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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Namaste!

Relax and recharge your bod with these way fun yoga poses.
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

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

I first met yoga mom Michelle and her super cute kids last year when I styled a shoot for Smart Parenting's Website. I had the privilege of meeting her family again at this shoot for K-Zone, and as always, it was fun seeing her guide her kids through the different yoga poses.

Practice yoga with certified YogaKids instructor, Michelle Ressa-Aventajado. She conducts classes in her Alabang studio and at Pulse Yoga in Greenhills and Makati. For inquiries, call 384-8043 / 0920-9472759 or log on to www.pulse-yoga.com.

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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Batter Up!

Nail those homerun hits with the Paref Southridge School Mustang Baseball Team!
By Angel Constantino
Photos by Patrick Martires

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

A few months ago, Cara and Lio of K-Zone 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)! A few weeks after the article came out, Mrs. Cherry Tan, one of the kids' moms who helped me arrange the shoot, texted me: "Hi Angel, this is actually long overdue but nevertheless let me still say a big thank you! Also, Martin would like to say thank you very much for featuring their baseball team. He and all his teammates were so happy when they saw the article and pictures."

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
Cover photo by Monica Barretto

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

Ms. Evelyn Caja is truly one of the most passionate and inspiring teachers I have ever met. She dedicated her life to teaching special children. If all teachers could be like her, students in the Philippines would definitely excel!
 

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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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
Photo by Dix Perez

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!

Below is an excerpt from the article:  

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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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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