The Candy Team's Blog, page 14

Why It's Okay To Cry When You Say Goodbye

It's so hard to write about something that is such a personal and unique experience of grief and loss. When you lose someone, something—whether it's your loved one, an actor you've admired for years, or when you have to say goodbye to a group that has saved your life—no one can really tell you exactly how you should do it. And nobody should ever make you feel that the way you choose to grieve isn't "the right way."

Some people don't like to be seen with their feelings out in the open. They can cry in private, when they're curled up into a ball, lights out in their bedroom, where no one can see them. They can weep into their pillow till they forget what they're crying about, till they cry themselves to sleep. They can wake up in the morning and go to school like nothing is wrong. And sometimes, that's all they really need. A good, long cry to release the pain that's eating them up from inside.

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An Open Letter to the Year Ahead

I cannot even begin to describe how much of a roller coaster ride the last year has been. There were numerous ups and downs, some wake up calls, and other things that I never expected would come my way. A lot of us dealt with heavy and quite impossible situations, but with it came surprises that filled us with unforgettable joy. We made a variety of memories—some good and some bad. A number of life lessons have also been acquired, along with hard-hitting realizations, most of which I learned from the rough patches I've encountered. Despite all of this, I managed to reach this point of my life—the mark of a new hope, a new beginning.

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7 Books Authored by Local Celebs

Adding "author" to their resume, even celebrities are now bringing their life's knowledge about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle into books that are set to inspire and motivate readers. Take a page out of their books and let their stories help shape yours.

Below, we list down the titles authored by local celebs that you need to grab a copy of, stat!

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From Our Readers: Someday, I Can Un-Love You

We were so perfect back then. We pictured ourselves years from now and what we'd be as couples in the future. We had oals that we tried to accomplish to keep our relationship exciting. We loved each other so deeply that we weren't able to prepare ourselves for the possible conflicts we may have.

As a couple, we were so happy and truly in love. We kissed, we cuddled, and even danced under the moonlight together with the attraction and the feelings we had for each other. Everything was so perfect until one day when we fell apart because of something inwhich until now I'm not sure if it was right for me to be angry about. I was your other half and you were mine as well. We were committed to each other therefore we both had the right to get jealous about something.

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6 Ways to Upgrade Your Style Without Splurging

Contrary to popular belief, one doesn’t need to be an heiress to love fashion. If one of your resolutions this year is to finally step up your wardrobe game, then we’re happy to tell you that there are ways to do so without burning holes in your pockets. Herewith, a few tips guaranteed to upgrade your style without having to break that piggy bank.

Invest in quality basics.

We’ve said it time and again—invest in quality basics and you'll be set for life. Think of it this way: yearsfrom now, you'll look back at your OOTDs and cringe at the thought that you once had a closet-full of something you thought was so cool. Wouldn't you rather create classic fashion memories that you'll be proud to show your kids in the future?

Fit is everything.

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The reason your clothes sometimes look lousy or tacky is probably because they don't fit you properly. It doesn't matter whether that's a Gucci skirt on you, or a pair of Zara trousers that you found on sale; if it's not in your size, spare yourself the misery by either giving it away or having it altered.  

Shop smart.

It's not just about quality over quantity; it's also about discovering new brands and boutiques to shop from. We will all have our favorite designers and go-to brands, but don't confine yourself to what you've grown used to. There are a lot of noteworthy, bright, young, and not to mention local, talents that you can check out online! Instagram is overflowing with startups waiting to be noticed.

Mix and Match.

There's nothing wrong with repeating outfits! They key is in finding ways to re-wear your go-to pieces. Go ahead and experiment by pairing two things you never thought could look good together (opposites do attract), or wear that button-down as a skirt, or that dress as a top.  There are no rules when it comes to fashion.

Be stylish, not trendy.

Find your personal style and stick to it. You don’t have to keep up with each and every trend. Learn to curate and figure out which one best represents your fashion voice.

Be confident.

That said, be confident with your choices. People can tell the difference between someone who is trying too hard, and one who is just fashionable, natch. The secret, ladies, doesn't require you to spend a cent. It's all about confidence, really. Trust us. 

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Philippine Festivals You Should Attend At Least Once

Traveling the Philippines won’t be a complete experience if you don’t attend a festival. Fiestas are common in the Philippines, and the celebrations have gotten grander over the years. There is an abundance of festivalsyou can experience in the country, and here are 5 you must attend at least once in your life.

Sinulog Festival
The Sinulog Festival is held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City. It is a feast dedicated to the Sto. Niño as well as a commemoration of the Filipinos’ acceptance of Christianity back in the early 1500s. It is one of the most popular festivals in the Philippines with a grand parade and a street party like no other. To differentiate itself from other Sto. Niño festivals, Sinulog has a special dance, a simple "two steps forward, one step back" routine.

 

Click here for hotels in Cebu City. 

 

Masskara Festival
The Masskara Festival is held in the City of Smiles, Bacolod, every third week of October. It is one of the most colorful festivals in the Philippines with everyone donning giant colorful masks. The festival originated from the local government’s desire to uplift the spirits of its citizens amidst a time of crisis in 1980. There are food fairs and street dances throughout the festival. The masks they wear serve as a reminder that Bacolod can still rise up from hard times with a smile.

 

Click here for hotels in Bacolod City. 

 

Panagbenga Festival
The beautiful Panagbenga Festival is a month-long celebration in Baguio. It begins on February 1 and ends on the first Sunday of March. The festival was born to highlight the stunning flowers you can find in the area as well as to cheer up and raise morale after the tragic 1990 earthquake. All the events feature flower motifs. The grand parade is the highlight of the festival featuring floats covered in gorgeous flowers.

 

Click here for hotels in Baguio. 

 

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From Our Readers: Why the Rain Reminds Me of You

Rain, the thing I hate most. Before I met you, I already hated rain but not as much as when you chose to leave.

It reminds me so much of you. It reminds me how I complain to you whenever it rains. I remember how you said I should be happy when it rains because you're happy when it happens. Rain reminds me of how we met. It reminds me of your I love yous and pick-up lines. It reminds me of how we were in love with each other. It reminds me of the days we didn't chat because of the typhoon that destroyed the electric wires and poles which caused a complete shut down of electricity in our place. It reminds me of cold nights without you by my side. It reminds me how artistic you are. It reminds me of your voice, how good you are in singing. It reminds me how I smiled like my lips got ripped whenever you send me a video. Rain reminds me of sleepless nights and unending texts. It reminds me of how I trusted your words. It reminds me of how we planned our future. It reminds me of how you scare me at night when I'm alone. It reminds me of those scary pictures you've sent me. It reminds me of how sick you were and I was just waiting for your fever to go down. It reminds me of how I always been there for you. It reminds me of the songs we played together, the songs we've shared with each other and each word of those songs perfectly describe what we felt for each other. It reminds me of the things I usually do when you were asleep. It reminds me of the places that we want to visit someday. It reminds me of how we see ourselves after we finish college. It reminds me of so many unforgettable things.

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15 Healthy and Tasty Dishes to Learn How to Make

Carrot Fettuccine
Love pasta but not a fan of carbs? Substitute pasta for carrot slices which offer a similar soft and tender texture using a veggie peeler.

Avocado Chicken Salad
Fall in love with sandwiches again with this tasty chicken salad sans the mayonnaise. Instead use avocados to bind the ingredients together. Add in apples for a sweet crunch.

Sweet Potato Crust Pizza
Once in a while, it’s okay to cheat and have a slice of pizza, but with this high-protein recipe you'll more likely have seconds or thirds. The main ingredient: a sweet potato crust.

Veggie Burrito Bowl
If you think eating an all veggie meal is boring then you might want to try this creamy cilantro sauce that makes any salad or veggie bowl taste delicious.  

Greek Yoghurt Tuna Salad
Another sandwich filling you’ll love to make, it removes fatty mayo from the list and uses two healthy ingredients mainly avocado and yoghurt, yum!

Vegetarian Mason Jar Taco Salad
Need a quick to-go meal? This quick salad mix is easy to toss in a mason jar and uses fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese and a creamy cilantro sauce, and lime juice for a zesty kick.

Thai Beef Salad
Invest in more prep time to achieve this delicious beef salad which you can personalize with chicken or prawns. The key lies in marinating your beef in a tasty sauce blend.

Microwave Egg & Vegetable Breakfast Sandwich
Even if you're in a rush, it only takes a couple of minutes to create this microwave cooked egg and veggie sandwich to fuel your morning.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Check your local grocery for the wrap with the lowest calorie count to begin, then with diced chicken cubes, avocado, yogurt, coleslaw and tomatoes, layer the ingredients on the wrap for a healthy to-go meal.

Avocado & Hummus Taquitos
This healthy snack will be popular among family and friends, super easy to make. Simply roll sliced avocados on top of a hummus spread with cheese and bake until golden.

Power Bowls: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Get your morning boost from the breakfast acai bowl which is a mix of berries, almond milk, and healthy seeds. The quinoa bowl is filling but not overpowering for lunch while the green protein bowl for dinner is a nice protein boost.

Cauliflower Grilled Cheese
Enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich without the guilt by switching bread with a cauliflower crust! It's a low carb meal with all the goodness of cheese.

Tofu Chicken Nuggets with Sriracha Mayo
Create a vegan chicken nugget by marinating tofu cubes in chicken broth, mimicks the taste of chicken but healthier.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Fried Rice
If you're one of those people that have skipped rice from their diet or would like to lessen carb intake, cauliflower would make a great low-carb substitute.

Bento Lunch box Ideas for the Week
Get inspiration from bento lunch boxes that balance protein, carbs, fruits, and vegetables in compartments. This site shows 12 nutritious and seriously yummy creations for you to try!

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Do These 12 Things On Your Own This Year

Sometimes, you just have to give yourself some much-needed alone time just to recover from the fast-paced life you're living. Don't worry because we've rounded up 12 activities you can do on your own and for yourself this 2016. Have a wonderful year ahead, Candy Girls and Boys!

Get a full-body massage. Make those bad vibrations go away by getting a massage after a long month.

Work on a project this year. You could start a blog, promise yourself to keep a journal and record your days, or finish 52 books this year . Whatever it is you decide to do, do it and finish it this year!

Display your project in your room. By the end of the year, take a picture of your finished project and hang it in your room. Let it be a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, you can do absolutely anything.

Go to a secondhand bookstore and get lost in all the old and classic book titles. Who knows, you might even get to see old issues of Candy while you're scouring through piles and piles and shelves and shelves of books!

Go on a day hike. There are a lot of travel websites and groups in the Philippines nowadays wherein you can book a day tour to a nearby province or city. Ask your parents to help you find the perfect one for you. Make sure you also let them know your plans so they won't worry when you go away for the day.

Prepare a good meal for yourself. We're sure you have those days when you find yourself alone in your house. Make use of this time and prepare a fancy meal for yourself, while you're watching your favorite show or movie on TV.

Take a long, warm bath. During the weekend, give yourself some time to relax and regain your energy by going on a nice, long shower. Aside from having some me time, you can also take this moment to reflect on life and how you're living yours.

Make your own postcard and send them to your loved ones. Nothing beats snail mail! Send a personalized postcard to your loved ones to let them know how special they are to you this year.

Master a magic trick and try them out on your friends. There are a ton of video tutorials on YouTube you can watch over and over again until you can pull off one trick. Good luck, you guys!

Challenge yourself to watch 12 old movies, one per month, this year. There are a ton of good movies out there and we want you to watch some of them. You can start with these rom-coms that we've rounded up for you.

Try doing yoga. It will not only train you to be good to your body, you'll also train you to be at peace with yourself.

List down all the people who made your year a wonderful one and write them letters to thank them for bringing a bit of sunshine to your 2016. Have a beautiful year ahead, Candy Girls and Boys!

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From Our Readers: Was It All Just Pretend?

I never planned to fall in love with him but I did. When I got into college, the only thing that was on my mind was to study and to have fun. Those things don't normally balance but surprisingly, I managed so that's what I did. I studied hard, but partied harder. But boy, never did I think that I was going to break the only promise I made for myself and that was to fall in love.

It was just a silly crush at first. I was eating one afternoon with my friends when I saw him across the street, our eyes met and by then I knew I was a goner. It was unexpected. I never would have thought that this silly crush would turn into something more. We had a mutual friend and that's where it all started. We chatted and you told me about your past relationships and I found out that he was the kind of guy who was genuine and would do everything for the girl he loves. I'd never quite met a guy like that before. Sure, I had my fair share of awful relationships, that's one of the reasons I promised myself I won't love anymore, that's why when I listened to him. I didn't know how to deal with him, because he was new and different to me. I'm not used to a guy like him.

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