Kennard Diaries

And I can finally sing, "I don't know about you but I'm feeling 22, Everything will be alright if you keep me next to you." Still in a euphoric moment to hit the double two. I felt like I just hit a milestone. I know I'm that shallow. Back in senior year of high school after listening to Taylor Swift's 22, I have made a pact with my sixteen year old self that this would be my jam for my twenty-second birthday. And I have lived that moment over a week ago. So to my sixteen year old self, here we are. The day has finally come.

On the first few hours of my natal day, I spent it replying to some friends who wished me all the love and joy on my special day. Then I dozed off to sleep and woke up past twelve in the afternoon later that day. Being the spiritual person that I am, I offered my prayers and thank the Lord for giving me another 365 days to live and cherish at a nearby church that I usually go to.

At three pm, I started prepping up myself to meet Miko and Neome at around five pm for my birthday dinner. It was an hour ride on the way to SM North-The Block. We did not anticipate the traffic that was coming. Nonetheless, we were still on time. With a time to spare, we roam around and went window shopping.

This year, I decided to have my birthday at Pound by Todd English at Ayala Malls Vertis North because the restaurant has the vibe and ambiance that I am aiming for my Instagram post for my birthday. I am sure you are judging me now. Yes, two days before my birthday I had curated it already on my mind on how each photos are going to look. I am admittedly an Instagram hoe. Luckily, only a few customers were dining so I got the shots I am aiming for. Must be because it's my day haha! On the table were caramelized bacon alfredo which I really love for its right amount of flavor, poutine pizza, T.E. sundaes for dessert plus they also gave me another one as a complementary gift, and to wrap things up, chocolate milkshake for our drinks. Right when we were about to finish our dinner, the staff played and sang me a Happy Birthday song. I got a bit shy at first because I might be interrupting the dinner of the other customers but I got over it and I thought this is my day so carry on!

I just can't let the day pass without a bit of shopping. I missed the smell of new clothes. Lately, all I have been wearing were my thrift finds. Case in point, my leopard printed top. Nothing fancy, I just bought myself a dark beige cardigan which I have been eyeing and contemplating to buy for more than two weeks. If you really want to buy something and you can't stop thinking about it, buy it!

We then decided to cap the night off and end my birthday at our usual Starbucks coffee shop along West Avenue. To Miko and Neome, thank you for being with me on my birthday. And also to the well wishers who took time to greet me whether it be through text or online, thank you. 

With so much love,

Kennard

It is 30 minutes past 12 in the morning and I just turned 22. Few weeks ago, we just entered the new year even welcomed it festively with the sound of fireworks and the excited screams of our  neighbours with hope gleaming in their eyes that a better calendar year is ahead in their lives. 

But how did January went by so fast and in a snap we'll soon turn the pages of our planners to the month of February?

It felt like I did nothing this first month of the year and the only significant episode of this chapter is my birth day. At twenty one, I achieved nothing (says my very over achiever, competitive self). If someone would hand me a book that literally has the story of my life, I would surely with open arms read it and turn the pages to this chapter now. Taking down notes of the lapses I perpetrated so that I can correct them in the present day, trying to change my future even in the littlest detail and see if it can change a thing. Of course, life doesn't work that way.

I can hear the clock ticking on one of the four corners of my little apartment, a reminder that time is running out as you get older. I am never a risk taker. My confidence is always clouded with fear. I can not decide on my own thus resorting to my friend's opinions and judgements on the subject matter at hand. In the end, I always regret the chances I did not take.

So let these shots taken for granted be a constant encouragement for myself to just go for it, and be that person who just went for it. And maybe soon enough, I'll surprise myself that I am  actually capable of the things I once thought I can't do. I guess I am just scared to dive into this adulting spectrum that social media overly romanticize. Maybe it's not that bad after all. Yes, it's okay to feel scared but isn't being scared a hint that you are about to do something brave?

I've read a quote from an online page saying that we all want to live so many lives but we have to choose one and live it forever. Whatever life you wanted to live, whatever path you wanted to take, do it now and make sure that it gives you profound happiness. There is never a right time. The time is now.

I know I'm still a work in progress at twenty-two but I am ready to face and accept all the challenging episodes ahead. I am going to make each chapter worth while so that when I finish writing my own book I can say that I did everything with no regrets. No minor and major editing needed. After all, I am the author of my life.

Happy Birthday self 💗

xx,

Kennard

Our second day in Baler, we went to Sabang Beach which is a 30 minutes tricycle ride from our place. The beach was known as one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. The waves our crashing that morning and it was massive. I did not try surfing thou because I did not know how to swim. Lol! But my friends did.

After an hour of surfing, we went to see the beauty of Mother Falls (Ditumabo Falls). I was not prepared that there will be a trekking, that we have to cross massive stones, cross rivers and on top of that I was not dress for this occasion. Now that's a problem!

The water was very clear and I must say freezing cold. Once you are near the falls, you can see a lot mists around you and actually very refreshing.

This trip started in a Facebook group chat. It was moved by the 2nd week of October to fit our schedules because we are busy individuals now- adulting. The night before our departure it was raining hard that I almost want to not push through with this trip. But ended up going and I made the right decision.

We arrived at 10 am in the morning and went immediately to the public market to buy foods that will last a day and half for us. Baler was so laid back, at least for me that was my first impressions. The way of living was very simple, similar to my province, the region next to it. Peaceful, serene were the other words to describe the province as well as rich in history and culture just ask the locals.

We stayed at Eugene's Place and the moment I set my foot at the place I was in deep awe! The place was everything I ever imagined. It was beautiful. It was like I'm in those beaches in Thailand. The view was fantastic and I just can't get over it. The house that we rented was cheap for it's price but it did not disappoint with its amazing view.

We didn't waste any moment after lunch. Immediately, went to the beach and took our photos because they say if it's not on Instagram, it did not happen. Will you believe it took us 4 hours taking just only photos? 

Countless photos later, we headed for a 20 minutes tricycle ride to Museo de Baler. The museum contains everything you need to know about Baler basically. The entrance fee will only cost you P30.00 and you can also use your ticket to enter Doña Aurora's ancestral home, Manuel L. Quezon's wife, a 5 minute walk from the museum.

xx,

Kennard

Logo tees have made a massive come back lately in the fashion industry as you've seen on the mall or worn by your favorite fashion bloggers. Several local brands have issued their own take of the classic logo tee and mine was from Bench from their #BenchHeritage collection. Paired it with my go to high-waist denim pants and I just simply tucked it in like what I always do, like what I always do (sounds like Look what You Made Me do *repeat*). Finishing the look with my favorite Stan Smith's. Wear it loud and proud! How did you style yours?

xx, 

Kennard