To represent a new generation of Candy Girls and Guys, we’re officially launching our fifth batch of Candy Rookies for 2022. Below, meet our exclusive pool of young influencers who are passionate about creating substantial and relevant content and fearlessly advocating for important causes.
Candy Rookies 2022
Anya
An aspiring broadcast Journalist, Anya can speak not just one, but five languages. This European Studies student loves connecting with people, whether through writing, public speaking, or hosting. She’s also a huge environmental advocate who plans to use her expertise to champion this imperative cause.
Follow Anya on Instagram.
Sofia Rodelas
Apart from being a Journalism student at University of Sto. Tomas, Sofia is also a courtside reporter for the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the Philippines and a returning Candy Rookie. In her free time, she loves to work out and cook (Bonus trivia: Her favorite food is Tinapa Rice).
Follow Sofia on Instagram.
Cy Theo
A Candy Rookie for two years in a row, Cy represents the new generation of passionate go-getters. A fitness buff and proud moreno, Cy is on a mission to inspire the youth to keep their heads high when it comes to what they stand for and who they are.
Follow Cy on Instagram.
Marvin Cadapan
Management Accounting major Marvin is back as a Candy Rookie this year, and he’s all about cooking and baking during his free time (Fun fact: his specialty is banana bread, yum!). His simple goal in life is honest and downright relatable: to be able to shop without having to look at the price tag.
Follow Marvin on Instagram.
Dani Buenvenida
As a Speech Communication student, Dani is a self-confessed open book. This Iskolar ng Bayan is also a licensed scuba diver who loves to cook and bake, and we can’t wait to see what kind of adventures she’ll go on as a Candy Rookie.
Follow Dani on Instagram.
Ash Regala
An aspiring journalist, Ash hopes to use his voice to speak up for those who can’t. This 19-year-old freshman’s goal in life is simple: to be someone his younger self would be proud of and his future self would be thankful for.
Follow Ash on Instagram.
Athena Dumaog
Behind her RBF and fluent English, Athena is actually an unapologetic comedian. Even though the Siliman University student reads and writes a lot, she still finds the time to find new porcelain dolls for her growing collection.
Follow Athena on Instagram.
Cesca Deakin
If you love to read, you should ask Cesca for some top-tier book recommendations. A quick tip to get on her good side: The English Literature student has a soft spot for crocheting, eating cookies, and rewatching her favorite shows.
Follow Cesca on Instagram.
Bianca Gozon
Philosophy student Bianca is your resident K-drama enthusiast with an outgoing personality that debunks the “mataray” misconceptions she often gets. She loves to sing and dance (when no one’s watching!), aspires to travel around the Philippines and, hopefully, the world, and oh, did we mention she’s a Swiftie?
Follow Bianca on Instagram.
Kyle Llamas
Journalism student Kyle is all about expressing oneself, whether through dancing, makeup, or photography. Don’t let the seemingly “mataray” facade stop you from getting to know this 21-year-old Thomasian—he’s a Modern Family fan like the rest of us and has a super realistic and relatable aspiration: contentment in life!
Follow Kyle on Instagram.
Elery Torres
As expected from a Communication student, Elery plans to host her own talk show in the future. But her A-plus hosting skills aside, the 20-year-old true crime lover can also garden and burp her ABCs.
Follow Elery on Instagram.
July Manuel
One of the many admirable things about July is that she’s not afraid to speak her mind, just like her ultimate life peg Taylor Swift. This Marketing Management freshman lists cooking, singing, and online shopping as her hobbies and hopes to give back to her parents one day.
Follow July on Instagram.
Aims Aquino
When she’s not busy as a BS Nursing major, Aims spends her time watching movies and TV shows, playing Mobile Legends, or working out. An aspiring supermodel who looks up to Heart Evangelista for style inspo, Aims is a true fashionista at heart.
Follow Aims on Instagram.
Dwayne Arceño
Dwayne looks up to DISCHARGE Magazine editor Ava Iranpour Asly, so it’s no surprise that she’s studying journalism at University of Sto. Tomas. The student activist journals frequently to hone her writing skills, but she’s already an expert on tongue twisters and The Sims 4.
Follow Dwayne on Instagram.
Audrey Naguit
As a BS Chemical Engineering major, there’s no question that Audrey has high regard for her studies (Fun fact: Her life motto is “Life starts after prelims,” LOL). Even an academic achiever like her has their fair share of bad days, but as a true fighter, she gets work done despite all the breakdowns. Outside of school, this 21-year-old Leo appreciates the simple joys one gets from traveling and shopping.
Follow Audrey on Instagram.
Vince Roque
Although Vince is currently a Speech Communication junior at UPD, his ultimate goal in life is to study in an Ivy League university and channel #BigBoss vibes à la Heart Evangelista. But when winning in life gets too overwhelming, Vince likes to de-stress by watching Netflix shows and playing volleyball.
Follow Vince on Instagram.
Alyssa Dagala
A shiftee at 21 whose ultimate goal is to become an F1 racer, Alyssa is proof that there’s no dream too big or pace too slow when it comes to life. Let this 21-year-old college freshman, Swiftie, and online shopping connoisseur encourage you to explore and experience life in your own timeline.
Follow Alyssa on Instagram.
Rianne Motas
While she’s often misunderstood as a “masungit” person, it’s safe to say that Business Economics major Rianne is a life enthusiast. This 20-year-old Thomasian loves to write, read, recreate Masterchef recipes, take photos on film, and travel locally.
Follow Rianne on Instagram.
Velle Ramos
A Culinary student at University of Sto. Tomas, Velle enjoys listening to Jason Mraz, watching K-dramas, and painting. Ever the *cottagecore* girl, she fantasizes about living in a ranch with her own flower garden and vegetable patch.
Follow Velle on Instagram.
Raffy Flandes
Raffy is your resident health nut from University of the Philippines - Diliman. The Community Nutrition student is obsessed with anything fitness-related, including powerlifting, dancing, and following NBA sports.
Follow Raffy on Instagram.
Reah Borkar
Although Reah's currently taking a gap year from school, she's keeping herself busy with two jobs! The adventurous 21-year-old is a pro at modeling, volleyball, and Valorant, but she aims to pursue a career in event management.
Follow Reah on Instagram.
Ands Alim
Many may mistake Ands as a typical mataray girl, but she only ever dreams of being an inspiration to others someday. When she’s not studying for her Computer Engineering degree, she enjoys traveling, working out, and shopping.
Follow Ands on Instagram.
Ralf Borja
Whether he’s hosting a gig or designing a graphic for class, Ralf is all about being *extra*. The 20-year-old Atenean aims to be that “Marketing Tito” with a coffee shop chain and a penchant for guessing other people’s zodiac signs.
Follow Ralf on Instagram.
Jullienne Sin
Inspired by socialite-flight attendant Jamie Chua, Jullienne aspires to be a pilot and a fashionista in the future. Currently, the stylish 21-year-old is studying Tourism Management at Far Eastern University - Manila.
Follow Jullienne on Instagram.
Aldous Pelobello
Aldous is one creative you shouldn’t miss out on. His number one goal in life is to someday become a designer people admire and look up to. For now, this 20-year-old Interior Design student finds pleasure in taking photographs and gardening, but we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before he transforms his dreams into reality.
Follow Aldous on Instagram.
Bavick Revil
Bavick is currently taking up a double degree in Political Science and Marketing Management to fulfill her dream of becoming a women’s rights lawyer. The 18-year-old freshman also has a wide variety of hobbies, from roller skating and playing badminton to acting and singing.
Follow Bavick on Instagram.
Art Direction: Bacs Arcebal
Coordination: Paul Allen Chavez
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