Girls just wanna have fun...and learn. Participants get to know each other at the BFF Camp.

A career choice starts from a small interest, which when honed and nurtured, can turn into something productive.

“Everything starts with what the person is interested in. Whatever your passion is, just do it and do it well,’’ says Christine Ko, Candy magazine publisher. “Fifteen to 20 years ago, careers were more traditional, more business-oriented. But now, there are more opportunities for art-related careers. Yes, you can earn a living by being a photographer, or a stylist. There are a lot of opportunities now.”

Candy recently mounted the Second Candy BFF Camp to empower its young readers all the more. There were workshops in fashion, photography, arts and crafts, and dancing to make sure that girls not only have fun, but also learn something out of it and maybe apply it in their future careers.

Lensman, stylista, artist

Offering an alternative to the norm, Pure Fashion Manila urges young girls to put on a style that is both fashionable and modest.

“Wear what you are,” says Patricia Ocampo, events and programs manager, emphasizing that values and traits such as modesty, confidence, prudence, purity and authenticity can actually co-exist with hip and trendy.

“Your outer beauty reflects your inner beauty. Let other girls know how you behave and how you dress as children of God,” says Regina Vivencio del Rosario from promotions.

JR Bonifacio, Nikon’s VP for marketing, also gave a lecture on how to take portraits with design and style, teaching Candy girls how to utilize the functions of their cameras.

The arts and crafts workshop, handled by Christine Herrin of Total Girl mag, encourages young girls to design their personal scrapbooks to serve as their souvenirs of the fun day shared with their best friends.

For teenagers who are planning to pursue an arts degree, Oliver Ocampo, a graphic designer based in Baguio City, advises that they should love what they are doing despite having an interest in an unconventional course. If they have the talent, then they should not waste it. “Maraming pwedeng sources of creativity. Think outside the box and create something different. You need guts in order to survive the arts industry. It all boils down to what you can do and how you can do it,” Oliver ends.