Get ready with this theater actress, the latest ‘Carole King,’ Kayla Rivera

[Editor’s Note: The Get Ready with Me (GRWM) article series features the morning routines of people from different walks of life, from their first grabs to the way they get ready for work, and to the items they can’t live without.

Got someone you want GRWM to feature? Just email us at stories@rappler.com with the subject line “GRWM” followed by the name and designation of the person.]

Kayla Rivera is known by different names – K-la Rivera, Kaye, and of course, Kayla. She’s been on small and big screens alike, but the medium that truly captured her heart was the theater. 

After coming back to the Philippines from her university studies, she took on the titular role in the musical Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, starring as the iconic Carole King. It’s not hard to see why she’s come so far in her career; whenever she sings, her passion and emotions are palpable in the crystal clear notes she delivers.  

Kayla believes in waking up with gratefulness and purpose for the day ahead. Get to know how she starts her day below.

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FIRST GRAB. I usually wake up on my own or woken up by my puppy, Kinjo. His kisses and cuddles are the sweetest kind of alarm clock to wake up to! 

When I open my eyes, the first thing I grab is my phone and one of the first things that I’ll do on my phone is play a meditation playlist on Spotify – to pray and meditate to – before I get out of bed. I love beginning my day by giving thanks to God for all the blessings that come with the gift of a new day.

SKINCARE ESSENTIALS. Recently I’ve had more acne than normal, so I made adjustments to my routine and have found the following products really helpful. 

I make sure to wash my face at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed using the Senka Perfect Whip Acne Care face wash. Afterward, I use the Thayers Witch Hazel Rose Petal alcohol-free toner, apply the Nannic Skin Tone Balancer to any acne scars, and then use the Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum all over my face. Then I apply Vichy Mineral 89 eye cream before finishing off with Cosrx Oil-Free Moisturizing Lotion. 

If I ever feel my skin needs extra hydration, I love lathering the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask on my face and their Lip Sleeping Mask on my lips before bed.

For beauty treatments, I’m grateful because LivingWater Spa is mobile and brings award-winning machines and products from Europe into my home, so I can still have beauty treatments done without having to worry about going out!

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BEFORE I START. I need to have my hair tied up in a bun, lip balm in hand, and my journal/ball pen within a hand’s reach. 

I also love my Young Living diffuser which is usually on this essential oil combination for a good energy boost in the morning: 4 drops of Lime, 2 drops of Lemon, and 1 drop of Spearmint. 

I also keep my vitamin box nearby as a reminder to take my vitamins in the morning, as well as a water bottle so I keep hydrated throughout the day. 

In the background, I’ll have my go-to playlist on Spotify playing as I prepare breakfast and am getting set to start work. 

IF I MUST GO. My number one outfit-need for when I go out is my mask! I love the washable and reusable AESCA abaca face mask, which features the “Laban At Lakas” art collection by Alelia Ariola. 

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This beautiful artwork is made by a local artist, showcasing Filipino resilience and creativity, plus the fact that this mask is both eco-friendly and keeps me protected, is what has made it a staple in my outfit. 

For my clothes, I keep it simple and comfortable with either workout clothes or a plain t-shirt and jeans with slippers.

IF I’M STAYING IN. To keep me productive and in the right mindset to work, I usually wake up and change into workout clothes – just so I’m not tempted to crawl back into bed staying in my pajamas haha! 

Comfort is really important to me, so when I do change into an outfit, I need it to still be comfortable when I’m sitting down with my laptop. If I go on a work-related video call, I’ll put on light makeup and either curl or straighten my hair.

FAVE DELIVERS. I’ve been happily patronizing local sellers of baked goods and prepared food during this lockdown, and I encourage everyone to do the same even when it comes to an end. 

Some of the favorites that I’ve gotten delivered are from the following Instagram accounts: Casa Canlas for baked sushi and their signature kalamay, Ches Cookies! for their yummy chocolate chip cookies, Golden Dough for their artisanal premium cookies using Auro chocolate, Nutty Naturals for their almond chia butter and cashew butter, and Vegan Kimchi PH. I also love Loft Cafe‘s Truffled Mushroom Pasta and Doughnut Pandesal and S3M Sulit 3s Marias FoodShop‘s banana chocolate chip loaf. Dogs and the City has also been amazing in having same-day delivery for Kinjo’s dog food and treats!

ROUTINE REMINDERS. I think the biggest way to get me to stick to my new home routine is starting the day off with yoga. It clears my mind and puts me in a neutral state where I can think more clearly and positively about what I need to focus on as I go forward in my day. 

Afterward, while preparing breakfast, I come up with a rough breakdown of what I have to get done that day. While eating, I check in with family and friends back home in Calgary, and from there I feel like I’m ready to get working. 

I’m also grateful to have gotten a puppy right before we went into the enhanced community quarantine. It’s been a blessing to have quality time together as he grows. And as much as I’ve been training him with obedience and tricks, he keeps me on my toes in terms of time management and taking care of our home.

He teaches me so much about patience, love, and joy. 

Kayla’s items

1. Thayers Witch Hazel Aloe Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Face Mist (P695)
2. Senka Perfect Whip Acne Care Cleansing Foam (P299)
3. Vichy Mineral 89 Eyes (P2,038)
4. Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin C Serum (P1,010)
5. CosRX Oil-Free Ultra Moisturizing Lotion (P650)
6. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (P610)
7. Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (P940)

GRWM recommends

1. Pill box: Bazzar Pill Pro Medicine Organizer (P85)
2. Diffuser: Desert Mist Diffuser (P2,200)
3. Exercise clothes: Camel Yoga Suit Women’s Fitness Clothes (5-piece set) (P2,003)
4. Curling iron: Hair Iron 2-Way Rotating Curling Iron (P1,500)
5. Pet toy: Snailhouse Cute Dog Toys (P534)

– Rappler.com