Verão, my tribute to the endless summer

I'm Alive

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:14:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:48:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 05:49:00 +0000

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..

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 14:45:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:48:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:29:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 16:46:00 +0000

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!

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:27:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:09:00 +0000

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

Starbucks Jewelry

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:47:00 +0000

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?

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:56:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:34:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:36:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:35:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:48:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 06:49:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:39:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:43:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:46:00 +0000

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

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 06:25:00 +0000

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!

An Afternoon in Arab Street

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:39:00 +0000

Just wondering if this works. I cut together a montage of an afternoon the hubby and I had one time. Capped it off with a timelapse shot :)

An Afternoon in Arab Street from Pinky Calica Vierra on Vimeo.

Martha Stewart Living June 2009

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:44:00 +0000

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?

Ok! Time to read!

To the H to the BOT... HBOT!

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 20 May 2009 06:21:00 +0000

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.

Free Living Foods and the Hyperbaric Oxygen Wellness Center is located at the Lower Level, Corinthian Gardens Clubhouse, 631-3005 / 0917-737-4489.

The Ocean Journey

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:07:00 +0000

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.

Kathy Griffin's Bikini Body

pinky@veraobikini.com (Verão) — Fri, 01 May 2009 01:42:00 +0000

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 :)