Fastest way is buying bitcoin with whatever currency you have. Now if you are looking to start from scratch with no investment, faucets will get you some small amounts of bitcoin to get you started but as you said its really only a few cents here and there which makes it a long process. Truth is there are no fast and easy methods. Everyone you see with tons of bitcoin either bought it with cash, have a bitcoin business, trade, or somehow got extremely lucky gambling which is something that is not recommended.

One thing to realize is bitcoin is just another currency and not magical internet dollars. Signature campaigns are your best bet of making some coin that's above what you would get in faucets and is easy. Hang around the forums and explore and post. Eventually your account will become mature and you can apply for the better signature campaigns out there. Its a long process but definitely not a get rich quick scheme.

glhf
-The Viper