Verão, my tribute to the endless summer

Hula Girls

2009-12-25T17:21:00.000-08:00

How do you give gifts on Christmas? I know of people who spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars on the latest "it" bag or wallet. Or how they give the latest techy gadget to their loved one. I am definitely not one of those people.

This year, I gifted my better half with a movie that somehow had a touch of Hawaii in it since he hasn't been home in a while. It's a film called "Hula Girls"- directed by Korean Japanese filmmaker, Sang Il Lee.

Based on a true story, this movie takes place in 1965. The coal mining industry is slowing down, so in order to keep the local economy of Iwaki afloat, the coal mining company decided to turn their property into a leisure resort called the Joban Hawaiian Center. They needed dancers for their hula troupe, so they hired washed up Tokyo dancer Madoka Hirayama to train the local girls, all coal miners daughters, to do the hula.

This lovely film, even if I found it a tad dramatic, was beautifully scored by Hawaii's ukulele virtuoso himself, Jake Shimabukuro. I highly suggest any Japanophile or lover of anything Hawaii to buy this DVD and enjoy the film. The pleasant Yu Aoi plays the lead dancer, Kimiko. I know she's also in Honokaa Boy, another Japanese film shot in Hawaii.

Check out the official website!

Hat's Entertainment

2009-12-16T23:05:00.000-08:00

I told myself never to go shopping on an empty stomach. True enough, after a late late lunch, I bought a Vietnamese straw hat and some Chinese bamboo massage instrument.

For the straw hat, I feel like making a crafty craft lamp just like in this old Martha Stewart Living summer issue.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

2009-12-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the first time you heard this version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"? Didn't it give you goosebumps? I remember shedding a few tears. I can't explain it. I just felt such pure spirit, peace, and even (gulp) love listening to the song. That was 10 years ago. And when I hear it again now, I still feel the same.

Click play and get to watch and listen to the incredible Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.

Going Loco for Coco

2009-12-06T16:52:00.000-08:00

Ahhh. Send everything coconut this way! I am currently in like with The Gap's Coconut Tuberose Eau de Toilette.

A mini vacation in a bottle, the scent is light, breezy, and perfect for that lush, fresh, Hawaiian islands smell. The hubby can't get enough of it!

Coco Love

2009-11-29T00:06:00.000-08:00

There's something about the smell of coconut oil and coconuts that makes me go... nuts. It must be the way it transports me to instant vacation mode. Brings me that island and beach feel anywhere I may be. Currently, I used Marks & Spencer's Coconut Milk Body Wash and body lotion. At the end of the day, slathering the Coco Lotion makes me feel like I'm on a beach break, cozying up in a hotel room, ready to crash after a long days swim and sun session.

On my last trip to Manila, I got my bottle of coco oil in Echo Store in Podium. I snapped photos of the store immediately! Funny how some stores are hesitant for people to take photos of their displays. Surprisingly, the friendly staff allowed me. I had to clarify that I was going to blog about this store one day (it is a bit late though!).

For only P300, I got Heaven's Cure Coconut Oil. Did you know Coconut oil is best stored in glass bottles? Coco oil also heals and prevent a lot of diseases. It helps lower blood pressure, promotes weight loss, clears up skin, and can even help Alzheimer patients! Personally, I use it for my skin, and throw a few spoon fulls for my morning breakfast shake for over all health.

See the trash basket behind the bottle? I forgot how much it was but I loved it too! The other amazing part of this store is the packaging. Gone are the days of plastic bags. My coco oil was wrapped in this:

A recycled map of the Philippines! How apt! This green store sells all Philippine made green products. The owners help aid heal the earth, AND help the Philippine economy as well. Isn't that just great! Business with a heart!

I visited the Echo Store in the ground level in Podium, but they do have their main store in Serendra. Check it out at

G/F Serendra Piazza
McKinley Parkway
Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Tel: 901-3485

I'm Alive

2009-10-28T03:14:00.000-07:00

You know, I've been a negligent blogger as of late. I have been busy ticking a goal in my dream list! I've been tired, cranky, happy, and excited all at the same time. When it's done, I may just share it with everyone who will stumble upon this little blog of mine.

The Easy Hawaiian Cooking episode 2 which I promised hasn't even started yet!

No worries, I haven't forgotten. Will update this blog again in a few minutes... or days :)

Pat's Luau Potato Salad

2009-08-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

This dish is simply perfect for hot summer days!

I always joke that it was this recipe that made me accept my husband's proposal. He visited our family one Christmas and then volunteered to make potato salad for Christmas Dinner. It has been a staple in all family reunions ever since.

I'm not a big fan of too many ingredients in potato salad, like carrots, peas or pineapples, so that's why for me, it is the best potato salad I have ever tasted. Even friends love this dish! I call it the Heavenly Potato Salad, but being his usual humble self, Pat decided to simply call it Luau Potato Salad.

Introducing, episode 1 of Easy Hawaiian Cooking, produced and directed by... me! Starring, Pat the hubby!

To all my media pro friends, I do know what needs to improve (haha), so just enjoy the recipe... and the wonderful capabilities of Canon 500D and its lenses! You'll definitely get a better episode 2 soon!

And if you get to lazy to make this (it does take a lot of time!) and if you are in the Singapore area, you may just get to order your own Luau Potato Salad. Watch this space!

Bossacucanova

2009-08-17T22:49:00.000-07:00

There's something irresitably calming about the bossa nova. I distinctly remember how I was in my childhood, secretly dancing to the music in our corridor when my parents had their cocktail parties and they played the music all evening long. When it was time to turn the record to it's Side B, I'd gladly go downstairs and play DJ and willingly do it for my parents!

So when I found out Bossacucanova was visiting the Singapore shores to play their music, I got really excited! They're coming to our shores on the 9th of September! Yay!

Sit back, reax, and simply press play.

Just like how I adore Pizzicato Five, I like Bossacucanova for their vintage feel. I love revisiting the glamorous sixties, be it in music, furniture, or even fashion! It somehow feels a little more organic.

Click on their Facebook page to RSVP!

A Bikini..

2009-08-16T07:45:00.000-07:00

is like a barbed-wire fence. It protects the property without obstructing the view.”
- Joey Adams (comedian).

I love this saying! It's true!

Days of Summer

2009-08-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

Last August 7, I had the chance to marvel at some great art by Filipino Artist, Marcel Antonio. Thanks to Galerie Joaquin Singapore, I was able to absorb and appreciate the introspective mind of this artist.

My personal favorite was Days of Summer.

Ok, ok, maybe I am partial because it was set again... in summer!

Days of Summer 4ft X 5ft Oil on Canvas
This artwork depicts an idyllic scene in a part in a metropolis. The challenge in this painting is that here, the artist bravely paints a picture that daringly dares to be half empty. In most of his works, the artist himself admits that he usually ends up filling all the spaces with symbolisms and figures until the entire space on the canvas is full. This one dares to be different. It challenges concepts of composition and succeeds precisely because of the large quiet space in the middle emphasizing the mood and the concept of a lazy summer day. Again, the artist feels this is a major collectible piece.

When I'd go to exhibits before, I would pressure myself to get this deep message from the painting, thinking that there is only one interpretation. The interpretation of the artist. I told that to a curator and he wondered why I had to make things difficult. Just let it be. No need to get a message, or find the underlying meaning. Just appreciate it. That's right.

There are about 10 works of art in the exhibit, all intriguing and breathtaking. Even if Days of Summer is my fave, I was most intriqued with Green Park Days 1,2,3. Check it out and you will know what I mean!

The exhibit, entitled Tales of Tales Beyond the Surface, A one-man show by Marcel Antonio, will run till August 24 in Galerie Joaquin at the Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road Ground Floor Unit 3. For more information on this artist and this exhibit, contact Mia Y. Marchadesch at (65)90057410.

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

2009-08-03T11:29:00.000-07:00

Check out a behind-the-scenes video I cut for Cebu Pacific's Smile Magazine. Before I ever designed bikinis, my first love was editing. It still is. And when I am given enticing footage of sun, sea, sand and surf, it's so easy to cut and play with it. To immerse in the beauty of Pagudpud and feel the energy of the eternal summer, click play on the image below.

Wouldn't you just love to fly and bask in the sun in this place? I haven't been there, but the famous margaritas are sure making a name for itself! I'd love one right now!

Mello Yellow

2009-08-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm in another Etsy Treasury again! I am so honored! Thanks to the Aunt Bucky! Click on Mello Yellow to check out all the mellow and yellow etsy goodies! I am so happy my Malia Sunshine Bikini Top made it to that treasury! Check out the screen cap!

Aunt Bucky is a lovely store that creates and sells gorgeous baby beddings, apparel and decor. If they didn't put me in her treasury, I wouldn't have ever seen their store! I say "they" because Aunt Bucky is a partnership between 2 sisters, Rebecca & Whitney Wyatt. And as kismet would have it, in their collection, they have beddings called The Pinky Panda set, and the Pinky Pillow! Love it! Check out Aunt Bucky's etsy store!

Dive On In- the Water's Warm!

2009-07-28T00:27:00.000-07:00

Yay! The super lovely DownHomeDiva put my Malia Ocean Bikini Top in her treasury! A lovely color combination indeed- coral and blue!

The treasury will be up until July 31. Check it out right here.

Verão, the mini movie

2009-07-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

I made this last night. Now I realize how badly I need a real model.

Starbucks Jewelry

2009-07-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

My summer beverage of choice is iced coffee. Well I live summer everyday so yes, everyday is iced coffee day! So when I saw these lovely earrings by Charlie's, I fell in love!

Ok it's not exactly iced but isn't it just adorable? I love the idea you can have Starbucks jewelry! Check out the other earrings and necklaces. Like the Two Scoops Ice Cream Cone Earrings:

Pancake breakfast, anyone?

I'm a Sexy Nerd Ring!

And one of my faves- perfect for a summer evening...
Beer Bottle with Hula dancer Bottle Opener!

There's just too much to show :) I won't spoil it for you. Go visit Charlie's etsy store right here.

The Best Summer Movie?

2009-07-09T01:56:00.000-07:00

What else is great about summer other than the beach and bikinis? The summer movie releases of course! And it's sci-fi movie galore! There's Transformers, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, X-Men: Wolverine, and District 9. Wha-hat? Say it again? Have you heard of District 9?

Seems that this upcoming summer movie is currently flying under the radar. Check out their ultra cool trailer:

Produced by Peter Jackson and directed by South African film maker Neill Blomkamp, this film, despite it's complex visual effects, doesn't seem like your run-of-the-mill sci-fi flick. Set sometime in the future in Johannesburg, South Africa, the film is about humans AND aliens living together... kind of. The aliens are actually forced to live in slum-like conditions and in a government designated area. And, this has been how life has been for 28 loooong years. Now that's my kind of sci-fi flick! I can certainly feel that this film could be a winner!

A short film and advertisement director, looks like Neill Blomkamp is a talent to keep your eye on! Here's Alive in Joburg, the short film that District 9 was based on.

Check out District 9's fun website right here. You'll have a blast navigating it! I did! Can't wait for August 14!

Thriller By Jake Shimabukuro

2009-07-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

Still in a Michael Jackson mood, I was wondering if Ukulele virtuoso of Hawaii Jake Shimabukuro ever played anything by the King of Pop. True enough, thanks to google, he did! Check it out.

We were supposed to catch Jake play live back in 2002, but we arrived too late for his performance. Nevertheless, I watched his concert on DVD and it was awesome. I know I love the traditional sound of the Uke, but Jake cranks it up by giving Thriller, or any other song for that matter, a unique, jazzy spin.

For more on Jake Shimabukuro, click here.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson

2009-07-05T03:36:00.000-07:00

Ok, so a post about the demise of the one and only Michael Jackson had to make it's way to my blog. After all, he was about to stage his final, grandest, curtain call summer concert- This is it! Could you just imagine what kind of concert it might have been? How sad!

Where were you when you heard that he passed away? It's a bit embarrassing, but from all places to find out he passed away- I found out about it from Perez Hilton! What a shame! I remember, the night before, a friend left me an offline message about Farrah Fawcett's death and gave me a link to the Perez site. So I clicked and saw the news of her death. I was shocked, but I managed to go to sleep. A few hours later, I woke up and grabbed my MacBook like I always do. I still had Perez Hilton tab open and read that Michael Jackson passed away. I couldn't believe it. My husband, an avid MJ fan (he has all his albums in his iPod) was still asleep. I really didn't give it much thought, so I just semi-screamed, "OMG, Michael Jackson died!!!". He woke up disoriented, shocked, and bummed. All of a sudden, a rush of memories came over me. I remembered those first times I heard his music.

I remembered Give Love on Christmas Day, and how the street kids would go caroling on our doorstep and and mix up the lyrics from:

"People you don't know, smile and nod hello..."

to

"People you don't know, buying special gifts..."

Then I remembered my sisters playing the Off The Wall album non-stop, and Rock with You was the song being replayed most of the time. Then on a trip to Japan in the early 80's I remember Michael Jackson being in a scooter commercial. I just googled "Michael Jackson Japanese Commercial" and voila... I found it!

By the time Thriller came out, the amazing 20 minute music video was the talk of the town. I was in the 7th grade, and every class somehow had a group of girls (I was in an all girls school) practicing the dance during lunch break and dismissal time. Then one idle weekend at home, also sometime in the 80's I remember my sisters and I videoed our eldest sister, Mica dance to Beat It, complete with tight pants, white socks, short jacket, white glove, wet curly hair and aviator shades!

Just about 2 weeks ago, when I had to buy some bulbs in the Home DIY shop, they were playing some MJ music in the store. My 3 minute trip ended up being a 15 minute stay! I wanted to listen to the whole album! At the counter, I just ended up asking the cashier to pull out the CD cover for me to see what album it was. It was The 25th Anniversary of Thriller.

Oh well. Somehow everyone has their own memories of Michael Jackson. He may have been troubled, but he was such a talented, timeless artist. Even my pre-teen nephews have been doing the moonwalk for the past 3 years!

With all the Michael Jackson mania following his death, I just discovered this one old Jackson song which I never remembered listening to as a kid. It's That's What You Get (For Being Polite).

What a sad and beautiful piece. Check out the lyrics of this song.

Thanks for all the good times Michael!

Valerie Bertinelli Bikini Cover Shoot

2009-07-01T06:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows Valerie Bertinelli as that pretty teen from One Day at a Time. To me, she was that lucky magazine heiress Maxi Amberville in the Judith Krantz novel turned TV Mini Series I'll Take Manhattan. Why do I say lucky? Because her love interest was one of 1987's hottest actors, Jack Scalia! Ok ok, I can hear everyone laugh now.

So when I saw her in USC shooting a TV movie (I think it was Murder of Innocence) sometime in the 90's when I was studying a summer film course, I was thrilled! She was shooting a scene in our apartment building (I think it was called Webb Tower). I was too shy to have a photo taken with her.

We all know that years later, Valerie Bertinelli gained a few pounds, and although she kept her youthful features, everyone noticed her weight.

Then last April, she managed to be the cover of People Magazine to show off her rockin' bikini body! Imagine that? At 49! Thanks to Jenny Craig!

What a body! And from the latest news, what a gal! She actually attended Eddie Van Halen's wedding! I'm sure Valerie would look great in any of my bikinis!

Kate Gosselin and her Bikini Body

2009-07-01T05:48:00.000-07:00

I wonder how Kate Gosselin would look in any of my bikinis? After all, she's been recently spotted wearing bikinis walking out of her house! And with her bikini body, I'm sure my bikinis would look great on her! Or even her little girls! Ok ok... I can hear all your arrghs of disgust!

The first time I watched Jon and Kate Plus 8, I was so at awe. My sister from Manila was visiting then. She wondered out loud if they would ever separate. I told her, that for sure, as parents of 8, you will never ever divorce because you won't have time to fight. All you do is take care of your kids. My. Now that was such a wroonnnng answer. Oh well.

For her body type, I think she would look great in one of my Josefina's. Check out Kate Gosselin's Bikini Body!

Image care of CelebGossipz.

S is for Sun and Summer

2009-06-30T23:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you DimpleBijou for including my Malia Sunshine Bikini top in your Treasury! This treasury looks so happy! Yay! Summer is soooo here!

The Burpee

2009-06-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

So I've received a lot of messages and mail about my post on the 6 Minute Bikini Body by Coach Yari. Did any of you do it? I did! I think it was the longest 6 minutes of my life! And it looked so simple on the photo!

I googled the Burpee, and found a few demos on Youtube. Here's one of them:

The 6-Minute Bikini Body

2009-06-23T06:43:00.000-07:00

Every time someone sees my bikinis but feels they don't have the body for it, I always say "sexy is a state of mind" and that "anyBODY can wear my bikinis". Well you know, I think I am chucking those lines out the window. Time to stop those excuses girls! Finally, get that bikini body! In just 6 minutes a day, you can get yours! Check out this email I got. It's one of the few newsletters I wholeheartedly welcome in my email inbox. From Dr. Al Sears. And when he had the subject of the email as "The 6 Minute Bikini Body", of course it was the first email I had to read! So here I am sharing it to everyone who stumbles on my blog!

The email goes like this. Dr Al Sears, this is my version of forwarding your email :)

--

Dear Mary (yes that's part of my very Catholic Filipina name... it's in my passport and my IC),

Summer’s here. That means it’s time to roll out your “beach-ready” body for maximum outdoor fun.

If you’re not feeling quite there yet, don’t sweat it. My good friend and PACE® trainer Coach Yari just showed me and my staff a turbo-charged 6-minute workout. It’s awesome. This routine will get your body burning fat like a blowtorch.

It figures Coach Yari would come up with something this simple. She was voted “America’s Next Fitness Phenom of 2008” by Project Breakout.

It’s an “oldie but a goodie.” It’s a basic form of calisthenics soldiers and athletes have been using for years to stay ripped. She calls it the Burpee. It’s also known as the “squat thrust jump.”

The squat thrust jump is super-effective because it targets all muscle groups: Chest, calves, shoulders, quads, hamstrings, arms, back… you name it. Of course, consult with your doctor if you’ve had any injuries before giving it a try.

Here’s Coach Yari demonstrating it herself:

Step 1: Just as the name says, squat!
Step 2: Place your hands on the ground.
Step 3: Thrust your legs back and land in a push-up position.
Step 4: Jump your way back to a squatting position.
Step 5: Jump up with your hands in the air. Beginners, just stand up.
Step 6: Repeat.

As you can see, it’s a simple (but challenging) variation of your basic squat thrust. Start off slow until you can get the hang of it.

Pay close attention to keeping proper form as you do the Burpee—but really give it your all, too (except for the first warm-up set, of course). Your total exertion time should be no longer than 6 minutes, but be sure to allow yourself all the recovery time you need to feel ready for your next set.

Here’s the 4-week schedule Coach Yari recommends for maximum fat-burning power:

Coach Yari has several other 6-minute workouts that you can learn. She’s holding a 3-day Health and Fitness Retreat in Delray Beach, Florida. It runs from July 10-12, 2009. This is an event you won’t want to miss. I’ll be there as both a speaker and a participant. There are only a few slots left, so be sure to sign up today.

--

I think I'll try this out! To try out her online program, click here.

And to see Dr. Al Sears' website, click here.

Seafood Paella

2009-06-18T08:46:00.001-07:00

When I crave for Paella, I go for the quick version here at Marche in Vivocity. I am no chef, so why should I try and cook my own? Now thanks to one of my oldest friends Aileen, she blogged about cooking Paella. One day I just may try this Spanish dish! Check it out in her blog right here.

Silk Bangles

2009-06-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

Don't these rings just remind you of Fisher Price's famous stacking rings? I loved that toy! But I love these bangles better.

I think they'd be perfect with a white summer dress, bare capri sandals, and a huge straw bag :)

Check out my store to get these little lovelies!