Candy Poster Book 2011

This was one of the most fun projects I worked on this year with Candy's Art Director Steph. The poster book features photos of the hottest local and international stars, plus two giant posters of Sam Concepcion and Elmo Magalona.

Plus, it features the very first "Ed's Letter" I wrote! :)

The Candy Poster Book is available in all leading bookstores and magazine stands for only P150. Grab a copy now!

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String Sensation

Be inspired to create sweet tunes with Noelle Cassandra, Asia’s only harpist-singer-songwriter.
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

Published: Candy Magazine, January-February 2010
Section: My World

FAST FACTS
Full name: Noelle Cassandra
Birthday: June 25
Nothing makes me happier than: sharing my original songs with a good audience.
Five words to describe me: determined, funny, athletic, quiet, loyal
My idols are: my mom and my music mentors.
If I could go to any place in the world, I would visit: Vancouver, to see all my childhood friends and family.
Claim to Fame: Awit and Aliw Awards Finalist, Yonex Badminton Doubles and Mixed Doubles Champion
Tips for being a top musician:
1. Be passionate.
2. Practice, pray, and work hard!
3. Take time to relax so you don’t burn out.

On playing the harp
I started playing the harp when I was four. Every day before school, I would wake up half an hour earlier to practice. It just became a way of life. In 2004, I graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver with a Bachelor of Music. I moved to the Philippines in 2005 and the experience has been good so far. People usually brand the harp as instrumental or classical music, but the type of music I play is mellow pop. It was a bit of a struggle to come out and say, “I’m a singer and I write songs too, and I want to share my music with all of you.” But I managed to do it!

On composing songs
I composed my first song when I was 17. I love sharing my music with others—it’s like my diary. You can tell exactly how I was feeling when I wrote it, so it’s really personal. It’s a challenge to make a song good enough to touch people while portraying exactly what it is you want to share. I also like to make it sound a bit different on the harp so that people will think, “Wow, I've never heard that before!”

Read more about Noelle Cassandra in Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue or log on to www.noellecassandra.com. Plus, watch a video of her playing the harp and singing Taylor Swift's "Love Story" on Candy TV!

That's me and Mimi trying to rock the harp and organ :)

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Points of View

Clueless about love? We got TV hosts Sam YG and Lia Cruz to answer your most burning relationship questions—and behind their witty banter actually lies some sage advice!
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

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

First question! What’s the best way to get a guy’s attention?
Sam: Hello, recorder? I’m Sam YG and with me is Miss Lia Cruz!
Lia: I think the best way to get a guy’s attention is to just be yourself.
S: I was going to say the same thing.
L: Yeah right!
S: No, really! Be yourself—but of course, you’ve got to have character.
L: Yes, like an outstanding quality or trait. So if you think you’re good at badminton, you can try and develop that so you can stand out in your field.
S: Focus on your strengths and be very confident. Also, make sure you look him in the eyes.
L: And smile!

Once you’ve got his attention, how do you start a conversation?
S: I always ask the person about herself. If you’re talking, always say something that makes sense. It helps to read and to know what’s going on with the world. On the other hand, if you’re on the listening end, make sure you pay attention so that you can keep the conversation going.
L: You’re stealing all of my answers, Sam! I would start by asking the person about himself as well. There are so many possibilities and directions that a conversation can take from there.

How will you know if someone is secretly crushing on you?
L: I know that Sam is not so secretly crushing on me!
S: Ako kasi, I’m very open. I’ll tell you to your face if I have a crush on you. But for teen guys? Let’s break it down. He keeps texting—with smileys and “mwahs.” If he’s uneasy when he’s around you, then it could be a sign that he probably likes you. Or if he keeps checking you out in a subtle way.
L: Some guys are really good at hiding it, but in most cases, you can tell by the way he looks you in the eye and leans forward when he talks to you or when he really goes out of his way to do something for you or to communicate with you. For instance, every time you go online, he’ll chat you up.
S: Or magpapadala siya ng quote kahit laos na yun.
L: Ask yourself, does he treat you the same way your guy friends do? If the answer is no, then that’s a different story.
S: When it doubt, consult with others. Ask your friends! Just don’t assume.

Read more of Sam and Lia's conversation in Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue!

 Behind the scenes with Lia, Mimi, Macy, Noelle Cassandra, and Sam YG

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Prom Princess

Cover girl Isa Abiera talks about her dream prom and how to make yours a night to remember!
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Pat Dy

Published: Candy Magazine, Prom 2010
Section: On the Cover

FAST FACTS
Full Name: Isabelle Abiera
Nickname: Isa
Birthday: August 28, 1992
Where you’ve seen her: Astigs, Abt Ur Luv

A perfect prom is: having the best time with all your friends. Nothing can go wrong!

My ideal prom date is: Prince Charming.

My dream prom dress is: a red Valentino gown.

A unique theme for the prom: The girls would wear suits and ties, and the boys would wear gowns. Hehe!

One thing you should definitely do on the night of your prom: Go to the after party!

My ultimate prom essentials are: powder, blush, and lip gloss.

The sweetest thing that happened to me during prom was: when my date brought me flowers. He was such a gentleman. :)

My most embarrassing moment during prom was: when my shoes kept coming off.

My prom playlist:
1. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
2. “With or Without You” by U2
3. “Rock DJ” by Robbie Williams
4. “What You Waiting For” by Gwen Stefani
5. “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga

How to have the best prom ever:
1. Wear comfortable heels.
2. Buy a dress ahead of time, not just a day before—like me!
3. Be confident and have FUN!

For more prom tips, grab a copy of Candy's Jan-Feb 2010 issue, which comes with the special Prom supplement or log on to Candymag.com/prom!

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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 this 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. :)

  

To see the rest of the goal guide, 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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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
Photos by Patrick Martires

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 Resorts - Rizal

For more awesome features, grab a copy of the November 2009 issue of Candy. :)

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Countdown to New Moon

Here’s why watching New Moon will be the best early Christmas present you can give yourself!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, November 2009
Section: On the Cover

1. The transformation of Jacob Black. In New Moon, Jacob goes from scrawny teenager to full-fledged werewolf. To play the role, actor Taylor Lautner had to go through a physical transformation as well. At the 2009 Comic-Con, Taylor shares, “I knew Jacob's character changed a lot so if I wanted to continue portraying him correctly, I had a lot of work ahead of myself. As soon as I finished filming Twilight, I started hitting the gym. I got a personal trainer, ate a lot of good food—proteins and good carbs—and cut the sugars. It was a lot of work but it was definitely worth it.” We sure can’t wait to see him flex those muscles. Go, Team Jacob!

2. New director, new script. We’re all excited to see how Bella, Edward, and Jacob grow in this movie and we’re confident Director Christ Weitz will take New Moon to a whole new level. He says, “It’s a really extraordinary cast they’ve assembled for the first film, and I was very keen to work with them… Once I read the books, I realized they dealt with all these deep emotions everyone feels like love, heartbreak, and the ecstasy of reunion.”

3. More action, more drama, more love. While Twilight introduced us to Bella and the Cullens, New Moon explores the world of werewolves. Taylor says, “I'm excited that there are werewolves involved now because they definitely step up the action in the movie. There's also a different dynamic. Now it's not just this romance between a human girl and a vampire, but the beginning of a love triangle.”

4. The breakup scenes. We’re all for happy endings, but we all love a good breakup scene as well—and this movie has not just one, but two! At the 2009 Comic-Con, Kristen Stewart shares, “It's my favorite scene in the movie. We call it a breakup scene because Jacob basically tells Bella that they can't be friends anymore and he's transforming.” Taylor adds, “It was also painful to shoot because it was 35 degrees and we were being poured rain on and it was ice cold.” Meanwhile, Rob’s favorite was Edward’s breakup scene with Bella. He says, “Hopefully it'll come off as having quite a few more levels than the relationship in Twilight. It completely bypasses all the supernatural elements of the story as well, which I found quite interesting.”

5. The Volturi. If you thought James, Laurent, and Victoria were scary, wail till you meet the Volturi, a coven of vampire royalty who implement the laws of their world—with creepy red eyes to boot! They're played by a cast of new and veteran actors including Dakota Fanning (Push, Charlotte’s Web) as Jane, a high-ranking and powerful Volturi member, and Michael Sheen (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans) as Aro, their fearless leader. We can’t wait to see how Bella tries to save Edward from this intimidating pack of vampires—even scarier than those werewolves.

Photos courtesy of Pioneer Films and Summit Entertainment

For more on Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and New Moon, grab a copy of Candy's November 2009 issue and the Candy New Moon Special—available in bookstores and magazine stands nationwide!

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Robert on the Rise

Just because you won't see him as much in New Moon, doesn't mean you're going to forget about him. Here are five reasons why hottie Robert Pattinson will always be your leading vamp!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, November 2009
Section: On the Cover

1. He has evolved as an actor. Rob first caught our attention four years ago as sweet Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Robert has since moved on to star in more serious flicks such as The Summer House and Little Ashes. But nothing could have prepared him for the role of Edward Cullen, this generation’s most loved vampire. At the 2009 MTV Movie Awards where he won Breakthrough Performance Male, he thanks Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke “for casting me when I was completely unemployable.”

2. He stays true to himself. You’d think being the hero in one of the biggest movie franchises ever would make Rob’s head just as big. But this cutie doesn’t seem fazed by all his fame and fortune. When asked how being a part of Twilight changed him at the 2009 Comic-Con, he said, “I'd like to think I haven't changed that much… it's kind of extraordinary. I don't think any of us expected any of this to happen.”

3. He can adapt to change. New Moon literally spelled new changes for the cast and crew of the Twilight saga. A new director, Chris Weitz, came on board, and Rob had to deal with less airtime than before. He says, “I was much more of a supporting role in this one. I did a lot of my first scenes doing the apparitions which involved me saying maybe one word a week. It was one of the most relaxing jobs I've ever done. Chris was a very peaceful presence and I got on really well with him. I had a pretty much stress free job for three months. It was great for me. All the pressure was on Taylor!”

4. He knows that girls can save guys too! “There are so many people looking at Edward like a romantic hero. In New Moon, the way that I read it anyway, he's just so humbled," shares Rob about his favorite book from the series. "He's looking at Bella and thinking that he loves [her] too much but he can't be around. He deliberately breaks up their relationship which I think is a very painful  and relatable thing. In the final fight sequence, Bella ends up saving Edward, as she does in every single one of the books. So it's really funny how everyone looks at Edward as the hero, but he's been continuously saved by the damsel in distress.”

5. He loves his fans (a.k.a. you!). Robert won Choice Male Hottie and Choice Movie Actor for Drama at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards. In his acceptance speech, Rob sent a special shout-out to his fans. He said, “Thanks, guys, I really appreciate it. I have to say, the hottest teens to me are the Twilight fans.”

Photo courtesy of Pioneer Films and Summit Entertainment 

For more on Rob Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, and New Moon, grab a copy of Candy's November 2009 issue and the Candy New Moon Special—available in bookstores and magazine stands nationwide!

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MTV Famous

August cover girl Claire tells us why winning this year’s MTV VJ Hunt totally rocks!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, August 2005
Section: On the Cover

This was my first cover feature for Candy. Luckily, Claire was very friendly and bubbly, making my job a lot easier!

Here is an excerpt from the article:

Fast Facts
Full Name: Mary Claire S. Olivar
Nicknames: Claire, Claire-Bear, Clairol
Age: 19
Birthday: January 21, 1986
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Why did you decide to join the MTV VJ Hunt?
I thought it would be a really cool job and that I would meet a lot of great people. When I was in high school, I interviewed MTV VJ Sarah Meier for a project and she is just the coolest person for me. I know it sounds corny but meeting her really inspired me to get into this line of work.

What made you stand out from all the other people who auditioned?
The producer said what he remembered about me was that I wore a bright yellow top!

How did you feel during the auditions?
I auditioned in Megamall and it was nerve-wracking ‘cause there were literally hundreds of people. I had to wait for hours—I was applicant 168! I was trying to memorize my spiel while the people in front of me and behind me were also trying to memorize theirs. It was so confusing ‘cause we all had different spiels.

What was it like being with the other finalists?
It was really fun and the atmosphere was not competitive at all. Everyone was super nice and friendly. A lot of romances developed among the finalists too! Haha!

To read more, grab a copy of Candy's August 2005 issue!

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Tribute to Your Best Friend

Five ways to let your best bud know she's your number one pal!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, August 2005
Section: Bond, Girl!

Here is an excerpt from the article: 

To preserve the wonderful memories of your friendship, direct a tribute video for your best bud! Take shots of your favorite things and your favorite hangouts, interview her parents, siblings, and other friends, and ask them to say something good about her or give her a special message. Don't forget to add some special effects and put her favorite songs on the soundtrack!

To read more, grab a copy of Candy's August 2005 issue!

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Goal For It

Here are some tidbits of inspiration to help you face your fears, live life to the fullest, and achieve your dreams!
Compiled by Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, July 2005
Section: Candy Candor

This is a collection of some of my favorite quotes. I compiled it for the July 2005 issue, with the theme "Make It Happen!" and Candy Teen Model Search Winner Ellen Adarna on the cover.

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It's All in the Cards

By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, July 2005
Section: Bond, Girl!

When my high school friends planned to go to a tarot card reader, I really wanted to go with them but I had work that day. Luckily, I managed to convince my boss to let me write a story about it. This article was the result. :)

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Profile of a Dream Guy

Searching for Mister Right just got easier!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, July 2005
Section: Candyman

I've always believed that knowing what you want is the first step to getting it—and that applies to finding the right guy as well! That was my idea for this piece, which was my first full length article as editorial assistant of Candy.

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The New Kid in Candy

In October 2004, around the same time Ines first assigned me to write for Candy, she told me they had an opening for the position of editorial assistant. I was really interested in the job but since I was still studying in Singapore at the time, I told her that if the position was still open by the time I got back to Manila, then I would apply.

As luck would have it, the position was still open when I returned home in January and I got the job! I had also applied for other jobs at the time but after a period of discernment where I weighed the pros and cons and listed my strengths and weaknesses, I knew I had to work for Candy—and I've had no regrets since.

I started in March of 2005. When I came in, they were almost done working on the May issue and were starting to layout the June issue with Katie Holmes on the cover.

This was also the issue where Ines introduced me to the readers in her Ed's Scrapbook. She wrote, "Meet the new girl in school, Candy school that is! Say hi to Angel, our new editorial assistant. Here she is with Hale's Champ Lui-Pio. Just a few days on the job and she's already hobnobbing with the stars!" Of course I was thrilled to have my picture in the magazine for the first time—and my name in the staff box!

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Get Ready for a Change

Whether your life needs some tweaking or a major overhaul, this is the best time to find out!
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, Jan-Feb 2005
Sections: Quiz and Me, Only Better!

This was my second published article in Candy. It was a two-part piece—first, the reader could take the quiz to find out what kind of "makeover" she needed.

Once the reader got the results, she could turn to the next page for a series of dares to help her be the best she can be.

The Jan-Feb 2005 issue with Chelsea Co on the cover was all about you!

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Gifts of Self

Creative and exciting ways you can make a difference this Christmas.
By Angel Constantino

Published: Candy Magazine, December 2004
Section: Me, Only Better!

I was still studying in Singapore when former Candy editor in chief Ines Bautista (who also happened to be my 3rd year high school English teacher) contacted me to ask if I was willing to write an article for Candy. I was assigned to write about ways to make a concrete difference during the Christmas season. Since the topic was close to my heart and it had always been my dream to write for a magazine, I readily said yes. Having just graduated from Ateneo a few months back and being a member of the Ateneo Christian Life Community, I had many contacts and ideas.

The article came out in the December 2004 issue with Nicole Hernandez on the cover. It was my first published article ever! I was ecstatic—especially to see my byline and my name on the list of contributing writers.

I didn’t know it then, but this article marked the beginning of my career in the publishing industry. :)

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