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Two Saturdays ago, my friend Trina celebrated her birthday by throwing a big bash. I love how her party had so many fun and unique elements!

For starters, we could choose from an array of masks upon entering the venue. I chose this glittery silver one with pink, blue, and gold accents.

A party is only as awesome as the food. There was a spread of yummy dishes, but my favorites were the colorful jello shots and J. Co Donuts!

Another thing I loved was that we got to fly our very own lantern! Tre made all her friends decorate several lanterns and make a wish for her (kind of like having 18 candles in a debut), then light ‘em up and make ‘em fly.

And of course, what party wouldn’t be complete without some wacky photos? I had so much fun hamming it up with my friends.

Belated happy birthday, Tre! Thanks again for throwing an awesome party. Can’t wait for next year’s bash! Haha!

May all your birthday wishes come true.

Love,
Angel

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When I was in high school back in the late 90s (don’t go computing my age now!), I sort of went through an emo phase. I felt like an Invisible woMan next to my best friend, whom a lot of guys liked. The Hardest Thing for me was to be Caught in the Middle when a guy I had a crush on started calling me to ask how he could court her! Back then, I always wondered whether I would ever bloom Like a Rose and find my One Love.

As cheesy as it may sound, one of the things that got me through this phase was listening to the songs of my favorite boybands. I Do believe they gave me hope that one day, I would Breathe Easy and be Livin’ the Dream.

Fast forward to 2012—when I found out that Jeff of 98 Degrees, A1, and Blue were coming to town, I jumped at the chance to watch their show. Mimi already told you about the press con where we got to see them up close and personal. After that, I couldn’t wait to see them live in concert!

The boys did not disappoint! Jeff opened the show with some of 98 Degrees’ greatest hits, like my personal faves “Invisible Man” and “I Do.” He even sang “Rainbow” with local band South Border!

After that, A1 gave an explosive performance of their new and old songs—including some surprise covers like Lady GaGa’s “Poker Face”—with the very cute Ben Adams on lead vocals.

Finally, Blue wrapped up the show by singing their best songs—no bells and whistles, just their awesome voices and smooth dance moves.

concert photos by Audrey Tiu

The best part? I watched the show with my One Love (my boyfriend of six years!). Emo High School Me probably never imagined she would ever watch a boyband concert with a guy, but that’s why it’s so sweet when life throws these unexpected surprises.

Which of today’s bands give you hope or make you happy? Share your stories with me here or at angel@candymag.com! <3

Love,
Angel

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Dear Candy Girls,

Don’t you just love discovering new places that serve unique and satisfying meals? It’s definitely one of my joys in life! Here are some of my recent finds:

1. Kanzhu Hand-Pulled Noodles

The Candy team had lunch here once and I really enjoyed the noodles with eggplant and minced pork. Plus, Serenitea is right across the street so you can have your milk tea fix while you eat!
Address: G/F Citiplace Bldg, J. Abad Santos St., San Juan

2. RUB Ribs and BBQ

Call me a carnivore but I’d take a good slab of meat any day! The ribs at RUB are TDF—and very reasonably priced too.
Address: 88 East Capitol Drive, Bgy Kapitolyo, Pasig

3. UCC’s Kori Kohi

I’m a certified coffee addict so I was thrilled to discover this drink at UCC. The coffee is formed into ice cubes, then you pour milk and syrup over it. Yummeeee!!!
Address: Rockwell Drive cor. Estrella St., Makati City

What new dishes have you tried lately? Share your foodie finds in the comments below!

Singin’ rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the grub…
Angel

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Last weekend, my guy and I drove to Clark, Pampanga for the 17th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. It was a fun road trip plus food trip all rolled into one!

Before heading to Clark on Friday, we stopped by MarQuee Mall for Kabigting’s Halo Halo. Originally from Arayat, Pampanga (my mom’s hometown), Kabigting’s gets my vote for Best Summer Treat in the Philippines!

That afternoon, it was off to see the balloons and skydivers flying over Mt. Arayat at sunset.

We also got to see some of the giant lanterns that are normally only showcased during the Lantern Festival in December. What a treat!

Saturday was food trip day. We tried Dakasi, a new milk tea place in MarQuee Mall. I just love the bright yellow interiors! The milk teas are really yummy too.

On Sunday morning, we saw some of the hot air balloons take flight. My favorites were the panda (soooo cute!!!) and the dessert balloons. Cake and ice cream, anyone?

And that caps off my weekend. How was yours?

Dreaming of flying,
Angel

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At the edge of our village, there is a street I like to call My Happy Place. There are trees on both sides—and at some point, even in the middle—of the street so the air seems fresher and the birds a little louder. The place also brings back happy childhood memories of biking around with my best friend and painting pictures on the wall (there was a mural painting contest many years ago and my street won!).

I come here when I want to clear my head, feel the wind on my face, or simply get a good workout. There is a portion that slopes uphill so it’s great for running. Only people are allowed here so I can run freely without fear of getting hit by a car or chased by a dog (which has happened before!). After spending some time here, I always come home feeling rejuvenated and at peace.

What’s your happy place?

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