Marikina Day

Upon waking up today, the first thought that went through my head was, "do I really need to go out?" You see, I was dead tired from all the trekking D and I did yesterday at Cavinti, Laguna. It was the hardest trail I have been to simply because it rained hard and all the "trails" were slippery.

I woke up with severe body pains and the incessant need to just tune out the world but I made promises and I wanted to keep them. Amidst body pain and panic because I was already running late, I headed out and trooped over to Makat to meet friends and haul ourselves to Marikina.

First stop: Karnevore

It's shabby but homey. This was my first impression of the place. I'd have to admit that I lowered my expectations upon seeing it. Perhaps the hype also added to the fear that it may be just another steak house that has been touted as amazing when in reality it's okay at best.

Everyone got Wagyu but I got the T-chops. I guess I didn't want to spend so much on something I have yet to try plus I knew that some of my friends would willingly let me try out their order so I just opted to have the T-Chops. Apparently, I made the right choice.

Karnivore for it's price is pretty good. At less than 500 for a wagyu steak, it was okay. It wasn't amazing but at less than 500 for a steak, come on, you can't expect the level of Melo's right? For the T-Chops, it was actually quite tasty but the meat needed more time to soften. The pesto sauce on top of it did help so make sure you ask for extras. The Wagyu needed more sauce, salt, and pepper which I believe is pretty sad coz I heard or read that a good steak should be good enough to stand on it's own.

Next stop: Rustic Mornings

I really wanted to go to SKOW but felt that my friends would not enjoy the place because they have never seen the movie Some Kind of Wonderful which is where the cafe is based on. It is all about memorabilias and the eternal story of the best friend falling in love with the guy and the guy being oblivious about something awesome that was right in front of him all along. I guess I could relate coz I fell in love with my best friend and a couple of really good friends but got friendzoned. Har har.

Anyway, I loved Rustic Mornings. It is instagrammable which made my friend Jaja really happy. I loved the place coz it reminded me of the garden that I wanted to have. As you all know, I am a true blue Titas of Manila who finds joy in beads and crafts.

I loved how chill this group was. We just talked and had fun. We also ended up taping a short clip of 20 questions where all of us got to ask random questions and answer it. It was a great way to get to know more about them.

This group doesn't know how much I value them. They have no idea about how much their friendship has come to matter. I have friends ... friends who accept me and love me no matter what but they are my elementary friends and high school friends. Come college and during the time I was an employee, I would gather one real friend from every chapter but never a group.

This Batanes group turned TechXLifestyle ... they are the first to get to know me and accept me beyond events and all the glitz. I feel like somehow, I finally belong to a group in this industry, one who accepts me and not because they can get something from me. I don't need to lead in this group. I can just be me and that means a lot to me. I hope they know that.

Maybelline White Superfresh keeps you from looking Hulas

The Philippines is a tropical country. This means that when women wear make up, the chances of looking downtrodden or hulas as it is more popularly known is BIG. No, scratch that. It is inevitable. No matter how you took care of your make up, the weather gets to you and movement results in sweat which ends up with you looking hulas.

Maybelline may just have the solution for you with the new Maybelline White Superfresh powder foundation. Touted as the no-touch up powder foundation that gives you 12 hours fresh, fair, and matte finish keeping you superfresh all day long. What makes this work is that it absorbs 5x more than your ordinary foundation which makes this the best in oil AND sweat control. This also has SPF34+++ and vitamin c to not only protect your skin but also make sure that it stays healthy.

We went out for a day without the Maybelline White Superfresh and this was the end result after walking for just 30 minutes.

When you don't wear the right powder, this is what happens. I walk a bit and I look like I've run a marathon. I hate it. I hate sweating and my face becomes super ugh and eeewww. When people try to greet me with a beso, I cringe coz who wouldn't? No one wants to beso someone gross. When you beso someone, you expect smooth skin, not waterfalls of sweat. The struggle is real friends.

As you can see, sweat glands on overdrive which left me feeling really awful and unprepared for my next meeting. After I cleaned up, I used the Maybelline White Superfresh and ended up looking fresh the rest of the night.

View this post on Instagram

People know that I rarely use face powder and it is because I hate the sticky, heavy feeling but most of all, I hate the whole retouch thing. However, @welovemaybelline #WhiteSuperFresh12 #SuperReady #12HoursFresh actually delivers on their word that I need not retouch for 12 hours and I would still be fresh looking. Egad! I'm always running around so this matters a lot. I need to look fresh even when I have no sleep and to not look hulas at all. Thankfully, since I started trying out this perfect powder foundation, there has been minimal sweat and oil because it absorbs it. Yey me! I can look fresh the whole day. Beso to the max!

A post shared by Kathy Kenny (宝云) (@mskathykenny) on Mar 14, 2017 at 5:35pm PDT

This is really important especially in our line of work because we always need to socialize and kiss other people on the cheek. No one wants to have sweat splattered all over them when they greet you.

If you ever need to ensure that you stay looking and feeling fresh no matter how many times you run around the whole day, Maybelline White Superfresh is the best answer to your woes. Let us know if you used it by posting a similar meme on your social media accounts and use the hashtag #SuperReady #12HoursFresh and tag @welovemaybelline.

destiny

You are my destiny
and I am yours
but we are not destined
to be with one another.

this is D

I met him in Batanes. My first memory of him was when I was walking down the beach, clad in long sleeves, pants, cap, sunnies, and an umbrella when all of a sudden, my umbrella was taken away from me and a guy appeared beside me, all smiles. He then tells me "pa-share!" In my head, I was thinking, "who the heck is this guy?" and I knew that my eyebrows were raised really high because he proceeded to explain why.

It seems that he gets rashes when exposed under the sun so we walked side by side, sharing a tiny umbrella because we both could not be exposed to the sun. We must have looked like a scene from the movies. However, our genre is more about friendship between a guy and a girl rather than a romantic comedy.

This is D. I met him in Batanes last year but it was 2017 that really brought him into my life. January eased him in and February just saw him hurtling forward at break neck speed and embedding him, leaving what I hope would be a permanent space. He basically had no choice. At some point in our paths, it crossed, got entangled and intertwined and has now become fused it can't be unbroken. 

He enables me which is shocking because aside from my Mom, no one really enables me because I am always the enabler in the lives of people around me. However, it seems that he's more observant and has realized that I needed someone who will continue to push me and at times, force me to do things that I would normally say no to. 

He brings me out of my comfort zone and makes me try things I never thought I could do and venture into things that I never would have. He's a lot younger and immature at times but he's wise beyond his years. 

He bullies me but I know that it's out of love though sometimes I think it's also because he gets quite a kick seeing me get mad or frustrated. However, I let him get away with it because I know that he cares for me. He'd probably never admit it but he does. You can't put up with my quirkiness for long periods of time if you don't care for me. Seriously. You'd murder me. Heck, I'd murder me if I didn't know me. 

People think there's something between us and there is ... it's just not romantic or anything more than friendship. He is someone I'd like to keep for the rest of my life. 

He is my coffee buddy though he likes brewed and I am anything but brewed. He is late night conversations that lasts till sunrise. He is the GO to my NOs and he is KEBS to my eternal worries. Maybe because he's quite young and I am nearing my 40s but he is the opposite of a lot of things and yet the same when it comes to opinions on things and love for art. 

This is D. He is not my Prince Charming but he is one of the many knights surrounding me and helping to make me be the Queen that I am meant to be so when my King arrives, we'll be good to go and if he never arrives, so I can reign over my little piece of kingdom.

For now, D will be with me in many adventures because it is most likely the only way I'd even go in one and remind me constantly to just live my life, something that I forget at times because I am too busy playing the many roles that I need to fulfill. This is D and he enables me.

Thanks D. Cheers to a successful partnership, lifetime friendship, and more 6am conversations.

6am convo

PS. You matter and welcome to my crazy world.

minahal ka nya ...

Minahal ka nya

sa paraang alam nya 

sa paraang kaya nya 

sa paraang naayon sa puso at pananaw nya. 

Minahal ka nya 

tulad ng pagmamahal ng araw sa buwan 

hindi man nagkikita

nandun ang pagpapahalaga 

Minahal ka nya

tulad ng titik at awit 

hindi man lagi magkasam

ngunit napakagandang pakinggan pag nagtugma 

Minahal ka nya 

tulad ng mga bituin sa langit 

hindi man lagi nagpapakita

ngunit andyan kapag madilim na ang iyong paligid.

Minahal ka nya 

hindi totoong hindi ka nya minahal 

minahal ka nya 

sa paraang alam nya 

sa paraang kaya nya

sa paraang naayon sa puso at pananaw nya

ngunti hindi sa paraang nais mo. 

Minahal ka nya 

ngunit minahal ka nya 

bilang isang kaibigan lamang. 

Beautiful Promises Kept with Avon

One of the leading beauty brands in the country intends to keep its word to it's loyal customers of ensuring that an Avon lady is one who is always impeccably dressed but within a budget. The #BeautifulPromisesKept campaign reinforces this with it's new line of products that will make you look a million dollars on a less than 1000php budget.

They have a new set of Avon True Color Skin Goodness CC Powder that is available for only Php299. You can create your most natural and flawless finish with this since it provides instant color correction designed to eliminate skin discoloration.

They also happen to have 3 new Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad at only Php399 and you can choose between being a sea goddess (Glow Teal), pretty princess (Romantic Mauve), or a smoky diva (Urban Skyline.) Create beautiful eye looks effortlessly with these palettes that give off a rich color payoff with all day crease proof wear.

Second to the last touch would of course be the Avon True Color Luminous Blush at only Php379 which gives your cheeks a pop of color. Just swipe and it gives you a natural, rosy glow.


For lipstick lovers, fret not because there are 8 new lippies to try on and it ranges from matte, rich texture, to 24k gold. You can go from day to night in a flash and every single one just makes your lips look pouty and kissable.



If you're not too keen on lipsticks and want something lighter, they also have the Avon True Color Glazewear Lipgloss which is lighter but not as long lasting. A single swipe provides creamy texture and feels hydrating and weightless on the lips. Formulated with shea butter and arctic berry oil high in vitamin E and omega-3, with flexi-glide technology that provides that super shine effect.


So ladies, remember the promises fulfilled that flutters to your heart. Avon True gets that feeling which is why it keeps its promises: true colors, easy to apply, and something that would last for hours. Try it so you can tell a story about how it works when you get #BeautifulPromisesKept

Ginuhit

Ginuhit kita sa aking isipan
Bawat dampi ng iyong kamay
Bawat bulong mula sa iyong labi
Bawat alalang binuo nating dalawa.

Iginuhit ko ito sa aking isipan
Hindi ko napansin
Iginuguhit na rin pala kita
Sa bawat sulok ng aking puso.

Iginuhit mo rin ako
Sa iyong mundo na magulo't maingay
Sa iyong mundo na puno ng iba't ibang kaganapan
Iginuhit mo ako at isinama

Iginuhit mo ko at iginuhit kita
Hindi ko napansin
Iginuguhit mo ko gamit ang lapis
Iginuhit kita gamit ang tinta

Akala ko akin ka na
Ngunit hindi pala
Iginuhit kita at ngayon
Buburahin na kita.

Valentines ...

This is a day of expectations, heartaches, stress, and for the very few, a day of love.

Expectations for the women who hope to get something ... a rose, bouquet, a card, a video, dinner, or a romantic gift. Try as they may, the expectation is just there and when it is not met ... it leads to something.

Heartaches ... because you hoped for something that did not happen and that hurts. Is it you? Is it him? Are you not worth the effort? Have you been forgotten? I thought I was special? So many questions yet no answer given.

Stress ... this is what other people feel because they need to meet expectations and yet they can't. It's hard having one day where you just need to be able to meet something and though you try, you fail. It's stressful because even when you love, simply because you failed on this one day, she feels that you are lacking.

However, for the very few ... Valentine's is just another day meant to celebrate what they feel. These are the couples who are comfortable with what they have and know that regardless of what they receive or not receive, their love is secure and this is what matters to them the most.

Valentine's is supposed to be a day of celebrating love but it has become a day of expectations and heartaches. There are more people who are bitter about it and it makes you ask, "how can there be so much hate in a world that loves happy endings?"

To this I have to say:

To those who are newly in a relationship, enjoy but make sure you are not just in for the good times but more so for the bad times. To those who have been in a relationship for quite some time, rekindle the fire and remember why you fell in love with each other.

To those about to get married, don't let the whole brouhaha kill the love. To those newly married, you're in for a lot of surprise. Enjoy it WITH each other. To those married for a long time, remember, being husband and wife comes first before being parents.

To those who are in a rocky marriage, watch your wedding video and be reminded why you wanted and believed you wanted to be together for the rest of your life. To those who no longer want to be in a relationship but still are, ask yourself, which would really make you happy and follow your heart. Be fair to yourself and to your partner.

To the single ones, learn to be happy on your own. Learn to love and date yourself ... to be fab on your own. Be your own knight or princess ... God is not yet done writing your love story. Today is about love ... love for self, family, or someone else.

Valentines should not be measured in the number of chocolates eaten, roses handed, or the price of the dishes in a restaurant. Valentines should just be another day to remind us of how lucky we are to have someone because at some point, everyone has someone. It may not be romantic love but it is love. It may not be the love that you would like to have but it is something to have. So smile, say cheers, and let the love flow. Who knows? It may just lead to the right person, the one that is meant for you and if it doesn't, who cares? Love. Just love.

miss the kilig ...

I've been watching a couple of Kdrama and some romantic comedy lately. I have to say that as much as I get all the feels, giddiness, and kilig of what I am watching, I also feel sad because I miss it.

I miss getting to know someone and having someone to talk to at randome times until it becomes a constant. I miss going out and dating one guy. I miss holding hands with a guy. I miss the surprises and the letters. I miss taking photos. I miss the moments.

It's been almost 4 years that I have been single and sometimes, just sometimes, I miss having someone I can call mine.

L'Oreal Hair Workout

One of the things a lot of people keep forgetting is that their hair is one of the most abused part of their head. People color it, use a hair iron, hair curler, perm it, tie it, braid it ... the list just goes on and on and on about the things that we do to our hair. This is why shampoo and conditioner meant to treat damaged hair is on the rise but the question is, "do they work?"

L'Oreal Hair wanted to prove that their hair color does not damage which lets you color your hair without worry. After all, we want hair that is not only good to look at but also soft to touch and easy to manage. L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme ensures that your hair color will not lead to dry, dull, and brittle hair. With it's advance triple care protection - a unique formulation giving ultimate care and rich long lasting color - hair is stronger, smoother, and even more vibrant after coloration.



We had our hair colored and right after, it was braided and we had a Pilates workout. Talk about really walking the talk, L'Oreal Paris Hair Colorist was that confident that their product will deliver and it did. Colored hair can now withstand the torture test of the hair workouts because it is the only product that has a protective pre-serum that seals and defends hair from damage before coloring,, a caring formulation during coloration, as well as a conditioning balm that replenishes moisture and smoothens hair after coloring. If your hair does not feel protected after all of that, nothing else will.



It's time to debunk the myth of hair color damage once and for all. With L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme, hair is protected every step of the coloration process, making it the perfect choice for Filipinas to defy hair damage. The L'Oreal Paris Excellence Creme is available for only P399 in leading department stores and drug stores nationwide. With over 20 shades to choose from, there is definitely a perfect color for every Filipina.



Hair definitely not damaged. Thanks L'Oreal.

Generika Reminder: Nourish Your Health

I have to admit, I am not the best person when it comes to taking care of my health. I sleep at around 3 to 4 am, eat a lot of junk food and fried stuff, and if you can drag me to the gym at least 10x a month, that is a major achievement.

My Mom would always remind me to drink my vitamins and eat well to make up for the lack of sleep. Sometimes, I would remember but oftentimes I tend to forget and if I am being honest, don't want to buy because it can be really expensive.Thankfully, we have brands like Generika that lets us buy these things at 1/3 the original cost.

Proper nutrition is among the pillars of wellness. Along with having regular exercise and getting adequate rest every day, the quality of your nutrition, defined by what and how much you eat, contributes to your overall health. If you eat in moderation, and make sure to have whole grains daily, fruit and vegetables in every meal, while eating only lean protein and/or seafood, you’ll likely have access to all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Eating healthy is a lifestyle change. It involves planning-out your daily menus so that your diet both has balance and variety. And ultimately, it involves sourcing fresh, quality ingredients that are packed with key vitamins and minerals. Of these nutrients, the following are most essential: Vitamins A, C, D E, K, and the Vitamin B complex composed of riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, folate, B12, B6, pantothenic acid and biotin. Together, they help the body heal, self-cleanse, and function at its peak.

But what if you don’t always have access to fresh ingredients and healthy food? How will you get the vitamins and minerals that contribute to everyday wellness? Thankfully, Generika Drugstore offers food supplements, the quality and affordable Nutrawell nutraceuticals that’s exclusively available at Generika. Each nutraceutical product can provide you with your daily requirement of essential nutrients while supporting your overall health. 

 If you don’t get enough green leafy vegetables or citrus fruits in your diet, then you may need regular doses of Nutrawell Sodium Ascorbate, a non-acidic ascorbic acid preparation. Taking this nutraceutical ensures you get enough Vitamin C – a powerful antioxidant that helps metabolize proteins, absorb iron, regenerate other antioxidants in the body such as Vitamin E, while helping the body boost its energy level and immune strength. 

 

A lack of variety in the fruits and vegetables you eat may lead you to not having enough Vitamin A. But with Nutrawell Lutein with Beta-Carotene Plus, your body will have the Vitamin A, Lutein, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Zinc, and Selenium it requires. Having enough of these nutrients helps prevent macular degeneration and the formation of cataracts. They boost eye health, assist in healthy bone growth, and even support the immune system. 

 

If you’re looking to enhance your total skin health, you’ll find regular intakes of Nutrawell Collagen with Astaxanthin and Hyaluronic Acid beneficial. As Generika Drugstore’s latest age-management innovation, it is fortified with Elastin, Biotin, L-Cysteine, and Vitamin C. This powder drink rejuvenates skin firmness and radiance, while helping the body repair, and slow-down signs of aging. Given the synergy between the drink’s components, it helps the skin resist the harmful effects of UV rays while also lightening its complexion.

 

Should you have special health conditions, additional nutritional support may be needed. Nutrawell Ampalaya Plus Banaba and Luyang Dilaw may be helpful if you have high blood sugar and/or cholesterol. Each capsule contains powdered Ampalaya, Banaba, and Turmeric whose combined effects control cholesterol, insulin, and blood sugar.

With Nutrawell nutraceuticals, you can boost and maintain your overall wellness every day. Acting as your nutritional support, it allows you to get the vitamins and minerals you need. Combined with a healthy diet plus regular exercise, you can surely achieve a fit and happy life.

To learn more about Nutrawell or Generika Drugstore, simply visit http://www.generika.com.ph/ or like its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Generika.com.ph.  Remember, while Nutrawell products are both safe and effective, it is still best to consult your doctor before taking any food supplements. 

To Mr. Confused ...

If he messages randomly and out of the blue often
If he makes sudden plans all the time but never plans anything in advance
If he remembers you out of the blue but fails to remember you daily
If his messages and actions leave you feeling confused
Walk away.

If he loves looking you in the eyes
but also looks at every other girl with the same way
If he holds you close
but also holds every other girl close
If he whispers in your ears sweetly
but also whispers the same way to others
Walk away.

If he leaves butterflies in your stomach
and causes your mouth to dry
If he lingers a little too long
but does not stay long enough
If he talks to you for hours on end
but forgets you for days 
Walk away.

If anyone at any point is leaving you confused,
walk away.
That means they are unsure of something in their own lives.
You don't want to be part of the uncertainty.

You deserve security
You deserve assurance
You deserve someone who chooses you
If he doesn't make you feel any of these,
Walk away. Baby, just walk away. 

Yeppunonnie KBeauty with JayPark

Since last quarter of the year, I have become friends with this pretty blogger. We've become close and one time early this January, she asked me if I was free o the 24th at 8pm. After checking my calendar I said that I was and penned in "event with Jaja" o the 24th. I had no idea where we were going but I trusted her so I didn't even check further. Last week, I saw a post on social media about Kbeauty with JayPark. I asked her what it was and if she was going. She then replied "that's where we are going!" TOINK. Hahahaha.

I honestly thought it was a place where they would be selling Korean beauty products and so I readied myself to resist temptation. I told myself I had too much makeup already and too much skincare which I rarely use.

Apparently, I WAS WRONG. I WAS SO WRONG.

It was such a DAEBAK (Korean word for amazing) event that I did not mind being there from 830pm till 1am. Yes, I stayed that long in a club. This Titas of Manila rocked the night with her chinggu (Korean word for friend) and we actually enjoyed hahaha.

It seems that Kbeauty event was actually to showcase the different Korean brands that are available in Korea and will soon hit the market. I mean we all know Etude, Tony Moly, Innisfree, and Nature Replublic but a lot of us have never heard of AbbaMart, Amini, IPKN, 3WC, AERY JO, and Make Up Helper. Probably the real hardcore make up enthusiasts or skin care enthusiasts but people like myself will be like "w0000ttt???"

It has been ages since I have stayed up late to be in a club. So glad its with you @iamjajaramirez 😂😂😂😂 super sulit ng gabing to. DAEBAK to the highest level. 😍😍😍 #Yeppunonnie #KBeautyPH

A photo posted by Kathy Kenny (宝云) (@mskathykenny) on Jan 24, 2017 at 8:23am PST

Jaja and I went around and much to our surprise, they were actually giving out samples and mind you, the Koreans know how to give samples coz they gave the actual product size. EMERGGGHHHHHAADDDDDD!

What is a beauty haul? @yeppunonnieph #KBeautyPH #Yeppunonnie #kbeauty #skincare #koreanskincare #makeup #koreanlook #kpop #facemasks #got7 #jackson #bamba #collagen #

A photo posted by Kathy Kenny (宝云) (@mskathykenny) on Jan 24, 2017 at 11:37am PST

Isn't it crazy the amount of freebies that I got? I'm so excited to review the brow things as well as the lippies. The skin care all went to my Mom though coz she's into that more than I am. Oh she also has the BB cushion.I am so happy that I have 10 new lippies to try on for #lipsticklovebyK on my IG. I've actually tried Lip Manicre High Fix and OMO (Korean word for WOW or something similar) it did not stain or transfer. I took a bath already and there is still a gradient effect on my lips. Talk about long lasting but what I like is that it does not dry your lips. It just dries but keeps your lips smooth.

Wearing #LipManicureHighFix in Wine Burgundy ... my first from my haul last night at the @yeppunonnieph event last night ... I am amazed! It does not stain. It does not transfer. #lipsticklovebyK #lipsticklover #lippies

A photo posted by Kathy Kenny (宝云) (@mskathykenny) on Jan 24, 2017 at 9:23pm PST

I'm so excited to share with you all my finds and my soon to be new favorites. Yes, I'm confident about it because Korean cosmetics and skincare is love. SERIOUSLY. So I hope you subscribe to my YouTube channel where I will try to do 1 to 2 minute clips and follow me on Instagram and Twitter :)

Some of the items you need to watch out for:

ORLY Glamour Looks

What's a better way to welcome 2017 than having nails that spell glamour? It may be a small thing but guess what? People actually pay attention to your nails and how it looks tell them how you take care of yourself.

As one guy said, "if you can't take care of something that can be easily seen, what more the parts of you hidden from the public eye?" So let ORLY help you ensure that your nails are always pretty and ready to be seen.



The Orly Sunset Strip Mini Kit is perfect to bring along on your Valentine's plan or Summer getaway. Yes, we know it's only January but we also know that a lot of you are already planning your Q1 vacation because who doesn't need one right?



I love how red and sparkly this @orlyph #Summer line is. It's perfect for the upcoming #NewYear festivity.



                                

With 4 dazzling colors that ranges from cream to shimmer, this collection will surely help you settle in 2017 with a bang. After all, one can never be too pretty and with nails as pretty as this, you should feel more confident in taking over 2017 and making it yours.