The Candy Team's Blog, page 528

A Weekend of Food and Fashion

SHOP

What: Forever 21 Shoes Sale. Get ready for school and get up to 30% off on selected shoe styles!
When: Only until May, 24, 2013, Friday, so hurry!
Where: All Forever 21 stores nationwide. 

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13 Questions About The Vampire Diaries Season Finale

Whose brilliant idea was it to play "You Give Love a Bad Name" during the opening credits? Good job.
"I should be upstairs grooming my hero hair." Snarky!Stefan is the best, isn't he?
Does anyone else think two Bonnie Bennetts is just a tad too much?
Elena is only 18 in hoomin years? Makes sense, but I feel like she's been around for centuries, not counting Katherine's time.
Between returning vampire hunters Alexander and Connor, the undead sure love their explosives, don't they?
Human!Elena has straight hair, Katherine’s got voluminous curls, bad vampire!Elena has pink streaks, and reformed vampire!Elena has artfully wispy tips. Useful guide is useful. I wonder, what'll human!Katherine's hair look like?
Wait, the sire bond's gone even though Elena has feelings again? Not complaining, I'm just happy that Elena and Damon are finally legit together!
Does Matt really have to hold on to Rebekah after that bomb scare? Uy, style. I approve!
Was that Alaric super-speeding? For a second there, I thought he died as a vampire, but yeah, there was that enhanced Original thing. 
"He's your first love. I intend to be your last… no matter how long it takes." Yihee!!!!! Does this mean Caroline could follow Klaus to The Originals? Because that would be amazing.
When Matt told Rebekah that he wants to keep his love life a low-vampire zone, did anyone else scream at the TV, "LOW-, not NO-vampire zone, gurl!"
Holy last 10 minutes—what is this, the series finale?
Can it be season five already?
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From Creative Corner: The World's Meadow

"Come," the girl murmured. Her dreamy, honeyed voice floated to my ears almost hypnotically. "Come with me to my meadow."

Without a word, I placed my hand over hers, shivering a little at the contact, and let her lead me towards a dirt trail in the middle of the thick forest undergrowth.

Her hair cascaded softly about her shoulders and danced with the gentle breeze as we walked, and her blue eyes sparkled, a crystal clear lake in a summer afternoon. The steady thrumming of my heart gradually became as vivacious as a mockingbird on flight. She looked at my nervous countenance and smiled reassuringly.

I watched in fascination as the forest slowly came alive. The little forest dwellers went out of their holes and nests and looked curiously at us, while the birds chirped and sang their songs as they perched on trees we passed by. Sunlight seeped through the forest canopy and turned the place into a jade-colored paradise. I squinted when bright light shimmered around us. We've already made it to the end of the trail.

The sweet smell of a fresh growth of grass tickled my nostrils. We reached the meadow and slowed to a stop at the very center, the wildflowers that surrounded us sprinkling the carpet of grass like sequins on a green, velvet gown.

"How is it?" she whispered softly.

"It's beautiful," I breathed. An underestimation. It was unlike everything I’ve seen. "But why bring me here?"

The girl smiled at my question. "Why, to make you understand your world better, of course."

I frowned at that answer and looked at the girl doubtfully. She laughed. Her laugh was as enchanting as she was, like the sound pealing of bells.

Suddenly, as if the girl's laugh triggered something, different creatures slowly emerged from the trees. I took a step back in surprise. "W-why are they here?" I stammered.

The girl gestured to them with a graceful flourish. "These are the creatures that represent your world and its vices." She pointed to a creature, "See that white thing over there?"

"It's a dove," I answered.

"Yes. That beautiful bird is the untruth. It represents the world and all its lies."

"What?" I asked, frowning. "I thought they were supposed to symbolize peace."

She shook her head. "I am afraid that is only one of its lies. Look at it this way, you do know about the pigeon, right?"

My hands went to my chin as I paused to think. "Well, it represents the truth."

She clapped her hands in delight. "Very good! Yes, the pigeon is the truth. It's not afraid to accept its lackluster colour, even if it is hated for it. People who have courage enough to embrace truth and reality are always detested. No one likes the truth, the reality. The dove is nothing but a painted version of the pigeon, thus the lies."

"I see." I didn't. "What do you make of that creature? Why is it blindfolded?" I pointed to a large, black, dog-like creature with a ruby-colored ribbon wrapped securely around its eyes. Hampered by the ribbon, it prowled haplessly on the grass.

"That's a direwolf. It's called Death," she replied. "He's blindfolded so he would not cry at the poor souls he collects and cannot bestow mercy upon the old, wrinkled persons wrapped in their blankets. He becomes miserable reaping the lives of children and innocent people. The heart of Death is too big to be broken, see? His heart overflows with sympathy, and that's not very good for someone with a duty as he has."

By the time she's done explaining, my attention was already diverted. My gaze fixed on an ugly creature that was a shell of what might have been a beautiful bird in the past. Its wings looked distorted, and its feathers were yanked in a horrifying imitation of a chicken ready to be roasted.

"What is that?" I gasped.

The girl bent down and picked up the feeble creature. "This is Love, the broken bird."

I watched her deftly caress it. "Why is it so broken?" I demanded softly.

"She is abused." The girl crooned at the bird soothingly while stroking its sparse feathers. "We all have the ability to heal her back to what she was, though. Watch," she instructed.

I watched as she held the bird close to her and breathed gentle words at the top of its head. My eyes widened as the bird glowed and healed slowly. Sad eyes opened. Feathers grew and shone in the light. Wings became straight once more.

Carefully, as if handling prized porcelain, the girl helped the bird perch into a low tree branch. The other creatures drew together to watch. The bird spread one wing, hesitant at first, and then the other.

"Will it fly?" I asked like I was pleading for it to happen.

"We'll see."

My breath hitched when the wind caught in the bird’s wings and raised it to the orange-pink sky. I watched its flight, feeling light-hearted at its success.

"It's wonderful," I murmured as we gazed at it. Then I turned to the girl and smiled at her. "You made it better."

She avoided my gaze, but not before I saw tears gleam in the corner of her eyes. "It's no use. Every day I heal her, but every day, someone breaks her again."

"Then why do you still do it?" I inquired, baffled. Why do you still heal her if that's the case?"

"Because Love gives faith. Faith, the only thing stronger than lies or fear. When I heal her, the whole world smiles. The whole world begins to have faith and begins to believe again. Without Love, this meadow is worthless, as it is Love that makes the honest become liars, and the liars turn to the truth. It is Love that makes Death miserable to collect lives. The curse of living in a wretched world is bearable because of Love. And—"

Her words came to a sudden halt as Love dropped to our feet, broken once again.

The world never did make sense to me.

Got your own story to share? Post them in our ../...

FN Link Love: Bieber Gets Booed At The Billboard Music Awards

Breaking bad hair habits. With the intense summer heat, we won't blame you when you just want to tie your hair up into a tight bun. But did you know that doing this does more harm than good to your tresses? Ease up on your locks and opt for braids or loose twists to get your hair off your face. Read up on four more hair habits you should stop pronto! (via FemaleNetwork.com)

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One Direction Announces 2014 Tour

Just a week ago, Directioners all over the world were waiting with anticipation when One Direction said they had a huge announcement. And they didn't wait in vain. As soon as the countdown ran out, it was announced that the boys would go on a world tour in 2014. Sadly, the Philippines isn't part of the first announcement (say what?). But it only means there might be a second or third announcement in the near future. Even Liam Payne assures fans:

Guyssss so excited about the stadium tour :) . If your country hasn't been announced yet dont worry. We plan to announce more soonnnnn

— Liam Payne (@Real_Liam_Payne) May 16, 2013

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Candy Style Awards 2013

From the eight Candy Style Stars to the celebrity awardees to the presenters and performers, we've got all the highlights from the most stylish night ever. Click play and see what you missed (or what you wish you could go back to) at the Candy Style Awards 2013!

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Around The World In 8 Ways

France - Authentic Cuisine
Apart from the Eiffel Tower, there's nothing quite like authentic French cuisine that captures the beauty of Paris, the city of love. If you can't quite make the trip to France then Le Cafe Curieux can bring France to you right here in Bel-Air, Polaris, Makati City. With its taste of France offered at an affordable price, this cafe will have you exclaiming, "c'est magnifique!"
Brazil - Capoeira Lessons
Mix up your dance moves with this martial art straight from Brazil. Brazilians are born fighters with a flare for the dramatic and no other part of brazilian culture captures this trait better than capoeira. You won't need to travel all the way to Rio though to experience this as classes are offered right here in Metro Manila at the Rockwell Club.
Thailand - Muay Thai Classes
Muay Thai is the national sport of the country Thailand. The “Art of the 8 Limbs” is a gruelling sport in its native country but here in the Philippines, you can enjoy it as an exciting workout. Classes at Ultimate Fitness Metrowalk offer a great workout as well as a taste of Thai culture.  
 

 Spain - Zarzuela and Flamingo Dancing
Nothing captures the passion and romance of Spain better than song and dance. At the CCP this June, a taste of Spanish culture will be brought to the Philippines in the form of a Flamenco dancing performance entitled, De Dolores. Though if something a little more melodic is what you’d prefer, a Spanish Zarzuela will be performed as well at the CCP the very same month.
Italy – Gelato
The summer heat could have anyone craving for some ice cream though most people would feel a little bit guilty about all those sweets. The Italians have got it all figured out though in their gelato, an almost healthy ice cream. Here in Metro Manila, Bono Artisanal Gelato offers the real deal right here at home. Made with only the freshest whole ingredients, this gelato will have you coming back for more—guilt-free.
China - Tai Chi
Kung Fu may be China's most famous martial art but another form has been gaining popularity in recent years, T'ai Chi. With all the stress and noise that comes from living in the city, T'ai Chi offers a great taste of Chinese culture while helping one find inner peace. White Space Mind and Body Wellness offers classes right here in the Philippines on China's meditative martial art. 
India - Bikram Yoga
One of India's most popular exports is the practice of yoga. All year round, people from all over the world flock to India to practice yoga. However, for one of yoga's most popular systems, classes are offered right here in the Philippines. For more info on classes head over to BikramYogaManila! 
Singapore – Hainanese Chicken Rice
Singapore is well known for its Hainanese chicken rice dish. In Singapore, this dish is served everywhere from school canteens to the most lavish restaurants the country has to offer. Though Singapore is only a short plane ride away, a taste of this special dish is even closer over at Wee Nam Kee with branches in Serendra, Trinoma, and the newly opened East Wing at Shangri-la Plaza.
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The Billboard Music Awards In GIFs

We love trolling Tumblr after major events in entertainment, like a season finale, a new couple alert, or awards shows. Thank you for talented artists who have a lot of time on their hands and churn out animated GIFs like nobody's business.

If you're looking for the big winners at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards, scurry on over here for the complete list.

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How We Turned Eighteen

I had a backyard luau with my closest family and friends. We filled an inflatable pool with floating lights, wore loud prints and leis, and played the Lilo and Stitch OST all night long. —Marla, Editor in Chief



I celebrated turning 18 by having a celebration with my family and friends. —Steph, Art Director




I had a simple debut to celebrate turning 18. My close friends and relatives prepared special gifts and messages for me. I felt so special and I totally had a blast! —Angel, Features Editor






Just a super simple celebration: lunch with my closest friends and dinner with my family. —Dyan, Assistant Entertainment Editor




I just had my family and friends over for dinner and we just ended up chatting the night away. —Macy, Web Managing Editor



Since I don't like having too much attention on me, I chose to celebrate turning 18 with a simple house party with my closest friends. —Erin, Web Fashion and Beauty Assistant

How did you celebrate your 18th birthday? Leave a comment below!

Rewind: The Candy Style Awards 2013

Were you at the Rockwell Tent for the Candy Style Awards 2013? ICYMI, here are a few choice snaps from the event. Got photos that you'd like to share? Don't forget to use the hashtag #candystyleawards2013 and tag us on Twitter and Instagram so we can see them!

Candy Girls were greeted by these fancy foil balloons at The Rockwell Tent.

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