A Selfless Love From The Heart Of An Eight Year Old Boy

Ryan's twin sister was being bullied in school due to her weight. Out of selfless love, Ryan composed a letter to Santa even if it wasn't Christmas yet in the hopes of making his sister happy on their birthday. 

Doesn't this letter make your heart melt? 

Read the full article here.

Stay Happy,
Khaye :)

Finally Found

I have a love and hate relationship with afternoon nap time. I love it simply because it's a luxury and it's always a guaranteed power nap every chance I get to do it. I hate it because it keeps me up to the wee hours of the night like I don't have any commitment the following day.

That's why i'm still up until now. And I need to wake up really early in the morning to run some errands, etc. I found myself lying in bed, staring at the ceiling while trying to convince myself that I was about to catch some zzzs. I didn't want to read anything because it would only keep me from getting sleepy. I tried being idle a few minutes ago but a stimulus just had to surface somewhere, like my itching leg. I tried to think random thoughts in my head but my mind was tired. I wouldn't resort to counting sheep either so I got back to being idle again but then I felt the need to pee. When I got back to my room, I reached over and grabbed my laptop and found this on Youtube:

Finally Found by Honeyz - this was my favorite song back in grade school and it still is one of my favorites to this age. Images of my awkward pubertal age came flashing in my head when I heard this again after God knows how many years. I remember having a crush in fourth grade and guess what, this was my song for him. Shocking, right?! Haha! I was such a fan girl that I used to listen to the radio the entire day waiting and fervently praying for this song to be played while a cassette tape was ready for recording. When my pursuit was successful, I paused, played, and rewound over and over just to jot down the lyrics. Getting lyrics was painstaking back in the day if you didn't have enough money to purchase a copy of songhits. 

More than anything, i'm happy to have finally found this song again and found relief in seeing Honeyz reunite. I still know the words of this song, geez. I got no choice but to download this because I found it soothing and refreshing as 90's music is so different compared to this era's.

I can sleep now.

Stay Happy,
Khaye :)

A Side Trip To Dakasi

This post is actually an extension of my feature re: Kebab Turki Baba Rafi which you may find here.

As my friend and I walked back to the car after our sumptuous excursion to a newly discovered and wonderful kebab land that is KTBR, we spotted a huge star from a distance that was perfectly illuminated to twinkle, sparkle and wink at us. It was so inviting that we haphazardly swerved our paths towards it as our next destination. I found it funny that we followed a star only to give in to the urge of finding out what it had in store for us. "Follow the star, follow the star!" yeah, that.

I was already in Makati and it would take days before I go back so we thought of giving it a shot. When we got in the premises, we found groups of people swarming around their respective tables with drinks either in their hands or on top of the table. It was then that we knew that we just got ourselves inside a milk tea place.  It was just too obvious and too stereotypical for anyone not to find out in a split second. My friend and I just looked each other in the eye and non-verbally agreed to just stay in and try their drinks out even if our tummies were still full.

Milk Tea choices, choices

Halo-Halo Milk Tea, anyone?

The star that twinkled an invitation

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi Invades Manila

With the sudden influx of Western, Middle-Eastern and other Asian flavors that imminently take the Philippines by storm, how could an international food brand with a foreign taste introduce itself to the Filipino palate's warm patronage? That's easy. It just has to be tasty, filling, distinct, simple, accessible and affordable. That's a pretty basic formula that arms the success of a famous food cart business that has ruled the kebab-loving hearts of Indonesians, Malaysians, and just recently, the Filipinos.

The name? Kebab Turki Baba Rafi. Just uttering the words that compose the name of this brand can be quite a mouthful let alone memory-friendly. If you ask me now for the exact name without the help of a cheat sheet, you would disown me in a heartbeat. I just couldn't pronounce and memorize any word that comes after Kebab. But that's beside the point as from this moment forward, i'm declaring that if asked which kebab place has the best in the Philippines thus far, I would mumble and stammer for a minute trying to recall the name but then concede to just saying Kebab Whatever, referring to that vibrant yellow and red kiosk that is a breath of fresh air tucked in the seemingly suffocating Dela Rosa Carpark 1 in Makati. I'm uncertain as to when will I get to memorize its name but I know someday I will, and by heart.

According to their website, "Kebab Turki Baba Rafi is one of Indonesia's premier food chains, with almost 900 outlets across the country. The brand was founded by Hendy Setiono, recipient of Ernst & Young's 2009 Entrepreneur of The Year, who was also named by Business Week as one of Asia's Best Entrepreneurs Under 25. In the '2012 Best Franchise Award', Kebab Turki Baba Rafi ranked 3rd, ahead of local and international brands such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, California Fried Chicken and non-food franchises such as Kumon. Beyond the expansion into Malaysia, Kebab Turki Baba Rafi is now focused on expanding into The Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Hong Kong and other Asian markets."

Isn't that impressive or what? Those credentials definitely speak volumes of their products' overall quality. Touted as the biggest kebab chain in the world, KTBR is expected to dwarf its counterparts in Manila to make it big and earn the love of discerning Filipinos, similar to what it did to the locals of its birth country. In fact, in less than 7 months of operation here in Philippines, there are already 3 branches of KTBR across Luzon and the expansion of 25 more before the end of the year is in the works to extend its reach to our fellows living in farther regions. I would be scared then shift business if I were one of their competitors! I'm actually just learning about this now right after I did my research to backup this post. I remember that I first got my hands on this back in Malaysia however I only took a bite of their shawarma as I was too full to consume anything during that time. It didn't even leave an impression on me. I thought of it as like any other shawarma-WRONG. When I learned from my friend that there's a new kebab place that her officemates are raving about, I was half-interested to go but I knew that I would regret declining such invitation. When we arrived at the place and laid my eyes on their panaflex signage, I knew that I had tried their food before, but never did I give high hopes.

Facade of Kebab Turki Baba Rafi 

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Vlogged

My cousin and I made a cameo in Say Tioco Artillero's vlog (video blog) which was taken last Sunday during the private selling event at the Glambox Beauty Studio. The video was just uploaded today. Check it out!

We were featured from 5:00 to 5:10 in case you're interested to know hehehe..

Stay Happy,

Khaye :)

A Mega Morning

Good morning! I just thought of sharing the Instagram photo that I posted earlier this morning. :)

Just because I received the Sept issue yesterday--all 406 pages of it.

B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L. It's a masterpiece through and through that is sure to take its readers to wonderful Brazil and magnificent Peru! Bravo to the masterminds behind this issue. They have certainly raised the bar once again. I heard that magazine shelves have cleared up when it came out. This one heavy and content-full book magazine shall keep me company for as long as my free time would allow this week. 

And oh, I also made myself a hot chocolate bev glamorized by some marshmallows and candy sprinkles. So inspired, I know.

Stay Happy,

Khaye

That Eventful Weekend!

It's been ages (10 days to be exact) since my last blog post and just to give an update, i'm still alive. I'm so alive that i've been taking in projects from here and there like there's no tomorrow. I somehow feel bad that I promise to make this a lengthier post to make up for my absence here on blogosphere. It's just that I have been into so much lately that blogging or even breathing, for that matter, could be such a chore. I haven't even been checking my social media accounts that much and I feel so behind with everything that's going on. I didn't even get any memo that the UAAP cheerdance competition was held yesterday.  I heard that UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe did awful. In fact, they placed second to the last according to the news. Imagine, SECOND TO THE FRIGGIN LAST! That's just unacceptable for a team that has the most number of cheerdance championships won. Oh well, gone are the glory days but regardless, I won't ever get tired of chanting "Go USTE" for my dear UST! Winning teams, we'll get you next time!

In retrospect, I just realized that despite the stress and all, I was still able to go on shopping sprees, at least three times within ten days! Oh my talk about stress shopping! I splurged on a route that I would rather take on any given day rather than go back to binge and stress eating again. Speaking of which, I also noticed that I lost weight. I somehow feel lighter and my clothes fit better. I'll have to consult Mr.Scale to validate that though because it could be the mirror. Let's cross our fingers and toes for that one. Also, I was able to finish a book, it's my first of author Emily Griffin and the title is Where We Belong. It's about secrets and how these secrets, no matter how little, will always find their way to reveal themselves. Alongside keeping secrets, the book also conveys how keeping secrets weave our lives with a web of lies that further complicate our relationships, career and all other things that truly matter. I'll give it a thumbs up, it's one of those engrossing I-can't-put-down-unless-I-really-need-to-pee books. For the record, it's a breaking one for me as it was my first time to finish a book in two days. On average, I usually finish a book of 400 pages in about a week, depending on how many hours I can devote to reading at night.

Last Saturday, I spent the whole day driving for my mom while running some errands and the whole night baking 100 cupcakes to be served in a birthday party the following day. I usually do not accept orders as i'm not a legit baker more so knowledgeable of the cupcakery business. It's just that I couldn't say no to a friend who's done more than enough favors for me than I did for her. She just loves my cupcakes and would love to share its goodness to her guests. Ehem, pardon the lack of modesty right there. Anyhoo, I did agree and took on the challenge only for the love of my friend. Too bad that I didn't get to take photos of the finished cupcakes as I was in a hurry but picture this, my friend requested that I bake her 100 dark chocolate cupcakes topped with blush colored frosting. The cake itself was very basic yet the turnout was elegant as I placed some edible pearls on top of the swirled frosting. I baked the cupcakes the night before then frosted all of them on Sunday morning. One major mishap of the list of mishaps that I had yesterday: the frosting was quite a last minute decision as I originally intended to frost the cupcakes using boiled icing. Unfortunately, the icing didn't reach stiff peaks after an hour of relentless beating. It just wouldn't come to form no matter what I did. My fingers even had blisters for holding the beater too hard. I was at the verge of tears as it was past 9am and not one cupcake was frosted! I was already panicking as the cupcakes needed to be picked-up at 12nn and I had to get ready for a date with my cousin who I will be meeting at Ayala Triangle Gardens at 11am. At that point, I could only say a little prayer to all heavens. I also texted my cousin to wait it out a little as I was going to be late, for sure. Then, a light bulb abruptly turned on in my head. Well, a lightbulb that lies somewhere had to because I didn't have a choice lest I want to ruin my good friend's birthday to her disappointment! Why not make swiss meringue buttercream frosting, I thought?! Yes, thank God the cupcake fairies didn't forsake one bit! I just softened 3 bars of unsalted butter and whipped it with the boiled icing that I already made and voila! A very yummy turnout! It was one of the best frostings I ever made, in my opinion. I told you, a little prayer and know-how would always come in handy!

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Revealed: Kate Bosworth's Wedding Dress

I've been following Kate's journey on the creation of her wedding dress; from sketchings, measurements to fittings.. And today, the growing anticipation was finally put to a halt.

"In the same manner that she fell in love with her man, I hope she's going to fall in love with the dress." - Oscar De La Renta

This sounds cliche-is but this definitely is a play on less is more. Kate looks regal in her unembellished dress, just the way she wants it, highlighting her ethereal facial features. The dress itself looks lightweight and comfy; a no fuss, no frills approach that complements a morning wedding in Montana. This dress is seamlessly perfect to the bejeweled averse that is Kate. Oscar, on the other hand, definitely takes in the personality of his clients as this particular one is a subdued version of his designs, which at most times, scream luxury and expensive. This one certainly is a reflection of Kate in love-- unpretentious and true.

What do you think?

Stay Happy,

Khaye :)

My Hair, Dyed!

Let me just say that I roll on puns, hence the title. I think this one that I came up with is kinda witty while it fittingly corresponds to the content of this post. If you didn't find it funny, oh well. I won't judge you so long as you won't judge me either. Going back to the topic, my hair is at the brink of filing a case at the nearest hair rescue facility due to the neglect of its owner's duty. You see, I had my hair dyed to a chestnut brown hue last year. Yes, last year and it hasn't been chemically/professionally touched since then. I'm counting the number of months that have elapsed as I imagine the repulsive two toned layer of hair color that is a far cry from giving ombre any justice. The upper layer of my hair appears to be jet black (my original hair color), while the bottom half had become a dull chestnut earth color. It doesn't help that my hair is in drought punctuating its disgusting appearance. Point is, my hair is just screaming for some much needed TLC. Awww.. poor hair so wawa!

My hair situation, ooh should I even start talking about it? I'm not self-deprecating here but the words stale, in disarray borderline destitute would best describe it. I used to hear my hair cry at night but it couldn't produce tears anymore due to immense dehydration so I decided to give it its much needed slack.

I was supposed to go to a salon to have my hair professionally treated by a hair technician but my frugal alter ego ruled over (read: upcoming vacation) that's why I decided to head out to the nearest drugstore that is Watson's. Since it will be my first time to dye my hair on my own, I did some research via the internet first to learn some tips and tricks that would enable me to hit success however, every review or demonstration appeared to favor the type of product and procedure that was used. I jotted down the different ways of conducting a DIY hair dye treatment and listed each of their pros and cons. I deliberated and arrived with a decision to go for bubble hair dye as my go to product for the sake of convenience. Besides, it's just imperative that I forego the other methods as i'm a rookie at this stuff.

When I perused the shelves of hair coloring products at Watson's, I couldn't help but get overwhelmed! Every stack was teeming with various brands and colors that I couldn't decide which one to pick. Haaay choices, choices. Although I had been patient in checking out the contents and instructions of every box, I was oblivious to what ingredients actually work. Thank goodness that I got the help of a very supportive and knowledgeable SA to ease my trouble. She must have spotted me in my baffled glory so I confessed about my hair predicament. She concurred with my choice of hair coloring agent which is the bubble type.  She told me that based on her own experience, she would recommend that I stick with ammonia-free hair products as the said chemical is harsh for the hair. It's responsible for a product's pungent odor, hair breakage and stiffness. So off the stacks we went reviewing every brand's formulation making sure that it's doesn't contain any strain of ammonia and it didn't take long until we found one. Ammonia-free - check! Bubble type - check! Golden Blonde color - check! Affordable - check! On sale - check, check, check! Yes, we got the one much thanks to the SA's expertise!

Richenna Bubble Color in Golden Blonde