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Growing up I have always had a soft spot for sweets. I remember back when weight wasn’t really an issue, I used to finish up a whole pack of Mr. Keebler Soft Batch Chocolate Chip cookies all by myself. And during dinner parties, while everyone else is busy lining up for the buffet table, I was busy attacking the dessert bar.

Chocolates, ice cream, and gummy worms are just some of my go to sweets. But my favorite treat of all time has got to be cupcakes. From the luxurious Sprinkles cupcakes to Rebisco’s Cupp Keyk, you name it!

During one of the lazy Sundays of the summer, I came across an online cupcake store: The Pink Vanilla. And as soon as I saw their menu and the raves of their customers, I knew I had to try it out!  And because their menu is truly extensive, I came up with a short quiz to help you Candy Girls decide on what to try out!

Click-through for the quiz results… No Peeking!

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I find it amusing that sometimes the most relevant advice can come from the most unexpected people. Advice I tend to live by usually comes to me through some random person in a seemingly prophetic manner, almost like the universe conspiring to give me relevant information that would turn out to be an eye-opener of sorts.

Yup, you guessed it. The universe did send me two prophets this week.

The first is this guy on Youtube named LC. I don’t know why I never came across any of his videos, seeing that he was already a hit sometime late last year. But then again, fate has a way of handing me relevant advice when I need it the most. Despite how entertaining and comedic this guy is, he actually has some pretty good advice when it comes to moving on.

The second was, surprise, a former professor. It started off with him teasing me about something and eventually the conversation turned out to be a heart-to-heart of sorts. For some reason, it becomes easier to share every thought when you’re talking to someone who barely knows you. There seems to be an increased likelihood that you’ll end up getting a more objective opinion, if there is such a thing. As I see it, he was the prophet of prophets, telling me exactly what I needed to hear.

And so I’ve realized that despite the heartbreak I had gone through in the past, I’m happy that I pulled through. Love will always entail heartache but then again, nothing worth it ever comes easy. Cliche as it may sound, we all know it’s true:  What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger.

Now I pass this on to you, Candy Girls. Don’t let fear get in the way of you experiencing something as incredible as falling in love. I only have 19 years of experience on my side, but trust me when I say that the fall will yield results that are incredibly out of this world. <3

That is the question! To the incoming high school seniors out there, listen up; I know most of you are torn between taking CET reviews or not, so I’ll lay down what I’ve learned from last year’s experience.

When I was an incoming senior, most of the fresh graduates and alumni of my highschool told me that review classes are useless. I kind of took their advice and took it easy on my reviews. I just enrolled in school, and I learned a lot, but I guess our materials didn’t suffice unlike other review centers with mock ACET, DLSUCET, UPCAT and more. I knew I had to work harder, so I borrowed a review center’s kits from my friend and used it.

A week before my ACET, I studied every free time I had with the materials I got from school and the review kit. I had to refresh my memory with past lessons in between juggling deadlines from projects and my finals coming up. It hit me that I had to focus more, and so I did. A few months later, I found out I got in my first choice, BS Health Sciences (an honor’s program); and just a few weeks ago, I confirmed my slot in Ateneo.

I also took DLSUCET, which was actually my first choice for my college, but sadly I didn’t land the course I wanted because I guess I took the test for granted unlike Ateneo’s. I was completely devastated at first, but a greater opportunity opened for me. You see, most people would say that you don’t have to review for these tests, but I absolutely disagree. How can you seriously rely on your brain with around four year’s worth of lessons without refreshing it? It takes a huge amount of luck and courage to do that.

My point is… don’t play it safe with college entrance tests. I suggest that you take review classes, but make sure you go beyond that. You may attend review classes, but do you really listen? You may have all the materials you’ll need, but are you really reviewing them? Study every free time you have a month before your CETs, and don’t cram a few days before. Also, don’t just aim in getting in the college you want—aim for your FIRST CHOICE in your course because not getting it may lead you to a different path. Remember, luck is not always on your side, trust me.

You have nothing to lose when you work hard for your entrance tests, but your entire world may come crashing down when you find out you didn’t get in your dream school.

Last week, my family and I went to Baguio to escape from the summer heat and also to get away from the busy streets of the city and enjoy summer ’12 while it lasted. It was indeed a memorythat I’m sure to keep. Here, I’ll show you some photos I took from the trip. (I just used myphone’s cam so please bear with me! Hahaha!)

{My sister, Faye, with an Igorot}

Taken 5 years ago, the real reason why we went to Baguio was to find our long lost sister! Hahahaha, kidding! Really, this photo is an instant happy pill!

{Strawberry Taho}

The one and only thing I told myself that I must not miss in Baguio is to taste this one. A taho seller already greeted me on our first stop and of course, I just couldn’’t wait to try it! This little cup of heaven was certainly delicious! Uh-oh, I’m craving for one now!

{Our view at Camp John Hay}

Our stay in a cabin at Camp John Hay was just the perfect place to unwind and relax. The breathtaking view and the serene area are enough to make me stay indoors for a week, I swear!

{At Mothe’s Garden. Say hello to the really giant pig, Michelle}

Interactive – that’s the perfect word to sum up our tour there. We were able to feed a lot ofanimals and learn a thing or two about their culture. It was a first for me to go there and I reallyhad a good time!

{Magic, the horse + me}

One activity you can find in Camp John Hay is horseback riding. It’s been ages since I last rode a horse, so I was really excited for this! The Kuya even asked me to control Magic all by myself and that made my experience a whole lot more fun!

{Baguio Bounty Salad + Tenderloin w/ ginger sauce @ Café by the Ruins}

TDF! Everything we tried was just so scrumptious! This place is a must-try! Their food will keep you wanting more!

From the picturesque view to the smell of the pine trees to the cool weather down to the delectable food often made with strawberries, this city is surely worth the visit and most certainly something I’ll miss!

xx,
Dana

P.S. Hope you grab a copy of Candy‘s May issue to see my and Bea’s makeover!

Summer has always been my favourite season. Not only does it give me a break from all the stress in school, it also gives me the time to travel. This year however with my internship takingplace, my summer rendezvous has been cut short and travelling has been seemingly impossible.Being a true blue Candy Girl though, responsibilities won’t ever hinder me from exploring the beautiful beaches here in our country. Here are a few of those places that I found and hopefully would be able to go to someday.

1. 
   Calaguas Island – Camarines Norte
   
   Calaguas Island, found in the Bicol region is one beach that boasts of clean shores and pristine waters. Since the island is still quite remote, people will get to experience the island feel through camping.
2. 
   White Island – Camiguin

   Camiguin’s famous White Island is in fact a sand bar found in the middle of the sea. Sandbars are shallow parts or ridges of sand exposed when it is low tide.

3. 
   Guiuan Beach – Eastern Samar

   Guiuan, Calicoan Island is 116km stretch of pure white sand. It is perfect for beach lovers who crave for a more relaxed feel but want to enjoy the same beauty offered by modern beaches.

Being stuck in a 9-to-5 job surely isn’t my idea of a great summer, but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Even if physically I can’t be there, it’s always refreshing to discover places and include them in my bucket list.

Much love,
Anna

photos courtesy of Virtual Tourist.com