READING: One Way to Enhance your English Communication Skills

Reading any kind of English novels can absolutely help you develop your English communication skills. There are different kinds of novels that you can choose depending on your mood and type of story such as action, drama, horror, romance, suspense, or a mix of any of these. Although there are many other important books to read other than novels, but pocketbooks may somehow entertain you and enhance your vocabulary at the same time.

I used to be addicted with pocketbooks when I was a little bit younger, I guess I was 14 to 16 years old. It all started when I saw a pocketbook authored by Barbara Cartland from my father’s closet. I didn’t read it at first, instead, my classmate who was once a pocketbook lover borrowed it and then when she returned the book, I asked her if it was good. She candidly said it was ok. I tried to read it myself for the first time. I wasn’t convinced it was a good one but I enjoyed reading it. Since then, I started borrowing pocketbooks from my friends.

Knowing that classmate of mine way back in high school who was a pocketbook lover, she has a very good grasp of English and wrote English essays very well even when we were still in our elementary years. She was our consistent first honor student from kindergarten until we finished high school. She was indeed intelligent. Thanks to Claudette, it was her who influenced me to read English novels instead of Tagalog and it substantially contributed to my English vocabulary and communication skills enhancement.

Fiction novels are very entertaining especially if written by famous and excellent English writers such as William Shakespeare and J.K. Rowling. But I have my personal choices of writers based on their novels that I have read already. First in my list is Sidney Sheldon, then there is Stephen King, Danielle Steel, and Judith McNaught. I haven’t read all of Sheldon's books but those that I’ve read were really very interesting. If you are just learning English as second language and you are here to study English, try to read his books and take note of the difficult words then look it up in the dictionary and understand its meaning.

You may think I’m lousy but I love adventure-romance, or suspense-romance type of story. One of the best fiction stories that I’ve read from Sheldon was “If Tomorrow Comes”, a suspense-romance type of story. A love story type from Sheldon that I also like the most was “Nothing Lasts Forever”. It was even filmed and portrayed by famous Hollywood artists that include Demi Moore, Vanessa Williams, and Gail O’Grady. If you find pocketbooks expensive you may try to download on the internet for free. However, those authored by famous writers are definitely not for free. So spend a little amount, and you’ll learn something that will help you for a lifetime.

Studying English while Enjoying the Summer

Summer is here. I can feel the heat when I woke up yesterday morning with a little sweat around my neck and when I traveled at 12 noon today. I normally feel a little bit cold every morning but not anymore these days because summer is fast approaching. 

Philippines is a tropical country and during summertime it is really, really hot. I remember when I was young way back in Mindanao, summer wasn’t as hot as now. Perhaps this is because of the ozone layer problem in the atmosphere. (There is too much explanation needed but this can be searched in Google.) 

As we can see, there are hundreds, perhaps thousands of foreign nationalities around the Philippines enjoying their vacation, sightseeing for future wife, doing business, or they are here to study English language. Most foreign people prefer to have an adventurous vacation rather than a pleasurable one. So, there are various activities this summer to enjoy with. From beautiful spots, zip line adventures, mountain climbing, cave exploring, or museums. Since Philippines is an archipelago, it is surrounded by alluring beaches that both native and foreign people love to enjoy with this summer. The following are just some of my suggestions that I'd like to share with:

Boracay Island Resorts

There are numerous beach resort hotels in this island that you can choose from cheapest to international 5 star resort hotel. This is the most favored destination during summer because of its very fine white sand.

Palawan

Its northern part is blessed with crystal-clear waters, pristine white beaches, and a wealth of flowers and animals. There is the famous El Nido resort where some Hollywood and local artists love to spend with a little privacy because it is very expensive. 

Virgin Island (Panglao Island Resorts)

This island is located within the vicinity of Panglao Island maintained by the local government. It would take 20 - 30 minutes to travel I guess. What makes this exciting is you can go diving and enjoy watching the marine life underneath, and feed the fishes as well.

Camotes Island

There are also plenty of white beaches surrounding Camotes Island. The past 3 years, this island has increased its visitors and tourism. It is now one of the favorite destinations of many local and foreign visitors.

 


Bukilat Cave, Camotes Island
This is the most famous tourist attraction in Camotes Island. Located at McArthur, Tudela, Poro Island, Camotes.

Manila Ocean Park

This is best for your family together with your children. They would be amazed of the sea animals and other marine creatures above them as they stroll underneath the aquarium. It is the country's first world-class marine theme park and premiere educational facility.

Zip line 

This is a fun way of breaking your fear of heights and cowardice. There are zip line adventures around the country that you can choose either within a mountain or within a lake.

Baguio City
This is the summer capital of the Philippines. It is known to be a very cold place even during summer. There are a variety of cultural, historical, and scenic attractions that makes this place an interesting destinations by local and foreign people.

Chocolate Hills, Bohol
This is another favorite tourist destination. Composed of more than a thousand of hills spread over an area of about 50 square kilometers covered with green grasses that turns brown during dry season making them look like chocolate.

A perfect summer vacation is normally coupled with refreshing cold beverages and sumptuous dinner. Filipino restaurants whether classy or unsophisticated one, offer delicious authentic foods and Filipino beverages that you would surely engulf. Here are some of my personal suggestions that you might try:

 

Halo-halo

This dessert is a mixture of various sweet foods and fruits, crushed ice, cheese and milk and topped with ice cream. An original Filipino dessert mostly enjoyed by foreigners once tasted. 

Maiz con yelo

Not as expensive as halu-halu but very refreshing. Simply made of sweet corn mixed with crushed ice, milk, cornflakes, a little mashed mango perhaps then topped with a scoop of ice cream.

Banana split

This may not quench your thirst but will definitely help you refresh in this hot summer. You only need a slice of banana, 2 - 3 scoops of ice cream and chocolate or caramel toppings, and sprinkle with peanuts. A cherry is just optional.

 



Watermelon Shake

 There are a variety of shakes that you can make at home or order at restaurants. What makes watermelon perfect for summer is because it is watery or juicy. By eating watermelon alone helps you satisfy your thirst. Adding it with crushed ice, milk, and sugar makes it more luscious.

You can have it all in Philippines. To enjoy your vacation choose the best, CHOOSE PHILIPPINES!

A Simple Conversation with an American Stranger

I had a simple conversation with a stranger while having my quick lunch at Savemore supermarket today. I don't usually talk to strangers, but this guy seems friendly, and harmless perhaps. He is an American guy, a little bit bigger physically, and maybe in his early 50's.

Tables are being shared by everyone because there are only 3 tables for customers who want to eat at their little food court. There were only 3 of them including a little girl sitting at the white guy's table, so I asked the white guy, "Do you have companies?" He said no with a smile. So I settled and ate fast, I only had 1 hour lunch break and I have to hurry back to the office in 30 minutes, but I still have to buy few stuff for my daughter and for our daily use in our kitchen at home.

I wasn't sure but this American guy seems everybody's friend at the store. He calls the female salesladies (who were having lunch break) "Momma", asking them if they won the lottery because they bought lotto tickets. One saleslady won and shared her winning ticket to the American guy.
"How much?" The white guy asked.
"Forty pesos!" And she laughed. She meant she won worth 40 pesos.
He mentioned that in America is different, and I can't exactly figured out what he was talking about because I was busy eating. So I managed to ask, "Are you American?" He proudly said, "Yes! But I live in EGI (resort)." I nodded. He is currently staying at EGI resort here in Lapu-lapu City.
"Why are you here for?" I asked him.
"For a change, you know." He said candidly. I smiled.
"From what state?" I asked him again.
"State? From Hawaii." He said and I just said yeah. And he played with the little girl.
"So, where are you from?" He asked me back. "Here. From Cebu." I answered.
"You know, Filipino children are the most beautiful children." He said.

"Really?" I answered. I wasn't convinced that all Filipino children are beautiful (not all are beautiful I believed).
"Do you have kids on your own?" I asked. And he said no.
He keeps playing with the little girl sitting beside her. I thought she was his adopted daughter and the lady beside me was his Filipina wife, but no. I asked the lady if she's with the white guy but she smiled shyly and said no.


Because I was talking comfortably with the white guy, the shy lady had the courage to ask him, "Are you married?" Perhaps the American guy didn't hear well so I asked in a different way, "Are you still single?"
"Yes, I am single!"
"Single? Ever since?" I teased him.
"Yeah. I got married before in Hawaii but my wife died because of cancer."
"Really?" Was all I could say. I suddenly remembered my mother who also passed away almost 14 years ago because of cancer.

He kept playing still with the little girl. So I told him, "So you're sightseeing? For girls?" I laughed.
"Girls? Yeah." He proudly said.
"If you marry a Filipina, you will have beautiful children." I told him.
"Yes! I will definitely have beautiful children." He agreed. "What's your job?"
"Marketing. Internet marketing." I answered.

"Oh ok. That's good." He said.
"Please excuse me. I have to hurry." I told him after I was done eating and I rushed to the store and bought important stuff. He bubbly said "Bye bye!"

I must admit I like talking to foreign people, only if they are professional enough to indulge in a conversation. If I notice they are senseless, mean, and unprofessional, I would never have a conversation with them.

If you want to speak confidently with English speaking people, study English further at an English language school and enhance your communication skills. 

Watch English Movies to Help you Speak English Fluently

One of the best ways on how to speak English fluently is through watching English movies, everyday if possible. Although movies amuse us in different ways, there are some people who are not into the entertainment industry. Well, if you are one of them but you are trying to study English as second language, you definitely must try to watch a film that will not just entertain you but will help you develop your English language skills. 

The entertainment industry is filled with variety of movies, but not all are worth watching because some were made of poor quality, some were even made out of foolish and barbaric mind. So, please look for quality movies where you can take pleasure in watching and gain knowledge at the same time.

I, myself love to watch movies. I may sound sarcastic but I really like Hollywood films better than Filipino (because I am a Filipino).  However, there are some Filipino movies that were well-written, with good cinematography and directors, with brilliant actors, but they can’t help you ameliorate your English communication skills. So, I’d like to share English movies I’ve watched before that seems to be interesting. I can’t say they are all my favorite movies but I believe they are worth watching for. You may try if you haven’t watched them yet, after all, learning how tospeak English  fluently is what we are aiming for.

Little Women – a 1994 drama film based on a novel by the American author, Luisa May Alcott. This movie was performed by 4 pretty Hollywood actresses, Winona Ryder, Tiri Alvarado, Claire Danes, and Samantha Mathis (performed by Kirsten Dunst when she was at a young age in this movie). It has strong positive reactions by movie critics.

Cold Mountain – a 2003 war-drama film, stars Nicole Kidman, Jude Law, Renee Zellweger. The film was nominated more than 70 awards including 7 nominees from the Academy Award. Jude Law won as the best actor and Zellweger was the best actress in a supporting role.

The American President – 1995 romantic-comedy-drama film, stars Michael Douglas, Anette Bening, Michael J. Fox, Martin Sheen. It has lots of positive reviews and 2 thumbs up from Siskel and Ebert (a movie review television program in the US).

Pursuit of Happiness – a 2006 biographical drama film based on a true story of Chris Gardner, an entrepreneur, how he struggle homelessness in almost a year. His character was portrayed by Will Smith and Gardner’s son was portrayed by Jaden Smith (Will’s son). This was a box office hit and top grossing film and received a lot of positive reviews by critics. This movie was nominated in several categories in many award giving bodies. Both father and son were also nominated and won in different categories. This is definitely a must see movie.

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House of the Spirits – if you want to have a British accent, you can try this movie. A 1993 German-Danish-Portuguese dramatic film that was based on a 1982 Spanish novel La Casa de los Espiritus. Brilliant actors performed in this movie namely: Jeremy Irons, Meryl Streep, Glen Close, Antonio Banderas, Winona Ryder, Maria Conchita Alonso and a lot more. This film won several awards in Germany and Denmark and other European award giving bodies.

Nothing Lasts Forever – this movie was based on a 1994 novel by Sidney Sheldon released in 1995 and portrayed by 3 female great Hollywood actresses  Gail O’Grady, Brooke Shields, and Vanessa Williams. I must say that this movie is one of my favorite since Sheldon is one of my favorite writers. I was able to watch this movie before I got the chance to read the novel. If I have to rate on a 1 to 10 scale, I should rate this as an 8.

Indiana Jones – a sequel of action and adventure films and TV series that started to air in 1981 and lasted in 2008. Played by different actors from a young (portrayed by River Phoenix) to a mature Indiana Jones but were famously performed by Harrison Ford as the mature Jones. This is also one of my favorite.

The Never Ending Story – this is perfect for children or the younger ones. A German-American epic fantasy movie that was first released in 1984 and then followed by 2 sequels after. It was the most expensive film produced outside the US and USSR. Starring by Barret Oliver, Noah Hathaway, Tami Stronach, and a lot more. It is Germany’s highest budgeted film of all time. This is also a British accent English movie.

These are only few of those must watch movie you shouldn't miss. Watching English movie will help you enhance your English vocabulary and English grammar because learning English is always FUN.