The Candy Gram: Mynx D'meanor

In our ongoing Q&A series --"The Candy Gram"-- we ask the same quirky questions of burlesque's various performers. If you want to be added to the mix, drop us a line at kellydinardo AT gmail DOT com. Today, say hello to Mynx D'meanor.

What is your hometown?
I was born in the Philippines, but generally raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.

How long have you been interested in burlesque/performing?
My mother, once a locally famous singer (in the Philippines and some Filipino-American communities in California), desperately wanted to push my little sister and me onto the stage. At that time, however, I was unbelievably timid and hid behind the video camera in order to stay in the background. I've always been a fan of old Hollywood musicals and the retro lifestyle, and somehow through the years, I found that my love for dance, performance -- and yes, stripping -- was much greater than my shyness.

How many pairs of pasties do you own?
Not sure. I often make single-use/disposable pasties or use electrical tape in a lot of my acts.

What are your three favorite songs to perform to?
These can change at any time, but for now the are:
Insane In The Brain by Richard Cheese
Malaguena Salerosa by Chingon (Kill Bill Soundtrack)
It's Oh So Quiet by Bjork

What three items could you not live without as a performer?
Mascara, foundation, and glitter (or a vodka and tonic).

Who had the biggest influence on your career?
Bombshell Betty, for almost literally pushing me on stage. She was the first person to teach me that even shy little ol' me (I'm 4'11") has something to offer the audience, given enough encouragement, support and creativity. She's been a good teacher and friend of mine for about four years now.

Who is your favorite burly queen?
Oooh. Hard to decide. I'm a big fan-girl of lots of performers. The ones that come to mind at the moment: Satan's Angel (SO bad ass!); Catherine D'Lish (sultry/sexy to the utmost); Bombshell Betty, Coconuts and Banana Peel (uber silliness!); Cherry Lix (rawr!); Amber Ray (so creative); Renea' Le Roux (just plain fun); and Flame Cynders (living pin-up). I *could* go on and on...

What is your favorite item of clothing?
At the moment: My guy's Asian-print shirt, which I've been using as a backstage robe.

What's the last movie you saw?
I watch a lot of movies via Netflix and online while taking care of business. This morning I watched Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy while doing paperwork. Skyrockets in flight!

What's on your must-see-TV list?
I'm really bad about watching TV online, too. My guilty pleasures are crime/mystery series, like Bones, NCIS, etc.

What book is on your nightstand?
Minsky's Burlesque by Morton Minsky and Milt Machlin and Much Depends on Dinner by Margaret Visser.

If you could go anywhere for vacation, where would you go?
Salvador da Bahia, Brazil! In college, I met a woman who (until she moved to the Bay Area) lived in a house she built with her husband in Brazil. I always fantasized about doing that as well. I'm especially enamored with Bahia because it's been home to so many wonderful musicians and dancers.

If you could have any superpower, which one would you want? Why?
I'm afraid of heights, so naturally I'd like to be able to fly.

Satisfy your appetite for more Candy Grams: Rani Rhinestone, Baby Le Strange, Rose Darling, Satan's Angel, Ophelia Flame, Panache La Plume, Ginger Valentine, Madame Rosebud, Little Brooklyn, Victoria Veneance, Sauci Calla Horra, Penny Starr Jr., Gemma Parker, Darla DeVine, Sparkly Devil, Vivienne VaVoom, Lux LaCroix, Charlotte La Belle Araignee, Bunny Love, Amber Topaz, Amelie Soleil, Red Hot Annie, HoneyLu, Kimberlee Rose, Vicky Butterfly, Dominique Immora, Yasmine Vine, Cherry Bomb, Millie Dollar, Joanie Gyoza, Bonbon Vivant, Lola Martinet, Frankie Boudoir, Vixen Violette, Ravenna Black, Veronica Lashe, Amber Ray, Beatrix von Bourbon, Angie Pontani, Tanya Cheex, Bloody Belle, Clams Casino, Trixie Little, Michelle L'Amour, Margaret Cho, Miss Dirty Martini, Princess Farhana, Miss Delirium Tremens, Paris Green, Jo Boobs, Jack Midnight, Heidi Von Haught, Diamond Minx, The Titillation Twins, Scratch, Creamy Stevens and Gina Louise.