The Candy Girl's Guide to an Amazing 2010!

We break down 12 goals for every aspect of your life and what you need to achieve them. In just 12 months, you'll be able to bring out the best in yourself!
By Angel Constantino
Illustrations by Ben Deluyas and Nicole Lim

Published: Candy Magazine, January-February 2010
Section: Special

I love working on specials like these because it helps our readers achieve their goals one step at a time. This goal guide contains big and little goals, things to arm yourself with, as well as "The Big Result," which shows what you will gain in the end. At our last meeting, the Council of Cool girls said they really liked this special. I also came across a Candy Girl's blog, saying she was inspired by it! :)

  

Click on the images to enlarge.

For amazing fashion spreads, beauty tips, celebrity features, relationship advice, and more, grab a copy of Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue with Taylor Swift on the cover!

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Batter Up!

Nail those homerun hits with the Paref Southridge School Mustang Baseball Team!
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires
Special thanks to Mrs. Cherry Tan

Published: K-Zone, January 2010
Section: Way to Play

A few months ago, Cara and Lio of K-Zone officially assigned this section to me. After a few shoots for them, I realized how much fun working with kids could be. This shoot was especially cool since the kids' moms prepared pizza and juice, and gave me a whole box of cupcakes (which I shared with the K-Zone team)!

For the newest cartoons, movies, celebs, anime, toys, crafts, techie stuff, video games, wrestling, puzzles, comics, jokes and more, grab a copy of K-Zone—the magazine where kids rule!

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Eyes of the Blind

Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Evelyn Caja oozes with passion and enthusiasm for her work. She reveals why there is no greater satisfaction than teaching her visually impaired students.
By Angel Constantino

Published: Star Teacher, December 2009 - January 2010
Section: Cover Story

Roselle Ambubuyog graduated Summa Cum Laude and valedictorian from the Ateneo de Manila University with a degree in Mathematics. She now works for a company based in Spain that develops software and provides training for the blind to gain access to technology.

Carolina Catacutan is a Cum Laude graduate of Mass Communications from the University of the Philippines. She is a professional writer, teacher, and founding member of ATRIEV or the Adaptive Technology for Rehabilitation, Integration, and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired.

Roselle and Carolina are both visually impaired and successful in their fields—but their similarities don’t end there. Both were also students of special education teacher Evelyn Caja at Ramon Magsaysay High School.

Seeing for the Blind
Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, Evelyn lived a simple life. Every other year, her family would move from one place to another, depending on where her father would be assigned. She says, “Medyo hirap yung elementary, high school, and college days ko because my father did not earn much, but I survived. I’ve always believed that poverty is not a hindrance to success.”

Evelyn graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the Philippine Normal University in 1967. “I chose that course because teachers were in demand at the time. It was also the only course my father could afford. My tuition fee was only 60 pesos a semester. Coke only cost 10 centavos at the time!”

It was during her college days when she first encountered a blind student. “When I was doing my practice teaching in PNU, there was a blind student mainstreamed in the class where I was assigned. Ang galing galing niya even if she was totally blind! It was my first exposure to a blind student in the regular program.”

It wasn’t until six years later when she pursued her interest of teaching the blind. She was employed at a public school in Zamboanga del Sur when she heard of a scholarship program for a master’s degree in Special Education, Teaching the Blind. “I decided to take the exam. Fortunately, I passed and was sent as a government scholar to PNU in Manila.”

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Look Young, Feel Young

Though being a teacher can sometimes be stressful, you can still look beautiful and feel good about yourself all the time!
Text by Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires
Styling by Katrina Dy

Published: Star Teacher, December 2009-January 2010
Section: A Better You (Makeover)

Jesebelia Cutanda, or JB as she likes to be called, is a grade one teacher at the Hambabauran Elementary School in Ubay, Bohol. The barrio school is 12 kilometers away from her home in the town proper. To get to work, she drives a motorcycle for six kilometers on the highway and another six kilometers on rough road. Travel time is 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how fast she drives.

JB graduated from Bohol Northeastern Colleges with a Bachelor in Elementary Education. Her first assignment after graduation was teaching grade three and four students at Luz Primary School. But when she learned that nobody wanted to teach the grade one students at Hambabauran Elementary School, she offered to do the job. “When the grade one teacher left, nobody else wanted to teach them because little kids are hard to manage; they still don’t know how to read and write. I wanted them to learn—that’s what pushed me to be their teacher.”

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Joanne Parsons’ Kids Ahoy: Play and Creativity for Kids

Engage your child in unique, fun-filled learning opportunities through creative play with Kids Ahoy!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Smartparenting.com.ph, January 2010
Section: Mompreneurs

The Mompreneur: Joanne Parsons (mom to CJ, 8 years old)

Her Business: Kids Ahoy Creative Play Shop

Why She Loves Being a Mom: Being a mom has given me a meaningful purpose in life. I love filling my days with new ideas and learning opportunities for my son. As I work hard to expand his horizons and experiences, I find that my world and my experiences broaden, too.

The Idea: Kids Ahoy started as a personal blog in 2007 to expand my son’s and my own network of friends. Little did I know that this initial objective would give birth to a proactive community composed of Filipino parents, teachers, kids, and kid-lovers, both on and offline!

Why It’s Unique: The Kids Ahoy Creative Play Shop is a kids-centered, collaborative, and socially-committed approach to Creative Play, dedicated to helping transform society through art and culture. It has become a social and creative playground for our kids and a proactive support group for parents. Beyond offering play-based creative and socially-aware programs (Art, Music, Filipino and Citizenship, Science, Nature and the Outdoors, Theater, Homeschool services, and more), we also come up with fun and exciting themed playdates on a regular basis. We provide opportunities for the kids to learn real-world, practical life skills, even going as far as engaging them in community service.

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Perfect Presents

With products that promote a cause, shopping for gifts never felt this good!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, December 2009
Section: Candy Cares

Support National Artists.

Instead of just reading about them in textbooks or looking at their work in art galleries, now you can wear them with pride thanks to Freeway’s National Artist Collector's Series. The timeless works of Nick Joaquin (National Artist for Literature) and Ang Kiukok (National Artist for Visual Arts) are immortalized on graphic tees, outerwear, woven tops, dresses, and accessories. All items even have their own gift packaging—perfect for the Christmas season! View the entire collection at www.freeway.net.ph.

Feed a Hungry Child.

YOU is a unique collection of hoodies designed by actress KC Concepcion for BAYO. One purchase from the collection will help provide nutritious meals for school children in conflict-affected areas in Central Mindanao through the UN World Food Programme. KC says, “You too can be an ambassador, not just with this purchase, but every day of your life.” Find out more at www.wfp.org and www.bayo.com.ph.

Fight Cervical Cancer.

Did you know that cervical cancer kills 12 Filipinas daily? The good news: the disease can be prevented with proper education, screening, and vaccination. Help this cause while keeping fit with FitFlop’s Pink Walkstar I sandal range. With every pair sold, P100 will go to the Cervical Cancer Protection Program, which aims to educate women about the disease. Log on to http://fitflop.multiply.com or www.Xoutcervicalcancer.com.ph.

Stop Sex Trafficking.

Nurture your skin while contributing to a worthy cause with The Body Shop’s Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream. All profits from the sale of this product will go to ECPAT Philippines (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography, and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes). You might feel powerless to help those abused and defenseless children, but by supporting this campaign, you have the chance to inspire real change. Log on to www.thebodyshop.com.ph and www.ecpat.net.

Photos by Patrick Martires and courtesy of featured brands

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SPREAD THE LOVE
By Angel Constantino

BFFs Alyssa and Denise from De La Salle University donated blood at their school’s Blood Drive. Alyssa says, “We were really scared beforehand, but after all the anxiety, we felt very happy. Not only did we bond as BFFs, we also helped save lives!” Congratulations, girls! Your donation will surely go a long way.

Mail Candy: How did you spread the love today? Inspire other teens by sending us photos and stories of your good deeds and volunteer work at angel@candymag.com and see them appear in Candy!

Log on to www.candymag.com for more gifts with a cause. For more awesome gift ideas, grab a copy of Candy's December issue with Katy Perry on the cover!

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From Climbers to Sailors

After braving the dangers of the world’s highest peak, the women of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team embark on a new adventure: sailing the Philippine seas on a replica of our ancestors’ boat.
By Angel Constantino

Published: Women's Health, November 2009
Section: Life Skills

I first met Janet, Carina, and Noelle shortly after they got back from Everest. I interviewed them for a feature in Candy magazine and was inspired by what they had accomplished. Meeting them again as they embarked on the Voyage of the Balangay was equally inspiring. Amidst these trying times, I believe it is people like them who remind us every day that yes, the Filipino can!   

On May 16, 2007, Janet Belarmino-Sardena, Carina Dayondon, and Noelle Wenceslao, became the first Filipinas and the first Southeast Asian women to reach the peak of Mt. Everest. After doing this seemingly impossible task, you’d think they’ve already achieved their dreams; instead, it instilled in them a greater sense of responsibility. They came home empowered and raring to share the lessons they learned, inspire the youth, and spread their adage across the country: Kaya ng Pinoy.

After Everest, the team’s expedition leader, Art Valdez, came up with the idea to build the Balangay, the Philippines’ ancient boat. “Art instilled in us a love for our country,” says Dayondon. “Everest seemed impossible, but we showed the world that it is possible. As mountaineers, this was our contribution to the country, to inspire the youth. The ‘Voyage of the Balangay’ is another contribution to the country. It’s closer to our hearts since we are an archipelago and we’ve been using boats since early history,” she adds.

The Balangay is a wooden boat, 15 meters long and 3 meters wide, with a nipa cover. Thousands of years ago, it was a common form of transport in Southeast Asia. “The waters were our highways and the Balangay was used to transport people and goods. When the Spanish came, they discouraged boat-building. They took us away from our natural environment in order to conquer us,” says Belarmino.

In the beginning, the team never thought their simple idea would turn into an epic voyage. “We just wanted to sail, to have an adventure,” says Belarmino. “But over time, we realized the impact this project could have on Filipinos. Simple fishermen to academics who wrote their thesis about this showed their support. Like Everest, which started as a dream, this became a reality.”

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Ice Princess

Glide on the ice with champion skater Clarisse Roman!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, November 2009
Section: My World

FAST FACTS 
Full name: Anne Clarisse Roman
Nickname: Clarisse
Birthday: April 3, 1990
School and course: Manila Doctors College (3rd year, BS Psychology)
My idols are: Olympic figure skaters Sasha Cohen and Michelle Kwan.
I can’t live without: my skate shoes and cell phone.
Words I live by: Trust in God.
Nothing makes me happier than: representing the Philippines in international figure skating competitions.

Three tips for being a top skater:
1. Perform at your very best.
2. Be willing to train hard.
3. Skate with your heart.

Ice-capades
I started skating when I was 10 years old. I had my first lesson in March of 2000. A month later, I joined my first competition and won a silver medal! I’ve been skating for nine years now. I’m also a member of the Philippine Figure Skating Team.

Perks and Pitfalls
Skating is a lot of fun! I’ve made a lot of great friends through skating. As I move to a higher level, I feel more confident and really good on ice. When I do high jumps, it feels like I’m flying! However, learning new skills, like triple jumps, is not easy. I fall many times before perfecting it. There are embarrassing moments too. Once, I forgot my routine during a show so I just adlibbed. In the end, the audience was clapping because my impromptu routine turned out to be better than the original.

Winner’s Routine
I train three to four hours a day, four to five times a week. To prepare for competitions, I go to the gym to improve my stamina. I also prepare myself mentally. I listen to my music every day on my iPod and visualize my routine, especially the jumps. To win, one must have confidence, proper training, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.

Sound Advice
Be willing to try and explore recreational activities like skating. Not only will you be physically fit, you’ll also build your confidence. Try to skate with friends so you’ll have more fun. Be sure to wear long socks, gloves, a jacket, and jogging pants. You can rent your skates at the rink.

Learn to skate at the SM Skating Rinks!
SM Mall of Asia Skating School
For schedules and fees, call 556-0469 to 71 or e-mail lavidz@gmail.com.

SM Southmall Skating School
Call or fax 800-0426.

Watch a video of Clarisse in action on Candy TV.

Striking a skater's pose with Candy managing editor Mimi Tiu, Clarisse, and makeup artist Ces Guerrero

Photos by Miguel Nacianceno / Special thanks to Kelly Austria

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Live Like a Star

Who says you need to be a celeb to get star treatment? You can live the good life right here at Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal!
By Angel Constantino and Mia Custodio

Published: Candy Magazine, November 2009
Section: Field Trip

1. Lounge by the pool and aim for a sunkissed glow. Don’t forget those glam sunnies and a chic swimsuit!

2. Stage your own scene from High School Musical 2 on the bridge by the pool. Get ready to belt out the lyrics to “Gotta Go My Own Way” as you channel Gabriella bidding a dramatic farewell to Troy.

3. Ask your dad to teach you some golf basics and strut around the course like you’re the next Tiger Woods.

4. Grab your journal, sit on the balcony of your room, and list down your blessings while gazing at this breathtaking view.

5. Have your own fashion shoot by the pool—or even in the pool—just like in America’s Next Top Model. (Just make sure your camera is waterproof!)

6. Go for a jog around the compound then dip into the jacuzzi to relax your tired muscles. Better yet, have a Shiatsu or aromatherapy massage right in your bedroom!

7. Enjoy a hearty meal at the pool bar. Try the Mixed Grill Plate for your main course. For dessert, don’t miss the Mango Panacotta with blueberry and orange garnish. Yum!

8. Gather your barkada and have a posh slumber spa-rty like Blair Waldorf’s at the Presidential suite. Then, get the most blissful beauty sleep in this ultra-comfy bed.

ESCAPE THE CITY
Located in a highland valley along the Sierra Madre range, Thunderbird Resorts – Rizal is just 45 minutes away from the Ortigas business district by private vehicle. Whether you’re with your family or friends, this mountain sanctuary is the perfect place for a quick and relaxing getaway!

For more information, e-mail rizalreservations@thunderbird-asia.com, call (632) 651-6888, or log on to www.thunderbirdresorts.com/philippines.

A snapshot of the Candy Team after our fun planning-slash-bonding session at Thunderbird

Photos by Patrick Martires / Special thanks to Joji Cullado

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The Bag Lady

Theresia Goquingco-Manahan of Mantégo Creations makes the perfect carry all bags for your needs, as well as your baby’s.
By Angel Constantino

Published: SmartParenting.com.ph, November 2009
Section: Mompreneurs

The Mom-preneur: Theresia Goquingco-Manahan (mom to Gabrielle, 2 years old)

Her Business: Mantégo Creations Baby Bags

What She Loves About Being a Mom: Everything! It’s a very demanding “24/7 job,” but the rewards of motherhood are priceless.

The Idea: I confess to being an obsessive-compulsive mom. I want everything spic and span, organized and neat. I have gone through several diaper bags in my daughter’s first year of life, but I never came across anything that suited my needs as well as that of my daughter’s—so I decided to come up with my own! The name Mantégo is actually a mix of my name and that of Mark, my husband.

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