Of crushes and cuties

The last time I ever remember being boy-crazy was when I was in college. After I got together with my ex, which was a few months after graduation, I became somewhat unaffected by gorgeous men. Yes, there was the occasional crush here and there, but it was never like I had several guys whose mere memory would bring a smile to my face.

But I am happy and somehow proud to say that, although it would be going overboard to say that I have turned boy-crazy as in high school and college days again, I am beginning to appreciate men and their different sizes, shapes, and personalities.

This change was brought about by the only event that allows you to just scream your head off at the sight of half-naked men (which happens only once a year, so please allow us this) and not be looked at as some man-crazed harlot. Yup, I am talking about the Cosmo Bachelor Bash.

I never really fully appreciated the Bachelor Bash before. The first time I handled the PR for this event, I think I ended up having a huge fight with my then-boyfriend. The second time, I was not quite over my ex (the one I fought with the year before) and I guess I didn't really have as much fun in the past years because I just have to say that this batch of 69 bachelors and 10 centerfolds (well, maybe not every single one of them because there were a few who were arrogant and uncooperative, and they realize after that this is the time to turn the charm on) is the best ever -- maybe not looks-wise, but definitely personality-wise.

I don't think Kris, Mica, M and I will ever forget the bunch of guys we bonded with in the two-or-so weeks that we were with them. I think some bonded with particular guys (or a particular guy) more than the others so I personally would like to announce my official crush list post Bachelor Bash (listed in no particular order):

Marco Alcaraz - He came off as sort of mayabang when I first saw him. Ako pa naman I have a weird "akala-mo-sikat-ka-hindi-kita-papansinin-oy" mentality when it comes to celebrities. But this guy is just a real sweetheart. I forgot to say that by saying crush, I don't mean I'll be out stalking them (oh those days are so over! well... maybe except for stalking certain bald baller-boy looking guys that I want my best friend to marry... or maybe certain short but cute and extremely impressive men of God [before yon! uy defensive]), I just mean that they make me smile and yes, a little kilig when they say hello or text me or very awkwardly touch my growing-by-the-minute tummy. I am attracted to them at a sana-kuya-o-batang-kapatid-ko-siya level. Going back to Marco, he's just a really sweet guy so what's not to love?

Will Devaughn - Yes, I see that he's drop-dead gorgeous. He's not exactly my type but beauty like that is not something anyone can ignore. What struck me most though is how he was with us. He was never stuck up, never took advantage of women swooning over him. He always had a smile on his face and when you talked, he would listen. The world didn't revolve around him (or his friggin' modelling association's sports fest, ahem ahem). More than being just a pretty face, there's a vulnerability and pure-heartedness about him that most women would not notice. So, I'm extremely happy that I'm one of the x-number of people who actually saw and experienced this first-hand.

Apollo Jones - Oh, how can you not smile when he talks to you with that accent. Sabi nga ni M, Ayy-Pee-Oh-Duble-el-ow. I'm staring at his eyes, trying to comprehend what he just said, but it's oh so distracting. He's just really down-to-earth and I see a kind of gratefulness in his being that makes his aura so positive. And the way he always tries to speak in Filipino is just so endearing. While most Filipino model-wannabes are getting their tongues twisted with fake accents, this guy goes the extra mile making Filipinos around him more comfortable by not acting like it's an embarrassment to be talking in their native language.

Mikey Capellan - I used to see him walking around the Ateneo campus when he was in high school. He was already quite tall but certainly not as buff as he is now. When I first stood beside him and saw how he was towering over me at the GMA dressing room, I was shocked. Was this really Monica's little brother? He's just so cute and tall and well... big, he makes my heart beat ( and I mean this in the purest, most-brotherly way). And for those who say that he looks like James Yap, utang ng loob, HINDI! Mikey is wayyyyyyy cuter!

Victor Basa - I think I see a pattern here. When I was in college, I used to like bad boys (thus the affiliation with the likes of Marvin Ortiguerra, etc...). Okay, I will even go as far as admitting that yes, I used to have a teeny crush on Iago Raterta *faint right here* but that look doesn't seem to do it for me anymore. Check out my above choices... Marco, Mikey... They're all so boyish looking with just a miniscule tinge of naughtiness. And that is why, ladies and gentlemen, I chose Vic Basa to round up my Top 5 Crushes of 2005. I'm almost uncomfortable seeing him half or otherwise naked. It's really not the body that I see when I see Victor. He's just got a boyish charm--the way he can finish a huge plate of food (thisfast) when he's supposedly on a diet, the way he smiles with his full pouty lips and his little teeth, the way he looks so panicked when someone on the phone is demanding that he be in her house NOW. He's just such an endearing boy-man.

Haaay... It's really going to be awfully dull until next September. I just hope we get to see these boys again, sometime soon.