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

BANAGO, a Philippine-made international brand!

Los Angeles, CA - Like a little kid going to a candy store, I found myself walking a bit faster as I trekked the streets of downtown L.A. towards Banago US headquarters.  Past the entrance are exposed high beams and brick walls, a perfect contrast to the colorful stock of beautifully hand crafted Banago bags and accessories that lined the walls of the loft style warehouse.

Founded in 2011, Banago is a brand created to support and expand sustainable livelihoods of artisan communities, as well as preserve the waning arts and crafts in Samar, Philippines. It started when Founder and Creative Director Renee Patron travelled to the Philippines to visit and care for her ailing grandmother.  Renee who was born and raised in the US appreciated the simple living in the province during her extended stay compared to her metro lifestyle in New York City.  During her visit, she met her “kapitbahays” (translation: neighbors), many of whom are local “banig” (Translation: handwoven mats) weavers working at home as a cottage industry to earn a living and provide for their families. Renee was quickly drawn to the laborious grass farming, detailed curing and pounding, leaf dying, and the traditional weaving process; a technique passed down from generations.  It didn’t take long for Renee to recognize the possibilities to innovate the native product and she took the opportunity to share her ideas and collaborate with the local weavers to create a handbag made of "banig" for her own personal use.

Upon her return to New York, 15-year fashion veteran, Renee showcased her customized handbag to retail buyers when she reported back to her work at Pret-A-Porter Paris, a business development company for Europe and Asia based mode brands.  Her business partners did not only love the style and graphics she designed, they were also inspired by the story behind the craft, and asked if they could order products for their stores. Proud of Banago success story, Renee related, “We had more orders than most indie designers in New York could compile in two years from the US and Japan. I decided then (that) the right thing to do was to take a chance, quit my back then, dream job and see where this would take me.” That was the birth of Banago, named after the beach where Renee’s mother, who also worked in the fashion industry, grew up.

V Collection Malaya Tote - $98
Envelope Clutch - $82
Pintados Laptop Case - $99
Sunglass Case - coming soon

Envelope Clutch - $82

Banago ottoman in colorful chevron design

With major orders pouring from J. Crew, Anthropologie, Nordstroms and hundreds of other retailers and boutiques globally, Banago battled to survive the typhoon “Hagupit” during the height of its Spring/Summer 2015 production in Samar, Philippines. Hagupit, the most intense tropical cyclone in 2014, traced almost exactly the same path as Haiyan, the deadliest and strongest typhoon recorded in history on November 8, 2013. Renee has since been on ground zero reviving the flattened Banago factories and cratsmen’s dwelling place, thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign that helped fund the brand’s restoration project, mostly to buy raw materials washed away by the storm, to fulfill tens and thousands of orders from abroad.

Mark my word and see for yourself, watch the less than 4-minute length video in the very recently launched Banago website, ilovebanago.com.  It is very heartwarming to see the positive impact of Banago to the artisans and their families, to the community, to the Philippine economy and equally important, to the art itself. The quality of these hand crafted products is truly extraordinary! This I am certain of because I am a proud owner of a Pintados Malaya Tote by Banago for Tommy Bahama, listed as number 3 out of 41 top summer must haves by Lucky magazine, knowing that my purchase helped enrich more than just my closet and my outfit! 

Pintados Malaya Tote - $97

This is only the beginning… stay tuned for part 2 of the Banago story.  In the meantime, visit and like Chasing Sheila on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for notification of an exclusive Banago discount offer.  

Mabuhay ka, Renee Patron and more power to Banago!  You and your brand will soar high including the hundreds of families beneath your wings.  I am an advocate of fashion with a cause, and will always be a Banago fan!

(Photo credits Banago and Desert Rh1no Photography)

XOXO,
Sheila

John Ablaza’s “Couture and Culture” is coming to Arizona in Spring!

Manila-based international couturier John Ablaza has sealed the deal for his one-man-show, coming to Arizona on May 31^st 2015!

L-R: Daniel Butterfield, Founder/CEO of Investment Property Experts (IPX); John Ablaza, International Fashion Designer;  Sir Tom Rodriguez, KGOR USA Regional Commander of Arizona Knights of Rizal '12-'14; Joey Balasta, Deputy Commander of AZKOR; and Arcelie Butterfield, Executive Producer 

John’s solo fashion show, “Couture and Culture,” will showcase a 40-50 piece collection including sculptured gowns and menswear handmade with eco-friendly and organic materials like coconut, dalet or barks, sig-id or reed grass fibers. 

The show will be accompanied by the “Jose Rizal Traveling Museum,” featuring Rizal’s personal belongings, photos of his lifeworks and writings, and replica garments. Inspired by the people and rich culture of the Philippines, one of John’s treasured work is he did an exact replica of Dr. Jose Rizal’s garments, which has been exhibited in Belgium, Canada, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and soon in Phoenix! The idea behind this traveling exhibit is to bring awareness about Philippine history and awaken the Filipino patriotism.  What a perfect opener leading up to the annual Philippine Independence Day celebration in June!

Not only does John work at a global level. Unbeknownst to many, he is an advocate of ancestral craftsmanship and collaborates with the Mangyan tribe to safeguard the indigenous culture in Mindoro, Philippines.  He mentors the tribal women to hone their embroidering techniques and design skills with a mission to bring them more work and improve their livelihood. 

John Ablaza, International Fashion Designer

John is a multi-faceted artist; he is a horticulturist-turned-designer, and also a published author.  He chronicled top models of Philippine runway during the late 1970’s to 2000 in a coffee table book called “Ramp Diva: Filipina” which was released in 2011.  His second book is currently in the works and soon to be launched.

In cooperation with the Arizona Knights of Rizal, the "Couture and Culture" fashion show will benefit the students of St. Martin de Porres, a special needs school in Cebu City, Philippines.  This charity event will be sponsored by InvestmentProperty Experts (IPX), thanks to its Founder and CEO, Daniel Butterfield and produced by his wife, Arcelie Butterfield.  When asked how this partnership was formed, Arcelie replied, “Every once in a while, we stumble upon a unique and amazing talent and know in our hearts it has to be created and shared to everyone.  John Ablaza is one such example.”

L-R: Daniel Butterfield, Founder/CEO of Investment Property Experts (IPX); John Ablaza, International Fashion Designer; Arcelie Butterfield, Executive Producer; and Sir Tom Rodriguez, KGOR USA Regional Commander of Arizona Knights of Rizal '12-'14

Though they just recently met, Arcelie and John have had some quality time together.  Arcelie said, “I was able to delve into the history of his collection, the culture as well as relish in some key points of his inspiration. John and I had a very special connection that was John Ablaza presented his collection which was clearly buoyed by his determination to ensure that he create designs that come with a promise of a livelihood for the artisans that he teaches and employs.  Designs that also proudly possess an important eco-friendly and organic appeal which makes perfect sense for a horticulturist.  As Executive Producer, I would like to ask everyone’s support for this upcoming Couture and Cultural Fashion Show along with Rizal Traveling Museum Exhibit.”

Maureen Montagne, Miss Arizona 2015 and John Ablaza

Fashion for a cause… how exciting! I can't wait to work side by side with John Ablaza, Claris Manglicmot, Arcelie Butterfield - Executive Producer, Ihman Esturco - Photography/Production Director, Marian Alcordo - Hair & Make-up Stylist, and the rest of the production team!

Just hangin' with John Ablaza

What I’ve admired only in photos from John's recent Canada Philippine Fashion Week runway show, I will soon be able to see the gowns up close, be able to touch the intricate details and who knows…maybe wear them too! John was equally ecstatic to visit Arizona, grateful for his kababayans’ warm welcome, and thrilled for the opportunity to showcase his creations not only to the Filipinos but also to the valley’s mainstream fashion community. 

Stay tuned for more details about this glam affair.  In the meantime, get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene. Visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay attuned to chic stories and happenings!

(Photo credits Ihman Esturco Photography and John Ablaza)

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.

Rocky Gathercole – The Avant Garde Knight Returns!

Written by Sheila Vertuno for F Magazine, Oct/Nov Issue

Scottsdale, AZ - By invitation, Rocky Gathercole returned to the desert and resided unnoticed in the V.I.P. section all 3 nights of Phoenix Fashion Week.  Incognito to most, I’d smile at him across the runway, while his name was thunderously announced every night, building the anticipation as the closing designer of the event. 

On the last night, I watched proud, front and center, as Rocky Gathercole’s “Celebration of Colours” collection hit the catwalk during Phoenix Fashion Week grand finale at Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale Arizona on October 4^th 2014. 

The 25-year anniversary collection was a reflection of the dark, colorful, playful and glamorous phases of Rocky’s personal and professional life. Like always, he pushed every boundary to deliver his own cutting edge unapologetic designs.  He used industrial metal and colorful loom bands for that innovative look and combined them with fringe beads, pearls and Swarovski for a feminine touch. I said it before and I will say it again… it was dashingly ferocious!

Photo by Desert Rh1no Photography

Photo by Desert Rh1no Photography

Photo by Desert Rh1no Photography

Photo by Desert Rh1no Photography

Click here for more Rocky Gathercole photos by Desert Rh1no Photography.

Many described it as a jaw-dropping collection, and I couldn’t agree more.  It was bold, entertaining and glamorous, all at the same time.  While tyro fashionistas may find his creations overwhelming, Rocky Gathercole Atelier is internationally acclaimed and a go to for Hollywood A-listers, the likes of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez …too many to list. 

When I asked him to describe his fashion designs, Rocky told me, “I’m a scene stealer and I want to leave a mark. I’d rather be flamboyant than boring.”  In a league of his own, Rocky said, “Women’s fashion is boundless! However, most people only see what they want to see.  My creations are not for everyone, especially not for the ‘boxed’ mind.' It captivates those with inquisitive and artful taste.”  Very Gathercole, I say!

The “Avant Garde Knight” is the title that I coined for Rocky Gathercole when I first saw his AH-MAH-ZING collection last year.  No hiding behind the shining armor, Rocky is shy, soft-spoken, selfless and wears his emotions on his sleeve… so authentic!  His humble beginnings keep him grounded and grateful for his achievements. I asked if he dreamt of making it this far, and recollecting his younger years, he said, “Kapag nasa kalye ka, wala kang pangarap. Ang nasa isip mo lang ay kaligtasan ng buhay.” (Translation: When you live in the streets you have no dream.  Your only focus is survival.)  He is slow to claim what he has now as success for “success has a different meaning to everyone,” he said. 

Comforted by vanilla ice cream and chocolate cake, we laughed and cried as we shared each other’s life stories.  I will never forget his words, “Yung ngang wala puede, yun pang meron!” (Translation: If one could make it with not having anything, one could certainly make it with a little bit more.) Truly inspiring!

On a lighter note, here’s a quick Q&A with Rocky:

• Who is your fashion icon(s)? Thierry Mugler, Bob Mackie, Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen
• If you could talk to anyone, past or present, who would it be?  Princess Diana
• Who would you like to dress that you haven’t yet?  Barbara Streisand
• Who is your favorite science fiction character? Mystique
• Daytime or nighttime? I am an early bird
• Coffee or tea? Tea

From London Fashion Week, Phoenix Fashion Week, and recent Los Angeles photo shoots with For the Stars Fashion House, Rocky jets back to Manila for Halloween by Rocky Gathercole at Solaire Grand Ballroom on October 31st, 2014.  Next month, Rocky will support the Filipino Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP) fashion show scheduled on November 26^{th ,} 2014 while he prepares as the official designer of Julie Anne San Jose for her Hologram Concert at the MOA Arena on December 13^th 2014.

Mabuhay ka, Rocky Gathercole.  You are blessed with a genuine heart and incredible talent.  You are absolutely one of a kind!  My love and respect to you always!

XOXO,
Sheila