Meta Gala 2022

Meta Gala 2022

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interviews by Yelena Scheidlers and Rachel Clevinger

LG Motion and Justice Smith extended Dash Talents an invitation to attend Meta Gala in Richmond, VA.  Meta Gala is the premiere date reveal party for MetaCouture SS’23. Clearly taking inspiration from the Met’s infamous Met Gala, the night consisted of creative alchemy, tech immersion, performance art, and of course fashion. The theme for the evening was Meta-Masquerade: a futuristic spin on the classic Masquerade Ball. This event was the first of its kind in Richmond, and the DMV area, further broadcasting the voices and style of the South. Meta Gala was teasing the Spring Show, which will explore the intersections of technology and nature, community and isolation, humility and ego. 

Photography is by Noel Calubaquib, Roy Negrosa, and Wave.  Please follow METACOUTURE for upcoming show announcements.

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
DC Swim Week Returns the Heat To the Capital

DC Swim Week Returns the Heat To the Capital

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interviews by Yelena Scheidler

DC Swim Week  brought heat to Washington DC after 2 years of pandemic.  Though residing in Miami and taking lead at Miami Swim Week and New York Fashion Week, Moh Ducis, founder and CEO of DC Swim Week opened up about his passion to bring DC to the forefront of fashion and all the possibilities.  The designers brought so much vibrancy, sparkle, and sass to the runway.  Some of the designers included: Makai Swim, Hamade Activewear, Nzinga Swim, MM&M Swim, Amarotto Swimwear, Banana Moon, Cioccolato Couture, and more.

Video by Maher Ibrahim

The models were served with a magic touch by Axel Vasquez and his team of Axel Pro artists, who created a French-inspired glam on each model,  providing a uniform, classic beauty with matte red lip, dewey skin, and lightly defined eyes.  All products were by Axel Beauty, ensuring long hours of beautiful wear. Axel is a star from TV Show American Beauty Star, and owner of Axel Makeup Academy, who is spicing up Washington DC on 11/7/22 by bringing the legendary celebrity makeup artist whose art is responsible for all of Jennifer Lopez looks – Scott Barnes.

Sarah of Axel Makeup Academy creating a beautiful canvas before focusing on the details of the model’s look.  Photography by Vithaya Phongsavan.

Photography by Vithaya Phongsavan.

Teachers Fest Sep 2022

Teachers Fest Sep 2022

Video by Noel Calubaquib, Interview by Yelena Scheidler

The school year started off with a hit when The Teachers Fest hosted a back to school celebration at the University of the Potomac, led by Dr. Soyini Richards, the Founder of Teachers Fest.  The event celebrated, uplifted, recognized, and honored  educators, from students pursuing education careers to retired educators. 

On September 24, 2022, Dr. Richards and her dedicated team will host An Evening of Elegance at the Sunset Room at National Harbor overlooking the Potomac RiverThis will be a night to remember – the 1st Annual Teachers’ Ball and Fashion Show dedicated to celebrating educators in style, beauty, and kindness.

Dr. Soyini Richards and her biggest supporter, daughter Gabrielle Holmes.
Celebrity stylist Ron Cooke is An Evening of Elegance fashion show producer and director.
 Derrick Rutledge, the legendary celebirty makeup artist, educator, and entrepreneur, recognizes the value of educators and is a big supporter of Teachers Fest.

Founded by Dr. Soyini Richards, a third-generation  educator, professor, black-owned business owner and business psychologist, Teachers  Festival, LLC was established to unite communities to support educators in this increasingly difficult time. The mission  of Teachers Fest is to engage communities, small and large businesses and other stakeholders with one common goal: to celebrate and recognize educators.

Reverend Ambassador George E. Holmes spoke at the celebratory evening, reiterating the importance of strong educators.  George E. Holmes is a two-time recipient of the President of the United States’ President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Soyini Richards poses for photos next to celebrity physician Dr. Mobi, Dash Talents’ PR Yelena Scheidler, and fitness training entrepreneur Ron West.
When Beauty Meets Purpose

When Beauty Meets Purpose

Video by Noel Calubaquib

On April 23, 2022, WEModel USA brought an extraordinary Red Carpet Gala and Charity Event to MGM National Harbor Resort & Casino.  Hosted by the foundation owner, Patricia Watts, the upscale event was filled with fashion, beauty, live performances, with focus on promoting community awareness in support of Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign by NWECare – “Connect2Protect”.  The event educated and united all guests about combating the second highest-ranking international crime, Human Trafficking.

 

The event was a true experience of lights, camera, action full of the most beautifully dressed celebrities, models, influencers, designers, and media coming from all over the country. From Red Carpet with FOX5’s Erin Como and WUSA9’s Darren Haynes to Runway shows by extraordinary designers, to the impeccable hosts Lamont Easter and Jana Sedlakova, to an unforgettable live performance by the Global Top 10 Charting Hip Hop Artist RoRo Yone, the night caused quite the buzz, as it should have, as Human Trafficking awareness needs further attention.

WEModel USA is a woman empowerment-led platform created to offer aspiring models a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be in the spotlight. Through this organization, many amazing and talented young women experience international cultural experiences while simultaneously standing in the spotlight to raise awareness of and spearhead initiatives for the core pillar of activism: human trafficking, the second highest-ranking international crime.

The show featured many recognized local designers and over 40 models. All models’ makeup was created by Axel Makeup Academy certified makeup artists, lead by Dash Talents’ own Yelena ScheidlerMakeup By Yelena.

The show was moved to the next level of entertainment when the Global Top 10 Charting Hip-Hop artist RoRo Yone performed his top hits, causing the audience to vibe along to the catchy tunes.

Mrs. DC America, Gift Hughes and Dash Talents’ Yelena Scheidler listen to Barbara Amaya’s recollection of the horrific Human Trafficking experience and how she escaped.