A typical April would have found me lounging in a beach somewhere, but this is my Seventeen summer, which means in lieu of waves and sand, I get to chill with bands my friends would absolutely die to hang out with! For my first band (I’m hoping to meet more soon!!!), Curtis brought me along to Hale’s latest music video shoot. It was only my sixth day “on the job” (that hardly feels like work, really!) and there I was already rubbing elbows, joking around, and eating empanada with Champ, Roll, Sheldon and Omnie! You’d never truly completely appreciate this band until you’ve spoken to them—and until Champ has flashed you his gorgeous smile! *blush*

Interviewing Hale was a total blast coz IMHO they’re 101% nice (I’m pretty sure they didn’t put on their “media masks” that afternoon) and they have a way of making you feel chummy-comfy with them right away. Actually, they seemed like your typical goofy, cool boy buds, except they’re super famous. Check out these few shots from my not-to-be-forgotten-soon afternoon with Hale. *fat sigh* Gotta love this “job”!

OMG! I didn’t think much of bassists in general (I usually go for *****) but Sheldon sure knows how to rock his bass. You just gotta watch him headbang! As a performer, he’s as carefree as he is during interviews with his droll and sometimes “scandalous” quips! Too bad he’s already taken. *Sniff*

Omnie was fierce on the drums—you wouldn’t guess he’d enjoy keeping mum during interviews. This shy guy really transforms whenever he’s behind his kit! *Woot*

A guy who writes amazing lyrics and plays the guitar---what's not to like? This charmer’s a quiet fella, but I've discovered that he’s the type who’d leave you in stitches with a witty joke when you least expect it!

Champ is the man! *swoon* One smile from him could really make your day—he sure made mine! Hahaha! I don’t think he noticed (I was like less than three feet away from him!) but I was super kilig just watching him sing from my viewfinder and in person. My poor facial muscles got a beating from my less-than-successful attempts not to grin so much.

I bet their latest single (guess which one!) from this new third album will skyrocket 'em back to the top! I’m still actually suffering from LSS ‘til now. *Sigh* Watch for more Hale in future Seventeen issues! 

* Photos by Therese San Diego. Photo art by Marian Curtis (http://mariancurtis.multiply.com)