The Gatsby Showcase 2022

The Gatsby Showcase 2022

by | Dec 17, 2022 | Behind the Scenes, Event, Fashion, Interviews

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/

The World Top Model USA Winner Is…

The World Top Model USA Winner Is…

by | Nov 24, 2022 | Fashion, Interviews

Video by Noel Calubaquib. Interview and article by Yelena Scheidler

Washington DC is becoming highly-noticed for its fashion and beauty worldwide as the president of the World Top Model and head of one of the most prestigious agencies in the world – Major Model Management, Fiori Tondi, traveled from Italy to judge at the World Top Model USA at Hyatt Regency, Bethesda, Maryland on November 19.  Not only was the show designed to bring the greatest of modeling opportunities to the contestants, it also raised awareness of a key topic that impacts so many people: mental health.

The show was organized by supermodel and educator Cintia Hullen, Marcela Urioste and Doctor Mobi, and hosted by Darren Haynes, 11x Emmy Winning Sports Anchor at WUSA9 and Janna Sedlakova, a long-time model and author.  The evening was full of fashion icons, designers, photographers, influencers, artists and more as everyone watched around 20 women compete for an opportunity to win the title of the World Top Model USA and progress into the world-level finals, competing among 60 other countries in Budapest, Hungary in December.

According to the judges, it was a tough competition and decision.  Based on popular vote, the winner of the World Top Model USA was Samantha Martinez. 

From Morgantown, West Virginia, this beauty holds on to a meaningful story that would inspire many.  In 2019, Samantha suffered a major seizure that completely impacted her ability to walk for over 9 months.  She was determined and gained her ability back, which then turned into runway, and now into winning such a prestigious title.

The World Top Model is an ultimate international model search event that holds competitions among 60 countries.  At the end of each year The World Top Model winner is awarded funding, extraordinary modeling opportunities, press, attention, and the best of training.

The World Top Model USA show was taken to the next level of entertainment when RoRo Yone, the Global Top 10 Charting Hip Hop Artist, performed a 5 minute mix of his songs.  He let all contestants take part in his performance, making it not only electric but beautiful too.

The entertainment guests also included The Gem Fatales.

Professional makeup for World Top Model USA was provided to all models by Dash Talents glam team, lead by celebrity makeup artist Yelena Scheidler.  Artists included: Sarah Nour, Christy Campos, Simran Shahi, Sarah Bentman, Fotima Dostieva, and Terazia Jones.

Designers featured at the World Top Model USA: Ramona Designs, Malcolm Staples, DiDomenico Design, Aurelius Suits, Sonia Gatbarino Atelier, and more

Jojo Bragais Shoes, the official brand of the Miss Universe shoes, was a sponsor for the World Top Model USA.  The winner received a pair of beautiful shoes in style Jehza that she will wear during the finals in Budapest. Baby Espree, US Representative of Jojo Bragais Shoes, traveled from Texas to personally present these beauties to the 2022 USA winner, Samantha.  Please follow this brand.

Photography by Roy Negrosa and Noel Calubaquib. 

To follow the World Top Model competition further, please visit World Top Model USA Instagram, World Top Model Official Instagram, World Top Model Website.

Sheree On Top – USA Tour

Sheree On Top – USA Tour

by | Nov 15, 2022 | Behind the Scenes, Event, Interviews, Music

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 Babes.  Sheree 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

Follow and support: 

David Amoroso Brings New Meaning to Art

David Amoroso Brings New Meaning to Art

by | Nov 11, 2022 | Art, Behind the Scenes, Interviews

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

by | Oct 14, 2022 | Behind the Scenes, Interviews, RVAFW

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

The City’s Dapper Side at DC Fashion Week

The City’s Dapper Side at DC Fashion Week

by | Oct 14, 2022 | DC Fashion Week, Interviews

Video by Noel Calubaquib. Interview by Yelena Scheidler

Washington DC has been honored by the semi-annual DC Fashion Week, created and directed by former model and actor Ean Williams.  As the show celebrates its 37th season, DC Fashion Week unites all people who admire fashion.

Dash Talents enjoyed The Washington Menswear Collections event at the Patterson Mansion. The designs included: Andrew Nowell Collection, The Debonaire Club Collection, Earle Banniester Collection, Obioma Fashion Collection, and Alek Rismnic Couture.  From unique silhouettes to unexpected fabric to vibrant colors, the models looked dashing as they showcased the memorable designs.

Photography by DC Fashion Week Team

Video by Joy A. Johnson of Obioma Fashion