Meet the gorgeous Kay Manuel as she helps us celebrate Valentine’s Day. You’re welcome…
Tell us a bit about your shoot – where, when, the idea behind it, etc…
All of my shoots are always top notch. I always go to my photographer with crazy ideas to bring to life. Generally, we find amazing ideas from international photographers on Pinterest and recreate them with a twist. I’ve never done a Valentine’s Day shoot before, and I thought this year would be a great opportunity to prep and make it something amazing. This shoot brings artsy and beauty together, creating a spectacle for
the eye.
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Have you ever been to New Zealand?
As I type this to you, I am in Auckland! New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Its natural beauty exceeds any country I’ve ever been too and that’s saying something because I love Australia, my home country!
There’s so much New Zealand has to give and anyone who hasn’t been needs to put it on their travel list. There is so much to do here. Not to mention, I heard somewhere along the grapevine that they were voted the hottest accent in the world.
When do you feel sexy and why?
I feel sexiest when I’m bearing all. I’m talking little to no clothing. I’m very comfortable in my own skin and I found this all through looking after myself both physically and mentally. 24 months ago, I was unrecognisable to the person I am today. Changing little things in my diet such as removing milk from my coffee each morning slimmed me down and eating better meals like the good old ‘chicken and rice’. As I started doing this, I also frequented the gym more often to slim down and now I feel as sexy as ever. Being naked to me is freeing and it lets me show off a little bit but also just lets me feel more in touch with everything around me.
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What is your best asset? Physically and otherwise.
The asset that I would consider my finest would never to be my drive and work ethic. I could go on and on about physical assets, but I would not be where I am right now on the cover of MAXIM New Zealand if it wasn’t for these two things. Don’t get me wrong, I do love some plastic surgery, but if we are really getting down to the root of things, it’s those two things mentally. If we are talking physically, it’s definitely my fake double Ds.
Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far.
Wow, this is a big one. Let’s try and condense it. I am Māori, Filipino and American, but born In Australia, which throws a mix into things. This mix of blood has contributed so many things to my appearance. Bold features, long healthy hair and I’d even have to say a decent metabolism.
I am now in my fourth year of working within the adult industry basically covering a lot of different areas of it. I started off by literally showing off on Snapchat to progressing into content creation and additionally now see people in person to enjoy one on one time. I find as my story unfolds and I grow as a person, I am willing to dive head first into new and exciting challenge so I’m not sure where it will take me. I am simply just ‘riding the wave’ as they would say.
Over the last 24 months, my career has not come without any scrutiny, I’ve been subject to microscopes combing through my whole life including my past which has caused fuss around the world. I’m am most well-known for content creation and creating content with non-industry based individuals and showing the world that just an average Joe can make ‘content’. There is no limitations on what can be created. However, creating content that people will consume is a whole other ball park.
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What would people be most surprised to know about you?
This is such a good question. I am such an aviation geek. I’ve even thought about jumping in and studying it. I think the passion comes from commercial travel around the world and flying on all the different planes. Before I book a business class flight, I always find myself checking out the plane model and the configuration of how the seats are laid out on that specific plane. A lot of people don’t really care and would just book the flight but I go into full detail about it haha. If I could fly any airline all year ’round, to any destination, it would be Emirates for sure. Emirates First Class is next level and everyone needs to experience it.
How long have you been modelling and what would do if you weren’t modelling?
I’ve been modelling since I was in the womb. Growing up, my family knew exactly what I was going to do with my life. It was always known I was not going to be set out for an occupation that people would typically fall into after high school. I have been actively modelling for just under two years now and I don’t think I could ever stop. Even if the money wasn’t there, I would do it for fun. The creativity within it drags me back every single time. I genuinely don’t know what I would do without it.
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What’s one thing men should always know about women?
Here are a few more important things men should know about women:
- Individuality: Every woman is unique, with her own thoughts, feelings, and preferences. Avoid making generalisations based on stereotypes.
- Emotional Awareness: Women often value emotional intelligence. Being aware of and responsive to emotions can enhance your connection.
- Respect Boundaries: Women appreciate when their personal boundaries are respected. It’s important to understand and honour their comfort levels.
- Support and Empowerment: Women often seek support in their ambitions and challenges. Being encouraging and believing in their capabilities can strengthen relationships.
- Appreciation: Small gestures of appreciation and kindness can mean a lot. Showing gratitude and recognition for their efforts fosters a positive atmosphere. Understanding these aspects can help in nurturing healthy and fulfilling relationships.
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What do you look for in a man?
When looking for a man, these are a few things I look for:
- Respect: He should treat you and others with kindness and consideration.
- Communication Skills: Open and honest communication is vital for a healthy relationship.
- Trustworthiness: Reliability and honesty build a strong foundation in any partnership.
- Emotional Intelligence: A man who understands and manages his emotions can foster a more supportive relationship.
- Shared Values: Common interests and life goals can help strengthen your connection.
- Supportiveness: Look for someone who encourages your dreams and supports your aspirations.
- Independence: A healthy balance of togetherness and independence is important in a relationship.
- Sense of Humour: Laughter and fun can enhance your bond and make tough times easier to navigate.
Ultimately, what you look for should align with your values and what makes you feel fulfilled in a relationship.
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Describe your ideal date.
My ideal date is a plane ride. I’m not even joking. If you want to grab my attention, book a flight. Let’s get to know each other on the plane and then take a few day vacay somewhere fun. No where in particular. It can even be somewhere simple and domestic. I just love getting out and exploring places I haven’t been to before. Gosh, I might sound snobby but a lay flat bed is the best feeling in the world. Give me a champagne and lay flat seat on the way to a new destination and you would probably have me on my knees. I make It easy, don’t I? Ha.
What can we get you at the bar?
A drink at the bar used to get all the time was a Long Island Iced Tea, but I feel as though I’ve definitely outdone that and now I’ve moved onto Cosmopolitans. The bitterness and sourness of the cocktail kind of represents my personality when I wake up in the morning and don’t have a coffee to start off the day. Other than that, just give me vodka shots. I can down them without anyone watching… but, hey, I’ve got to keep it somewhat classy so that doesn’t happen often. LOL.
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Got a hangover cure?
I don’t have a hangover cure. If I’m hungover there is no way you are getting me out of bed. I am such a little brat and will order everything on Uber Eats. I even will tip the driver to come up the elevator and leave It at my door. I cannot stand hangovers, so I barely drink anymore unless it’s a proper occasion.
What’s your best hidden talent?
A hidden talent of mine would be time management. I started off my working career at McDonalds, and if it taught me anything, it had to be time management. I love a good schedule and keeping to it. It’s basically how I am able to live my life. Ha. I don’t think I am ever late to anything; always prompt and ready to go. Never double-booking myself for events or just adding things onto my schedule that I can’t fit. I’ll simply just say no, I can’t do it. I feel as though its a great skill/talent to have.
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Do you have any phobias?
This is going to sound terrible but I have a phobia of being dead broke and going nowhere in life. Because I am super driven, I could not see myself in a point in my career that I am not working hard and succeeding. I guess not succeeding is part of that too. I always put 1,000% into every single thing I do in life regardless of whether its in my private or professional life
Who is your girl crush and why?
My girl crush is myself. I think every day I am levelling up and growing as a person. So I’m not afraid of crushing on myself haha. Does It sound egotistical? Yes, it does, but do I care? No, I fckn don’t. I’m very my unapologetically me and the main character of every story wherever I go.
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What’s the freakiest/weirdest thing someone has sent you via social media?
Frequently I get videos and photos of myself by people that see me out and about. I think this happens at least once or twice a day. I find it actually really weird; I definitely understand people recognise me, but I don’t bite. Come say hello!
What is your motto in life?
My life motto… It doesn’t count if he didn’t make you cum.
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What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us?
There is genuinely so much happening at the moment for me. Currently filming a pilot for a new reality series coming out late this year as well as talks of another! I believe this cover is a huge project and dream that is now coming to life as well as I have a huge new filming tour coming up for explicit content in another part of the world that you will all have to keep your eyes peel’d for…
Where would you like to be in five years?
Ideally in five years I would like to own multiple properties and just continue the momentum of how my career is headed. Continue working super hard and have new opportunities come up. TV is a big dream of mine and anything in the public eye. I want to show the world there’s more than what meets the eye and I have so much to give. Who knows, I might even be married by then!
STATUS UPDATE
FULL NAME: Kay Manuel
HOMETOWN: Gold Coast, Australia
BORN: 25/03/2002
INSTAGRAM: @officialkaymanuell
Photographed by Aaron & Rose Chan Chui
Hair by @erahairandbeauty
Makeup by @agnestheartist
For the full article grab the February 2025 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.