So One Direction. 😀  Ever since I got “infected,” I’ve written two 1D-related posts on this blog (HERE and HERE).  If those weren’t enough, I even acquired my very own “fangirl stuff,” which includes 1D‘s debut album, their two official books — One Direction: Forever Young (Our Official X Factor Story) and Dare to Dream: Life as One Direction, their first concert DVD, a baller, a fan magazine, and still counting…

So when Ms. Dyan Zarzuela of Candy magazine asked me if I could share my 1D “fangirl story” with her, of course I didn’t think twice!  There’s no better way to proclaim to “the world” my 1D devotion than with the help of the Philippines’ #1 teen magazine, Candy, right???

“Candy Girl Mika Chiong on 1D” can be found inside Candy magazine’s July 2012 issue!

The feature was short, but definitely sweet. 🙂  As for the interview itself, I kind of got carried away!  Hahaha!  But if you get to read it, you’ll definitely UNDERSTAND how and why I got “infected” in the first place!  So I decided to share it with yoouuu! 😉

And now I’m warning you…  what you’re about to read from hereon was pretty much how I gushed about 1D! 😛

The video that made me become a 1D fan.
I’ve to be honest…  my Direction Infection wasn’t a “love at first sight” thing.  In fact, I kind of overlooked their “What Makes You Beautiful” music video the first time I saw it on TV.  But on MARCH 21, 2012 (yes, it’s pretty recent; and yes, I know the exact date!  Haha!), THIS video made me see 1D in a whole different light:

“ONE DIRECTION Teaches You to Speak British!” was THE video that made me a 1D fan! 😀

The top 3 things I love about 1D.
First, they’re BRITISH — which is kind of a giveaway already since I’m a self-proclaimed Anglophile!  Heehee.

Second, their STORIES.  All One Directioners know that 1D was formed thanks to The X Factor (UK), but when I read their latest book, Dare To Dream: Life As One Direction, it was as if I was able to have a deeper connection with the boys and realized that yes, they, too, were just ordinary humans like most of us who once upon a time had big dreams…  and were able to make them come true!

Last but definitely not the least, their MUSIC.  Of course!  1D‘s album is actually what I play ALL DAY on my iPod!  And I repeat, not just their hit singles, but the ENTIRE ALBUM — no kidding!  I love the fact that each song in their album is distinct from one another.  For example, “What Makes You Beautiful” sounds very current, typical for a boyband…  but when you reach the last track, “Stole My Heart,” I actually get some kind of an 80’s vibe or something!  I can’t really explain it…  all I know is that 1D‘s music isn’t something people should take for granted or worse, underestimate. 🙂

My fave 1D member.
HARR-EH!!!  Yes, Harry Styles is my favorite 1D member because I love his (husky) voice, I love his megawatt smile, I love his hair, I love his green eyes, I love that he loves cats, I love his personality (such a self-proclaimed cheeky chappy!), I love his “Isn’t She Lovely” audition on The X Factor, I love the fact that he’s close to his mum, I love that he doesn’t think age matters (hahaha!)

Oh let’s face it, I love EVERYTHING about him!!! ♥

Things that make a real 1D fangirl AND things that a real 1D fangirl would never do.
A real 1D fangirl is someone who…

…knows all 1D‘s songs by heart.
…has a Facebook wall/Twitter feed full of 1D news/stuff!
…gets her hands on every possible 1D merchandise — whether it’s from the U.K., Australia, America, or just any part of the world (guilty as charged!  Haha!)
…smiles at the thought of 1D.  As simple as that.
…supports not just her favorite member, but ALL the members!
…will name her future sons Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall, and/or Zayn! =))

A real 1D fangirl would never…

…bash/trash-talk any of the boys’ girlfriends/love interests (no matter how much that sucks!) </3
…buy a pirated 1D album/CD/DVD.  It’s just plain wrong…  not to mention ILLEGAL.
…compare the boys to other artists.  Simply put, the boys are unique in their own ways.  1D IS 1D; they’re incomparable.  (Spoken like a true One Directioner!  Hahaha!)
…outgrow the boyband.  5, 10, or more years from now — even when they’re already classified as a “middle-aged men” band!  There’s just NO CURE for this Direction Infection!!! 😛

—

And actually, I once had a Facebook status talking about my decision to resign from my job:

“I contemplated…  and changed my mind.  Fight ’til the end!  Ika nga, use all possible ‘lifelines!’  You’ll be surprised that even One Direction played a big role in this decision-making…  That’s HOW MUCH they’re influencing my life right now!  But then again, only a REAL FAN GIRL will understand why.”

Believe it or not.  But yes, BELIEVE IT!

My friends actually found it “different” that I decided not to resign from my job because of 1D.  Obviously, the boys weren’t the only reason BUT they were one of the major factors.

First is very obvious.  How else would I be able to afford 1D fangirl-ing stuff and merchandise if I didn’t earn my own money?  At my age, I already pay for my own “wants” and asking money from others isn’t just an option.

Next, they inspire me.  To WORK HARD, that is.  We think that being a celebrity/superstar is all glitz and glamour.  True.  But it also takes a lot of hard work.  We all witnessed THAT (hard work) during the seventh season of The X Factor (UK).  We all STILL see that while the boys are busy traveling the world, satisfying each and every fan…  while enduring being away from their families and not having the same kind of privacy when they were still ordinary British boys.  Why do they do those?  Because that’s how DEDICATED they are.  Because that’s how they’re grateful for all the support they received, are receiving, and will receive from their fans!

But going back to my status, I’ve to say that the “fight” is over now.  I did use my so-called “lifelines,” but my decision to finally resign eventually became a “need” instead of a “want.”  I may be unemployed now, but I’m not rushing anyway.  It’s because when I land my next job, I don’t want it to be just another job — I want it to be where I can finally have a “career.”  Besides, I already have sufficient time to focus on my graduate studies now.  And guess what?  I still get to be my fangirl self and get my hands on 1D merchandise — thanks to my ever supportive family members!  Harharhar.

Like I said, only a REAL FANGIRL can get me!  Enough said. 😉

—

Ooh, while we’re at it,
why not grab a copy of Candy magazine’s latest issue?

Turn to page 70 for “A Fangirl’s Story” (photo courtesy of Candy magazine)

Available wherever magazines are sold for only Php100.