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I don’t like Valentine’s Day.

And it’s not just because I’m single–even when I had a boyfriend 20 million years ago, I still wasn’t a huge fan of this holiday. I don’t like the way the price of flowers magically shoots up in February, the ridiculously fancy dinner dates, the pressure to find the perfect gift and wear the perfect outfit, the traffic, the lovestruck girls and boys floating around in their own little clouds, the way everyone always asks everyone else what their plans are, the way the… okay, let me stop now before I take up permanent residence in Bitterville. The point is, I don’t like Valentine’s Day.

Which is why I loved Romeo and Bernadette.

A story about what would happen if Shakespeare’s Romeo (who didn’t drink poison after all, but a very powerful sleeping potion!) woke up hundreds of years later in the swinging ’60s, this play is funny, crazy, filled with talented performers, and perfect for the non-romantic. Watch how Romeo tries to win the heart of Bernadette, a rebellious Mafia princess who looks exactly like Juliet—but who, unlike his former fair lady, refuses to be impressed by his grand gestures and poetic declarations of love. Keep an eye out for the hilarious oddball characters, like Bernadette’s best friend Donna, the dance instructor, the flower shop owner, the US immigration officer, and Tito Titone, Bernadette’s fiancé (1. what a name, right?, and 2. oh yeah, she’s engaged!).

Directed by Joy Virata and starring Cris Villonco and Candy Cutie PJ Valerio, this play doesn’t just poke fun at over-the-top romanticism and how some people’s lives are practically one big mushfest, it also touches on the value of being loyal to your family (even when your parents drive you nuts every single day!), the joys and pains of friendship, and the way we all have to grow up and pursue our own corner of happiness sooner or later. Towards the end, one of the characters say, “Every girl, even the toughest one, has a little bit of Juliet in her.”

Which I’m sure you’ll agree with, even if you don’t like Valentine’s Day.

Repertory Philippines’ Romeo and Bernadette runs until February 28 at Onstage, Greenbelt 1. Call 887-0710 or log on to www.ticketworld.com.ph.

Big hugs,
Marla

Hi, Candy Girls!

Just wanted to let you know how much I love reading your letters, each and every last one. Honestly, they always, always brighten my day. Like today for instance. I was light years away from my usual cheerful mood as I was feeling kind of weak, dehydrated and cranky. I could feel my cramps kicking in and I had trouble getting a ride to work. I was sleepy from the pain killers, sore from yesterday’s workout, and was desperately wishing I could stay in bed all day with a new book or my puppy.

I was trying my best to slog through a pile of printouts, proofs, and a production bible, and then later on sketching some new ideas for an old page, and hashing out new templates with our art director. But I could feel myself sinking deeper and deeper into a sleepy, uninspired state.

And then I saw it. A letter from a reader (her name was Maryjade) that said so succinctly, “Candy Girls are fun, smart, loving, and happy to be who they are. That’s what I am. Thanks, Candy!”

And just like that my day was brighter. Thanks for giving me an energy boost every time, Candy Girls! You don’t know just how important you are here at the Candy office. Just one letter like that and my fingers were flying over the keyboard, my pen was zipping through all my paperwork, and my eyes were wide open. I was smiling like an idiot, except I was an idiot with a purpose—and that’s to help make Candy the best magazine it can be for you, Candy Girls. Keep those letters coming, okay? Drop me a line at mia@candymag.com anytime.

Oh and thanks, Maryjade! That letter energized me better than any sugar rush.

Love,
Mia

Hi, Candy Girls!

This afternoon, the Summiteers trooped to TriNoma Activity Center for the launch of the new Crocband Collection. That’s me, Koko, and Marley of Candy, Maggie and Cara of K-Zone, and Elaine of OK!

We all know that Crocs is a positive, comfortable, and fun pair of shoes. That’s why their theme this year is called the “Feel Good Revolution.”

This cool Crocband flip comes in seven different colors (black, bubblegum, lime, navy, red, white, and yellow)!

This is the new sneaker-inspired pair of Crocs with the sporty midsole band.
(That’s why they’re called “Crocbands.” Get it? :D)

We each got to take home a pair of our own—and that made us feel mighty good! To cap off the night, there was a performance by the Bloom Brothers, who rocked out fun, retro hits.

What are you waiting for? Go and get your own pair of Crocs!

Angel

Hi Candy Girls!

You won’t believe who Roch, Macy, Marla, and I saw in the flesh yesterday—Boyce Avenue, The Jabbawockeez, and Kris Allen!!! The four of us trekked to Eastwood Mall to attend their very windy al fresco press conference. I couldn’t resist taking pictures since the boys were all so gorgeous and funny, but my ulterior motive was to share these snaps with you, of course!

First up was Boyce Avenue, a trio of brothers who gained popularity by singing acoustic covers on YouTube. This is actually their second time here in the Philippines, and at some point during the Q&A, they admitted that their Pinoy fans are waaay better than other fans around the world in terms of expressing their love and support. I’ve got to agree. We’re quite a passionate bunch.

Can you tell who’s who? That’s Fabian, Alejandro, and Daniel Manzano.

Next up were The Jabbawockeez who showed up looking too cool for school in sunglasses! It wasn’t so long ago when the boys first came over—twas actually just a couple of months back. Roch and I got to meet and interview them, but back then, Roch was too starstruck to ask them anything. So yesterday, we forced/coerced/dared her to do it in front of an audience, and wouldn’t you know, she passed with flying colors!!!

Rainen, Chris, and Phil are very proud to represent Pinoys.

It’s funny how The Wockeez kept saying “Secreeet!” whenever they wanted to evade the questions asked.

Joe, the guy at the end with the vest, is also Filipino!

At around 6 pm, Kris Allen finally appeared onstage. He looked so laid-back and cool in his signature plaid polo shirt (in reality, he was still trying to get used to the warm Manila weather), and the lazy way he spoke added to his shy, boy-next-door appeal.

Some people asked how he felt about Simon leaving American Idol and who he thought the best Idol was (”Kelly Clarkson!”), while one interviewer asked the band what Kris’s biggest secrets were. Speaking of Kris’s band mates, they were quite cute too. Here’s proof!

To end the night, Kris obliged us with an impromptu serenade and sang a few lines off his track, “Live Like We’re Dying.” Judging by the way he sang last night, the Musicfest 2010 Concerts he’ll be headlining with Boyce Avenue and The Jabbawockeez in Cebu (February 5, Friday, SM Cebu) and Manila (February 6, Saturday, McKinley Concert Grounds) will surely be huge hits!

Where will you be watching the concert?
Mimi

To my dearest guardian angel,

You turned two yesterday.

Has it really been that long? Because it doesn’t feel like it. It only seems like yesterday when you told me to go buy those purple flats (they’re now gathering dust in my closet) because, in your words, what are you going to do with your money… eat it? It only seems like weeks ago when we all went to a crowded bar to cheer for the “vampires” with roses to boot. Remember when you’d rundown the daily countdown at the breakfast table?

There are a lot of things I miss about you. When we’re all huddled in the boys room, busy hunched over the computer or laptop, I can almost hear your footsteps. And then I remember how you’d hover, waiting for a chance to play Bookworm (your record remains unbeaten).

As I write this, I can already imagine how you’d “comment” on my entry in person. You’d visit our blog everyday and you knew my friends from their entries. “Is she the one who likes to travel?” you’d ask. And I’d only laugh and ask why are you reading our site.

The past two years have been difficult but we’ve all grown up and have been taking care of each other just like you would have. I know that the coming years are going to be just as difficult (maybe even more, there are so many changes!), but it’s comforting to know that you’ll always be there to listen.

Happy birthday in heaven, Mommy. I love you and I miss you.

Love,
Macy