The Scoop On M2M - Seventeen Philippines by Lilledeshan Bose and Maya O. Calica It’s the morning of Seventeen Philippines’ first-ever cover shoot. We have two hours to set up, style, and interview dynamic Norwegian duo M2M. Their sked is airtight: Right after the photo session, they’re due for a shoe fitting with Skechers, a Channel V interview and a concert at SM Megamall. Since Marion Raven, 16 and Marit Larsen, 17, first came to Manila last April, M2M has become an international household name thanks to Last Song Syndrome-inducing tunes and oh-so-cute videos. After their whirlwind Southeast Asian tour, they’re off to New York to work on their second album. Not that any of this has gone to their heads. Says Warner Music’s Leda Mendoza, who takes charge of the Norwegian teens while they’re here: “They giggle a lot, love lollipops, and do as they’re told. They are not difficult at all.” When Marion and Marit arrive at the shoot at 10:00 A.M. (right on time), they give off a vibe that’s very much like their music: infectious, sweet, fun and undeniably pop. Best friends for the past 12 years, the duo is famous in their native Norway. Their first band was named Hubba Hubba (after their fave bubblegum), after which they’ve performed in theater musicals, cut an album of children’s songs and appeared on local TV. Shades of Purple, their debut album, is their ticket to global stardom. Marion is straightforward and won’t hesitate to tell you what she wants or doesn’t want (for the shoot, she wanted her dark hair warn loose and free). Marit, on the other hand, is very sweet and good-natured. Both girls are easy to talk to and dead serious about being musicians. “It’s very important to be serious about the music and not make a song just because it’s what’s popular,” says Marion. The duo write (and play the instruments on) most of their songs. Who inspires them? “Oh, guys at home and guys we meet,” Marion smiles, “plus what happens to us or what we’d like to happen.” Stuff like heartbreak help. Marit admits she’s been heartbroken. When? “In kindergarden!” she laughs. “You will always have a crush on a guy who doesn’t like you or you’ll be together in fourth grade and he’ll dump you.” Given the slew of girl bands, it’s easy to see how people can be incredulous around such young talent. But they’re musically more mature than most girls their age. Instead of ‘N Sync and 98 degrees, their fave boy band is The Beatles. “We’ve been Beatles fans since we were 13,” Marion explains. What about talk that they’re crushing on Hanson? “I don’t have crush on them but I think their music is good,” says Marion, “and when their music is good it makes them cute, if you know what I mean.” Marit agrees: “I always fall for love of music, because I’m a music lover myself.” Despite being so obviously a team (“We never fight about anything. We just discuss,” Marit says), they have different tastes—in guys, clothes and music. “Marit likes more outgoing guys while I like shy guys,” Marion says. Marit continues, “I love it when guys aren’t too rushed with pouring their personality all over. And they shouldn’t care too much on how they look.” In the middle of the interview, their manager comes in with a tape of the music video of “Everything You Do,” M2M’s latest cut from the album. “Oh my God!” the duo scream. “Can we take a break to watch the new video? We’ve never seen it” Marion asks. They huddle in front of the TV, and watch intently. When it starts, they jump up and down clapping. They’re so thrilled, they watch it twice. “It was made in Canada two weeks ago,” Marion explains, smiling. “We even had a sting section!” M2M are going to be on the road for nine weeks, which is the longest time they’ll be away from home. But Marion’s dad and Marit’s mom watch over the two while on tour, and their teachers help them with schoolwork at night and during lunch break. Sure, the girls get homesick. Still, they wouldn’t trade being in M2M for anything. Says Marion, “As long as people want to hear our music, we’re happy. It doesn’t matter if it’s ten people or a million.” The best part about being in M2M? “It’s doing what I love to do, which is singing, and getting to do it with my best friend,” she adds. Awww. After thirty minutes, Marit and Marion are all set. “Smile!” says our photographer. The two laugh and ham it up with their cones of dirty ice cream, dancing around each other as all their craziness is caught on film. “Smile, hug, look at the camera,” we call out. But the girls are having too much fun to pay any attention to us. Finally someone asks in a loud voice: “Britney or Christina?” The duo stop in their tracks. Marit makes a face and yells “No!” After which, Marion yells “M2M!”