Do Not Just Dress the Part, the BRAND Matters!

Irvine, CA – You read it right! Dressing the part does not cut it anymore, the brand - your PERSONAL BRAND that is, matters a whole lot more.

It is true that showing up physically and making a good first impression is key.  However, in a digitally dominated world, to make a great lasting impression, you have to have a solid understanding of who you are, know what values you create and offer, and be keenly mindful of the total experience of your interaction.

Ask yourself…

• Did you have a meaningful connection at work yesterday?
• How would your most recent Facebook post affect other people?
• Did your last call/text leave the other person better than before?
• What underlying message was implied in your latest Instagram selfie?
• Who had the final word in your last dialogue? Was it a put up or a put down?
• What would be memorable to your child from last night’s dinner conversations?  

Memories are emotionally charged; they are etched in people’s hearts and minds based on the emotions felt during and after connections. These impressions are important career-wise as an entrepreneur, a leader, or a colleague, and even more crucial in personal relationships as a parent, a partner, a child, or a friend.  Whether in person or online, one almost always leaves a lasting “signature” mark on others.  Do you know how other people feel after interacting with you? Do you know your personal brand?

What does Personal Brand really mean? 

For an expert answer, I turned to Emma Tiebens, brand marketing consultant and author of Amazon’s bestselling book, Magnetic Memorable and Trusted.  Emma defines, “In its simplest sense, Personal Brand is the feeling or opinion that people have of you after your interaction with them. You constantly exude your Personal Brand whether you know it or not.  If you fail to consciously create that brand, people will automatically create one for you.” Our personal brand dictates whether we will attract or repel important people and opportunities in our lives. We all want a magnetic personal brand thus it is critical that we influence it, build it and own it!

Much easier said than done, right? Let’s break it down…

First, START by being genuinely interested in others and fully engaged during the interaction; seize the moment!

On a daily basis, Emma helps clients who desire more purpose and meaning in their lives, to identify their magnetic brand stories. Emma narrates, “The number one secret to having a ‘Magnetic Personal Brand’ is simple – show authentic desire to get to know others first.  Make them feel important and for that brief interface, make them feel like they are the most important person in the world!  How do you do that? By showing them sincere interest through an acronym I created, S.M.I.L.E. which is not just for an in-person interaction but is also highly effective online.

         S – Show Genuine Interest

         M – Make Eye Contact

         I – Introduce Yourself First

         L- Laugh and Be Silly

         E – Engage Fully

Often times, once people really know that you care, they will feel a sense of returning the favor by asking you how they too can support you.  It is very important to have a Personal Brand especially if you have plans of stepping-out in a big way in your life and career - if you’re wanting to meet the man or woman of your dreams, or if you’re seeking a promotion at work, attracting more clients for your business, creating a following of loyal advocates or elevating your position for potential collaborators and investors.” 

Second, this requires self-reflection, FOLLOW THRU by confidently opening up about your self, your brand. You want to be connected and remembered, not because of how you look or who you wear, but because your story matters.  In Emma Tieben’s free eBook (available at www.emmatiebens.com) called “Unleash Your BRAND STORY,” she crafted a 6-pillar guide to reveal, create and, with poise, communicate your personal brand story. 

Here is a quick cliff note version…

Go inward for the first 3 pillars:

(1) HEART Brand - what do you love; what are your passions and interests?

(2) MIND Brand - what do you know; what’s your expertise or your mastery?

(3) SPIRIT Brand - why do you do what you do; what difference do you want to make in the lives of others?

Build outward for the last 3 pillars:

(4) SUCCESS Brand - have you helped others; what contributions and transformations have you created?

(5) INLFUENCE Brand - who have you associated with and vice versa?  Your network is your net worth.  You become who you surround yourself with so be selective.

(6) PLATFORM Brand - when people do a search about you, personally or professionally, what kind of images, videos, testimonials, articles etc. would they see about you? What is your tag line? When you present yourself in person…and this is when you want to dress the part, what collateral do you leave others with, i.e. business card, brochures, correspondence, etc.

Bottom line is, do not be someone that you are not. By being honest about yourself and truly interested and engaged in your interactions, you can effectively create a magnetic and reciprocal relationship. Accept who you are and know that your story matters! Build a true personal brand by loving yourself, loving others and loving what you do.

Personal brand creation is not a sprint, it is an on going development, much like a marathon.  Let us continuously self-reflect, evolve and grow deeper into our purpose.  And remember our personal brand magnets are always turned on and that there are two sides, the one that attracts and the other that repels. Do you know which side of yours is stronger? Let’s connect online, visit, LIKE and message “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram!

Shout out to brand coach Emma Tiebens, selected as one of only 6 speakers in the inaugural 2-day “Women of Wealth and Abundance” event to be held in Singapore on March 12-13, 2016.  Emma will be sharing the stage with Facebook’s former Marketing Director, Randi Zuckerberg, Top TED Speakers and other global movement makers.  Thank you for sharing your expertise and best wishes on your speaking engagement!

‘Til the next ish dolls. In the meantime, get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene!


XOXO,
Sheila

Fashion Statement for the Cause

For my long healthy hair, all credit goes to my Asian genes! Every year, I am blessed that I can give my hair to Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in U.S. and Canada under age 21 suffering from long term hair loss due to any medical diagnosis.

While I have been donating my locks, I didn’t really know anyone in the mane business, until I met Jasmin Barnes, Founder/CEO of My Wig Studio. “It all started one bad hair day in 2009…I started using a wig. It gave me freedom and a little boost of confidence,” Jasmin said when asked how she got started.  

Jasmin Barnes, Founder and CEO of My Wig Studio / United We Strand in action!

Later on she saw the huge need for patients medically diagnosed with hair loss such as women with alopecia, or undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or menopause and felt compelled to respond.  Today, her company donates wigs to cancer organizations, local hospitals and clinics, such as Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, American Cancer Association, City of Hope, and Breast Cancer Imaging Center to name a few. “Most of them shed tears of joy the moment they put on the wig! I feel blessed to be able to witness this pure joy! I believe that when a woman feels empowered and beautiful from the inside out, they can take on the world to do greater things! This is when I realized I found my passion! I am inspired by each woman’s story of courage and their passion for life,” says the Filipina entrepreneur.  To do more, she launched a Wig Sponsorship Program enabling wig patrons to donate via her web site, My Wig Studio, allowing her to extend help on an ongoing basis directly to cancer patients who cannot afford to purchase their own. 

Coincidentally, I connected with one of the biggest supporters of Jasmin’s cause, Philippine-born fashion designer Charmaine Rodriguez who showcased Charmaine Joie Couture Spring/Summer 2016 collection at Orange County Fashion Week last month. This Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) grad’s name may ring a bell as Charmaine has appeared in 2 seasons of NBC’s Fashion Star.  

With Charmaine Rodriguez at
The 3rd Annual Metropolitan Fashion Week Closing Gala

Sharing the same passion to give back, Charmaine designed a one-of-a-kind floor length silk jacquard couture gown with removable skirt and, my favorite feature, a solid mauve pink collar in the shape of the Breast Cancer Ribbon lightly hand-crusted with Swarovski crystals worn by 9-year cancer survivor Laura McCarthy Cygan at The 3^rd Annual Metropolitan Fashion Week (MFW) Closing Gala’s “50 Shades of Pink” runway segment at Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles. 

Wearing Charmaine Joie Couture, breast cancer survivor and model Laura McCarthy Cygan 
currently works as a Fire Investigator for Emergency Fire Investigations

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 10 designers created gowns showcased and modeled by breast cancer survivors and were later auctioned to benefit various breast cancer charities.  Jasmin’s Wig Sponsorship Program via My Wig Studio / United We Strand, was Charmaine’s chosen charity.  Charmaine stated, “I just found in my journey that fashion can give back in many ways. I've been fortunate to be able to help be part of several fundraisers for breast cancer charities as well as Saint Jude for Children's Hospital and working wardrobes organization.  I have done these by participating in fashion shows that raise funds to give back to these beneficiaries.”

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, and although rare, an estimated 2,350 MEN will be diagnosed in the U.S. with breast cancer. Many of us have families and friends who have been touched by cancer, one way or another.  There are many ways to support awareness, like the opportunity I found with this cool brand C4, featured at Phoenix Fashion Week earlier this month. With a mission to give back, C4, which stands for “Choose your Color, Choose your Cause,” has partnered with National Breast Cancer Foundation.  Use code Care4thecause when you shop at www.c4belts.com to get a $5 discount off your purchase and $5 will also be automatically donated to NBCF. Post a picture of your purchase with the hashtag #Care4thecause on Instagram and Facebook, and C4 will donate an additional $5 to NBCF! What a great way to get a new accessory and make a fashion statement!

Kirsten & Lily sporting their pink C4 Belts to help raise $$ and awareness
 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation

Let’s connect, send me a message or tweet me at  “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 

‘Til the next ish dolls. In the meantime, get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene!

(Photos by Misha Urubkov and Gennadiy Kotlyarchuk)

XOXO,

Sheila

‘Tis the Season for Fashion Weeks & Fast Fashion Thereafter

Los Angeles, CA – As we watch the year’s second season of fashion week wave live streaming from the main fashion capitals of the world -- New York, London, Milan and Paris, the ripple in the smaller cities gear up for their local runway shows where producers, directors, hair stylists, and make-up artists have either decided on original ideas to execute or looking for what to copy from the major catwalks.

There’s a whole lot more to fashion weeks than the average 17-minute model struts and front/back house production work.  Let’s refocus the lens and view the wider panorama of some of its reach.

 

From the surface, the recent New York Fashion Week (NYFW) seemed to have inched the diversity needle positively.  

Geena Rocero, Filipino-born LGBT activist who first came out in her Ted Talk last year walked for Carmen Marc Valvo.

Geena Rocero image by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images    

Ashley Graham, also a Ted Talk speaker and plus-size model body activist, not only launched her own lingerie line but also walked in it

Ashley Graham image by Fernando Leon/Getty    

Madeline Stewart, an 18-year old Australian model who has Down syndrome opened for Hendrik Vermeulen.

Madeline Stewart Instagram photo by ericanichols_    

And my favorite statement move is by custom clothing designer, Carrie Hammer, who, like last year, sent 27 real women role models, i.e. journalists, athletes, corporate executives, and entrepreneurs, down the catwalk.

Carrie Hammer finale walk image by Getty Images    

Talk about inspirational women, now those are the kind of models young girls should look up to!

Financially, the recent NYFW boosted the city’s economy by almost $900M, more money than the 2015 U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, Queens or the 2014 Super Bowl at the Meadowlands in New Jersey according to the brand marketing cloud expert, Stackla. Impressive, considering that this is but one event in a multi-trillion merchandising industry.  If this is not enough, the wait for Spring/Summer 2016 apparel is too long that more designers have joined the “runway-to-retail’ promotion pioneered by Burberry in 2012, where consumers can virtually view and purchase products online straight from the runway. Consumerism at its best!

Most of the same audience would make their round in Europe fashion weeks. The top socialite bloggers like Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad, Bryan Grey Yambao aka BryanBoy and Fashion Toast’s Rumi Neeley, will be prioritized in the front row seats, while the junior leaguers will muster the best photo they can from the grandstand and Instagram like they were seated upfront.  Then there’s the classic street style posing-but-not-posing bloggers hopeful to land their faces on the glossy pages of Vogue.  Ok – maybe some are effortlessly pix-worthy while others are absurdly styled aiming for a 10-second fame. And how can I forget UK-based freelance journalist, Hannah Ewens and her social experiment when she “dressed like an idiot at London Fashion Week to see how easy it is get style blogged.” Hannah was photographed, interviewed and in the end concluded, “Believe your own hype, and you can be anyone you want to be.” In Tagalog, walang basagan ng trip! LOL =)

Within a few weeks, many of these trendy runway looks will have knockoff imitations hitting “fast fashion” retailers such as Zara, Forever21, Target and Topshop to name a few.  Fast fashion is a phenomenon that came to the fore 10 years ago as a result of quick response and production efficiencies in the 1980s, and is now driven by marketing that creates the desire for consumption of the latest fad that promises instant gratification. Many of us are dazed by, if not addicted to, the sparkles and beauty of fashion. We see it everywhere – advertized in magazines and television, featured in movies, out in the streets, daily at work, and at weekend parties where one must ensure not to repeat outfits! The burgeoning middle class of Jones-es are always in the look out for the most affordable hottest trend racing to be the first one to wear the hippest style only to be outdated in a few weeks, hence it would be time to go out and shop again for the next craze.  Shopping, referred to by others as their cardio or retail therapy, is now America’s favorite pastime or shall I say vice! 

Released in Cannes Film Festival a few months ago, a Kickstarter-funded groundbreaking documentary by Andrew Morgan, “The True Cost,” examined the horrific social and environmental impacts of the ever-expanding and 2^nd most polluting industry in the world, Fashion!  Morgan’s film presented mind-boggling statistics – 500% increase in clothing consumption from 2 decades ago; in 1960 US manufactured for its own consumption 95% vs. 3% today, the rest are produced offshore, the very first topic that I blogged about 3 years ago.  Anyone who had shopped at the Gap, H&M, Uniqlo, Adidas, etc. had fueled the massive growth of the fast fashion business, and in some way have effected the tragic inhuman working conditions and environmentally damaging production practices. Beyond the window displays and behind the curtains, there is absolutely nothing glamorous about fast fashion. 

In between fashion week live streaming, make sure to view “The True Cost,” a definite must see advocacy documentary that brings awareness to the high price of bargain shopping.  Come back, leave a comment and let me know what you think!  

For more details about glam affairs and other chic stories and happenings, visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

XOXO,
Sheila

March is Women's History Month - Who is Your Inspirational Woman?

Beverly Hills, CA – It is not everyday that you find yourself sitting in a panel interview alongside the most amazing women, which I had a pleasure to experience during The Inspirational Woman Project (IWP) book launch on Thursday, March 4^th 2015, in Beverly Hills, California. It was an incredible evening filled with positive energy, dynamic panelists and attendees who flew in from all over US to connect and support each other.

Hosted by TGIF Guide and sponsored by Caress (awesome photo booth!),  NESCAFÉ, Hint Water and Glam Squad, proceeds of this event benefits Women Empowered, a non-profit organization committed to the empowerment of women through volunteerism, mentorship and networking.

This is not just another book that you read and file with other dust collectors in your library. “The Inspirational Woman Project is a powerful movement that encourages all women to connect with their power of inspiration,” says author and publisher Bri Seeley. Yes, Bri the Fashion Designer, that is why her name sounds familiar!

Bri shares, "Both the IWP and my fashion brand are centered around femininity. With the IWP, women are able to connect and embrace what it means to be a woman on the inside. And with the fashion, it's taking that inner knowledge and embodying it on the outside." Feminine style, clean lines and soft materials are truly her fashion signature!

Bri Seeley

L-R from top: Bri Seeley, Italia Ricci, Sharon Blynn, Dosse-Via Marine Trenou, Joan Flame, Chistina Galarraga

After successfully breaking away from paparazzis and group selfies, Bri assembled the panel behind the red carpet poles and prepped us for the highlight of IWP "standing room only" event. 

Panelists L-R from top: Lisa Linh (Blogger/Marketer), Jean Thompson (CEO Seattle Chocolates), Jacqueline Depaul (Model), Jaclyn Mullen (Coach/Author), Lindsay Horvath (Marketer/Activist), Tanya Rivas (PR/Blogger), Italia Ricci (Actress), Megan Bell (Founder Glam On Inc.), Sheila Vertuno (Journalist), Sahar Andrade (Diversity & Culture Competence Speaker), Brooke June (Doctor of Philosophy), Wendy Gladney Dean (Author/Entrepreneur), Kate Retherford (Blogger), Rachel Yahne (Author), Cassia Jones (Actress, Director, Screenwriter), Kristin Hatfield (Owner EquiptBaby)

Wonderful words of wisdom were exchanged... some touching testimonies, some called for action, some refreshing validations and some obvious but necessary reminders.  I mustered enough confidence and humbly shared my two cents: 

How do you inspire other women?  

I don’t know that I inspire, hence I wasn’t sure how I ended up sitting next to these extraordinary individuals. What I know is that I want a better version of me than yesterday every time I wake up in the morning. In the IWP book I stated, “I believe in working together and investing quality time to benefit another being, a community or an entity.  To me, giving back (especially incognito) and helping those who are in need is edifying. If I am able to touch and uplift even just one life then I am happy. I cannot say that I do what I do to inspire other women… I do it to make a difference.  If it inspires others, that’s good and I hope that they pay it forward.”

What one word would you say is synonymous to a woman? 

Grace – The manner that one speaks and acts is what makes a woman.  Some say you either have grace or you don’t. I’d like to think that every woman has grace, though some may have misplaced theirs.

What is your current mantra?

“Love~Learn~Teach~Grow” – Love what you do, and I do not mean just your work. I meant be passionate in anything that you do in life. If not, at least like it and be good at it.  Learn it well, so that you can teach others. By teaching you will help others grow, as well as help grow your network and self worth, and the cycle continues...love, learn, teach and grow!

What is your super power? 

Many may think of this as a weakness, but I consider my introversion as my super power. It allows me to listen intently, have deeper connection and truly understand the other person.  And I like to rejuvenate my energy with alone time and quiet self-reflections.

L-R: Sheila Vertuno, Mallory Armstrong, Brooke June and Jacqueline Depaul

As the audience continue to thicken, I started feeling exhausted from being out and speaking in public.  While this is totally out of my element, I found myself holding the microphone towards the end of the discussion to share one last thought with everyone. “Every second that goes by is gone forever. As women, we are often quick to verbalize our thoughts and by the time we realize the impact of what we said on others, it was too late and there’s no rewinding.  Say it only if it is KIND, TRUE and NECESSARY! More often than not, I fail to do so, but I strive to practice it every opportunity I get," I concluded.

To be inspirational does not mean you have to be a know-it-all, perfect and successful in all your endeavors.  It is actually quite the opposite! To be inspirational is about how you carry yourself through the ups and downs in your life journey and how you impact the surroundings and the people around you.

The IWP book features a compilation of stories, quotes and inspiring moments of, not the famous un-relatable public figures and celebrities, but of 99 strong, motivational and real women that anyone can correlate and assimilate with.  You might ask, why 99 women?  Well, the 100^th woman is reserved for the owner of the book. The last few pages are reserved for her to write her own story and be part of the IWP movement. Visit the IWP  Facebook page here to learn how to get involved.

I asked what's next for the IWP movement, and Bri said, "The goal is to take the book to 10 cities around the country. In each city we will host an event as well as a book signing. The idea is to start developing IWP pockets around the country to increase and expand the movement."  So far the movement is on target to reach 5,000 women by mid year, which means this project could reach up 10,000 by end of year.

‘Twas was an exhilarating night! I only wish there was enough time to have a one on one with each of these wonderful women that I admire. Thank you and kudos to Bri Seeley, for paving the path for this movement. Expect IWP to hit these following cities soon:  Phoenix, San Diego, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, NYC, Chicago, Miami, LA and Austin. Dates, to be announced so stay tuned!

What a way to kick off the International Women’s Day, an occasion that is celebrated every year on March 8^th since 1911.  By the way, it is also Women’s History Month, who is the inspirational woman that you are celebrating this month?

One day this month, I am celebrating ME as it is my birthday month =) As far as my inspirational woman, my one and only mother. She is my rock! 

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene. Visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

(Photos courtesy of The Inspirational Woman Project and Desert Rh1no Photography)

XOXO,
Sheila

Fitness - Lifestyle Not a Fad!

Scottsdale, AZ - When I braved the Nike Half Marathon in San Francisco alone on October 19^th 2014, mental toughness was what I had left that dragged my legs across the finish line!  Limping as I collected my finisher prize, a limited edition Tiffany Necklace (not too shabby!), I missed Carrie (my sister-in-law) and Kirsten (my cousin) who ran the same race with me 4 years ago.

Desperately longing for company, I briefly forgot my aching body when I caught a glimpse of the Philippine flag just past the runners’ exit.  Amongst other Filipino athletes, I met Rolly Loreto who, after only a few minutes of chatting, made me feel relieved and energized.  Such a supportive co-athlete!

Fast forward 4 weeks later, Rolly came to the valley to volunteer together with friends and families, and support Fil Am Tri (FAT) Club’s 45 delegates for the IRONMAN Arizona (IMAZ) on November 16^th 2014. 

IMAZ 2014 FilAmTri delegates

Photo courtesy of Fil Am Tri Club.

IMAZ kicked off with a 2.4 miles single-loop swim in Tempe Town Lake, followed by a 112 miles three-loop bike course through the Sonoran Desert, and finished with a 26.2 miles flat and spectator-friendly course through Papago Park. This southwestern race is so popular that for the first time at an American IRONMAN event, it had a record-setting sellout of 2015 entries!  After completing their volunteer shifts,  Rolly, already a 12-time triathlon finisher in quest of IRONMAN, and several FAT members, received their wristbands to be among the first to sign up for next year’s IMAZ.

It's official for Rolly Loreto and Rica Enrile! The will be back next year for IMAZ 2015.

On the night before IMAZ, the team converged by the hotel’s poolside; the competitors loaded up with carbs early so that they could snooze soon, while the volunteers mapped out their course to barhop Old Town Scottsdale! For those who know me well, you’d figure out which group I hung out with =) It was a gathering filled with positive energy, fun and a whole lot of food, it was a Filipino get-together after all! 

Eve of IMAZ 2014 Fil Am Tri Carbo Load

Photo courtesy of Mario Alvior.

Amidst all the excitement, I managed to have one on one conversations with a few IMAZ participants, with one burning question in mind. How do they fit their triathlon workout plan into their daily lives, when I found it very challenging to keep up with my meek half marathon training?

Former model turned long distance runner, Carla Dorotheo, simply said, “It does not feel like I have to fit the training into my life because running is already part of my life.  I chose to do it and keep up with it because I feel good when I workout. It is good for my body! I run 4 times a week, varying 4 to 6 miles on weekdays and usually 8-20 miles on weekends."

Fitness and sports have always been part of Carla's and her family's life. Her mother is also a runner, and still logging miles to date.  Her body-builder grandfather, Elpidio Dorotheo, was Mr. Philippines 1952.  Mr. Dorotheo opened one of the first health clubs in Manila; among his clients were President Marcos' family.  He also pioneered and served as president of the Philippine Weightlifting Association and Running Club Association of the Philppines (RUNCAP).  Carla is one of the last 200 pioneers who run the Nike Half Marathon in the streets of San Francisco annually, for the last 11 years! She checked off the IRONMAN from her bucket list, which she completed last year in Whistler, Canada. Next up for her is ultra distance, 100-mile race.”  Impressive! I'm already tired just hearing that.

Carla Dorotheo's 1st IRONMAN! Whistler, Canada. 2013

While Carla is not participating in IMAZ this year, she is here to cheer and support her fiancé, Rodino Tucay. What started as a joke with his co-worker to sign up for a swim, bike and run, ended up with now running his 2^nd IRONMAN in 2014.  Dino also conquered over twenty 13.1-mile races last year… makes me feel silly whining about my pains after finishing just 1 race this year =) Dino says his mantra is, “Just finish it and have fun.” What a great feat for Dino, considering that he broke his leg in a softball accident just 2 years ago, which by the way had to be fixed with metal plates and screws. So no excuses for the rest of us! This proves the old adage that “mind over matter” really works.  Dino continues, “It is just what we do, what we chose to do. A typical day for us includes a run and/or a bike ride. Even at home we have stationary training bikes that we ride side by side while watching TV. It is quality and productive time together.” Carla and Dino met in a race, Dino proposed to Carla in race and they plan on getting married during a race. Talk about fitness being part of life!

Carla Dorotheo and Rodino Tucay

Phew! I feel both exhausted and encouraged by their stories.  Now would be a good time to contemplate and plan what healthy activity to add into next year's lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be an IRONMAN; it could be as simple as getting up from the couch during commercials.  Healthy life is a choice, just make the decision. And then commit! Don’t be part of the 92% who fail their new year’s resolution

Many thanks to Rhonda “Bootsy” Bagarino, a triathlon athlete and proud IRONMAN herself, for keeping in touch and inviting me to meet these fine sports men and women!  She is uber sweet and seemed to be the favorite of the team. Afterall what would the FAT competitors do without her famous spam musubi, their easy and fave chow during the race.

Rhonda, who completed her first triathlon in 2010, gave us a run down of the very emotional race for the team, "Unfortunately, not all of our FAT athletes crossed the finish line.  The water for the swim was very choppy which made the swim very difficult for the racers. We had a few just barely made the cut off of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 2.4 miles.  The winds on Sunday made the 112-mile bike a very challenging ride.  Bikers were fighting cross winds and debris flying. As the sun died down, the cold weather met our athletes for their run."  She continued to narrate about the overall outcome, "For some it was not their day. And for the rest, they earned their IRONMAN bragging rights. I am happy to say that all the FAT athletes are safe."

It was indeed a tough day, not only for the FAT team but for all 3,000 competitors.  But the positive spirit prevailed and their morale kept high! This team will go back to their bases and train once again for the next race.  In the meantime, they celebrate their comradeship and support for each other.  Kudos to the FAT Club for garnering 3^rd place in Division 3.  And great job FAT volunteers and supporters. What an inspiring group! 

 

First Row: Noriel Simsuangco, Thomas Zaide, Carlo Marcelo, Rica Enrile, Nancy Hwang, Che Chua, Mario Alvior, Richwood Borja, Rolly Loreto, Andrew Tiotuico

Back Row: Julius Estanislao, Geoffrey Chua, Greg Uy, Rhoel Rosales, JR Calanoc

Photo courtesy of JR Calanoc.



Fil Am Tri Club was founded in 2006 by a small group of Filipinos in NY/NJ. Since then, FAT (Fil Am Tri) has grown nationwide and global having members throughout the mainland US, Canada, Hawaii, and of course the homeland in the Philippines. Although comprised mostly of Filipinos, FAT is a non-denominational club accepting all friends and families of Filipino Americans with the mission to grow a network of Filipino triathletes worldwide building a sense of community and fellowship through the medium of endurance sports.