Interwebs, let me introduce you to Kristine. Kristine is someone I have always admired, as she doesn’t put up any BS facade about how life is glorious 99,9% of the time, but rather speaks honestly and unfiltered about how life can scar you, but also how it is possible to survive despite of this. I have mad admiration for this chick, and wish her so much light and happiness.

Hello, my name is Kristine and I’m a recent college graduate pursuing a doctoral degree in physical therapy this upcoming fall. I was born in the Philippines, but raised in a small town in Texas. I can honestly say that my upbringing was rough because of abuse, but I know that my past will only guide me to becoming a better person in spite of the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). My goal in life is to find happiness and learn to live in the moment. I consider myself an advocate for living healthy and I am an awesome cook.

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What has been your favorite decade, music-wise? Are you a music snob?

The fact that you are making me choose between the 1980s and the 1990s is a bit disheartening, but if I had choose between those two decades… I would pick the 1990s!

I know the 1990s has always been considered an era of the worst music ever, but I beg to differ! I absolutely love the 1990s era, otherwise known as the Age of Grunge. Although, I did not really like grunge until I reached college, I was always about pop music during the 90s decade. The grunge, alternative rock, pop and RnB of the 90s are just some of the few genres of my choice.

In terms of being a music snob, I do not think I qualify to have such a title as my music tastes are very much questionable. So no, I am definitely not one.

If you could have a dream dress made just for you, what would it look like?

I wish I could draw my dream dress for you, but alas I do not have the skills! The way I picture my dream dress would be something that is fairly short and ends slightly above the knees because I am petite and it shows off my awesome legs and calves. It would be a simple little black dress that is both strapless and has a slight puff at the bottom because it is more comfortable than a body-hugging dress. It would have an elegant floral pattern. I like things to be simple and elegant – not too flashy! (Editor’s note: Sounds gor-geous. Want want want want x infinity.)

In five words, how do you think people would describe you?

Snarky (apparently that’s how a lot of my friends describe me), passionate, loyal, dedicated, and hard-working.

Are you religious? Do you believe there should be a separation between church and state in the US?

I am by no means religious, but I was raised in a Catholic upbringing. I would be considered an Atheist now and I may have been living as a closet-atheist throughout high school in fear of being ostracized.

As far as I can tell, there already is a separation between church and state in the US even if it is not explicitly stated in the US Constitution. To me, the separation of church and state is very much important in terms of progression of a country on social issues and among other things that plague this country today. How else can a country progress in social issues if there is absolutely no separation between the church and state?

Now the better issue that we should take into regard is how religion can potentially affect politics. People commonly interchange “separation of church and state” with how “religion affects politics.”

Take Philippines, my birthplace, for example – The majority of the country is Catholic and the government, for the longest time, has been in close contact with the Catholic Church in spite of the so-called inalienable “separation of church and state” explicitly stated in its own Constitution. Now, a year or two ago, the government wanted to pass a “Reproductive Health” bill to provide awareness about the usage of contraceptions among other things regarding women’s health, which the Church has disapproved. Millions of staunchly religious folk protested alongside the Church to prevent the bill from becoming mandated even if it had the possibility of addressing one of the biggest issues in the Philippines, which is over-population.

Thankfully, the Philippine Parliament passed the RH bill! They may have a separation of church and state, but religion does have clout in much of the politics.

What is your zodiac sign? Do you fit the typical traits?

I am a Taurus and we are known to be quite stubborn people. I am pretty sure I fit the typical traits of a Taurus with my stubborn determination, great will, and practicality.

Bonus question: Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, How do you take your tea?

Having grown up in Texas, I prefer my teas sweet and definitely southern, y’all! I am also more likely to drink Thai tea when I want something with milk or some iced Jasmine green tea sweetened with mango flavorings when I’m on a dairy detox. On a rare occasion, I will have some brewed green tea in its all-natural state with no sugar or milk.

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Kristine can be found over at Kristology. Go visit! Stat!