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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

One Night Only…Lifetime Heartache?

One Night Only…Lifetime Heartache?

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

IT may be with a longtime crush, or some random stranger whom you met at a summer gig on the beach. Either way, a one night stand is sudden, reckless, and well, pleasurable. No strings attached.

But although the parties involved—two people who have taken the shortcut to realizing their sexual fantasies—know the consequences of their actions, feelings might not be shared later. A study conducted by the Durham University in England showed that, overall, women's morning-after feelings are more negative than men's. Eighty percent of men had positive views, while women only had 54 percent.

Some women do not share the men’s positive feelings toward one night stands because they think that they have much to lose, like an unplanned baby--a big responsibility especially if the father does not hold himself accountable. There are those who also feel cheap and used afterwards.

The 54 percent of the women who feel positive about it, however, do it for the heck of it. It makes them feel empowered.

Quick Take

If you have no problem engaging in one night stands, here are things you should remember:

  • Try to get noticed. If you are in a bar, strut your stuff in the middle of the dance floor and make eye contact with a hot guy.
  • Once you’ve snagged the hot guy, let the conversation flow naturally. Use this as an opportunity to practice your sex moves on him.
  • But since you’ve never done it with this guy before, think of safety especially against sexually transmitted diseases. Girl, painful to the body and might wipe off your savings account-- if you have any.
  • After doing it with him, tell him that you had a good time--be it sincere or not.

Off Limits

Avoid doing it with

· A coworker. This may taint your professional reputation.

· A family friend. Just imagine the endless interrogations from your mom, aunt, or any member of your family when they learn about it.

· Sibling’s friend, friend’s sibling, ex’s friend, friend’s ex. As the saying goes, gossip travels fast. Next thing you know, a mutual friend already knows the sordid details of your activity.

· Someone who likes you. You could end up hurting the person as he might be expecting a relationship out of the chance encounter.


Friday, March 19, 2010

'I had a one night stand with a married man'

'I had a one night stand with a married man'

As told to ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

I DIDN’T seduce Doods, no. I didn’t seduce him just to have a one night stand with him. I thought that with him, it would be something special. But as cliché as it may sound, I thought wrong.

It had been a long time since I was eyeing Doods. We knew each other and had common friends. We went to the same school, and were basically part of the same neighborhood. Unfortunately, apart from these, all we shared was the occasional hi and hello.

It was one night when I finally got to know him more. My friend Missy invited me to a drinking session down at her place. So not wanting to be left out, and being much of a partygoer, I accepted her invitation.

We already had a few shots and were having riotous fun when Missy's neighbor, Jeff, and three other guys guys happened to pass by. Doods happened to be one of them. Jeff asked if they could join, and at first Missy and I were apprehensive--but it was all just part of our pakipot tactics. We eventually gave in and the guys bought some more beer.

Doods, surprisingly, sat right next beside me. I told him that it was okay for him to join us--to join me. He said that he had been wanting to do so, for a very long time. I answered, "Go. Let’s see if you can keep up with me."

At first, the evening was the usual get-together, with friends drinking, talking, and having a good time. Then Doods's attention suddenly shifted towards me. He was only speaking to me, saying things that I thought were purely personal. He was really sweet, catering to my every whim.

A few bottles of beer, few shots of rhum, and a whole lot of chatter later, I didn’t know what was going on. All I could remember was a dazed memory of me and him, in bed, his arms around my shoulders, his lips playfully going through my lips and neck.

After that night, Missy asked what had happened. I told her about Doods and me. Then she said that I should be careful as Doods already has a wife and kid living somewhere else. I didn’t believe her. I thought it was just a nasty rumor. Still, I was hurt by what my friend told me. I didn’t know whether to be hurt by my friend or by Doods. Doods and I were still exchanging a few text messages. I was sure if he was married he would have told me.

Missy and I held a drinking session again, with Doods and his friends. No one made a fuss of what happened between Doods and me. It was like there was nothing going on. I sat beside Doods and asked him if he had a problem. I didn’t know whether to be thankful or not as he was confident enough to say yes. He said he had problems with his wife and child.

Whoa, Missy was right. The guy I had a one-night stand with was married! But I didn't show Doods I cared about him being married-- even as I thought that there was something between us. How could he have played with my feelings that way? I don’t want to sound selfish, but who cares about his family problems? He could have been more sensitive and not classified me as a reliever. Sure, I had a string of flings, but he should have known that I am not that kind of woman.

After that night I tried to avoid him, but it wasn’t easy. We frequently bumped into each other on our street. I constantly view his Facebook updates, and he sends me text messages asking for advice. Sometimes I ignore him, and when he asks why, I just say I am busy. Thankfully though, I got accepted to a new position with a brand new company. So I now I just try to focus more on work.

Now, Doods and I are, I guess, friends as we still hang out. But that's about it.

-30 -

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Nicole Angela


Nicole Angela

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

MOD March 2010

FOR most unknown singers, the most obvious way of getting exposure these days is to join a reality singing competition. Young singer Nicole Angela, however, did it differently.

Nicole is best remembered as the girl who sang the national anthem during Pinoy boxing hero Manny Pacquiao’s (EXACT NAME OF FIGHT) fight with David Diaz match in 2008 at Las Vegas.

People commented that her simple rendition came from the heart, made them appreciate the national anthem, and even beat the renditions of other Pacquiao title fight singers like Martin Nievera and Kyla. Maybe because it was not the birit style of singing, but a strong, regular rhythm which is how the Lupang Hinirang was supposed to be sung.

Because of the praises she got from the boxing match, one would think that this girl would automatically have a successful career in the entertainment industry. But Nicole has chosen not to do showbiz full time. What the 19-year old focuses more right now is her studies. She’s a dean’s lister at the Ateneo de Manila University, taking up AB Communications.

Nevertheless, she is still able to juggle school work and singing engagements, particularly on the Sunday variety program of SOP on GMA-7. After all, performing is what Nicole wants. She says, “Performing on television for me is all for fun, but it is all for career din, kasi I don’t see myself working in an office,”

Her showbiz career started out at the tender age of eight. Back when ABS-CBN was holding auditions for Ang TV 2, Nicole was one of the lucky girls who got in because of her singing and dancing talents. Later, she joined an all-girl song-and-dance group, Angels. Although Angels did not last long, Nicole credits her tenure with the group for honing her songwriting skills.

Up to now, she still continues to write songs, confident that these would someday be recorded, by her or Julie Ann San Jose, her singing partner in SOP, or maybe even by Gary V, Kyla, Jay-R. “Music is God’s gift. I do hope I get to touch people, ma-feel nila’ yung mga sinusulat ko,” she says.

She hopes to submit her compositions in a songwriting contest soon, but she says no to the prospect of joining a reality competition. “I don’t want any competition. I want to focus on shining in my own right,” she says. Kung sasali ako, baka doon ako mag-focus sa pag-a-outshine ng ibang tao, which is ayokong mangyari. Gusto kong maging magaling for myself, ‘di para may matabunan ako.”

Indeed, the thought of getting pitted against another singer her age, which is part of the business, scares Nicole. “Kung merong ibang artista na pinapaboran na ka-age mo, iba atake sa ‘yobecause the fans think you are competing with their star. Nakakapraning ‘yung tingin sa ‘yo ng tao.”

Alnother thing that terrifies her about the business is the intense public scrutiny. “When you’re performing sa TV, the whole nation has its eyes on you. Big, big chance mo na, pero baka may palpak ka na malalagay sa Internet. Mababalikbakan nila ‘yung palpak mo,” Nicole says. “Every move you make, ingat ka. Pag may nagawa kang off, matatandaan nila. You always want to leave a good memory with everyone you meet. Kaya ang nangyayari, instead of enjoying what you do because it is your passion, you try to give the people what they expect or impress them even.”

Except, of course, Nicole is not one to try to electrify the audience or overshadow her co-performers. “Of course, it is part of the business that you have to be better than other performers. Pero kung mayroon man, ayokong isipin. I aim to express, not just impress,” she says.

The demand of the entertainment industry sure is gruelling, but Nicole can sure take it. Apart from her regular stint in SOP, you would often see her in different concert tours, such as of Renz Verano and Rannie Raymundo or as guests in different TV shows. A contract with GMA 7 is already in the works.

Summer Angel

I keep my skin healthy by.... using the right products, of course. From makeup, facial wash, to makeup remover, lahat ‘yan kailangan hiyang sa ‘kin. Pag nagme-makeup ako, I make sure that the foundation ay hindi nakaka-pimples and malinis ‘yung sponge. Hygiene is important. Pag dating sa bahay, wash your face, make sure to completely remove your makeup, at walang matitirang makeup residue. Make sure that your face is always clean. Pag nakita mo nang oily ‘yung face mo, punasan mo na ng oil control or tissue. I also have a regular cleaning sa Belo Medical Clinic.

My favourite summer spot is… Tagaytay highlands. Sometimes doon kami nagsa-summer. Hindi kami masyado nag-a-out-of-town. Nae-enjoy ko naman ‘yung beach, although hindi ako nakakapunta doon because of singing engagements or my parents are busy,

If I have a chance this summer, I’d go to …Boracay, kasi hindi pa ‘ko nakakapunta doon.

The best thing about summer is…. you get to rest, spend more time with your family and friends and family, and free yourself from a lot of stress from school.

One thing I look forward to during summer is… free time to do anything,

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Camaya Coast

Finally, Your Own Private Island

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA
Published MOD March 2010

IMAGINE owning your own summer villa with an amazing view of the South China Sea, and next door are not your usual neighbors but the sun, sea, flora and fauna, all easily within reach.

This is now possible via Camaya Coast, an ecotourism development destination complemented by commercial establishments and residential enclaves. It is 173 kilometers north of Manila and less than three hours from Manila by land.

Manuel Ilagan, president of Earth and Shore Leisure Communities Corporation, the developers of Camaya Coast, says, “The merger of the commercialism with nature is distinctly Camaya. We are going to redevelop the properties on the beach. In Camaya, we aim for continuous adaptation of environment.”

What Ilagan is presenting in Camaya Coast are villas and condos in modern tropical look developed by Philippine GeoAnalytics Group of Companies. “We are proposing a Mediterenan look, thin clean lines that are able to mesh well with seaside development, for the lot owners who we will allow to build after they submit their designs,” Ilagan says. The first clusters of the condominium and villa are expected to be delivered by first quarter of 2011.

Apart from the residential units, Earth and Shore is also developing a hotel in the area that it expects to be finished by 2011. Ilagan says the hotel has about 75 to 100 rooms, and Earth and Shore partnered with Club Leisure, operator of Camp John Hay, for the success of the hotel.

Earth and Shore is also putting up a nature park in a 40-hectare space, setting aside about 15 to 20 hectares for the expansion of the nature park that has mountains and springs that lot owners can treat as their own backyard. Ilagan says, “It would be more fun for the buyers if there would be an abundance of mountains. If we develop it this way, the children will have an idea of an environment integrated with community that they are in. So, with that in mind, we’re also protecting the future generations in understanding the environment, not just develop for profit. We have three waterfalls and natural springs that merge with the sea. Actually, they are developable, but we are going to leave them as is.”

With all these, you’d think Camaya Coast is as it is. But no, it offers more, like endless possibilities for leisure activities. Ilagan shares, “The romance of the sea is timeless, so that is definitely something that we will bank on in Camaya. The swimming pools, chill-out bar, and karaoke room are something for people to enjoy in the day.”

Ilagan looks forward to building a sports mall where speedboats, banana boats, kayaking, biking, zip-ling, and various interests groups can bank on. He says, “We’d let various interests groups come in, tying up with the group that already exists. We do not have a limit on what can be done.”

Camaya Coast premium beach resort and residential community highlights the best of coastal living with a variety of water sports, resort clubs, and commercial facilities. Ilagan shares, “Our main focus is to enjoy life now and not later on, at the same time not hurt your budget.”

For more about Camaya Coast, visit its showroom at the ground floor of Prudential Building., Annex No. 31 EDSA Mandaluyong City, or check out www.camayacoast.com