vehicle hoping that there are some seats available for them to fit in. Grab is one of those cellphone applications that people use to travel using a private car as taxi. All you need to do is to pin your location and where you wanted to go. After that, they will find the available driver for you. It will take around 5- 10 minutes for the driver to arrive. It is very convenient and fast compared to public vehicles. …
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Who doesn’t like to eat a big slice of overloaded cheesy pizza? I’m a cheese lover and I love anything that is cheesy, indeed! Consequently, I’m mesmerized by the taste and the size of New York Style Pizza just around the corner. New York Style Pizza, from its name, is obviously an American pizza company that was franchised by a Filipino owner Lucio Co. It was originally a membership shopping mall, but as time passed by, the franchisers noticed that there were only few people that could access the shopping mall and could order the pizza because it requires a membership card to get into their shopping mall. The membership cost around P700 for a twelve-month period (1-year). The card offers a 5% discount in any purchases at all S&R stores nationwide. S&R has six membership warehouses and ten mall branches coast-to-coast including the S&R store in Ayala Mall, …
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Where in the world would you find something for free? In this era of the world where everything cost an arm and a leg, it is difficult to find something free of charge. In the past, people survived because they were dependent to nature especially when it comes to food, however in the world today, people depend on technologies to live. Reminiscing the past, it was truly great to learn that people used to focus in developing agricultural products as a form of livelihood, but people today are transforming those agricultural lands into industrial subdivisions, parks, malls, condominiums and resorts. Because of this, natural resources that used to be free became exclusive. The fast pacing industrial development of the world affected the growth of agrarian products and it leads for natural resources to become scarce. Fortunately, Face to Face main dormitory, which we called the Red House is surrounded by …
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Birthday celebrations are one of the most awaited occasions for Filipinos. Here in Face to Face we try to incorporate the Filipino tradition of birthday celebrations with our students. Of course, being a language and culture school, we make sure that we give students the best experiences during their stay with us. Our March celebrants, Teacher Bryan and Teacher Amy, all smiles with their birthday cakes. You cannot celebrate a birthday properly without a cake! In the Philippines though, food or feasting is more important than drinking in any celebration. Still, we make a toast or two for our celebrants. My birthday celebration last May with teachers and students in a pub nearby. Sometimes, teachers and students prepare surprises for celebrants. We cook their favorites and arrange a small gathering to make them feel love on their special day. We joined the students as they surprised Manami for her birthday. …
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Life in the countryside ha always been relaxing and really laid-back, but once in a while we crave for the noise and vibrance of the city life. It might be a short day trip or a weekend stay just to feel refreshed with urban energy. I’ll share with you a unique find at the heart of Makati. It’s a 50’s inspired American diner called The Filling Station. It’s located in Burgos, which is actually the red light district, but don’t let that monicker fool you. Burgos boasts of some the best food spots in the whole metro. Getting to Makati from Tagaytay is really simple. There are buses that go straight to Ayala Center in Makati’s business district or you can take any bus passing by Pasay, get off there and take a taxi. You can go straight to The Filling Station that way or through the Grab App. Since …
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Language Skill #1: LISTENING Listening is the first language skill we get in our native language. It requires us to use our ears and brains to understand language as it is being spoken to us. Listening can be complicated when you are learning English. Different accents, new vocabulary words, and people speaking quickly can all leave you confused. But don’t worry! Face to Face Language School has tips to help you train your English listening skills. 1. Listen to new story every Monday. 2. Listen to audio news reports in English. 3. Listen to some classic pieces of English texts. 4. Listen to easy and fun English songs with subtitles. 5. Listen and learn English rhythm, rhyme and pronunciation. Listening skills are essential for interpersonal communication. It involves focus and concentrated effort, both mental and sometimes physical as well. If you want the full knowledge of learning a language, then …
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My name is Emmanuel K. Manimtim but here in F2F, most of the students call me “Teacher Em”, Emanh or just plainly “EM” with my colleagues. I’m originally from Cavite City but I’ve been living for almost 20 years here in Tagaytay City. I have been teaching for more than 9 years as an ESL teacher, I started with Koreans, Chinese and now Japanese, more than 2 and a half years ago, I started teaching for F2F, still here and still enjoying my work. I handle Speaking classes and Listening classes generally. I also enjoy organizing trips and sometimes parties for the students. What I’m going to talk about with you today is one of the types of classes that I handle here at F2F, “Speaking Classes”. It is divided into different categories: Explanation Topic Debate Q and A All speaking classes have similar format and have similar purpose, it …
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Are playgrounds just for kids? Certainly, this floating playground is not. It took us 5 hours to reach our destination the Inflatable island in Subic Zambales. May of this year when I went on a trip to experience one of the biggest inflatable playground in Asia. This is also part of birthday celebration of one of our students and for teacher Amber. Inflatable Island is one of its kind in the Philippines. It is loaded of fun and challenging obstacles, such as trampolines, slides, monkey bars and the most exciting for us ( not sure if the others would agree with me, lol) their Human launcher. There’s also a Bali inspired lounge area, Bean bags by the beach! You can relax here while watching others play. Here we go! Helpful staff and lifesavers are ready to assist you both at the floating playground area or at the shore. This …
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Which do you prefer– mornings or afternoons? I believe most of my students, co-teachers, and friends would pick the latter. I mean, afternoons are laidback, short and fast, and usually have optimum temperature. On the other hand, mornings just seem to be so slow and so long. There are several things I really love about afternoons at F2F. First, I love hanging out with my students and colleagues at cafes in the afternoon, as I mentioned in one of my past blogs. These days, we love going to cafes to have Okinawa or Hokkaido milk tea which is becoming more and more popular in the Philippines. There are some instances when we, the teachers take our students out with their lessons of course, and we have our classes outside instead. These moments are full of smiles and laughters: Second, I live for afternoon walks. On weekends, we at F2F love …
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PAGMAMANO: A Kiss of Honor What is it about the Philippines that make it different from the rest of the world? Well, for one thing, it is all about Filipino culture. Filipinos are very polite. We have a culture of PAGMAMANO, which is where we raise the back of the hands of their elders to their foreheads as a sign of admiration. Almost the same to hand-kissing, the person giving the greeting bows towards the hand of the elder and presses their forehead on the elder’s hand. This is usually performed with the right hand. The word MANO is Spanish for HAND while the word PO is often used in Filipino culture and language at the end of each sentence as a sign of respect when addressing someone older.It is an ordinary way of building up one’s strong feelings of warmth towards their loved one. What are you waiting for, …
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◎Teacher’s blog (Teacher Jz) What comes to mind when you hear the word “Philippines”? Most people will probably say “hot weather”, “bananas and mangoes”, or “white sand beaches”. Well, all those answers are correct, but the Philippines has so much more to offer, and one of those many things is English proficiency. On the summit of a mountain I am Teacher JZ, and I work for Face to Face English School, which is one the leading language centers in the Philippines. I started teaching English as a part-time job when I was a university student and found myself in love with this profession. As a result, I pursued this career even after finishing my school. In seven years of my teaching career experience, I have handled various levels of English learners from elementary, high school, university to business professionals. Moreover, I have taught almost all areas of English …
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COME AND VISIT FACE TO FACE ENGLISH SCHOOL Have you ever thought of learning a new language, let’s say…English? Sounds scary and crazy for some, right? The mere idea of starting to immerse yourself in a new language in itself is also time consuming, nerve wracking and not to mention this might also empty your pocket. But why do you think many people would like to get in the trouble of doing so? I guess because many people think ENGLISH is important. The benefits you can get from discovering the language are endless. It may be difficult but it is also fun and substantial in many aspects. You might find yourself asking why I need to study English. Is it necessary in my life? Will it be beneficial for my future? Will I be a better person? Well, my answer is a big YES. Let me start by telling you …
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Ever wonder how teachers and students spend their free time? Since there are boarding teachers at Face To Face, it is beneficial for the students to practice English 24/7. There are tons of activities they can do together and here are my top three things I definitely love doing with students. Watching movies Action, romance, adventure, sci-fi, thriller, coming of age, horror, drama, or what have you! Name it, we watch it! There is nothing better than having pizza, soda, beer, potato chips, cozy sofa, friends and family next to you while watching a movie. See the person sitting next to you shed a tear, or hear the one sitting in front of you scream, or watch yourself as you hold your breath on the edge of the seat! Play games I can’t even enumerate all the possible games you can play with students and teachers here. May it be …
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Living in a foreign country is difficult, but living in a different country with different people is far worse. Imagining yourself adjusting to foreign land with the language plus the culture that is very different from where you came from; makes it more difficult. Boarding teachers with our housemates. One of the privileges of F2F is having this system called, “Boarding Teacher”. Being one, we normally spend our day together with students. Sharing some of them in a room; as a result, we can build a strong bond with the students treating them as one of our family. I think it’s an advantage for students’ to have this kind of system. It is just like hitting two birds with one stone. Studying English is one and practicing it every time together with their house teachers’ can help them improve more with their speaking ability. After dinner, we usually stayed in …
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In this article I’m going to introduce about the Best 7 restaurants in Tagaytay. As we all know Philippines is not that famous around the world but there a lot of beautiful and amazing scenery here. This country is rich in natural resources and you can find many beautiful islands, beaches and tourist spots in here. Tagaytay City is not well known in the world especially in Japan though this City has been famous and introduced in one of the popular Japanese TV program. Many people are going here now because of its good weather, beautiful scenery and nice people. That’s why Tagaytay is chosen as one of the good place to study. There are so many good qualities in this place. Aside from its charm, good security, good climate and beautiful nature you can also find here some of the best restaurant in the Philippines. In this blog I’m …
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A lot of restaurants in Tagaytay offer beautiful views and delicious food. One of them is called Bag of Beans. It’s a posh restaurant where you can enjoy filipino dishes and american breakfast. Some of my students had a lovely one few weeks ago.If you want to wine and dine some friends, I recommend this place. First, the ambience is quite nice. It’s quaint and cozy, and for people like me who are a bit old-fashioned, this is the best place to go. Second, they serve this little blueberry cheesecake that is said to be one of their favorites. You’ve got a sweet tooth? This is the one. Last but definitely not the least, the portions are larger than most places I know. So it’s the best restaurant for people who eat like a horse.
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WRITE! EXPRESS! SCRIBBLE! Language Skill #4: WRITING Writing is a communicative skill to send, store and retrieve messages with the help of written symbols. It the process of using symbols like letters of the alphabet, punctuation and spaces to communicate thoughts and ideas in a clear form. Here are the five benefits of writing for every student: Boosts confidence Stimulates imagination Develops language skills Enable thinking out-of-the-box Acts as a model of self-expression Writing skills are an important part of communication. It allows you to connect your message with clearness and ease to a far larger audience than though face-to-face or telephone conversation. Correct grammar, punctuation and spelling are keys in written messages. The reader will make an opinion of you, the writer, based on both the content and presentation, and errors are likely to lead them form a bad impression. DID YOU KNOW THAT? Writing is …
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Are you bored with your previous job and looking for a new one? Trying to apply in some foreign companies but afraid that your English skills is not enough to pass the job interview? Well, this is your chance. We have the perfect solution for you. Face to Face Language and Culture School is not just an English School, it is also a training ground for students who want to work not only in the Philippines but also in different companies in Asia. We train our students on how to handle different Job interview questions and useful tips to ace an interview. Trying to practice using situation and problem solving guide based on the industry they are interested in. Using these knowledge and drills help our previous students to find an employment in several companies in the Philippines. We make sure to reach the standards of each company as we …
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Is it better for children to start learning a second language at early age? My answer would be… definitely yes! A second language is a language that a person can speak which is not the native language that they learned naturally as a child. One thing I’ve noticed among our English learners is that, younger students can easily remember what they have learned and put it on practice especially when it comes to their communication skills. Though as we all know, everyone has different learning curves, some can learn very quickly and some people need more time. Anyway, for this post you will see more of our young English learners. Who doesn’t love ice cream? These are our Taiwanese students enjoying some treats from their teachers for a job well done. Our Taiwanese students normally stay with us for a few weeks or some of them study in F2F for …
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To this day, I can still vividly remember that my mom once brought home a book of Filipino myths and legends. I suppose that it opened my 8-year-old mind to a fascinating yet quirky culture that is Filipino. My mind is a wee bit hazy with the details of the stories, but I can recall that one of the stories says that the scattered islands of the Philippines were born from the brawl that two giants had. Intriguingly ludicrous, isn’t it? All this, according to my granny’s granny, is the reason why there are plenty of beautiful mountains in the Philippines. So, yeah, thanks to the two giants who threw enormous masses of soil at each other—they unintentionally formed a face on earth that we are now enjoying because of its inviting beauty. We can also guess that this is the reason why the teachers and students at F2F are …
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Why choose Tagaytay? Simply because everything is just around the corner. Especially, if you love to try different kinds of food, here is the best place that you should visit. From fancy restaurants to street foods, we’ve got it all for you! You won’t feel hungry or bored. There are many places to go to. Transportation is accessible. If you want to have more adventure, just walk along the highway, for more excitement and sight-seeing. People are so approachable; you won’t hesitate to ask. You’d better book now a flight to the Philippines and see you soon!
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It is an abandoned theme park in Batangas or near Tagaytay City. The construction had long stopped years ago. It was never opened to the public. It seems to have been surrender due to the Japanese owner’s financial problems. Today, the main castle still stands magnificently over green hills like it’s stuck in its own fairy tale thriller. The park was never completed but it has become one of the famous landmarks in Batangas. Yes! Batangas. It is contrary to a popular misconception. Fantasy World is NOT in Tagaytay City. It is located in the middle of the rolling hills of Lemery, Batangas. On the other hand, many visitors stop here to take photos. Actually, Tagaytay City is the fastest way to reach the park if you’re coming from Manila. The entrance fee is Php 1000.00; good for up to 10 people. Most of those who would park in front …
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“Sometimes, having coffee with your friend is all the therapy you need.” They say the key to survival is coffee. And having a sip of coffee with friends sponsors a good mood. Studying or simply hanging out in Starbucks Coffee is one of the things we enjoy doing. Your stay in the school is never complete without it. Coffee there might be a little pricey but it’s nothing compared to the quality time spent with people you admire and respect.
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Are you a coffee lover? Coffee Addict? I’m sure most of you loves coffee very much. Coffee for you is more than just a normal drink. Your morning is not complete without a cup of coffee whether you’re watching a movie, enjoying the sunset or just talking to your friends. It is always a good way to relax and enjoy the intoxicating smell of this magical drink. If you found yourself that your day is not complete without a coffee then you are definitely a coffee lover. Don’t worry, you are not alone in this. I’m also a coffee lover, in fact while I’m writing this blog, I’m having my favorite hot black coffee. If you’re looking for different places to have coffee and at the same time enjoy the beauty of nature then our country’s second summer capital is the best place for you. Tagaytay is known for …
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Language Skill #3: READING Reading is the third language skill we may develop in learning a language. As with listening, it is able to receive ideas or passive skill, as it needs us to use our eyes and brains to understand the written equivalent of spoken language. It is one of the two unnatural language skills. This skill refers to the ability to know written text. It is reasonable to develop the skill at early age of schooling. When students understand written text, and combine their understanding with prior knowledge, they are able to perform the following three reading – comprehension skills. 1. Identify simple facts presented in written text. 2. Make judgments about the written texts content. 3. Connect the text to other written passages and situations. “Reading for pleasure is more important for educational success.” Therefore, there’s a very obvious place to start those wishing to improve your …
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The Philippines has a long tradition of revelry and this of course includes drinking. We have our own customs when it comes to alcohol, for example, using a single glass for drinking instead of having one glass for each person. This custom symbolizes unity and trust and is the main reason that the Filipino language lacks the proper term for “Cheers!” or “Toast!” Being a melting pot of different cultures mainly due to our strategic geography in Asia and colonization from Spain and the US, Filipinos have acquired and inculcated in our culture modern and foreign traditions. This is very evident in our drinking habits and preferences. Oktoberfest is actually a festival held in Germany, the Beer Capital of the world. However, many countries have done their own take at this famed celebration. Who doesn’t want a ready made excuse to drink, right? In the Philippines, Octoberfest is …
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Good day everyone! This is T. Em once again for another blog. For this blog I will be sharing about a type of convenience store that has a unique “Philippine style” if you’re wondering about what I’m talking about let me ask you first a quick question. What is your understanding of the word “retail”? If you’re going to check Google it says; “the sale of goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale.” That’s easy to understand, right? In the Philippines the word “retail” is taken into a different level, try to imagine this, when you go to a supermarket and buy groceries, you’re already buying goods in retail, right? Here in the PH (PH = Philippines) there is still another level of retail than what you already know and understand. Anywhere and everywhere in the PH you will find these …
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TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is one of the requirements needed especially in countries from Asia in order to be accepted in a well –established company. One of the main reasons is to state that workers from a certain company are globally proficient based on the scores given according to standards. It also shows that the company caliber of hiring workers requires an excellent communication skill in English. This test is divided into four parts: Speaking and Writing, Listening and Reading. TOEIC is one of the courses offered in Face to Face Language and Culture School. We initiate the process of the test. Students learned how to answer the following questions using specific techniques and tactics that can help them a lot to be familiar with the questions and answer in fastest time available. The process includes some of the following: Speaking – It contains eleven questions that …
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Mahogany Market is the best-known wet market here in Tagaytay City primarily because they offered the cheapest and delicious bulalo in the City. Here you can also find fresh beef and pork meat, fruits and vegetables, fresh and dried fish, groceries, bagged plants and souvenir shops with reasonable prices. For some people they see wet markets as filthy, but this market is an exception. People here are helping each other to keep the place clean. And aside from that, each section has a designated uniform so, it is pleasing to the eye of the tourists and locals who’s visiting the market every day. Mahogany Market is also a great place to mingle with the locals. People here are all friendly and always ready to assist you if you need any help. Come and visit Tagaytay and don’t forget to check out this market because Tagaytay trip is not complete without …
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Studying abroad may be one of the most beneficial experiences for every one of us especially for the students. You will experience a brand-new country with incredible new outlooks, culture and activities. Studying abroad grants you the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in English because there is no better way to learn than to dive right in. If you’re thinking about studying abroad, you might consider Philippines. This country has the third largest group of English speakers in the world. Because of its English-friendly society, this country is also an attractive tourist destination. Tagaytay City is an example. It is one of the most prominent tourist spots in the country. It has been a favorite destination of the people from Manila and other people from neighboring town. With a beautiful overlooking view of the Taal Lake and a cool temperature. That’s why this place is known as the …
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Honey What food doesn’t spoil? Honey is the only food that doesn’t spoil while in an edible state. Ilog Maria Honeybee Farm is a pleasant stop-off along Aguinaldo Highway away from the bustling city. Named in honor of the Virgin Mary who is said to have caused innumerable mysteries to the place, Ilog Maria engages in natural and handcrafted beeswax products that have salubrious and therapeutic properties. What are the benefits of honey? Honey is used as home remedy to relieve cold and cough symptoms. Drinking warm lemon water mixed with honey can soothe a sore throat. Honey is a substitute for sugar. It has a lower value than sugar as it does not raise blood sugar levels quickly. Honey is rich in antioxidants. It reduces risks of heart attacks, strokes, and some types of cancer. Honey nourishes skin …
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Tagaytay is popular tourist destination where you can experience cool temperature with beautiful nature. You can also try different kinds of cafes, restaurants, shopping malls and ukay ukay here. Tagaytay has been a thrift shopping place for tourists especially for foreigners, ukay-ukay is one of the examples. It is a store wherein secondhand apparels like clothes, bags, shoes and other accessories are being sold at very cheap prices. There are lots of good and unique pieces here, too. Local and tourists enjoying their staying or vacations here in Tagaytay because aside from its weather and close to nature, you can also experience good malls and groceries with very cheap prices. Like, Ayala malls, Robinsons, Fora Malls, etc. Here in Tagaytay you can experience the local culture and charm while looking for unique items to bring home. “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where …
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Pretty much, I can sum up everything that I want to say in “I love teaching English” simply because that is the truth. Period. But my boss isn’t going to like a 1-sentence introduction so I have to lengthen it. It’s been weeks since I received the news that I have to write an introductory blog about myself. Man, I still don’t know what to say about myself. So let me just tell you about pizza, and how much I love it, and how much I would die to eat it every moment of my life. My student recently noticed that I often use “pizza” in my examples. It scared me that I was unconsciously telling others how addicted I am to pizza. Please, forgive me. You see, the feeling that I have for pizza is equally the same as what I have for English. I love English as much …
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“When the Rain is Falling” By: Teacher Mainard When the rain is falling in Tagaytay All you wanna do is your loved one and you spending time For Tagaytay is a place to create memories That would last for centuries As the rain comes unexpectedly So as your love that makes my heart beats steadily Oh dear, when the rain is fallin’ down My only wish is for you to be around Tagaytay is chilly So when you are coming near me Hold my hands and let me go For forever will I stay with you When the rain in falling in Tagaytay It’s always a perfect time For you by my side Having tea, watching the raindrops, and forget the nasty past behind.
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by Teacher Jefelyn Studying another language can be fun and exciting though you are in another country like the Philippines. Many foreigners think that learning is full of difficulty and hardship, but I make sure to you that your stay in this beautiful country would be full of fun, excitement and wonderful learning not only about English but also life and culture. Learning is always fun! fun! Fun! Studying would never be stressful if you keep the positive spirit in learning. Always rem ember that the more you laugh and enjoy what you do, the more knowledge you will gain fro m the class. Why study with a frowned face if you can smile throughout the class. “Carpe diem!” Teachers love to joke around and make their students laugh during Grammar class. Explore the life of the locals Learning is …
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Good day everyone! My name is Teacher EM. For this blog I’m going to talk about travelling around Tagaytay City during the weekends. You may ask, “What do you mean about travelling around the city?” you see, travelling around the city during the weekdays and during the weekends or holidays is totally different, as the city has set up specific routes around the school vicinity that can be very confusing to both Filipinos and F2F students alike. Let’s discuss and try to understand more about these routes. For us to understand it better. There are 2 main roads that are being used around the school: **Emilio Aguinaldo highway (Casino Road) **Mahogany Avenue (NBI Road) (TWO WAY SCHEME) Regular Weekday Route During Mondays thru Fridays (except Holidays), our start point is going to be the village gate (Tagaytay Heights Main Gate) “TWO WAY SCHEME” is being implemented, both roads can be …
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Drinking coffee is a very common past time here in the Philippines. Having been blessed with rich lands suitable for farming coffee, this bitter but oh so energizing drink has been a staple since the pre-Hispanic era. In modern times, coffee has been commercialized by the arrival of multinational companies, lead by Nestle. There are different types of coffee beans and various ways that they are brewed in several regions of the country. There has also been an abundance of coffee shops in the cities and major tourist destinations. Having said that, Tagaytay is one of the cities with the greatest number of cafes, both foreign and local. Starbucks and The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL) are the biggest coffee franchises in the country. Tagaytay has numerous branches of both companies but let’s focus on CBTL. It has been a trend in recent years to drink iced coffee …
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Teacher blog
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“Goals are like bananas, they come in bunches” Coming here in F2F is a first step to achieve your goals. While you’re staying here, you’ll also discover many things that will surprise you. Just like about bananas. Banana is one of the agricultural products here in Tagaytay. We can easily grow bananas in backyard gardens. Here’s what we can do with bananas in the Phil. 1. Sweetened Bananas It is a traditional Filipino dessert. Ripe saba bananas are boiled in a mixture of brown sugar and water until it gets thicken. 2. Banana cue Banana cue is made with deep fried bananas coated in caramelized brown sugar. The bananas used for this recipe are Saba bananas, which are very commonly used for cooking in the Philippines. It is usually skewered on a bamboo stick, and sold on the streets. 3. Turon Turon is a popular Filipino snack …
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In Tagaytay City, riding a jeepney at night isn’t as easy as any other countries in the Philippines. Jeepney’s last trip is around 10pm,so if you decide to go out for a midnight snack, you might just end up walking which is a good evening exercise. Students and teachers in the picture were planning to go night swimming, yet all possible swimming pools weren’t available at night. Instead, we went for a night stroll and had midnight snack at Mcdonalds! With Tagaytay’s cool temperature at night, without a doubt, we had a great time. Especially when you’re on a night stroll with your students and whom you also consider as good friends!
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Language Skill #2: SPEAKING Speaking is the second language skill we get in learning English. It is what is known as a productive skill, or an active skill, as it involves us to use our verbal tract and our brains correctly produces language through sound. It is the second of two natural language skills. Knowing how to speak will help you: ・Engage people in conversation ・Address audiences Speaking can be formal or informal: ・Informal speaking is typically used with family and friends, or people you know well. ・Formal speaking occurs in business or academic situations, or when meeting people for the first time. Speaking is perhaps the language skill that most language learners desire to perfect as soon as possible. It used to be the only language skill that was difficult to practice online. This is no longer a problem. Come and …
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Oslob Cebu, whale shark encounter What is a family? According to some dictionary, Family is a group consisting of parents and children living together in a household. Another definition is “a basic social unit in a society related by blood or marriage”, and so on and so forth. But for me I think, Family is not only how the dictionary defines it, because I found a family here in F2F. This was taken in Tagaytay Highlands when F2F had a Sports activity. This photo was taken by Teacher Jz when we climbed Mt. Maculot in Batangas. Most of My photos are taken by Teacher Jz. Hi, I’m Teacher Sharon and I’m a teacher, a mother, and a big sister in F2F. I’ve been a member of F2F family for three years now and I never thought I would have a family this big and fun. I consider F2F a family …
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A Park in The Sky by Teacher Jz What comes to mind when you hear the word park? Grass, playground, picnic, swing, ground are almost always the usual answers. However, there is one park in Tagaytay City that is quite unique in its own way, and is supposed to be “in the sky” as its name suggest. It’s the park called People’s Park in The Sky. To get there from Face to Face School, you have to take a jeepney, which is the most common public transpo in the Philippines, to Olivarez Terminal (9 pesos) and transfer to another jeepney going to People’s Park (16 pesos). The whole commute will take you about 30 minutes. The route to the park is a bit winding and ascending. As you get nearer and nearer, the scenery will get better and better. When you arrived at the park, you will have to pay …
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Do you know about Jose Rizal? He is the Philippines’ national hero and is the father of the Philippine revolution against Spain, which occupied the country for 333 years. Rizal fought for Philippine independence and national self-determination. He was highly intelligent; a renaissance man who was both a polyglot and a politician. He was highly skilled in the sciences as well as the arts. He is also somewhat popular in Japan. Recently, he has even been featured as the main character in a Japanese manga. Rizal’s life involved quite a bit of international travel, stemming from his pursuits of further formal education and innate desire to observe and interact with the world’s cultures and people. He was known to have had several love interests throughout his life, one of which was the daughter of a noble samurai family. Her name was Seiko Usui, or “O-Sei-san”, as Jose affectionately referred to …
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A table without bread is not a table, but bread is a table on its own.” – Scottish Gaelic Proverb Bread is life. This is a common food for breakfast here in the Philippines. Although some Filipinos prefer heavy meals, bread is best matched with brewed coffee to boost up one’s energy in the morning. Noceda Bakery Address: Aguinaldo Highway, Mendez Crossing West, Tagaytay City 4120 Historical Background Noceda Bakery is a small local shop that was founded by Paterno Noceda way back in the 1940s after World War II. He set up a small bakery within his house in Mendez, Cavite. He started with small-squared biscuits and named it JACOBINA®. JACOBINA® is a great constitute for any soft bread. Why do most people eat bread? ・There is a wide range of breads. People can choose from soft tasty …
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The year 2017 is almost finished and this is one of the most eventful year for me, for this reason let me reminisce some of the most hilarious, adventurous, and extremely crazy moments I shared with my F2F family. Around March of this year when I went on a hike with teacher JZ and our students in Mount Talamitam in Batangas. It was not the first time I went hiking but climbing this mountain, I had a difficult time. Luckily for me I was with them and they were all extremely helpful. Every year we celebrate our success as a team and our family grows bigger. This year’s celebration we also had our “lady boy” contest,where in some of our male students dressed as ladies, everybody had an amazing night. Birthdays are equally special occasion for us here in F2F, and this year I lost count of how many natal …
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TM 1 or Trainers Methodology 1 is one f the requirements not only in Face to face, but also in different schools around the Philippines. It is a pre- requisite for the (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) to be given a certificate which states that this institution is recognize by TESDA. In regards to this, we will be able to comply with the requirements and enable the teachers to be considered skilled enough for the said competency based on the quality standards. Sounds difficult? Actually it is. It needs a lot of hard work, patience, and understanding the system in TESDA way. At first, we needed to submit a portfolio containing all the documents needed for the assessment. Making it needs lots of critical thinking and analysis to be able to start with the certain topic that will best fit the qualification that we are trying to apply for. …
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Good day! I am Teacher Amber, one of the resident Native teachers of F2F and self-acclaimed culture vulture. I’ll walk you through what I believe is the best part of studying abroad: learning while travelling! I always tell my students that it’s like hitting two birds with one stone – you get to learn English and go on vacation at the same time! Many students who go abroad to study English want a ready-made excuse to practice what they’ve learned on a daily basis –but, just because you are staying in a foreign country, don’t mean you get to use the expressions you learned in class to the full extent. More often than not, you need to go out of your school to put your knowledge into better use. This is one of the reasons why the Philippines is a great place to learn and use English! Feeling suffocated in …
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La Botella There are times when we want to drink our worries away somewhere less crowded and less noisy. One place that you can visit here in Tagaytay is La Botella Restobar. It is located right across the famous and usually packed Papa Dom’s Bar and Restaurant. This place does not attract throngs of people. It has a homier ambiance and is definitely stylish. Adorning the ceilings are colorful lights fashioned from recycled bottles – hence the name La Botella. There is even a dedicated wall filled with a kaleidoscope of bottles. It’s a very nice background for taking Instagram pictures! They have a variety of food options and are not limited to finger food that goes well with alcohol. There is also a cornucopia of alcoholic beverages. The prices are affordable and definitely suitable to the offerings’ taste and portioning. It’s a great place to hang out and talk …
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What a Cliche: “There’s No Place Like Home” As many people said, home is where they live, but for others, it is where they feel the most wanted, appreciated or involved. Therefore, everyone’s description of home could be different. It could be a specific place where you find comfort, joy, love, support and a sense of consistency or simply refer to “home life”. How about you? Where is your home? Nevertheless, no matter what, people will still continue to use this phrase out of context, so I guess what I’m trying to say is that we should always think before we speak because we don’t always know the implications of what we’re saying. Some things may seem as simple as black and white, but have roots deeper than what you can see from the surface. Look at the view in the photo above, Yes! That’s Taal Lake View where you …
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Typically when we say “day out” during our days off work, the idea is we go out and enjoy the day with either our friends or families, however today I will share some of the days I spent with my folks here in F2F. Some of the activities are visiting a church, trying out a sport, going to movies and some more. This photo was taken at Our Lady of Manaoag Church in Tagaytay. A solemn place for devotees and a good place to contemplate. Aside from the big Our Lady of Manaoag, the place also features a small prayer chapel featuring different Mama Marys. We also visited The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf cafe’ in Crosswinds Resort Suits. The windmill inspired coffee shop has become a tourist attraction in Tagaytay. We had a glimpse of this beautiful coffee house and honestly I was dying to see this place before we …
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English is such a popular language that it is continuously becoming a trend in many countries around the world especially in Asia. This results in the increasing number of people who fly to the Philippines to be taught English by Filipino teachers who are known for their neutral accent, friendly approach, and effective and efficient teaching strategies. Face to Face opens its door to anybody who is eager to become a fluent English speaker. With that being said, our school recently welcomed Taiwanese students who came here to study English during their summer vacation. Our Taiwanese students consisted of working dads and moms, business professionals, and elementary to university students. It was a fun-filled month having them around. They were full of energy and joy. The kids and teens were also inquisitive, and you’ll definitely enjoy having a conversation with them. The diversity of our students can lead …
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A sari-sari store, or neighborhood sundry store, is a convenience store found in the Philippines. The word sari-sari is Tagalog meaning “variety” or “sundry”. Sari-sari, by the way means all kinds or various. The store sells all kinds of everyday essential goods in miniature packets, or as a single item, which is commonly referred as “tingi”. An individual can purchase a small amount of cooking oil or a piece of egg according to your budget. Even a cigarette can be bought by the stick. In Tagaytay, the sari-sari store could also be a good place to hang-out. Commonly found outside the stores are wooden benches for customers to consume their purchases like snacks and their favorite drink. One distinctive thing about the store is that the customer is outside the store. The customer must pinpoint the goods he wants to purchase and the goods are transferred …
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Hi I’m teacher Tanya, and I’m a part of Face to Face family. I am competent to adapting teaching methods and instructional tackles to meet learners’ varying demands and interests. I’ve taught various levels of English learners and handled different areas of the English language, though most of the time I handle Speaking classes. I help learners improve their speaking skills, but more importantly I encourage them to be more confident and comfortable in using the English language. I make sure that the students will have more opportunity to share their ideas and practice spontaneity. Enjoying the food and amazing view at Bag of Beans Restaurant in Twin Lakes, Tagaytay Taken at Samba Bluewater Resort with Inflatable Island, Olongapo, Zambales Studying the English language can be challenging, it doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. Learning doesn’t only happen in the four corners of the classroom. Enjoying a good …
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Happy New Year! Whether you’re halfway through your degree, about to start university, or preparing to graduate, maybe wanting to take a break from the hustle and bustle working life has brought you, the beginning of a new calendar year is a good opportunity to think what you’d like to do a little differently-and set some in the form of New Year’s resolutions. I took a very quick survey from my colleagues/ friends to get some idea of what are some of the most popular resolution. Here are some of the most common themes that emerged: Get healthier- I bet you’ve thought about this, too. May it be putting restrict-binge-guilt cycle into end, hitting the gym, quitting a vice, or staying away from junk foods? Yes, about time to eat those greens. Stop procrastinating- Sometimes “later” becomes “never”. How would you want a year that’s more productive? You know, those …
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Have you ever considered a nursing career? It’s a very rewarding career, both monetarily and emotionally. Making a difference in people’s lives and bringing them hope and cheer is not something that you can achieve in just about any career. If you’re interested in medical field or to be a nurse someday, I invite you to enroll here at Face to Face Language and Culture School. My name is Teacher Amy and I want to share “Why should you be interested in taking Medical English? Mr. Junichi Omachi, the president of Face of Face is also a former nurse. I was once interested in a nursing field and I had studied at New Regal Career in Los Angeles, achieved my certificate in Nursing Assistant in Los Angeles. My first job is at Autumn Hills Glendale, Ca. USA. There is great demand for nurses and United States along with other countries has shortages for …
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Do you consider yourself artistic? Are you into crafts and DIY projects, or would like to give it a try? Well, you’re in luck! Tucked conveniently along one of the main roads here in Tagaytay is a place where you can try your hand at crafting, shop for some artsy souvenirs and enjoy heart meals; all at the same time! Dreamland Arts and Crafts Cafe is a popular pit stop in the city and is actually open ‘round the clock. Yes, that’s right. This cafe is open 24 hours a day, so you can drop by anytime! You only need to pay an entrance fee of PHP 100, which is also consumable for food, drinks and even the crafts they sell. The cafe has actually been renovated and upsized recently. What used to be the main cafe area is now the craft and souvenir shop. They also have a bed …
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Busy streets, stressful work, tiring school life, daily ritual movement.. It’s suffocating, right? You deserve a break! Thankfully, the Philippines has a lot of good things to offer you. Nuvali is one of the perfect places to visit. It is a master-planned residential, commercial and recreational development complex that has great things for everyone. It is located in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, just more than 30 minutes away from Tagaytay, accessible through vans for commuters, more or less 150 Php ($2.88) back and forth. Here are some of the tranquilizing things you can do in Nuvali: 1 Koi Fish Feeding If you are with a kid or you are a kid inside, Koi fish feeding will be the best for you. It is one of the most popular activities you can do in Nuvali. Koi are ornamental and omnivorous fish. They help to keep the lake clean. You would be …
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The Coco Nut Nut is a Giant Nut… and I Love it so Much! By Abie
2019年9月18日 in Teacher blog | Comments Off on The Coco Nut Nut is a Giant Nut… and I Love it so Much! By AbieTagaytay is of one of the coconut producers in the Philippines. In the Philippines,”buko” means young coconut and buko is always used for many foods ingredients. You can easily find coconut trees here. Students are usually surprised when they hear or see coconut desserts here in Tagaytay. What can we do with coconut flesh and water? I’ll tell you what we can do. 1. Buko pie Buko pie is a Filipino-style coconut pie made of fresh, young coconut meat combined with a creamy filling and enclosed in a flaky pie crust. The pie is a favorite pasalubong item mostly bought from the area of Tagaytay and Laguna. Stores such as Colette’s, Amira’s and Rowena’s have become iconic destinations for this scrumptious pastry. 2. Buko Juice/Shake Buko juice is very popular in the Philippines and most Filipinos love to drink it, aside from being a refreshing drink it contains health benefits. …
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Face to Face Language and Culture School offers a variety of courses from: Grammar, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Situations, Vocabulary, Q &A, Listening, Debates, Pronunciation, TOEIC, TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, Business English, Medical English, Native Classes, and Travel English. Let’s talk about Travel English as everyone loves to travel to different countries for family vacations, spas, special events, working holiday visas, tourist visa and for work. Professionals in tourism industry need to speak English accurately and clearly. So whether you are a student, professionals, or looking for work, this course will definitely help you get comfortable with yourself, and to be able to communicate to foreigners easily. Our teachers will help you get better knowledge about tours, airlines and hotel, restaurant situations and to better comprehend and use English. You will have a better grasp what to expect in a foreign land. Avoid awkward situations when you need help for directions etc. This …
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Do you think studying Enlgish is difficult and tiring? Oh, I think you are right. I will definitely tell you “It’s not easy!” Let me introduce my student. She is Hikari, a diligent, smart and studious student. She studied English for 6 months. But like what I mentioned earlier, studying English is tiring. Since she was a long-term student, she became less and less interested as time went by. So we thought of some ways to motivate her. Who says studying can only be done in the classroom? To make it more relaxing and interesting, we studied under the trees while drinking our favorite coffee. Studying English is not as easy as counting 123. However, we can make it easier and more interesting together.
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The coconut tree is one of the most important trees in the Philippines. Because the Philippines is a tropical country, this tree grows well, and it is recognized as a symbol of our culture and a sustainable source of income for the Filipino people. It is said that all of its parts are useful – from the tips of its leaves to its roots. Its leaves when dried are made into brooms. Its body is a good source of wood. And its fruits are a part of Asian dishes. At Mahogany Market, a market that is just a few minutes away from Face to Face School, we can buy coconut water, which is sold for only 20 Philippine pesos per fruit. Coconut water has several benefits. 1. It is nutritious. It provides carbohydrates (energy), fiber (cleanses body), and vitamin C (prevents sickness). 2. It hydrates you. The water of …
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According to psychologists, the hobby of collecting counteracts the stress of life; therefore, it helps people to maintain a positive and happy environment. Humans like to collect antiques, work of art, cars, books, and even people. People collect people. Kidding aside. My student Steve (not his real name) collects Spongebob printed items and clothes. In his childhood, he used to watch the said cartoon character with his friends and started collecting stuff since then. He describes Spongebob as not only an active yellow sponge, who lives underwater, but a lazy, kind of stupid and over-optimistic character. I believe my student was influenced by the character in many different ways. One of which is being optimistic, so he prefers not to worry and have a positive outlook in life. He is also a little lazy in studying, but when he decides to attend our class, I know he does his …
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Nail it! Present it! Presentation is one of the things most of us hate. It can be a demonstration, an introduction, a speech or a lecture that aims to inform,inspire, motivate, persuade and present ideas or products. Standing in front of the crowd with different status in life, different personalities and different perspectives is never a joke. You would surely find yourself shaking and sweating because of embarrassment. Face to Face Language and Culture School understands how you feel. We know it’s not a piece of cake but we want you to shine. Try these tips to stand out during your presentation: Know your audience. This helps you choose the right topics and materials for your presentation. I suggest you prepare catchy topics suitable for whatever age group, profession or race your spectators belong to. Be Confident. If you know your topic and have your visuals prepared, …
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Hello I’m teacher Amy. I’ve completed my studies at Lyceum of the Philippines, Manila – Bachelor’s Degree in Foreign Service major in Political Science. I had worked at Philippine Airlines, Flight Operations Department located at NAIA Road, Gate 1 Metro, Manila. Thereafter, I worked at Hyatt Regency Hotel as a Receptionist then to Sheraton Hotel, Harrison Plaza Manila. I had lived in the United States of America for about eighteen years. During my early years in Los Angeles, I have held several jobs from AMC Theater in Beverly Hills; as a Guest Relations/Customer Care Representative, and to numerous office works at Downtown Los Angeles, to Baldwin Park, and North Hollywood; as a Receptionist, Office Clerk/Admin, Accounts Receivables, Payables, Collections, and Bookkeeper – primarily focusing on accounting related jobs. Consequently, I had worked for almost 13 years as a Financial Accounting Specialist in Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA. Our office is …
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Meet Keren Hi! I am Teacher Keren! I started teaching English in 2014, I thought I’m not going to last long in this kind of job because it’s hard. But then I realized that there’s really no such thing as an easy job. So I just did everything I could to be an effective teacher. And that’s when I started loving this job. Because I believe that when you love what you’re doing, you won’t feel like it’s work at all. You’ll just enjoy spending each day with the students both learning. English has been described as “the language of opportunity.” It’s the opportunity to meet different kinds of people. Her source of happiness Seeing my students smile and improve makes my heart happy. I know studying English is a process. You must put your heart to it. It’s always good to see the brighter side of everything not just …
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Are you a fruit lover? Well, yes, I am. One of my students shared her great love to Philippine fruits as well. So before she left going back to Japan, we went out and checked out the fruits we could see in market side which is located in front of food hubs. The market is known for a trading site for fresh beef meat and also fresh fruits and vegetables, many people also go here to shop and also eat. It’s a stop-over destination during lunch and dinner time because people also buy “pasalubongs” or souvenirs. Here, we list the top fruits in the Philippines. (Photo grabbed from thecitemblog.wordpress.com) As the national fruit of the country, mango (mangga) is one of the most significant fruit crop in the country. This sweet and tasty fruit is definitely a favorite, especially its common varieties such as carabao and champagne mango which are top fruit …
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Who wouldn’t have thought of buying souvenirs when visiting a foreign country? Here in Tagaytay City, there’s a one-stop shop where you can grab some Philippine-made products. Kultura Butik is located at Taal Vista Hotel. Even if you didn’t check in, you could still go there as walk-in. ‘Kultura’ mainly means ‘culture’ and ‘butik’ is ’boutique’. Anything that you can think of as a rare collection or unique stuff, this ultimate store has it for you. Whether it’s a shirt, customized items, or keychains, there’s a variety of them that you can choose from. Another interesting thing is the delightful delicacy that our country has to offer. Most foreigners love eating dried mangoes for snack. Good thing, not only do we have yellow mangoes, but we also have the green ones. You’d better try them for yourself to see the difference. One of my favorites is the virgin coconut shampoo. …
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Street Food tour has become one of the latest trends nowadays. Aside from being able to visit various places with beautiful views, you get to try different local foods as well. Delicious and pocket-friendly foodstuffs. Well, who doesn’t like food? The right question is where to? My Japanese students Rika (on the left) and Nao (on the right) during their “Street Food English Class”. Students and tourists like Rika and Nao who are foodies (someone who eats food not out of hunger but because of their interest or hobby) have a place here in Tagaytay City, Philippines. One of the best places is Tagaytay City Market. It is the biggest local market in Tagaytay, about 10-15 minutes away from Tagaytay City proper. You can ride a tricycle or a jeepney to get there. It costs 9 Php ($0.17) when you ride a jeepney and 50 Php ($0.96) …
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The Philippines hosted the second leg of the 2019 ASEAN Grand Prix tournament at Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna from October 4 to 6, 2019. When my friend (Joey Magobo) sent me the schedule of the tournament on my messenger last Wednesday (October 2, 2019), I got very excited to witness the memorable event live. I cancelled all my Saturday and Sunday appointments. Volleyball is life. Going to the sports complex was fun. Asking mu uncle to drive for me is a relief because I’m not familiar with the place. From my house to Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna, it took us an hour. My friend (Edelle Mendoza) and I arrived at the venue at 1:30 pm. Luckily we didn’t go to the ticket booth to secure tickets because Edelle’s uncle who is one of the line judges of …
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Hello. I’m a student manager Kurumi. This time I will write about Puerto Galera, the teachers, students for a total of 18 people had a weekend activity last June, which have held an overnight for 2 days! Face to Face English School regularly hosts activities organized by the teacher. First, Puerto Galera is a resort located on the northern side of the Philippine -island of Mindoro. Although it seems that its name unrecognized and is still unknown in Japan, it seems that it is famous even for diving etc. because it was certified as a [one of the most beautiful bays in the world] by UNESCO’s support organization in 2005 and the transparency of the sea is high at the white beach. In the morning, we are heading to Batangas Port where you can catch a bus from Tagaytay. We rode by bus for about an hour and a half.We …
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Filipinos have a lot of traditional food that we can call our own. Coming from a county that has rich culture and abundant in nature; we learned to use these things that surrounds us into our own advantage. We tend to create several foods that later innovates into something that we proudly serve nowadays. As one of the most popular Filipino food, we used the traditional Cocoa to make a delicious chocolate drink. It was a success which made people realized the benefit of this tree. The eaiest way of making this appetizing chocolate drink incudes three basic steps. Whisk, Heat, and Pour. Whisk: the cacao together with a little sugar and milk . Heat: for around 5- 10 minutes with low heat, make sure not to overcook it. Pour: into the cup and drink while its hot. Having this drink will help you boost your energy and with …
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Food is one of the basic necessities of humans aside from shelter, water and clothing. That is why some are torn between the thoughts of “I live to eat” or “I eat to live”. Whether which type of person you are, it doesn’t matter because we will end up in the same bottom line that food is important to survive and to live in this world. Eating is one of the most satisfying things that humans could ever have aside from other material things that give joy to human beings. When you come here in Face to Face Language and Culture School Inc., your food cravings will be satisfied, for the school is surrounded by restaurants with mouthwatering food. Let me introduce you in to one of the most famous restaurants that is just 5 mins away from the school by jeepney. Jaytee’s Restaurant started last 2014. After two …
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3 BIGGEST PARTIES The year is about to end. The decade is about to end. That seems pretty scary when said. Anyway, since we are ending a year in F2F and we are also about to open a new chapter next year, as expected, parties run left and right. In between classes and days, several get together are held such as drinking parties, okonomiyaki parties, English-is-stressful-so-let’s-have-a-party parties, I’m-bored-so-let’s-drink parties, birthday parties, and whatever excuse we all have just to hold a party. Here is a list of the three biggest parties held in F2F. Anniversary Party While our school was established in February 2014, anniversary party is usually held at the end of March. It is quite fascinating how the school gets bigger and bigger in the photos each year. We are looking forward to seeing a bigger family in 2020! Year End Party To formally close the year, …
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Good day to you! Teacher Em here. I will be sharing with you one of the most important things that you would need when you travel, study and stay in the Philippines… We will talk about ‘bargaining’. First, where is it possible to bargain? Asking for a discount is a daily thing. It is very common to strike and try to get a bargain but you need to understand where you can and where you can’t. Here is a list of some of the places where you can try to bargain: Flea Markets Tiangge (shops that are temporary in a certain places or shops that are not inside a shopping mall) City Markets Ukay – Ukay (second hand thrift shops) Garage Sales / Yard Sales Small Antique Shops Small Book Shops Here are also some services that you can try to bargain, like: Tricycle Fare Taxi Fare Before you start …
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If this isn’t your first time on this home page, you probably already know that people at Face to Face School live for coffee. And where else is the best place to have an afternoon cup of your favorite coffee but Starbucks! However, what if all of a sudden, you realize you were running out of money, and you checked your pocket only to find that you only had a 100 peso bill left? Well, that wouldn’t have been a problem if you had been in the Philippines these past few weeks. Earlier in August, Starbucks Philippines announced its 100 Peso Frappuccino on Wednesdays Promo. It’s quite simple really—from July 31st to September 4th, coffee-lovers had a chance to purchase a Grande Frappuccino at Starbucks from 3PM to 6PM for only 100 pesos. You read it right—for only 100 pesos! That was a good opportunity to enjoy a variety …
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Hi. Thanks for clicking. I’m pleased that you’d probably like to know some things about me. My name is Norlene, born in the year of the Water Tiger. I was born and raised in one of the coldest cities in the Philippines—Tagaytay City. —Face to Face Language & Culture School, Inc. “One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” —Frank Smith CAREER I am a licensed nurse by profession and a teacher by heart. I’ve been an ESL (English as a Second Language) instructor for over ten years now. After graduation, I started joining training institutions such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and other English proficiency programs. I’ve also worked as a supervisor, a trainer to colleagues and students, and a team leader. —Hawaiian BBQ, Tagaytay City INTERESTS Setting a new …
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A New Cinema Is now open in Tagaytay. After 48 years we now have a movie theater in Tagaytay, which means we don’t need to go to Dasmarinas to watch a movie. The cinema is located on the second floor of the new mall Fora in Olivares. The mall opened last November and the cinemas opened a week after the mall opened. They have four cinemas which I think is just enough for the residents and tourist in Tagaytay. They have very friendly staff in the ticket booth and your seats are then reserved for you after you buy your ticket. You can also choose the seat to be reserved and it is first come first serve basis of course. In your ticket you can see the title of the movie, the number of the cinema, the start and end time of the show, the rating of the movie and …
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Student stories
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STOP, LOOK and EAT…..FILIPINO FOOD “One cannot think well, love well, and sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Virginia Woolf True enough, FOOD is a vital part of our daily lives. Without food, one cannot survive this fast changing world. It’s made up of nutrients our body needs to maintain its healthy balance, thus making it a fundamental factor for survival. I bet most of us love food; it’s one of the things we definitely cannot live without. The kind of food that we eat, its texture, flavor and aroma may have a great impact on our mood. Good food makes us feel much happier and satisfied. As what someone said: Food is as important as gasoline to your bike. as water to a plant. as stroke to a guitar string. as power to a computer. as input to an output. Whatever your nationality is, I think …
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Teachers at a Japanese Restaurant, Aozora, Tagaytay City Food is life. It’s true. In F2F, students and teachers bond over filling meals, cups of coffee, and mouthwatering desserts. We all share a common satiation for food. And, where else could you satisfy your tastebuds? There’s no place other than, the City of Character, Tagaytay. Sinigang is a famous dish in the Philippines with a distinct sour taste. (Photo by Teacher Amber) Inihaw na Talong in a banana leaf is a dish with bursting flavors of freshness. (Photo by Teacher Amber) Bulalo, a must-eat when in Tagaytay, will make your hungry tummies full and leaving your heart warm. (Jaytee’s Bulalo) “Kain tayo!” meaning “Let’s eat!” in English is a simple, yet enticing invitation. We are inviting you to taste the flavors of Tagaytay. This city has an idyllic setting with babbling heaths, fresh air, and abundant business establishments. Fortunately, F2F is …
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Learning English Language Strategies for Culturally Diverse Learners By Belle
2019年9月21日 in School blog | Comments Off on Learning English Language Strategies for Culturally Diverse Learners By BelleEnglish is becoming the world’s universal language and we have to admit that English is everywhere. It is the language of everything. Since English is taking over, what should we do then as a newbie in the said language? It is quite hard for others to least have a better understanding of it, and what more to speak of it? A lot of diverse learners are finding it more difficult to learn English language, to the fact that English grammatical structure is totally different from their mother tongue’s language. Speaking English or even understanding it is mostly considered as a struggle to someone who has diverse culture. Here are the few ways then on how a newbie can encourage himself to learn, improve and be confident when using English. A) Always keep in mind that it may take quite longer time to improve oneself because learning such language is …
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The second week of Face to Face Language & Culture School’s Kris Kringle is in full swing. This time around, we have invited everyone to join including the students. There were a lot more people than the previous week. Filipinos always say, “The more, the merrier!” The theme for this week was “Something Soft”. Now, for children, a gift that is “soft” would be easy to give. There are various soft items from plush toys, pillows, etc. It doesn’t go the same way for adults, however. We must try to show our creativity again. We also ha a different theme for the names. We would use name of fruits this time and we must include whether we are male or female in the paper to be drawn. I chose to go with Nectarine, or what we call “hairless peach” in layman’s term. The *lucky* person I picked was Kamatis, which …
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Staying fit is very important. Eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, drinking a lot of water, walking, and jogging everyday will keep you in good shape. Waking up early in the morning should not be a struggle for someone whose routine is doing so. It only means that every cell in his body is attuned to the daily physical activities set for the day. —– To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise – Gene Tunney —– A desk-bound person may only need to take at least 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day. Walking distance from Tagaytay Heights Subdivision and F2F School, the track and field oval is the best place and accessible to everyone in the neighboring areas for several physical activities like playing Frisbees and Badminton. Enjoy doing this healthy lifestyle and its benefits like: improving blood pressure, building strong bones, reducing the risk of …
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December, it’s the holiday season, the weather is cold and you’re looking for a simple but sumptuous meal… but where exactly to go? What to eat? As throngs of tourists flock Tagaytay, you might feel disheartened to head over to your favorite restaurant with all the traffic jams and packed jeepneys. I’ll let you in on a secret! There’s a hidden gem just about 5-10 minutes on foot from Face to Face Language School, where you can have a famous Filipino comfort food- LOMI! Lomi is actually the Filipino take on Chinese noodles. It is made with fresh thick egg noodles which somewhat resembles Udon, in a thick egg drop soup topped with hard-boiled egg, chicharon (deep fried pork skin) and meat. You may also season it with a sauce made of fresh calamansi and soy sauce; or if you are feeling more adventurous, you can add some chili and …
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As soon as “ber” months step in the calendar, there are observed changes like cooler breeze and shorter days. For Filipinos, it’s the start of making-a-busy decorating their houses, schools and workplaces some Christmas ornaments. Carols are being played almost everywhere. Filipinos are festive by nature that they celebrate even the smallest of the things (getting perfect score in a quiz will mean long hours of drinking session). Insane, right? Well, here’s more insane: These Parols “Farol” (spanish term for lantern) has been on sale since early September. Tricycles in Tagaytay has a project to give PWDs and Senior Citizen a free ride. (September 16, 2018 – January 06, 2019) Some of our delicacies you can only buy this season. Thinking of how to spend your Winter vacation? We invite you to study here in F2F language school and spend your holidays the Filipino way.
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There’s more to beauty than what meets the eye By Chris
2019年10月7日 in Teacher blog | Comments Off on There’s more to beauty than what meets the eye By ChrisThe Philippines is known to have a vast marine biodiversity and beautiful beaches, a destination for newlyweds, a peaceful place for retirement and one of the best places to study English. It is comprised of 17 regions and each region has unique offering. Tagaytay City, which is in Region IV, is one of the most favorite spots for leisure and English learning. Its high altitude provides cool climate and windows to magnificent landscape and the scenic view of the Taal Volcano. Tagaytay City has a lot to offer. It is one of the best places for wedding receptions, recreations, retreats, summer vacations and studies. Its location on the mountain ridges gives everyone access to all the main highways going to the main city like Manila in approximately two hours, to the nearest breathtaking resorts in Batangas for about an hour and a half, to many amusement parks in …
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You are probably familiar with the EOP rule, especially if you are an English learner. This means English Only Policy, we emphasize “only” because nobody is allowed to speak in their vernacular at the school’s premises. Here in F2F we have EOP night wherein students and teachers enjoy activities/games together, my favorite part of this activity is the snacks! kidding! I also enjoy the games. We have EOP night every Thursday, everybody is invited however most of time boarding teachers are the ones assign to facilitate the activities. The main purpose of the activity is for the students for practise their speaking skills. Teachers JZ, Mafe, Anna and John with the students, EOP night was held in Beige house. Aside from EOP night we also have English Saloon, this is another activity here in F2F which aims to help students improve their spontaneity in speaking the English Language. The boarding …
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Why are there many churches in the Philippines? by Norlene
2018年11月17日 in Teacher blog | Comments Off on Why are there many churches in the Philippines? by NorleneWhy are there many churches in the Philippines? The Philippines is one of the countries in Asia having a substantial portion of the population professing religious beliefs. Our nation has the third largest number of Catholicism in the world (Brazilㅡthe first; Mexicoㅡthe second). Most people go to church on Sundays. I guess it is a usual practice of the Filipino families to bond and pray together. Traditionally, people do Visita Iglesia during the Lenten season commonly known as the ‘Holy Week’. It is a steadfast custom to visit seven churches amidst this season. Travelers would say that Filipinos are the world’s most devotional individuals. People come with personal requests and gratitude for their answered petitions. There are also some events for devotees which they consider as an act of intense piety. The churches are not intended for showcasing architectural designs as they are built beyond history and culture. Tourists get …
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Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty.” –Henry Ford Education never stops in what you have or had achieved, rather it’s the endless possibilities thereafter. Nowadays, there are more courses offered for skills enhancement and creativity. One of them is the English language proficiency course. Learning English is important, and people around the world decide to study this as their second language. Wolverine, Madame Tussauds, Hong Kong Darth Vader, Makati Hi, I’m Teacher Jane, and I’m a traveler, foodie, writer, and an enthusiast of things related to nature, science, the arts, literature, and comic-book characters. I’m not only an educator, but also a class disciplinarian, mentor, planner, and a builder in F2F. Through years of teaching in different schools and with hundreds of students, only in F2F did I experience “Hogar dulce hogar.” That’s the Spanish for “Home sweet home.” …
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Volleyball is LIFE! On and off the court…. While I may not have been able to watch volleyball as I would have liked recently, there has been a plenty volleying all around the country. For most if not all conferences, 2019 Grand Prix Second Leg 2019 Volleyball tournament will be held at Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Sta. Rosa City, Calamba from October 4 to 6, 2019. These rematches are fun to watch because you can make predictions based on the last matchups and still be surprised! So, here I am again, and here you are again also – we are all hoping for the best for team Philippines, aren’t we? After having witnessed a lot of bad things in match four between the Philippines and Thailand yesterday, aren’t we getting more and more into the negative circle of volleyball? But don’t you think we are too focused on …
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Finding the time to focus on yourself can seem inconceivable for both men and women. However, everyone deserves some time to indulge in being pampered, and spas are the best way to get away from it all and refresh your body. Increasingly, all men are realising the importance of looking good and feeling good, and many see spas less as an indulgence and more as a health necessity. While we are often quick to assume a day at the spa is a women’s activity, this certainly isn’t the case. Men have used spas for decades, centuries even and for the exact reasons as women, to look and feel great. Weekly I visit my favorite spa – Azrama Wellness Spa. It is located at 3rd Floor Jeda Bldg., Tagaytay Calamba Road, Sungay East, Tagaytay City. I recently had the good fortune to spend some quality time with my best …
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Tagaytay is known for its cool climate and beautiful sceneries. A typical tourist can try the famous Bulalo or go restaurant-hopping and take photos with its instagrammable décor, but if you prefer some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks Domicillo. Strategically located with a breathtaking view of the Taal Volcano, this could be Starbucks’ most attractive branch yet. Enjoy a meaningful conversation with friends or simply relax and read a book at the al fresco area. The modern interior fused with wooden décor can make anyone easily feel at home. Choose from an array of their signature coffee, cakes and pastries and savor quality time with friends or just simply enjoy the company of your own thoughts.
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Tenki No Ko (Weathering With You) with Face to Face Students By JZ
2019年10月9日 in Student blog | Comments Off on Tenki No Ko (Weathering With You) with Face to Face Students By JZHave you ever wished that you could control the weather? I mean, wouldn’t it be nice if you could make it rain when it’s boiling hot outside, or if you could make the sun shine after a week of cloudy and rainy days. Well, if you haven’t seen Tenki No Ko (Weathering With You), you’re totally missing out on a great story that can make you feel positive about life. Last September 3rd, Sae, who is a good friend of mine and also one of our student managers, invited me to see this movie. I have always been a big fan of Makoto Shinkai since I got the chance to watch one of the most successful Japanese animation movies Kimi No Nawa. That was why without any hesitation, I said “Yes!” We also invited two of my students, Hikaru and Renta. We headed to Fora Mall cinema after the classes. …
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I’ve always been a big fan of walking. I read somewhere that when you walk, you get to “kiss” the world with your feet. That was really poetic, I know, but I also think it is quite true– exploring a place can be a simple yet an awesome experience. At Face to Face School, dinner is usually served at 6PM. The students and homestay teachers just like me get to enjoy our food together and chat almost about anything under the sun. Everything seems to be just how it is, doesn’t it? Well, almost except for one thing– we get hungry as the night goes by. That’s the time walking comes handy. Despite the fact that Tagaytay isn’t as developed and convenient as other bigger cities in the Philippines, there are still some establishments near our dorms which can save our starving tummies. One of them is Mcdonalds, …
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Many people settle for less not because they can’t do anything about it but because they are afraid they might fail. Most of us consider failure and difficulties as the end of everything, we give up trying and we choose to stay miserable and unsuccessful. Why should we where in fact, there’s hope? We can be successful, we can have fun. Learning English is the key! Why should we learn English? English is the Language of International Communication According to research, English is the official language of 53 countries, spoken by over 400 million people and the most second language in the world. It is the language a lot of us can understand. Travelers of course have chances to speak to people with different cultural background as they go overseas. In order to communicate with them, English is needed. English is the Language of Business Companies, both international and …
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Tagaytay may be better known for specialty food like bulalo and as the weekend getaway for cool weather for Manileños, but the city can also boast about having some of the most scenic, magnificent views in a Starbucks. Tagaytay now boasts six Starbucks branches in the area. Presently, the four are in (1) Serin Ayala Mall (2) Robinson’s (3) San Jose (4) Magallanes and – though it could be argued that it’s not technically in Tagaytay proper – the Starbucks in (6) Twin Lakes, which offers stunning views just as the other branches with a lakeside view. Now visitors and locals alike can add another branch into the fray. Domicillo Starbucks is a quiet, quaint, and comfortable new location. Nestled in Domicillo hotel, the front facade and main structure of Domicillo are composed of industrial cement, accented with simple plants like bamboo shoots. Both the interior and exterior of the …
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Traveling is an effective way to know yourself better and understand the real meaning of life. During the journey we realize a lot about ourselves. We even make many new friends, new relationships and build a new family. Most of all, we learn about the true meaning of life. In the Philippines, especially in the city of Tagaytay, there is a fun and an out of the ordinary way of traveling that can make a difference in the common way you grew up with. Jeepney It is a type of vehicle that was invented during the American occupation of the Philippines. Jeeps were used by the U.S. military as their service during the World War II, but now made and developed as public means of transportation in the Philippines. This is one of the most convenient ways to travel. A “jeepney” can sit up to 20 passengers. …
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Last Saturday, November 10, 2018, my colleagues and students at Face to Face had a plan to organize a picnic lunch just right on the front yard of Brown House, one of the dormitories at our school. Why? I think the better question is “Why not?” The weather that day seemed to be perfect for an outdoor activity, but at the same time, my friends and I didn’t have enough energy to go anywhere farther than the vicinities of our house. Haha! What is more, we were kind of short of budget. That was why a picnic right in front of our house was the best option we had. And so we did! First, Teachers Mafe and Jiezel together with our ever generous and enthusiastic students Lawa and Akari headed to the nearest supermarket to purchase some groceries. They bought chicken, veggies, corn, fries, rice, and four pieces of fresh …
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~ Aia English is very hard to learn. No one ever started to be very good in this language. However, there’s one thing that I would guarantee. Learning English at Face to Face language here in the Philippines is ever fun. Not just Philippines has a lot to offer, the first one is hospitality. Filipinos are well known as hospitable people. We always offer warm welcomes. Face to Face English school has also exciting and fun activities. Every Tuesday and Thursday night starting from 7:30- 9:00, students are invited to join EOP ( English Only Policy) wherein it helps students go out of their comfort zone and try to mingle with others. With this policy students are not allowed to speak using their native languages instead they must use English the whole period of time. They play games that would help to practice their English.
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The Philippine Commute Moving from point A to B is part of our daily lives. People go to work, to school, and wherever they wanted or needed to be. In the Philippines, commuting is really affordable. In Tagaytay City, there are three types of vehicles which are regularly used by the people – buses, jeepneys, and tricycles. As a person who regularly does commuting, I got a good idea on how fast and affordable they can be; it is a part of my routine. Meet the Philippine vehicles. The Bus The bus fare for roughly one to eight kilometers costs 26 Philippine Pesos (0.51 US Dollar) – enough to go from Face to Face to any mall in Tagaytay City. A 36-kilometer bus ride only costs 60 Philippine Pesos (1.18 US Dollars) – the distance between Face to Face School to Ayala Mall in Imus, a city located just two …
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Hi! Today, I will tour you in my healthy lifestyle (hahaha, I am just pretending to be health conscious, but I am not.) Anyways, let’s start. Lemon water is one of my favorites, so let’s go to the lemon world. Lemons can be easily found in the supermarkets. So, if you are on a tight budget, you can make your own lemon water. It’s cheap. Your 20 pesos can buy a piece of lemon. If you are lazy, you can just buy lemon water in the store which is located at Fora Mall-Supermarket. For 65 pesos, you can have this refreshment. You can also have some adds-ons such as yakult, kiwi, cucumber, orange and calamansi for additional 10 pesos. I personally recommend lemon water with kiwi. It is so refreshing and delicious. Maybe next time, we can go here and try this together.
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It’s true that when we visit a place, we’d like to experience their local dishes. However, one of the things F2F students miss as they study in Philippines is their homegrown food. They’d utter “samishi” out of the blue. Well, be sad no more because here in Tagaytay there are some places you can visit to enjoy some Japanese dishes. Tako MagiIt’s located at Magallanes Square, Maharlika East, Tagaytay City (Less than 10 minutes from F2F school) They offer Takoyaki, Ebiyaki, Ramen and a lot more. (You can refer to the menu below). Aozora (New) This is located in Sungay West, across from Tagaytay Southridge Estates. The Newest of Aozora Restaurants. The best part is that they are affordable. You wont have to miss Japanese food anymore for they are now available in Tagaytay.
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The season I’ve been waiting for the most has finally come! People like me who are obsessed with Starbucks and Halloween, hold October very dearly for it is when a limited edition drink arrives… the Pumpkin Spice Latte. This drink is usually available only for the month of October in the Philippines. It is originally a US and Canada only Starbucks drink, until a couple of years ago when the franchise finally heeded the call of their customers. Pumpkin spice is a symbol of autumn in the United States. What is pumpkin spice? It is a combination of five other spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves and allspice. It’s definitely a must-have whether in cakes, muffins, pies and of course coffee. The craze people have for it is inexplicable. The fact that it has reached our shores and has become well-loved by Filipinos just show how much our country …
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If you’re looking for a new adventure near Tagaytay, one of the best places to visit is the national heritage site in Taal, Batangas. It’s just two bus rides away from Tagaytay. Take a stroll around this town to visit Taal Basilica-Asia’s largest Catholic church, numerous museums, hundred-year-old houses, Balisong (butterfly knife) shops and many more! There’s definitely something that will interest you. What’s the best thing to do after going around the historical town of Taal? Indulge in food of course! Lucky you, the food park trend has reached this far south. Taal StrEAT is one of the latest installments in the Batangas food scene. This new food haven is conveniently located along the highway, right beside an elementary school. It is humble in size but will definitely accommodate your cravings with it’s variety of food and drink selections. There’s even a live band performance almost every night. One …
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SEA Games 2019 in the Philippines As part of the South East Asian Nation, the Philippines was chosen to host the 30th South East Asian Games. It’s a sporting event held every four years in different countries which is part of this organization. It aims to have good relationship between countries to promote camaraderie with the theme motto this year, “We win as one”. 11 members of Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) were expected to take part in this said event. These countries will be sending their athletes to represent their respective countries. Brunei Cambodia Indonesia Laos Malaysia Myanmar Philippines Singapore Thailand East Timor Vietnam The said sporting event will be held in several places throughout the country. Luckily, Tagaytay was chosen as one of the participating places to hold these matches. applied to give for the said occasion.The Tagaytay Oval was being reconstructed and converting some …
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Tagaytay is not only famous for its cool climate and beautiful tourist spots, it is also known for the famous “bulalo”. Bulalo is a kind of beef shank soup that is popular in this place and also the neighboring provinces. It is especially fit with the cold climate of this area. Most probably, that is the reason why some people made a twist with a combination of “bulalo” which means beef shank and “lugaw” which means porridge. From this, “bulalugaw” was invented. It was quite weird at first, but worth trying to know what makes it different. The texture was quite impressive. It doesn’t possess the rubbery like consistency. The taste was so rich that you can feel the entire flavor in your mouth when you try to feel it. The calamansi added extra sour taste which comes perfectly match with roasted garlic and spring onions. Adding an extra …
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Creating Possibilities in the Philippines By Teacher Rina
2019年12月20日 in Teacher blog | Comments Off on Creating Possibilities in the Philippines By Teacher RinaCreating Possibilities in the Philippines When you travel, baggage becomes a problem especially if it’s a trip abroad. It’s annoying to carry heavy stuffs while wandering around trying to look elegant. You might end up having a long discussion with the airport staffs because of your excess luggage, too. It’s troublesome. Your goal is to relax and not to find more stress. No worries! The Philippines has got your back! Aside from its breathtaking views, the Philippines has also a lot of malls that you can visit for your OOTD (outfit of the day) without compromising your budget. One of them is Acienda Designer Outlet Mall. It is the very first authentic international outlet mall in the Philippines. It is located along Aguinaldo Highway in Silang, Cavite; 30 minutes away from Tagaytay. It operates from 11 am to 9 pm. You can find your favorite brands (local and international) at …
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Do you feel worried, troubled and doubtful about your English skills? Everyone agrees that studying English is good. It boosts confidence, brightens your career, and allows you to do more things around the world. A quote that says, “Learning another language is like becoming another person.” Just ONE BIG IDEA. One big idea and you can be a better English speaker someday. I am Teacher Cheche. I’m one of the teachers of F2F. Teaching is my passion. It requires great patience and effort to be able to instruct kids, teenagers and adults. I have been teaching English for more than seven years. The stories I have heard from my (former) students could fill a book. Some stories are about giving up, and some are about life experiences that everyone ‘must have’. Perhaps, I want to inspire them – wait, I was supposed to be teaching – how to improve and …
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Whenever you are around in Tagaytay make sure you don’t miss to eat Bulalo. One of the most recommended dishes. It’s A massive beef bone soup and I’m pretty sure your mouth is filled with Saliva. You could just imagine the beef has been stewed for a long time ..so good and so tender. They are some vegetables in there ,Chinese cabbage, green onions, corn, chayote, garlic pepper corn.. it would taste a lot better if you put some chili, lemon and then mixed. Who cares about plates, spoon and fork when your eating with filipinos We used to eat with our hands, “kamayan” style. As long as your enjoying our food just eat it with your heart out.. it’ll be great! oh Yeah , The best sawsawan for bulalo is PATIS(fish sauce) + calamansi + sili (chili) . Soy sauce is ok but patis is the bomb.
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Admit it. Studying and working all day can be exhausting sometimes. No matter how motivated, passionate, or pumped you are, there comes a time when you need to chill-out and get out of the classroom or the workplace One of my favorite escapes is of course the coffee shop. I mean, who can’t say YES to coffee? The word itself already wakes me up and what more when I finally get to have it after a tiresome day. But more than the hot coffee, what I enjoy best about going to coffee shops is the companionship of my coworkers/friends and my students. We get to have casual conversations about both important and unimportant stuff, and more often than not, it makes us feel less stressed-out. What is more, F2F students and teachers are a big fan of playing games when we go to coffee shops. I personally love Jenga, (Trust …
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School Blog
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Sip n’ Brew There’s a new milk tea place in town! Luckily, it’s located near the Face to Face Language School building – about 10 minutes on foot and way faster if you take the jeepney. The newcomer chose the old Station 15 Bar building to accommodate customers, just across 711. It’s a humble space but homey on the inside. The staff are nice as well, greeting us with smiles and taking our orders with pleasant faces. They answered questions politely. It was a good practice for my Japanese companions to converse in English with a person other than their teachers. Now, I do not consider myself a connoisseur with anything tea [especially milk tea] since I am a coffee person [ Starbucks holds my heart forever!], however, I was curious about the new place. It has just opened on the 1st of December and a friend shared details about …
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Sit mens sana in corpore sano (for a healthy mind in a healthy body) Teaching here for quite some time, I have encountered numerous students who were looking younger than their actual age and were fit as a fiddle. So envious I’d ask: “How do you keep yourself fit?” They’d tell me, “Well… I go to gym and work out for a couple of hours or more” followed by “so teacher, where’s the nearest gym?” From that moment, I’ve fathomed that most Japanese would like themselves slim, working out regularly , eating less salty, less sugary, fresh and organic foods- health is their top priority. Some of the things that concerned the students while studying abroad are these 1. Is the school near a place where they can go exercising? 2. Does the school have a gym/ area where they can work out? 3. Any fun activities they may do …
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I always ask my students what they really like about the Philippines, but they always answer the same thing, they say that it is the people who live here (THE FILIPINOS). It is very overwhelming to hear that these foreign people (Japanese) appreciate us in a positive way. It is one of the reasons why they really like coming and studying here. Despite their busy schedule, they try to give themselves a time to relax and learn English at the same time here. Staying here in the Philippines makes them gain more confidence and believe themselves more with the help of their friendly teachers. Students and teachers sometimes go out, visit beautiful places, and do some crazy things together. Doing these things make our students learn different cultures, practices, and values we have as Filipino. Every country has its differing values and stereotypes, and the Philippines is no exception. We …
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After long tiring weekdays, we deserve a relaxing and fun weekend. Do you think so too? But how could we? The Philippines is a tropical country. The weather is usually hot (Actually, it’s unpredictable.), so swimming is the answer Fortunately, the subdivision where our dormitories are located has swimming pools. How lucky we are! If you have a hundred peso, you can swim for a day! Clubhouse is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. From our dormitories, it will just take us 10 minutes on foot to go there. Don’t forget to bring your colorful swimwear because they won’t allow you to swim if you are not wearing the appropriate clothes. C’mmon! Let’s go swimming.
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Business and leisure — two reasons people travel anywhere in the world. When you have the opportunity to earn money or learn skills and enjoy pleasurable moments somewhere else at the same time, man, you’ve got the best of both worlds! Up to present, multitudes of tourists from Asian countries visit the Philippines for a definite period —- summer and winter. The sole purpose is English immersion. Alongside learning is the anticipation of leisure by discovering new places and experiencing different culture. However, this purpose is not always achieved. Some English schools allot most time for classroom settings to the extent that students spend more than eight hours in class every day. On the other hand, other schools offer more leisure time than academic. Therefore, students should be cautious in choosing the most suitable programs to meet their needs and expectations. Realizing the need for balance, Face to …
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S–U–M–M–E–R Time flies fast. We didn’t notice that the best time of the year is approaching. After the long cold season that we experienced; it’s now time to hide all the jackets, hoodies, and coats that we used to use because of the extended cool breeze that we can feel. Finally! Summer is coming; so bring out the board shorts and swimsuit to flaunt in the beach. Now is the right time to plan a perfect getaway with friends and family. In summer, many family plans a holiday that each members will consider to be memorable. Some people really like spending their time with nature such as camping, going on a picnic, spending time on the mountains, and even going to the beach. The weather also adds extra humidity which forces people to look forward to diving into cold water while grilling food at the beach front. It’s …
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It marks the beginning of the very exciting and fun Christmas vacation. Our annual “Year End Party”. It’s a way for all of us to celebrate the Christmas and New Year together before returning to our own home town. As a tradition, we usually spent time with our family and eat together to celebrate this occasion. We did the same thing in the Year End Party. We ate together as a family with a delicious meal prepared by our chef. The food was really great. It’s a mixture of Filipino and Japanese cuisine Simple and meaningful decorations… F2F family eating together… We also set up some fun games that made the celebration more exciting. It’s a way for all of us to work together as a team in winning different games. Marshmallow catching game… Soda drinking game…. In every competition, there’s always a winner. Even though some didn’t win, we …
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Let’s have a short vocabulary lesson! To “wander” means “to move” and “lust” means “a strong desire”. That takes us to our word of the day- wanderlust. “Wanderlust” means “a strong desire to move, to travel, or to explore new places”. Let me share a story that might give you wanderlust. Not a long time ago, two of my former students Jeeny and Megumi and a coworker/friend Teacher Amber invited me to travel to the beautiful province of Coron, Palawan. I don’t know why, but I willingly said YES without even thinking about it. Just hearing the word “Palawan” could have made me too excited then! Coron is famous for its virgin islands, rock formations, white sand beaches, and a lot more. We had two months to book our 2-day tour, our flight, and our accommodation, and to prepare all the stuff we needed. The four of us counted the …
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Studies for most of us is a very uninteresting part of life or a dull activity but studies can be fun. Yes, if we start practicing the theory that we study in daily life we will start finding the worth and joy of it. Studying is an unpleasant task for most people. It is a mentally challenging activity that often involves frustration. Because you’re learning something hard, it’s a natural reaction for your mind to seek out things which are easier or more entertaining. Your aim is to be able to produce correct English. Practice is undeniably the best way to learn and improve. Here in F2F you will find yourself enjoying learning English and at the same time having fun. You can go out with your teachers, classmates and other friends because communication is one of the best ways to improve your English. If you can learn to enjoy studying, however, you’ll unlock a much …
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These days, motivation is in short supply when it comes to achieving our goals. We experience a barrage of pressure to perform, achieve, or to find our personal direction in life. Finding your place in the world is already overwhelming in and of itself, much less finding the motivation to do anything. Thus, as imperfect as I am, I will nonetheless impart some advice on how to stay motivated so that you may increase your chance in achieving your desired goal. Good Habits Aristotle once said that “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” It’s so much easier to do something when you’ve set yourself into doing the small things that contribute to that excellence, or whatever desired goal you’re working for. As an example, good oral care is easily maintained when you’ve established it as an automatic habit …
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Donut you like promos? It’s the “Ber Months” again in the Philippines which means sales and promos are again aplenty due to the coming Christmas season. One of my favorite promos is the discounted donuts of Krispy Kreme! You can choose from different promos ranging from donut and coffee combo to half a dozen glazed donuts or a dozen mixed donuts which are a great treat for families or friends. To make things even better, they also offer the Originals Card. It is 195 php and you can get a free half a dozen Original Glazed donuts upon completing your registration. On top of that, you can get the same freebie on succeeding orders of a dozen donuts with a maximum of 6 freebies a month. You will also get 3 free donuts on your birthday. The card can also be used for other discounts in all Max Group restaurants. …
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Boun Giorno Buon from the Italian word Buono means good and giorno means day, it is used as well-wishing greeting, above all in the morning or during the morning, it’s better to use it before 12 noon. Buon Giorno is an Italian word means good day, it is also the name of the Italian restaurant located in Cliff house Tagaytay. It was my first time to dine in this restaurant when we had our lunch there. The staff were very accommodating and we were seated immediately as soon as we arrived. There were a few people there and they are already enjoying their food. One of the staff informed us that their oven was under maintenance during that time so their pizzas were not available. We felt a little disappointed, since we were expecting to taste their famous pizza. But we were satisfied with the food that we ordered. Their …
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Giving letters is an old tradition that started to become popular in the late 50’s. People around the world send letters to show appreciation to someone. Appreciation comes in many forms, not only by means of saying “thank you”, but also giving and receiving letters which means a token of gratitude from someone who is dear to us. Normally, giving letters is being used to express our feelings romantically ; but nowadays some people use it as a symbol of valuing a good relationship with someone like a mother to her child, a coach to its team, and student to its teacher. Here in Face to Face Language and Culture School, it is also typical for our students to give letters to teachers to tell how grateful they were graduating from this school. These letters were one of the most valuable possessions of every teacher which boost their energy and …
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We all have our personal weaknesses. YES, EATING ICE CREAM. Light, creamy and sweet. It is possibly the ultimate in satisfying food. Having a terrible day? An ice cream is the answer! (Oops… your waist-line might not be grateful) I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM. Everyone loves ice cream, but why? There’s an endless amount of flavors. No matter what you like, there’s an ice cream flavor out there for you. It is good in every season. It’s the perfect treat for any season. Moreover, it makes your sadness go away. It helps heartaches and major causes of sadness easier to get through. Aside from that, you can eat ice cream anywhere – the possibilities are endless. It also soothes sore throat. It brings the comfort to your home and soothes your aching throat. Here are some ice creams you can try around F2F, Tagayaty …
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Here in the Philippines, when I think about coffee, the mental picture that is being painted is a hot beverage that is perfect when paired with salty food like silog (fried rice and something, usually meat, fried) or pan de sal (salted bread.) Some prefer having something sweet when drinking their coffee. Cakes! Who does not love them? Whether you are a fan of heavy meals, sweets or just want to enjoy a cup of coffee (or tea), there is a place for you. In Tagaytay City, there is a cafe that serves silog and cakes – Barako Haus. Enter Barako Haus What makes Barako Haus interesting is their Siginlog Combo, an amalgamation of the words sinangag (fried rice), ginisa (something sautéed), and itlog (egg). For just three dollars you can enjoy these great Filipino dishes which are served with coffee than can be either hot or ice brew. …
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Have you ever wonder how ESL teachers start and end their day at work? Most people would say it’s a routine or maybe boring. Don’t worry it’s not! I’ll share some snippets of my normal days. This is during a group class where the students had listening activity, whenever we have listening activity, we listen to english songs and they have to fill in the missing lyrics of the songs. Hamad studied with us for several months. He’s a very optimistic and hilarious student. I handled his writing class during his stay here. Abby has been my student for almost eight months now, she’s learning how to improve her Reading skills with me. This day is special for her so we decided to go out and celebrate it. Classes start at 8:30 in the morning, I had group class and one on one speaking classes. I always enjoy group classes …
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The Gift of Netflix One of the questions I often get asked is how old I was when I started studying English. It would then be followed by how I learned English at a very young age. The answer of course will always be the same, and I would also always tell my students that many Filipinos learn the language watching English TV programs, may it be cartoons, movies, or series. Thanks to someone, these English programs have just arrived at our doorsteps. Everybody, meet Netflix. Whether you are trying to improve your listening skill, or you want to improve your vocabulary, or hone your pronunciation skill, you can do that in your own pace and time while watching movies on Netflix. You can make an account and pay it monthly. The good thing is that you can share it with up to 4 other people, so you are …
