LOOK: Andrea Brillantes' customized pink artista van
Those who grew up watching MTV's Pimp My Ride in the early 2000s know that a car can be more than just a vehicle that can transport people and things—it can be so much more.
In the Philippines, many celebrities have converted their simple vans into luxurious mobile homes, or what we call "artista vans," to allow them to relax on the road amid their hectic schedules.
One go-to local automotive customization shop that celebrities frequent is Atoy Customs, founded by Atoy Llave. In a vlog posted on June 1, Atoy gave a tour of Andrea Brillantes' Barbie-inspired Toyota Foton Toano that had touches of pink inside and outside.
"Mahilig siya sa pink parang si Kim Chiu and Ma'am Kris Aquino," he said.
The van has four areas that make space for the driver, seating, glam, and sleeping.
The luxurious seats were customized to have power recliners, cushions, adjustable armrests, and footrests.
It also features a soundbar, TV, center console, accent lights, and frosted glass that she could control with a button.
According to Atoy, their newest version of the console has cup holders and a ramp for her things.
He also showed the corrugated covers for the windows and pink LED light bars and starlight.
Moving on to the back of the seat is the glam area, which features her vanity mirror and chair with power outlets for low-wattage gadgets and appliances.
Atoy also showed a part where a seat has been customized to include a storage area to hide a portable ref-slash-cooler.
"Minaximize namin yung space para meron siyang upuan at taguan ng cooler," Atoy said.
Finally, Atoy showed the sleeping area, which he designed to have a headboard and bed, reading lights, and more power outlets.
“It’s a very simple set up pero feel na feel mo ung comfort niya,” he added.
Atoy said that customized vans like Andrea's are not only for celebrities but also for those whose jobs require them to be onsite.
"Pwera sa artista, people na palaging nasa job site na malalayo—siguro if you're an engineer, if you are into fashion na gusto mo may holding van ka, ang dami eh."
Aside from Andrea, Atoy has also designed the cars of Heart Evangelista, Bea Alonzo, Yassi Pressman, Ivana Alawi, and Donny Pangilinan, among others.
