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Most of my friends know that I'm not a very adventurous type of girl. I don't like riding roller coasters, I don't like eating weird-looking food, and I don't like starting up a conversation with a stranger. To put it simply, I'm afraid of going out of my comfort zone.

But at the beginning of the year, I promised myself I'd try inch by inch to get out of my comfort zone and experience things for the first time. So, it was a big surprise to some when I decided to tag along with my college buds on a trip to Zambales. "What, you? Surfing? You've got to be kidding me." I couldn't believe it either. In fact, I told my friend, "I'll just go to take your pictures. I don't have to surf, right?" I still couldn't commit because I was terrified. What if I fall off the board and there's a shark? Haha!

But when we got there, this is what greeted us:

We stayed in Canoe's Beach Resort in Pundaquit, Zambales. This is the view from the area where the rooms are. Isn't it pretty? I was convinced. I'm going to at least try. I didn't go all the way here just to sit and take pictures. I needed to experience something new!

On the left, I'm with Joe Villatora of Stone Money Surf. He comes from a family of surfers! Two of his brothers even make these boards. Isn't that awesome? He grew up in Hawaii and has been competing professionally for Quiksilver. He taught us the basics like how to balance on your board, how to paddle out, and try to catch a wave. The picture on the right is of me paddling. Oh my goodness. It wasn't even two minutes of paddling and my arms were already so sore. Joe suggested that we swim at least twice a week if we want to continue surfing.

See? We're all tired and just lying on our boards. Hahahaha!

Of course I need to show you a picture of me trying to actually get on the board, right? Well, here are two tries. One successful (woohoo!) and one not-so. Joe asks his assistant, Rick, to take our pictures so that we'll see how we stand on the board and he can correct us.

These are pictures of my first and last tries. The first picture—I wasn't sure when I was supposed to stand up and I couldn't hear Joe. Thus the wipe out. Hehe! But the final one, I felt the push of the wave and was able to stand up at just the right time. After this one, I was on top of the world!

The newbies. That's Cla, Kaich, and me on the shore after trying to surf for the first time EVER. And another picture of us with Joe before we left the resort. Thanks, Joe!!! If you also want to try surfing, you can visit their website. I promise you, you will want to come back and do it again!

We liked taking pictures throughout the trip. Hehe! My friend Patty took this picture of us taking a picture of the sunset. And look at the beautiful sunset on the right. Wow.

This is my friend, Patty. She's the master travel planner! Hehe! And she's the one who convinced me to go on this trip. Thanks, Pats! More trips, better days, and get aways with you!

And as a parting shot, here's a pic of Candy in the sand. Haha, too bad my camera's shadow covered the Y.

I'm so jealous because my friends are going back this weekend and I can't come. But I'm not entirely miserable about it because my good friends from UP StreetDance Club are going to have a concert this Saturday night at 7pm in UP (UP Theater)! I'm so excited! I miss dancing so much but this time, I'll be part of the audience. I can't wait to see all of them onstage. Come watch! I promise you, it's soooo worth it.

How about you? What things have you been trying out for the first time ever? I'd love to hear about them.

xoxo,
Macy

Hello, Candy girls!

Last Saturday, I finally got to hang out again with my college room mates, Maris and Chi. We had a mini-slumber party at Chi's place, and it seemed like we would never run out of stories to tell. At one point, we started reminiscing about college—it's barely been a year yet it feels so long ago, perhaps because so many things have changed since then. I remember the first time Maris and I met—we were super shy around each other and we rarely talked. It took weeks before we finally started becoming close. My first encounter with Chi wasn't so great—we sort of hated each other's guts initially! Haha. I can't believe she's actually one of my best friends in the whole world now.

These girls made college a wonderful experience for me. We were room mates so we knew practically everything about each other (painfully embarrassing stuff included!). We shared everything—from food to clothes to music. We had breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, we helped each other with school work, and we looked out for each other. When I graduated, it was hard adjusting to life without them. But during moments like these, when we get to sit down and talk and laugh at each other's sablays, it doesn't feel like we're no longer living under the same roof. At the end of the day, we can still "come home" to each other and expect to be loved and accepted just the way we are.

How do YOU bond with friends you don't get to see every day?

Big hugs,
Marla

Hey, Candy girls!

Everyone in the staff is obsessed with taking photos these days. I for one can’t stop taking snaps because: 1) I have a new camera (it’s only been with me for three months); 2) my frown turns upside-down when I look through silly/candid/emo/pa-cute photos; and 3) I feel I’ve captured something special, something that may never happen again. Now I know Macy and Angel have already shared their highlights from our Gateway Mall visit, but I’ve got to post some of my favorite moments too!

The Birth of Venus… or maybe not! Here I am attempting to recreate a classic artwork into a modern-day photo. Very America’s Next Top Model, don’t you think? Haha!

Denise (our luverly associate publisher), Macy, and Angel looking for a cute gardener. Jesse Metcalfe, are you there?

Watching Music and Lyrics the second time around with my buddies. Though I totally dig the movie, the lux Lazy-Boy made me feel sleepy. After watching, Angel admitted she fell asleep somewhere in the middle. Haha! Good thing I didn’t hear her snore or I would have teased her.

Spotting Imelda Marcos at Gateway Mall. We all wanted a photo with her, but we were initially shy to approach her. I even got starstruck! I couldn’t believe she was that tall in person.

Totally off topic, last Friday, my friends and I ate at ____________. Can you guess where?

Study the second soup photo to find the answer. Cool, huh?

So what’s keeping you busy or making you totally excited these days? Let us know!

MWAH!

Mimi

PS: Felix Rivera, one of our Candy Cuties, is inviting all you Candy readers to watch Basilia ng Malolos (it runs in UP until March 4) and High School Music starring Karel Marquez on March 2, 3, and 4. He’s a part of both musicals as part of the cast (Basilia) and musical director (HSM).

Dearest Candy girls,

I'm going on a long trip — I desperately need a break. I just wanted to let you know just in case you'll wonder why I'm not posting. I'm so excited! Traveling has really been something that I feel I need to be doing more of — but at the same time, I love being productive. haha! But for now, I think it's about time I spoil myself.

How do you spoil yourselves, Candy girls? 

Let me know! Even if I can't post, I'll still be checking the site as often as I can!

Mwah! Love you all!

Ines 

As Macy mentioned in her previous post, the girls and I headed to Gateway last week for the most fun-filled day ever—meaning we had a lot of fun and our stomachs were filled—with a scrumptious lunch at Taco Bell!

Here's Macy and me with Maita from Total Girl. We were so excited to fill our cups with drinks. We could choose from rootbeer, coke, sprite, iced tea, and more. The best part? It's refillable!

The main course? A half-pound beef combo burrito! It was so yummy and filling. Can you tell how much I'm enjoying mine?

As if that wasn't enough, we got a load of tasty nachos too. Look at that sour cream, cheese, beef, and salsa dip. Mouth-watering!

We loved the cute quotes on their different sauces. (Click on the pic to enlarge it!) 

These potato balls are even better than French fries!

And what meal isn't complete without dessert? We capped of that lunch with these churros dipped in chocolate sauce. Heavenly!

Looks like Mimi and Macy are thoroughly enjoying their sweet treat. Check out the chocolate dripping from Macy's stick. I can almost taste it!

So that's it for our hearty lunch at Taco Bell. I don't think I even have to explain why you should go there (aside from the cozy ambience and the relaxed atmosphere!). If these pictures aren't enough to convince you, then head over there and find out for yourself!

Getting hungry,

Angel

P.S. On our way to the movies, we passed by these equally tempting treats at Mandarin Oriental Cafe (it's across The Oasis). I can't wait to go back to Gateway to try them too!