Hula Girls

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

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

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

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

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