“United by Beauty” Reminiscing the 72nd Miss USA Pageant in Reno, Nevada

“United by Beauty” Reminiscing the 72nd Miss USA Pageant in Reno, Nevada

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

The historical Miss USA continues to impact the country and even world every year, bringing beauty to life.  Dash Talents took part in the  72nd MISS USA 2023 PAGEANT in Reno, Nevada, and it was unforgettable. Miss Utah USA Noelia Voight claimed the prestigious title of Miss USA, while Miss Teen New Jersey USA, UmaSofia Srivastava, was crowned Miss Teen USA on September 29, 2023.  The pageant had an extra sparkle this year with the addition of the new president and CEO of Miss USA, Laylah Rose.

Video and photography by Noel Calubaquib

The meticulously orchestrated event was broadcast on The CW, featuring accomplished hosts from E! NewsKeltie Knight and Adrienne Bailon-Houghton for Miss USA and Justin Sylvester for Miss Teen USA.  The Miss USA judges’ chairs were filled with celebrities who were admired by the large audience and the beauty queens alike; including, designer and businesswoman Nicole Miller, actress, director, producer, and entrepreneur Vivica A. Fox, Countess Luann De Lesseps, model, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Emina Cunmulaj Nazarian, as well as beauty entrepreneur and founder of One/Size Beauty, Patrick Starrr.  The judges for the Miss Teen USA pageant were actress, producer and entrepreneur Emily Shah; founder of Kopu Water Mindy Mahy; the first Miss Teen USA Ruth Zakarian; entrepreneur and television personality, and Stand Up Comedian Kae Cazorla; and model and content creator Tabitha Swatosh with Chris Persky and current Miss Teen USA Faron Medhi served as commentators.  Jordan Kimball and the reigning Miss USA, Morgan  Romano, served as commentators for the event.

 

Dash Talents conducted exclusive interviews with the judges on the red carpet, seeking advice for the competing ladies. The judges emphasized that they were in search of a winner who embodies the complete package, placing utmost importance on authenticity and confidence.  We sought guidance from the renowned beauty guru, Patrick Starrr, for makeup artists working behind the scenes. His straightforward advice? Just go for it!  

 

This year, The Miss USA Organization proudly welcomed Laylah Rose as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), bringing a wealth of experience and dynamic leadership to the pageant world.  Laylah Rose comes from a lineage of five generations of resilient female leaders, each an example of success and determination in their respective fields as entrepreneurs, CEOs, and businesswomen. Prior to assuming her role at Miss USA, Laylah Rose was the CEO of the VIP Pageantry Network and the owner/designer of the esteemed clothing brand, Laylah Rose Couture. With a myriad of accolades to her name, Laylah Rose emerges as the essential leader for the Miss USA organization. Her passions extend beyond the realm of fashion, encompassing philanthropy and education. Laylah Rose’s unwavering commitment lies in maintaining the elevated status and community impact of the Miss USA organization. As we look ahead, we eagerly anticipate the lasting influence she will undoubtedly imprint on this organization in the years to come.

72nd Miss USA and Miss Teen USA events. This time, delegates were given the freedom to bring their chosen glam teams during the week leading up to the finale. Instead of being tied to a specific beauty brand or team, artists from across the United States had the chance to showcase their creative talents. Yelena Scheidler from Dash Talents was part of a team of hair and makeup artists (Hernan Rivera, Mike and Maricruz Martinez), focusing on glamming Miss Maryland USA Savena Mushinge, Miss New York USA Rachelle Di Stasio, and Miss Teen Maryland USA Madelyn Posey. The delegates enjoyed personalized glam sessions followed by photos, capturing the essence of their beautiful experience.

Visit https://themissusa.com/

The Gatsby Showcase 2022

The Gatsby Showcase 2022

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

A star-studded evening of Hollywood stars, fashion, beauty, and purpose took place on December 4, 2022 at the Inaugural Gatsby Showcase Gala, produced by the luxury event rental company L&B Concepts. The event was hosted by the electric Hollywood actress and philanthropist, Vivica Fox.  Many notable people walked down the red carpet, each being personally announced. Dash Talents interviewed many stars of the show, including supermodel, activist, and fashion icon Beverly Johnson, who was was recognized with a Trailblazer Award.  She was the first woman of color to grace the covers of both American Vogue and French Elle magazines.

Underneath all the beauty at the 2022 Gatsby Showcase Gala, there was a deep cause.  The Gatsby Showcase Foundation, which put together the event is all about giving back, raising awareness and funds to plant a seed of hope in the lives of the historically underprivileged.

The event featured some of the top high-end designers: Anya By Vivien, Miguel Wilson, Miller’s Furs, and L&B Concepts.  These designers showcased their fashion on the runway and helped raise money for the associated non-profits.  

 

Video by Noel Calubaquib

Enjoy the below photos of the majestic event by Phelan Marc

To support and contribute toward The Gatsby Showcase, please visit https://thegatsbyshowcase.org/

Sheree On Top – USA Tour

Sheree On Top – USA Tour

Video by Noel Calubaquib. Interview by Yelena Scheidler. Event video contributors: Capture PH and Twin Loopz

Crescendo Studios – located in Falls Church, Virginia – brought the Filipino community together for a night of live music and sizzle on Nov 4, 2022.  The show Sheree On Top was what many would describe as unforgettable.  Filipino musicians came together to bring their music, culture and performances to a room full of lively audience.  The talent included: RestOn8, Jaboy ng Sandamukal, S.N.R.G (Some Never Really Get), Sheree Bautista and Jamaica Jornacion

The major act was Sheree Bautista of Sheree On Top – a Filipino singer, actress, artist, model, painter, and pole dancer.  You may know her as a member. of Viva Hot BabesSheree combines her music with the beautiful and intricate Pole dancing.  Taking this risk was proven to be worth it as she communicates a powerful message to women about going beyond comfort zones.  Her voice was beautiful and powerful while she entertained the crowd with pole dancing moves.  

Sheree’s performance was combined with striking pole dancing by Jamaica Jornacion – CEO of Beast House Philippines and winner of National Artist NCAA.  Jamaica has trained Sheree her techniques and many others during her career.

Crescendo Studios, the hidden gem of the DMV, is a modern center for creative arts in Falls Church, Virginia, minutes away from Washington DC.  It combines all the best of the creative world: live venue, recording studio, and event space.  The stage was large enough for singers, entertainers, and of course let’s not forget – pole dancing.

In attendance was the Global Top 10 Charting Hip Hop Artist and Music Producer, RoRo Yone along with his team: publicist Yelena Scheidler and creative director Noel Calubaquib.

S.N.R.G. stands for Some Never Really Get.  This catchy band is a unique alternative hip hop duo, sharing their catchy style of rap worldwide.  Beyond their talent and entertainment, this group consists of two brothers who are the owners of Crescendo Studios.  Understanding both the beauty and challenges of being an artist, they have created a platform for self expression for both active and hidden artists, offering a great community and opportunity to showcase their talent.

Jaboy ng Sandamukal is the OG Filipino rapper in the USA.  He became a well-respected rapper many years ago, and still continues to entertain the audience with songs in both English and Tagalog, the major language in the Philippines.  He began his performance with a club banger to gain immediate attention, because as everyone must know by now, Filipinos love to dance.  He then connected with the crowd through several relatable love songs.  The vibe was undeniable.

RestOn8 is a Filipino up and coming hip-hop and R&B musical trio that was taken by surprise when meeting each other a year ago and quickly realizing how well they flowed together as artists.  The initial intention was to simply record music, but they are now performing live shows, gaining fans as they go.  They loved their audience at Crescendo Studios.

The show was hosted by the electric Giorgia Munoz-Ortega, a fashion model and actress from Philippines.  She kept the energy up from the beginning to the end of the show.  Giorgia was pleased with the outcome of the show as it opened up the Filipino community’s minds to pole dancing, seeing it in a different light with increased appreciation for the craft and the athleticism of it all.

Though based in Philippines, you can find these talented women at the upcoming shows:

  • December 3 – Sheree On Top in NYC
David Amoroso Brings New Meaning to Art

David Amoroso Brings New Meaning to Art

Portrait by Noel Calubaquib

Strolling through the lit up streets of Old Town Manassas, Dash Talents Creative Director Noel Calubaquib spotted bright colors peeking through the windows of ARTfactory. Inside, the gallery was filled with 25 paintings that looked like a celebration with clear Latin roots.

Video by Noel Calubaquib.  Interview and Article by Yelena Scheidler

The artist behind the beautiful Mexican pop culture art is David Amoroso of Amoroso Art, who currently resides in Arlington, Virginia.  His art began with photography and over time developed into striking paintings, inspired by his travels to Mexico in the late 1990’s.  As David reviewed his photos upon completing the trip, he realized there was something missing, the feeling and energy that he experienced.  A brush, a paint, and a canvas was what it took to relay his memories in a much more meaningful way.

Since then, David  has been creating portraits, pop art, and 3D pieces, especially focusing on Mexican culture.  Amoroso Art has been showcased in multiple exhibits throughout the country as well as several restaurants in Washington DC.  The ARTFactory was adorned with 25 of David’s paintings that were part of two meaningful themes Entre Dos Mondos and Dia De Los Muertos, translated from Spanish to Between Two Worlds and Day of the Dead.

David Amoroso shares his top 3 paintings in the art gallery.  Watch to find out which of his pieces he picks and and the reasons behind his choices.

Noel Calubaquib creates his signature shots of David Amoroso as he learns about the meaning behind Amoroso Art.

David Amoroso’s fascination with Frieda has lead him to create many artistic versions of her portrait always adding a fun twist to the paintings to intensify the message and meaning.

David Amoroso loves to give back to the community through his art, inspiring kids and adults alike by educating them  about culture and artistry.

David Amoroso celebrates Dia De Los Muertos at the ARTfactory with his audience

Beyond inspiring the community through his artistry, David Amoroso has been an employment skills trainer at Goodwill, teaching others how to excel in their careers.

For artists inspired by this who are interested in showcasing their work at ARTfactory, please experess your interest to Jordan Exum, the Gallery Director through the Gallery Website.

Follow and support Amoroso Art  Instagram. 

14th Annual RVAFW Fall 2022

14th Annual RVAFW Fall 2022

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interviews by Yelena Scheidler

On a beautiful Sunday. October 9th in Richmond VA, RVA Fashion Week impressed completely.  As part of its 14th season, the show brought forward the talent that creates their masterpieces right in the heart of Virginia.  The designers included unique and trendy local talent while some traveled all the way from the West Coast. Their work was immaculate and translated elegantly on the runway by the beautiful models who were selected out of over 700 applicants.

Beyond the talent, what stood out about RVA Fashion Week, was a sense of family amongst leadership, many of whom have been involved with the show for many seasons, seeing RVAFW grow bigger each year.  The next 5 years will be exponential.

Designers during the Sunday show included: K. McGough, Paige The Artist and BlueCatHouse, Esther Lofley, Sisters Boutique, Museum Rejects, Keziah Amaree, Haus of Klyde, 707 Fine Clothing, The Liznel, and closed by The Aziancy.

Photography by Byron Wimbish and Jermaine Dabney

Brickell, Heather Marie, and Chanel radiate in pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness

Photography by Byron Wimbish and Jermaine Dabney

Every seat was filled  at RVAFW as the models walked down the runway.  Featured designers: Keziah Amaree, Sisters Boutique, K. McGough, Haus of Klyde, The Liznel, 707 Fine Clothing, Esther Lofley, Paige The Artist and BlueCatHouse, and Museum Rejects.

Behind the scenes with designer/photographer Ryan Azia and his models, ready to showcase The Aziancy on the runway

Video by Aaron Dudley

AF Talent Event

AF Talent Event

Video by Photosbysteve

Dash Talents worked closely with AF Talent Management during the AF Fashion Collab event, which is a true collaboration of models, photographers, videographers, makeup artists, hair stylists, agencies, designers, and more. AF Fashion Collab is a huge opportunity for all talent to come together and create: from filmed runway walks, to editorial, fashion, commercial shoots, to portfolio building.

While the talent was organized into designated groups of artists, models, designers, and photographers, Dash Talents’ creative director, Noel Calubaquib photographed a full roster of models, creating his clean and crisp signature shots that have a mixture of Polaroid and Vogue appeal.

Dash Talents’ Beauty Director, Yelena Scheidler, oversaw the beauty team to ensure the final looks matched the mood boards and were photo ready, while creating her signature looks on AF Talent Management’s owner, Chelsea Cushing, models, and fashion influencers.

The full day of creating concluded in a runway walk by all models finalized with inspirational motivation by Chelsea. Could DC area become the capital of fashion?