Christmas 2017

This Christmas, we experienced a few firsts. This is the first time Kirk is not with us because he needs to stay in Singapore for work. This is also the first time that a boyfriend of mine has spent Christmas with my family and I. It feels weird to have someone not here with us and to have someone else here with us.

However, as they said, life is all about changes and we need to welcome change. One thing that does not change though is the food that we consume on Christmas eve. My Mom and siblings still make the best noche buena in my opinion and you can see it for yourself here.

We also had our annual family photo though this time around, one brother is missing from the picture.

This time around though, we had an addition. The boyfie made an appearance and as usual, he always doesn't look at the photos. K fine, kinilig ako haha. 

This Christmas, we spent the time just being together, bullying each other, having dinner, scaring ourselves by watching The Autopsy of Jane Doe, then opening gifts.

My brother Karl took this photo of myself trying to hide beside Mark and trying to protect my little cousin who was also scared.

This here is my family exchanging gifts. Mark took photos of us. Many photos.

My son was very happy with his Spiderman flip watch from Avon. He also loved the books Mark and I got for him. Mark also got him earphones because he is forever losing his earphones.

I'm really happy with his gift for me ... one of the many coz he already got me 3 tops from Uniqlo. I've been looking for this light box with letters and he got it for me. He even checked with my little sister if I already got this to make sure that I didn't buy it yet. This is his 2nd surprise for me, the first being the flowers. Doing well with surprises boyfie. Doing very well.

This red hoodie pillow is one of the weirdest thing I have ever receieved. It's cute but I still don't know what to feel about it. Haha.

The bracelet on his hand and the Back to the Future Case is my Christmas gift to him. He seems happy about it so yey!

Overall, it was a great Christmas with a lot of love going around. I think this is the best kind of Christmas because isn't that what Christmas is about? Sharing love, giving back, and celebrating life?

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Wishlist 2017

There are a few things that I could ask for this Christmas. After all, I have an awesome family, wonderful friends, and finally, my Mr. Right. I can't believe I just said that but it's true. I have a great job and an amazing team who does everything in their power to further spread the news about our site so everything has been going very well.

However, there are just a few things that I wish to have as well so I hope someone indulges me. Well, 4 things.

1. #MATTEMOISELLE by Rihanna. Nuff said.

2. ROG Shirts and Bags - Seriously, these merchandise makes me want to be a gamer. Heck, I just want them coz they really look good. Anyone who has ever played a game would want to have this. It's a definite must have and thankfully, it is now available here.

3. Ultraboost by Adidas. I already have 5 Adidas sneakers and I wouldn't mind adding more.

4. Adidas x Issey Miyake. I mean, just look at that backpack! Isn't it super gorgeous?

So there you go. These are just some of the things on my wishlist and it's 3 days to Christmas. I wonder if I'll get any of these?

Never Too Much

I was told on many occassions that I was too much.

Too smart.
Too stupid.
Too pretty.
Too ugly.
Too classy.
Too low.
Too high maintenance.
Too fat.
Too far.
Too available.
Too hard to attain.

It was always that I was too much of something. I was never enough. I was never worth it. I was never just right.

The last guy I fell for, I wasn't good enough. I was too fat and too far. Suffice to say that with the many broken hearts and pains I've encountered, I finally gave up on love. November 18, 2017 I met a tourist guide in Iloilo who told me to go pray at this certain church we went to. I asked her why and she said that she heard me say that I have given up on love or on finding my forever. It seems that this particular church was where women go to pray when they want to find the one.

Did I believe her? Not really but at the same time, I didn't want to be rude so I indulged her. I went inside the church and uttered a quick prayer. I remembered saying that "Lord, if there is someone for me, let me meet him asap because I'm supposed to be married by 2019 according to my Mom's prophecy." I meant it in jest because as I said, I honestly believed that I wouldn't meet anyone because apparently, for most men, I was just too much.

November 21, 2017, this happened.

He finally met and got to know my world and he didn't run away. In fact, he made sure to find a spot and glued himself in that spot. No amount of eyebrows raising, eyes glaring, or scathing remark could scare him off. Spending a day with my family did not scare him off either. Heck, 3.5 hours of travel time just to get to my house did not scare him off as well. It seems that this time around, I was not too far, too silly, too crazy, or too much.

This time around, I was PERFECT ... perfect for him and in his life. When I told him we lived too far from each other, he replied that it is mere distance. He wasn't going to let distance keep us apart. When I said I was too fat, he said that I was sexy the way I was. When I said that I was too this or too that, he said that I am perfect the way I am.

He always marvels at how pretty I am and how hard I work. He seems to just be amazed at what I have deemed as ordinary about me. It feels amazing to have someone appreciate you for who you are minus the glamour, the make up, the glitz of events, and what not.

He saw me when I didn't even think of being seen. He noticed me when I was too busy to give a care about the world. He found me when I stopped searching for love and just went on my way. He reminded me of what it felt like to be valued and cared for, to be treated like a woman in the truest sense of the word. He respected me and proved it by going to my house and meeting my Mom and entire family. He never backed down even when my Mom told him of what was bad about me. He faced my friends and showed them he was serious about me. Heck, he even loved the fact that they were all grilling him. He said it proved that I was someone worth keeping because my friends were adamant in protecting me.

He's seen my bad side too ... how I don't like to talk when it's too early in the morning, how I easily snap when I am hungry, how I have no patience for idiots, and how I can curse like a sailor when triggered. For some reason, he still didn't run away.

With him, I was never too much. I was more than enough.

It still feels surreal to be with someone when I have long given up on the idea of finding Mr. Right. I remember fighting off the feelings because he just felt right and I told myself that most likely I am wrong but when I saw my family and friends accepting him for me, I realized that he was worth the risk.

It's been less than a week but I know that this is right. It feels right from the very beginning and we have the blessing of people who matter to us. We have our families guiding us every step of the way and most important of all, we both want this to be our last relationship. We're no longer young and we've done crazy things in the past. This time around, the only crazy thing we can do is to be crazy in love and in making each other happy.

I finally realized that if its the right person, you can never be too much. You don't need to change who you are or pretend to be something you are not. You can be you and know that the other person will be more than happy to have you in their life. With the right person, you will always be more than enough. Isn't that what real love should be like?

When you find someone who fights to find a spot in your life and makes you remember what love was like before all the betrayal, and heartbreak, you keep that person and thank God for a wonderful blessing. Thank you @markbalmores for waltzing into my life. I love you too. 12.14.17 pic.twitter.com/2RiFA0cZlH

— MsKathyKenny 宝云 (@mskathykenny) December 17, 2017

AVON's Gift Guide

For some people, gift giving is not yet over though Christmas is. There are a lot of people who give out gifts on the first week of January for many reasons. Lack of funds, no time, and sometimes, just plain laziness are the many reasons why some people get delayed with their gifts.

Whatever the reason is, here's an AVON gift guide to help you out. What's better is that if you order online or through your favorite AVON lady,  they can just have it delivered straight to your doorstep.

For your sister or cousin who has long flowing hair, this brush set is perfect. It helps maintain their smooth long locks and at the back of the big brush is a mirror where they can check how they look.



For the stylish friend, Mom, or boss who needs to always be on fleek, these sunnies, press powder, earrings, and perfume will definitely keep them on top of their games.



For the man in your life be it you favorite brother, boyfriend, husband, or guy best friend, this watch will definitely help them step up their game. The USB cables that look like bracelets are also both functional and fashionable all at the same time.



For your favorite Tita, help keep them silent and have them stop asking the eternal question of "Single ka pa rin? Kelan ka mag aasawa?" These cute tumblers will be a great way to make them take a sip or two or a lot this Holiday season.



Of course, these set of lipstick is for any woman out there. No woman should ever be without an AVON lipstick because not only are these affordable but they are long lasting and looks good on anyone.



This Christmas, there is no need to battle it out with people. You just need to go to the AVON website to shop online or check the newest catalogue to choose which ones you like from your AVON lady.

Dear Future Boyfriend

Hi,

First of all, I can't believe that I am even writing something like this. I have long given up on finding someone and to even entertain the idea of having a future boyfriend was definitely not high on my list. However, it seems that fate has something stored for me and so I thought, if I really were to have a future boyfriend, he needs to know a few things about me.

Or a lot.

So here is the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good. I am fiercely loyal. Cheating will never be an option so if we become a couple, you never have to worry about my faithfulness and loyalty. I will also take care of you and make sure that you are well fed and loved.

I love giving gifts to people I love. As long as it's not irrational, if I can make something happen, I will. I will make time for you amidst my busy schedule.

Everyone I know will know that we are together because I will be proud of you and our relationship. It will not be something that I will hide.

I will do my best to understand and sort every fight we have. I will not give up on you as long as I see that you are not giving up on us.

The Bad. I have questions and I will ask it randomly. I laugh out loud at inappropriate times, sometimes, in the middle of a huge fight. I dance and sing at random and yes, I get hungry a lot. My family is also pretty crazy as well as my friends but if they love you, they will be there for us no matter what.

I cry for absolutely no reason especially when I am about to have my period. I can't help it. The hormones get the better of me and I also resort to senseless arguments. Again, just give me a big tight hug as well as boxes of mint chocolate.

The Ugly. I have trust issues. You will need to reassure me and make me feel confident about you, about us, and about things. I will do my best to stop the doubts but I will need your help as well.

I get mad easily. I know that I need to control my temper and so I will do my best to tell you what easily ticks me off. Please help me out with this one.

I step back if I feel that I don't matter. I shut down and put up walls. You need to ensure this does not happen and if it does, you need to remind me why I shouldn't. Do not ignore me or avoid me because absence does not make me forget the fight. It makes me forget the person and get even more closed off.

Also, here's a list of things that I wanted in a boyfriend that I wrote before but have amended now that I am 37.

What I need from Mr. Right 

1. He needs to make me smile. I have a resting b!+(h face so making me smile is quite important. Also, with the many negatives in the world, wouldn't it be nice to have someone who constantly makes you happy. In return, I will also do the same for him. You know I can be pretty funny when I want to be.

2. He needs to accept my family and my son. This is a no brainer and a deal breaker.

3. He needs to be a little showy. I seek validation and I am very touchy and showy so if Mr. Right isn't, it might be awkward. I don't want someone who does extreme PDA but the Kdrama backhugs, holding hands, and chaste kisses in public would be pretty awesome.

4. He needs to have a life but I need to have a part in it. This means that he should be able to go on and live his life with his family and friends but at the same time, not completely forget me to the point where I wonder if I a simply an option.

5. He needs to have dreams because I have so many dreams of my own. I will be there to cheer him on and support him but he also must be ready to do the same thing with me.

6. Lastly, I need someone who puts me first over his pride. If he misses me, he will let me know. If we fight, he will choose to fix us rather than be right. If he wants to see me, he will make a way for it to happen. He needs to show me how much I really mean to him because I will do the same thing.

It's true that I yearn for the little surprise gift or bouquet of gerberas and stargazers  but more than anything, I just want Mr. Right to treasure me and show me how much I really matter. I don't dream of someone who looks like my Kdrama idols but I do want someone who will make me feel like one of the leads in a Kdrama ... loved, treasured, and someone worth fighting for. 

The Photographer

My first memory of him was inside an airplane. There I was seated and trying very hard to juggle my small bag, my backpack, and my neck pillow while trying to find my headphone and place my laptop within easy reach and then I felt eyes on me. I looked up and saw a tall guy looking at me and he smiled shyly.

Yes, shyly.

He reminded me of a basset hound and I mean this as a compliment. He has droopy, sad eyes that lit up when he smiled. I didn't think anything of it and simply smiled back. I figured he was part of the Manila Media group headed out to Singapore and I'll eventually get to meet him during the press conference.

When the plane landed, I was one of the very first to head out. I realized soon as I stepped out of the plane though that I did not know where we would be picked up and who to look for so I waited for that guy who smiled at me. Upon seeing him, I asked if he was part of the media group and he said he was so I introduced myself. There, in the middle of the tube that connected the plane to the airport, I met Mark

When I remember how our first conversation went,  I cringe. I cringe because I asked him to take photos of me inside the airport and I even told him the angle and frame and what not, not realizing that he is a professional photographer. Eeeepp! Thankfully, he was a gentleman and never said a word. He just took the photos and was very accommodating.

Second day in Singapore found us going out to take photos. I wanted to have cafe shots and he volunteered to go with me. I thought to myself that perhaps, he was just bored and didn't have anything else to do. Boy was I wrong.

He was so patient. Seriously. He took so many awesome shots of me.

As you can see, I finally have an IG boyfriend.

Throughout our time in Singapore, he was just always around ready to snap a photo, carry my stuff, help me get a spot during the presscon where international media proved how small I am indeed in terms of height, and ready to treat me whenever I am hangry.

I thought that it was just a Singapore thing. Perhaps, when we land in Manila, we wouldn't talk anymore. Apparently, I am severely mistaken.

The moment we landed at NAIA Terminal 3 and until today, as I am writing this, he has been a constant in my life. In fact, we arrived on a Saturday and he was here at my turf on a Sunday. I marvel at this because he lives in Cainta and I live in Las Pinas. We literally have 4 cities between us and he doesn't mind.

It took him 2.5 hours of travel time without traffic to get to my place. 2.5 HOURS. *mind blown*

It has been almost 2 weeks since we came back from Singapore and he has already met my Mom and told her of his intentions. That sounded so old fashioned but at the same time, it feels so good to say that. It has been 17 years since someone actually courted me and the effort he is making has been pretty impressive.

We're only at that stage where we are still getting to know each other but I like that he makes time to visit me at home, pick me up from work to take me home and spend a bit of time with my family, as well as meet my friends. He adjusts to how crazy and fluffy my life is compared to his very serious line of work and he calls my work the light in the darkness that is his job.

I still don't know where this is going coz I wanna be careful this time around. I've had more than my fair share of heartaches and so I have learned to guard my heart pretty well. After all, the last guy who got a piece of my heart had me getting over him in less than a month.

This time around, I wanna see first if he remains consistent and if he can win over my family, especially my Mom and my son. If he does, then he gets a bigger chance of winning my heart coz my heart is my family and if my family approves, then I know that I will be in good hands.

On Utah, Adventures, and Coffee Shops

When going to a new place, one of the things that I constantly look at are instagrammable places, hotels and coffee shops. I feel like it says a lot about a place if it is IG worthy, what the hotel will be like, and if they are fond of coffee shops and if they are, what kind do they have? Are they 3^rd wave coffee shops? Are they international brands or do they have a home grown place that speaks of the identity of the place?      

Sometimes though, it’s nice to go for something a little different and with my next travel destination, it’s all about having an adventure!

Hello Utah! I feel pretty excited because I know that there will be a lot of things to look forward to and check. First on my list of course is a place where I can stay and for me, the best place to stay at would be somewhere that feels like home and upon checking, there were many homes for rent in Utah which is pretty exciting because I feel like I get to live like a local while I’m there and anyone who’s read my travel posts would know that I am big on living like a local and trying out new things. It just feels more authentic to me and I feel like I can really immerse myself in the culture of the country that I am visiting.

Since I tend to travel by myself or with a friend, I get to do more things and for this trip to Utah, I’m more inclined to check out scenic spots where I can take the perfect OOTD to help show off the beauty of the place as well as have that perfect Instagram moment.

Before I sit down for my caffeine fix, I need to go and visit Zion National Park. It seems that this place is a good spot to go to even for beginners in hiking, camping, and climbing which describes me perfectly. I can also go ahead and make a stop at Bryce Canyon National Park with its towering spires and a natural amphitheater, I can even pretend to be giving a concert and capture it on Instagram or Twitter. However, the most Instagrammable national park for me though would have to be Arches National Park with its red rock vistas. If I wear a yellow shirt or dress, this would be the perfect contrast to that perfect OOTD. I get to show off the beauty of the place while having a new IG worthy photo that I can print and put up on my wall of memories.

I just need to make sure that I visit between April to September since this is the prime time for spring and summer. No one wants to be in a national park when it’s raining cats and dogs or snowing. As beautiful as it would be to have a photo during ski season, the warm blooded person in me would simply die of cold.

However, for those who love the cold, skiing is also another wonderful option in Utah but you need to go and visit during ski season which is normally between the months of December to March so if you have ever dreamed of a white Christmas, then you know that Utah is one of the best options for you to go to. As for me and my very thin skin, we’d need to wear layers and layers and layers of clothing to survive.

For the more adventurous type, you need not fret coz you will never run out of things to do in Utah. You can go canyoneering, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, cycling, abseiling, off road driving, or even go horseback riding. You can also have a picnic in the park for your downtime or during meals. You literally won’t run out of things to do since there are so many national parks to discover and conquer that would satisfy your heart.

After satisfying all that wanderlust and need for adrenaline, it’s time to head back to the city and try out the different cafes that they have to offer. Just like they don’t lack for national parks and adventures, Utah also has a ton of coffee shops that you can choose from.

One of the places that grabbed my attention was Castlerock Coffee and Candy which is in Torrey, Utah. Castlerock has a review of 4.1 which is a great indication. It also looks like a very comfy spot where you can just sit down and relax. They have an awesome selection of drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. They also breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you don’t need to worry about going there at any time.

If you are looking for something a bit more different, the hip down-home coffeehouse called The Rose Establishment will definitely be a necessary stop. This one is located in Salt Lake City and offers a variety of exotic beans and loose leaf tea with in house bakery so you are assured that everything is always fresh.

For those who are into sustainable living though, Millcreek Coffee Roasters is the coffee shop to patronize because they source sustainable coffee beans which are locally roasted as well. In fact this place is considered as one of the best coffee shops in town and their 4.6 ratings just validated it.

Whether you are a caffeine lover or an adventure freak, Utah definitely has something for you. For now,  can’t wait to go ahead and start my own adventures and end it with a caffeine fix.  

Singapore Eats

One of the things Singapore is known for is the many food places that they have. Since they are a hub of different cultures, the food options can be pretty diverse which makes for an interesting trip. Anyone who has been to this site will know that I love eating and so here's a recap of my eating spree in Singapore.

On my very first night, this is what we had.

I have to be honest and say that I prefer the Satay in Kota Kinabalu. It was tastier for me and had more oomph. This was also pretty good but the one in Kota was way better. Even the one that I had in Berjaya, Kuala Lumpur was actually better and they are the ones that look the most similar to each other.

The cereal prawn was amazing but the little cereal bits that decorate it is what makes it really good. It's quite addiciting so make sure you get only a healthy dose because you might end up eating the entire plate by yourself. Truth be told, you might push the shrimp to the side and just eat the cereals.

If you are fond of oysters, this is the thing to have. The oysters are fresh and you can feel the texture in every bite. Tasty and really in your face so if you are a bit queasy, you might wanna avoid this dish.

This is the carrot cake. I have no idea why it is called that but it was pretty tasty. I actually ate a lot of it. So if you are in the Makansutra area, make sure to get these dishes. You also get this view while eating which is why though the food is nothing awesome but just great, people go here.

The next day, I had a chocolate muffin from The Coffee Academics and I have to say that for 3SGD, this is one of the best chocolate muffin that I have ever had. It had this gooey choco filling inside that just adds a burst of flavor when you bite into it.

There's a hawker place right below Peninsula Excelsior and the Tom Yum there is just out of this world. Never have I ever had a Tom Yum this sour and spicy and just soooo good. I'm not even a huge fan but I felt that I finally knew what Tom Yum should taste like. Oh and this one costs only 5SGD.

This noodle dish called Char Kway Teow is one of the must try for me. Seriously. I had this one at Rasapura Masters in Marin Bay Sands Mall. It may not look appetizing but believe you me, THIS WAS SOOOO GOOD.

When you walk down the bridge from the mall, you will encounter a small cart with an old man selling ice cream sandwich. My brothers told me it is a must to try so I had Durian Ice Cream Sandwich which I totally loved.

In one of the many MTR tunnels, we chanced upon this place and had one of the best fishball noodle soup. Their fishball is WAY DIFFERENT than ours. It was almost like fish tofu and I am addicted to fish tofu. I can eat an entire pack by myself. Then again, that's me.

This salted egg crab was AMAZING. As much as I wanna share where this is, my brothers made me take a vow of silence but if you happen upon it, you will forget your name. IT IS DELICIOUS! Hint: It's near Ikea.

This fishball noodle soup is located in Bugis and cost less than 4SGD. 

 

I saw this while walking around on my last day and since I loved the Bak Kut Teh in Kota Kinabalu, I thought, this is a must try!

Sadly, this was too peppery for my taste. It felt like nilaga but sharper.

On my last day, my brothers took me to Pepperoni which apparently has one of the best pizza in town and I gotta say, HELL YES!

We tried 4 different flavors and there wasn't a single one that I did not like. It is pugon baked which made the pizza smokier and brought out the flavor more.

The only thing that I wasn't able to try was the Laksa but aside from that, I can say that I have a fair idea now of what Singapore has to offer when it comes to food. Bon appetit!