Cocktails with… Mercedes Pino
Fresh from Buenos Aires and excited about the social opportunities on The Rock, the lovely Mercedes Pino — daughter of Argentine Ambassador Mario Jose Pino — is chilling with us at her home. She’s an absolute charmer and regales us with talks of travel and style. She is also big on family (no surprise, she has six sisters and a brother), sports and business and is planning on her time with dad.
What are you sipping?
I’m having a Caipiroska, a Brazilian drink but we drink it in Argentina, too.
What’s in it?
Wedges of lime, sugar, crushed ice and vodka.
Socialite or homebody?
I’m a socialite but am not yet familiar with Jamaica’s social scene, my friends here took me to Medusa’s last night.
So you’ve just discovered Medusa’s on The Rock, but where do you frequent when you’re home?
When I’m in Argentina I really enjoy going to Kandi or Belushi.
Flats or stilettos?
I like flats during the day, but stilettos at night. However, it all depends on the occasion.
What’s your style?
Casual.
What’s in your handbag?
My iPod Touch, my purse, a hairclip and lipstick.
Who does your hair?
I don’t have a local hairdresser yet, but when I’m back home I go to Santino in Buenos Aires.
Who does your nails?
I do them myself.
What perfume are you spraying?
Chic by Carolina Herrera.
What’s your idea of the perfect date?
I’m more of an activity girl, so I would enjoy doing some kind of water sport.
What’s your idea of the perfect man?
He has to be a kind man who aspires to be good at whatever he does. He must like activities and sports. And most importantly, he must be a family man.
Your BFF Bernadita lives in Chile; you visit often. What’s that like?
We spend several days together in Santiago de Chile then we head to the north or the south.
Your dad has been a career diplomat, where have you lived?
Argentina, Paraguay, the United States and The Philippines.
What’s the most alluring thing about Argentina?
It would be the variety of natural offerings… there are great mountains, snow in the south west, beaches and, of course, the bustling city of Buenos Aires.
Argentina didn’t win the World Cup, how does that make you feel?
It was very sad to know we lost to Germany, but the better team won.
What do you love about being in Jamaica?
I really enjoy the people and nature, lots of greenery and, of course, the beaches.
What’s on your iPod?
I variety of genres… I really do like Shakira, but I like classical music, reggaeton and salsa.
Who or what inspires you?
My nephews. I just look at them and see a future and the things I want for them. Shakira doesn’t inspire me, but I do admire her.
What do you intend to do while you’re here?
Spend lots of time with my dad, of course, and get to know more of the Jamaican culture which I really like and have heard so much about.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
My mother’s credo, “Always be positive.”
And 10 years from now?
I hope to be married, I hope to have children and be working on something of my own, which would give me enough time to spend with my family.