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.
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.
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.
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
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 :)
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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).
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!
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!
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:
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.
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.
I've sworn off magazine buying for the past few months. Ever since Domino was discontinued, somehow I was able to curb my need to buy glossies and browse their internet counterparts instead.
Then here comes the June issue of Martha Stewart Living. It simply was inviting. I loved the cover! It's so summer! Naturally the beach house cover was the one that made me buy the magazine just after 5 seconds of looking at it. I haven't read it yet, but I think I'm going to enjoy it. I am after all the same person who keeps old magazines (Real Simple, Living, and Domino). What attracted me to this magazine mostly is the cover. Che-check it out!
It might be so self centered of me, but I think I bought it because the cushions reminded me of the cushions we have on our living room couch. I think this is the same syndrome women have when we find a celebrity beautiful only because you know she somewhat can look like you, and she's just a made up and prettier version (meaning that you are her uglier version). But I digress... (I swear Angelina Jolie is so pretty... Kidding!)
Here is a short video clip of our living room/ dining area. I didn't mean to showcase the house. I meant to sample the Flip Ultra HD which I bought over Amazon. Again, ignore the mismatched dining room chairs... after all this is not me showcasing my interior design expertise (and yes I am still looking for better chairs). Just check out the pillows! I got them about 2 years ago, and I haven't seen these cushion covers being sold recently . I think they're really so summery. I love them.
I just shot the feature of the cover house.
I love this last bedroom! Don't you just love the coral and sea green pillows?
So ok this post isn't really about my bikinis, but since I am somewhat on a "vacation" during "summer", I guess this post will somehow fit.
I've been in Manila for a few days to regroup and spend time with my Mom post mothers day. Just this morning, I accompanied my mother to an unusual yet beneficial oxygen therapy known as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, also known as HBOT. What happens here is that the client (I refuse to say "patient"!) climbs in this futuristic chamber where it is filled with compressed air and oxygen at 1.3 ATA, the equivalentof being 11 feet below sea level, and stays in there for an hour. This increased pressure allows the body to absorb additional oxygen which greatly increases the oxygen uptake by the cells, tissues, organs and brain. Imagine what this can do to your body! Although it is most popular with children that have autism, after reading the literature, I'm sure in a way it benefits people with heart ailments as well. Word is, this chamber is also great for the skin! There are reports from mothers and nannies who accompany the children in the chamber that their skin looks and feels better! I think I should try it on myself one time!
While waiting for my moms hour to be up, I got to check out the food also being sold in the center. These are GFCF foods, or Gluten-free Casein-free diet foods by Free Living Foods. This is a diet which entirely eliminates intake of the naturally occuring proteins and casein in milk, making it better food for autistic children to take. The Skinless Pork Longganisa looked good so I decided to buy some!
This is the entrance to the center.
And this is the space age looking chamber. I haven't watched Star Trek yet, but it does have that Trekkie vibe about it.
After the hour spent in the chamber, my Mom was more energetic, and she said that she felt that she was thinking clearer.
One of my favorite pastimes is watching the newly posted Etsy goodies scroll down that little area on the home page. And a lot of times I click on something that interests me. Just a few minutes ago, I clicked on this charming little piece of jewelery! I really want it, but I am on a self-imposed shopping hiatus. So if I can't have it, I would love someone out there to get it.
What I really like about it is what else? The beach theme! I don't know, but something about it shouts the coast of Maine. Must be the sea glass! I can see myself wearing this with a some kind of a taupe cotton sweater, white capri pants, while barefoot at the beach. I want it!
Click here to get this baby for yourself. If not, I just might grab it for moi. This store looks great. I already hearted it. Check out Japonica here.
The last person I thought who would have a rockin' bikini bod would be Kathy Griffin! Last week, looking at my collection and wondering what other combos would look great, I realized that this combo of Aqua and Leaf would look super. Just like a photo of a palm tree against the blue ocean.
Then a few days later, after surfing some gossip sites (I know I know... I do look into perez' blog sometimes), I saw Kathy Griffin sporting a bikini with the same combination! She's really fit!
I really don't know if I enticed you to buy thhis combo using Kathy Griffin, but hey- she does look great right? Go Kathy!
Click here for the Malia Aqua Top, and here for the Malia Leaf Bikini Bottom :)
I love the music my parents used to listen to. And there are several songs I have multiple covers of in my iTunes list. One of them is Summertime. Although I don't have all the covers of Sunny in my iTunes, this remains to be a classic favorite of mine.
I know I used to hear different versions of it growing up. I even remember the music sheet for our electric organ (it was called Zachary Enchanted... how 70s is that!) my sister used to follow.
Thanks to youtube, I get to listen to that song, again and again and again. I'd like to think I love the song because of the word itself. Sunny. How summers are supposed to be! The when I read about it more, song writer Bobby Hebb wrote it after two devastating events in his life. The assassination of JFK which was immediately followed by the death of his brother the next evening in a knife fight in front of a Nashville Club. Reading on, Sunny actually has hundreds of covers, and is considered by BMI number 25 in the Top 100 songs of the Century.
Let's take a look at a few of my favorite versions.
The groovy Boney M!
By George Kartsonakis. Love how it's so laid back.
Paul Sonneberg. So chill.
Kissmaacsi from Hungary. She has something quirkily sexy about her don't you think?
This other one, an Ukulele version. Really hot! By KenMiddletonUkulele.
I'm saving my best for last though. Jay Kay! Jamiroquai!
The best part of making a sale is the feedback! I love it when happy customers tell me how they love it and how beautiful or sexy it makes them feel! My most recent happy buyer, Rhys from Athens, GA! She even sent me an appreciation photo! I love it! I laid out her photo with the Malias and other Verão themed photos using iWeb (I love it! It's so easy to use!) And voila!
Rhys chose a Malia Aqua top and a Malia Espresso bottom. One of my all time favorite combos! And she left such sweet and heart melting feedback in my etsy website:
THIS SELLER ROCKS.... seriously, this is now the coolest bikini i own. its raining... i'm wearing it around the house.... high quality, well-made, comfy, and GORGEOUS! yay.
Thanks so much! You win the more considerate seller award for sending me a size up in case it was tooo small---and you were right! (see photo_ ;-D thanks again! Love it.
Rhys also has an etsy shop called RhysPeace where she donates 10% of any of her items to any of these 4 organizations:
Now how classy and sexy does Reza look in licorice? Doesn't she just look luscious?
Taken on one of her trips to Boracay, Reza combined the Josefina top in Licorice, and the Malia Licorice bottom. This combination hasn't really crossed my mind until she bought them! This just goes to show that you can build the best bikini for you.
I spent several summers and Christmases in Japan, so you can imagine how much I love the country. So when I saw the trailer of this film called Honokaa Boy (thanks to Dina!), I got really excited. I hope it reaches Singapore, or at least I hope to get a hold of the subtitled DVD in a few months!
Honokaa Boy is about a young boy, Yoshida, who visits the small town of Honokaa where he becomes the small town theaters' projectionist. It is while he works here where he becomes close to an elderly seamstress named Beatrice Okamoto.
Director Atsushi Sanada makes his feature length directorial debut, while actor Masaki Okada plays his first lead role in a major motion picture.
I love special mentions. A few days ago, The Fab Miss B convod me to tell me that my Malia Aqua Bikini Top was part of her treasury, and her blog . And what a lovely blog it is! Thanks so much, Becky!
We celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary last Friday the 13th!! I posted details about our wedding on my entry last year- just click here, and check it out :)
It's amazing. Just a little over a week ago, I decided to buy a little fabric notebook and write down each and every blessing God would send my way. I did! Down to the smallest blessing, I would feel the gratitude and write it down in this litte notebook (I am so in love with this little espresso color). A few days later, I was immensely blessed with a Godwink I could not ignore.
This week, one of the most exciting golf tournaments is in town! The HSBC Women's Championships 2009 in Tanah Merah Golf Club Garden Course! One of my favorite players is here- Natalie Gulbis! I had the chance to see her play in person a few years ago when I accompanied Pat on assignment (the free food in the media center wasn't bad either!). I became a big fan of Natalie not just because of her play (her swing is wicked!), but I love it how she keeps her femininity while playing such a strong sport. A true professional!
I told my husband how I'd love her to wear one of my Verão bikinis. He agrees with me (and a bit too enthusiastic about it actually).
Here's a picture of Natalie with Pat my hubby taken in last years Lexus Cup:
And here's a photo of her taken just last March 5 during the HSBC Women's Champions.
Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who isn't into yoga. It's almost embarrassing to admit it. I mean c'mon, it's 2009- who doesn't do yoga at this day and age? I know most of the ladies who buy my bikinis do yoga.
It's been so many years Maya has been asking me to join her in her yoga classes, but I have always said no. For one thing, I am very self conscious taking classes with a big group of people. The last time I took Pilates for beginners, I felt I was in a Candid Camera episode. A girl who was twice my weight could do the Roll Up so effortlessly when I was there struggling. And the hundred? It felt like a hundred years before it ended! Since then, I realized I was more of a DVD kind of exercise person.
Now I think I'm ready to get into yoga.. via iPod! I discovered Chaz Rough's Yogamazing video podcast. Currently, I'm downloading:
1) Yoga for Beginners 2) Yoga for Better Memory 3) Yoga for Creativity 4) Heart Openers
Feel free to download his other videos on this page.
The only instruments I tinkered with in the past was the keyboard, the drums, and the Uke. Yes, the Ukelele. It's a pity though that I didn't master any of these. I don't even know how to read notes! The only songs I mastered on the keyboard was When the Saint's Go Marching In, and Somebody by Depeche Mode. I actually completed 12 drum lessons when I was 14, and the Ukulele, well, I learned the song "Ain't She Sweet" from my Dad.
One channel in youtube I subscribe to is Ukejazztaka- a channel dedicated to the fusion of SwingJazz, Hawaiian, and Bossa Nova music, using what else, the Ukulele! I just love this channel. Listening to the music is just like taking a mini vacation! And since I do love vintage Stevie Wonder (meaning everything pre "I Just Called to Say I Love You"), listening to their "Isn't She Lovely" version was just... lovely!
Enjoy the soothing sounds of Takashi Nakamura and Yoshinori Fuji. I have my own Uke hanging given by Pat years ago- I think I should take it up and tinker with it again :)
UPDATE!
I found an Ain't She Sweet clip with 3/4 of the Beatles! I can't believe I can actually play along with this!
On my iTunes, I have a Hawaiian playlist (which I lovingly call Hawaiiana), an acid jazz playlist (Acidity Jazzidity), and yes... a J-Pop playlist (J-Poppins). My love for J-Pop goes all the way back to the 80's when our family spent almost every summer in Tokyo.
Now can you just imagine when I discovered a J-Pop song fused with some jazz and and Hawaiian? I loved it! I've been playing the song over and over and over! I'm obsessed! To think it was released all the way back in the 90's!
This song I now love is Aloha de Blues, by Pizzicato Five, with then lead singer Takao Tajima of Original Love (I had 2 Pizzicato Five albums in the 90's which mysteriously disappeared when I moved to Singapore. My Original Love CDs also disappeared with it.)
And thanks to my very Nihonggo loving workmate Dina (who also bought a Malia Espresso from moi) who gave me the link to the lyrics and translation!
Last Wednesday, I went to grab the February edition of Domino. I had noticed it was uncharacteristically thinner than usual. Later on in the evening, I checked into my Facebook account and noticed the update of one of my idol bloggers and now FB friend Holly Becker of Decor8 confirmed that Domino magazine is folding.
I was stunned. I am no high flying interior decorator, but I do look forward to every issue. I may actively seek inspiration to spruce up our home, or I just have it by my bedside to give me "happy thoughts" before I sleep.
Thank you Domino, for all the fantastic spreads! Your magazine will be missed! I was about to cut some pages of my older issues for my vision board, but hey. I won't anymore!
Now to the people I lent my back issues to, do have the heart to give them back. In tact, I hope!
I love traveling, but I hate packing. So the only way I can have fun packing is to at least have the luggage look good. At least to me :)
I've always made sure that my luggage would be sturdy and easy to spot. I bought Samsonite which, unexpectedly died during it's supposed warranty period. And although I like Delsey's super roller wheels, the zippers gave way in 2 years (I still use it though. It also is a great dancing partner).
In Robinsons Galleria, I spotted luggage I wanted. Just like how I chose my Canon Ixus 80IS, I wanted this luggage for pure eye candy purposes.
It was really cheap at P1800 (US$39) and P1600 (US$35) respectively (50% off!) and it was in hot pink! I mean even if it turns out to be el-cheapo in quality, it's ok :) Thanks to the salesmanship of Reazon Dagohoy (I hope I got his name right), I was suckered into buying the bigger one 2 days ago. I couldn't stop thinking of the other one, I rushed back yesterday to get the smaller one. I just have to have matching luggage. The brand is Patriot, and according to Reazon (I like saying his name because I find it so unique), it was manufactured in Bulacan. At least I bought something Philippine made! Now if it wasn't, and it's just one of those China factory bags, well, at least he was a good salesman.
Looking forward to more travels this 2009 with my hot pink luggage. For the more conservative, I did spot a grey and a brown set.
UPDATE (Feb 25, 2009) Now I remember where I got the idea for the luggage!! From Domino!
I love summer. The smell of coconut oil on skin, the taste of chilled Mango shake on your sun-kissed lips, the sound of the waves gently crashing on the shore. Everything about the season just makes me smile. I always looked forward to every beach trip come summertime, and each time I would have a special swimsuit to celebrate the season. My love for the season, and my love for the beach lead me to design my own swimwear which I will simply call Verão- meaning summer in Portuguese. Inspired by warmth and beauty of Hawaii, and the sensuality of Brazil, Verão is my personal celebration of the endless summer. Click verao.etsy.com for delicious summer crochet bikinis!
I love anything Hawaii and Brazil, beaches, iced coffee, browsing in book stores, dating my husband, dating myself. I love the whole process of creating. Years ago I had a line of candles, now a line of bikinis.
