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I read somewhere that listening to music is simpler when you’re sad because painful emotions are easier to relate to, universal, if you will, while happiness tends to be more specific. Which is true—every heartbreak song resonates with me when I’m feeling down, even when my issues have nothing to do with romantic love at all.

So every time I’m stressed or tired, I turn to one of my playlists called “Enough,” which contains songs about giving up on someone, or wanting to. (I know, I know, my playlists are weird. I don’t have the usual “party” or “goodnight” or “emo” ones.) I always find that doing this makes me feel instantly better, instead of fueling my misery. It’s weird how music works, isn’t it?

This is one of the songs in that playlist. I only started listening to singer-songwriter Jack Peñate recently, and I can’t believe I’d never heard of him before because he’s crazy talented! (My favorite lines are: “It’s easy for me, and it’s better for the soul. And it’s better for you, and it’s better for all.”) Give it a spin and let me know which of your many moods it ends up being the perfect soundtrack for. :-)

Big hugs,
Marla

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You want to hear something funny? (No? Good, I’m going to tell you anyway.) I was listening to Phoenix the other day and thought Thomas Mars was singing, “Here is your sign, I missed it.” It turns out the actual lyrics were, “Here is your signed armistice,” because, DUH, the song’s title is “Armistice.”

After feeling a bit stupid for about two minutes, I started trying to remember all the signs I missed last year. But it turns out that even if 2011 was an epic drama to trump all epic dramas, I have absolutely no regrets. None. Not the mistakes I made (there were a lot). Not the stupid things I said to cute boys (there were even more). Not even the time I superglued my fingers together and had to type “superglue fingers help please” on Google, then had to walk to the store to pick up a bottle of acetone with my hand shoved into my jacket pocket and my face burning with shame.

(I have a point, I promise!)

Some of you may be looking back on last year thinking, “I wish I did that; the opportunity was right in front of me,” or “I wish I didn’t do that; all the warnings were flashing like a million EDSA billboards.” Some of you may be feeling bad about the things you did or didn’t do, or all the signs you missed or thought you missed, so I’d like to urge you now to make peace with 2011—give it a big hug, then move on. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I believe there’s no way we could’ve missed the signs we were absolutely meant to see. Which means there’s no room for regrets because (get ready for this grand revelation) everything in our life happens for a reason—a good one. And when you believe this as much as I do, there’s nowhere else for you to go but forward.

A few things pushing me forward: an exciting, growing reading list, a chance to touch and inspire young girls through the very same medium that touched and inspired me when I was a teen, and a pretty new daily companion that encourages me to keep on pursuing everything I’m passionate about.

(See, I told you I had a point!)

Love,
Marla

Posted in Candy, Love, Reality Bytes | 4 Comments »

Laika and I have been friends since we were little girls dreaming of Prince Charmings and fairytale endings. We’ve grown up together and we’ve seen each other at our very worst and very best. I’m super excited for her because a new chapter in her life is beginning—she’s getting married next year!

I can’t wait to see her in her wedding gown, walking down the aisle to marry her Prince Charming and have their very own fairytale ending. (: But before that, we’re throwing a sparty (spa party, haha!) shower for her tomorrow. I’m super excited to get together with all our girl friends and bond over sweet treats and get-pretty treatments. Check out the invite I made for her shower:

What milestones are you looking forward to in 2012? Share them with us!

Love,
Macy

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Hi Candy Girls!

There are approximately six weeks to go before Christmas Day comes along. I’m so looking forward to the cool weather, the upcoming parties, and the gifts I’ll be giving and receiving (did you know that I absolutely love opening presents? Especially the ones that are so beautifully wrapped!). Last weekend, I started searching for Christmas gifts by heading to the bookstore and picking out coloring/writing materials for my little friends (mostly adorable kids of my HS barkada). While doing the usual rounds, I made a detour to Brat Pack so that I could check out buy an Urban Junket T.O.T.E. bag. I first saw it in person when our Beauty Editor Tatin brought it to a shoot, and I couldn’t resist taking silly pictures with it and the three styles that single bag could transform into. Ah-maaay-zing!

Thank you Macy for taking these cute pictures!

It was supposed to be my Christmas present for myself, but when I got to the store, I was surprised to find out that the collection was pulled out from the branch and moved to another location. SOB! I knew I shouldn’t have waited days to visit the store. Bottom line: It just wasn’t meant to be.

As I slowly and sadly walked away from Brat Pack (haha, drama!), I decided to drop by one of my fave shopping spots, Accessorize. Lo and behold, there was a big sign that said, “50% off on bags!” My eyes lit up, and you can guess what happened next… I bought two bags on the spot!

I was contemplating on getting this or another bag for everyday use. I asked my mom if they could give this to me as a Christmas present and they agreed. Hooray!

I love the bold color and size of this satchel. Perfect for concerts!

I felt that the weekend was extra productive because aside from buying people gifts, I was able to find some for myself too! HAHA! What are you dying to get this Christmas? Share your list with us below!

Definitely not a Scrooge,
Mimi

Posted in Bond, Girl!, Love | 1 Comment »

Hi Candy Girls!

September is a busy month for me. Aside from it being my mom’s and my birthday month, it is also when Candy holds the biggest, undoubtedly most exciting event of the year: the Candy Fair! *insert squeal here*

In the months leading to September, we stress over which boys to shoot and include in the magazine (you deserve no less than the best!), who to put on the cover, what songs to play at the fair (Koko obsesses over this all the time), what kind of fun booths to include (we know you can’t get enough of photo booths!), and most importantly: which celebrity and regular Candy Cuties to invite to the Fair. Some of these things might seem trivial, but really, we just want every little thing to be right so that we produce the best Candy Fair for you girls. (We’ve been meeting your expectations each year, right?)

And now, in less than a week, you’ll be rubbing elbows with other Candy Girls (this is a good venue to make new friends!), asking your favorite Candy Cuties to sign your mini-mag (if I were still a teen, I’d probably ask Axel Torres and James McDermott to sign my copy), and screaming tirelessly when the celebrity of your dreams appears onstage (Sam or Elmo—even we can’t decide!). <3

Be sure to wear your cutest park-themed getup (yes, we’re “going outdoors” this year), pack your pen and the Candy September 2011 issue (you can’t get in without it), and we’ll see you at the Megatent Events Venue beginning 9 am. The program starts around lunch time and will end at 5 pm.

Twitter users, make the Candy Fair a trending topic by tweeting about the event and adding the hashtag #candyfair2011.

So excited to see you there!
Mimi

Posted in Bond, Girl!, Candy, Love | 6 Comments »