Miss Arizona USA 2015

source: http://missarizonausa.com/content/2015-miss-contestants/ Miss Arizona USA 2015 Maureen Montagne

Maureen Montagne is the reigning Miss Arizona USA 2015. She is a proud Sun Devil attending Arizona State University with a love for journalism and culture. Maureen is half Filipino and half French and enjoys modeling, dancing, and playing the ukulele in her free time. She is 21 years young and hails from Chandler, Arizona! Maureen is an avid chocolate lover and absolutely adores working with kids. She believes that hard work pays off and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Her dream job is to be an international reporter one day and to truly make a difference in the world. Maureen is very honored and excited to represent the beautiful Grand Canyon state!

source: http://missarizonausa.com/content/2015-miss-contestants/

March 2015 / 04 FMag meet the team Ihman Basas Esturco Creative Assistant Director of Photography

Sheila Vidamo-Vertuno Writer/Contributor

Maureen Montagne Writer/Contributor

Jumping Norman Writer/Contributor

Tim Chakkaw Creative Director

Fleur Magbanua Mansur - Editor

Editor Contributiors Account Executives Fleur Magbanua Mansur Catherine Heather Gardiola Oscar Arabit Maureen Montagne Alma Dueñas Creative Director Charmel dela Cruz Joe Luna Ihman Esturco Jumping Norman Joy Clemente Fleur Magbanua Mansur John Erichson Licas Charmel dela Cruz Tim Chakkaw Cheska Tariga Anabelle Montagne Joey Baloria Technical Engineering Sheila Vidamo-Vertuno Director of Photography Jamal Mansur Ihman Esturco

05 FMag / May/June 2015 Account Executives Oscar Arabit Alma Dueñas Joe Luna Joy Clemente Charmel dela Cruz Anabelle Montagne

Director of Photography Ihman Esturco SAVE Anthem Filipino THE DATE SATURDAY Community’s TH JUNE 20 Pinoy Salu-Salo “Pagsasamahan at Pagkakaibigan”

Th e Anthem Filipino community organization celebrates the Philippine National Independence Day in “Pinoy Salu-Salo “ style, dubbed as “ sa pag- sasamahan at pagkakaibigan”. With the goal of fostering goodwill and cama- TEL: 480 273 8827 raderie, the event is geared to bringing in Filipino folks together in a family setting of a “salu-salo”, as cooking and eating are rituals and traditions that WWW. THECHANDLERCOSMETICDENTIST.COM have found a niche into every culture.

Filipino families are encouraged to participate through contributions and potluck of various known and favorite Filipino culinary dishes like Pancit, Adobo, Lumpia, Lechon, Menudo to name a few, and of course not to miss our desserts (Kakanin) as, Halo-Halo, Pichi-pichi, Bibingka, Puto/Cuchinta, and others.

Th e Anthem Filipino Community event off ers a cultural presentation, food, games and family entertainment which is scheduled on Saturday, June 20th, from 1:30 to 5:30 pm at the Anthem Community Center.

For more information: Nick/Tess Bello (623) 640-4961 [email protected]

07 FMag / May/June 2015 TEL: 480 273 8827 WWW. THECHANDLERCOSMETICDENTIST.COM 2015 MISS ASIA ARIZONA Celebrating 8 years of recognizing talent and beauty

photos courtesy of Jam Sani Photography

By Tiara Chakkaw lashy, beautiful gowns and picture perfect stage, sending the contestants off with a bit of advice smiles lit up the stage on the Corona- to “never stop smiling,” and wished all the girls a good tion Night of the Miss Asia Arizona 2015 luck for the night. Shortly after, upbeat music filled the pageant; a night to celebrate the beauty of room as each contestant seemingly took Baron’s advice F cultural diversity among the community. and brightly smiled to the audience, performing a Seventeen hopefuls from across the valley came to short dance number in their swimsuit attire. Each girl compete in the 10th year anniversary of the pageant, was a head-turner during the swimsuit portion, confi- each one proudly representing their own unique dently strutting center stage to the beat. backgrounds and ethnicities from Burmese to Korean, creating a diverse group of girls this year. Wild Horse Musical guest performances then followed as the Pass Hotel and Casino provided the location for the contestants walked back-stage in preparation for their night and as many families, friends, and guests filled evening gowns. Baron returned on-stage for a short the audience to support the contestants, the curtains duration, raising awareness about Ovarian Cancer rose, and the show began. among the audience.

First and foremost, the beauty of cultural diversi- Dazzling long gowns of various colors began to fill ty was put on display as each contestant wore their the stage as each contestant showcased their beauty traditional costumes, proudly introducing their name and poise. The question and answer portion occurred and heritage to the audience. After the cheers and directly afterwards with each candidate drawing a applause had died down and the girls had exited, past random question that had been previously created by reigning Miss Asia Arizona 2011, Felicia Baron made each contestant. The nerves were high amongst the a grand entrance. Baron gracefully walked across the girls, but what followed released some tension with Baron gracefully walked across the stage, sending the contestants off with a bit of advice to... “never stop smiling,”

contemporary asian woman is the best role model for your generation?” Each girl pro- vided a unique answer, once again showing the variety of personalities and backgrounds combined on stage. Gene Flores himself then took to the stage, serenading the final five be- fore the next Miss Asia Arizona 2015 was chosen. Suspenseful long pauses filled the room before names were called out one at a time naming the fourth, third, and second princesses, finally leaving the two final can- didates, Vietnamese, Alina Vo and Burmese contestant Kyi Sint.

The tall and intelligent beauty, Alina Vo was called, being proudly crowned the new reigning Miss Asia Arizona 2015. The royal court consisted of 1st runner up, Kyi Sint, 2nd princess Vietnamese, Tiffany Nguyen, photos courtesy of Jam Sani Photography 3rd princess, FIlipina Rachel Marie Dela Cruz, 4th princess Jessie Delprete, Filipina, and Asia Espiritu Dising, Filipina as honor- ary Miss Asia Arizona Enterprise 2015. Ali- By Tiara Chakkaw na Vo will continue on to represent Arizona in the Miss Asian America pageant August 2015 in San Francisco, California.

some contestants performing their hard work. Another round of for the talent portion. Baton question and answer followed for the twirling, piano, hip-hop danc- top ten group, with singer Geo the ing, traditional Spanish danc- entertainer performing afterwards as ing, and singing amazed the the judges deliberated. crowd, once again enforcing the unique personas of each The group of contestants were girl. narrowed down further as the top five candidates were selected. Sus- After a heartfelt speech and pense was high as audience members acknowledgment for the spon- cheered their support for their favor- sors by Gene Flores, director ite contestants during the selection, and founder of the Miss Asia but in the end, great sportsmanship Arizona Pageant, the top ten was held as support was shown for candidates were chosen to the new five finalists and those who continue on in the journey for were not chosen to continue on. the crown. A warm applause Each finalist was then brought out congratulated the new group one-by-one to answer one question of finalists while also sending as part of the final round of question off the other contestants for and answer. “As times change, what May/June 2015 / FMag 10 VETERANy aureen Montagne B M WITH A VISION

veteran, industrial de- signer, and a leader in today’s growing econ- omy, Jonathan Rojas is the first functional-hydrating A is making leaps and energy beverage inspired from his bounds in his field. The deployment experiences. entrepreneur was born in 1983, at the Clark Air Base located on Luzon The inception of DPLOYD oc- soldier volunteers him/herself to Island in the Philippines. Although curred during Jonathan’s active duty get deployed with blood, sweat, and Jonathan already has an outstanding Air Force deployment to Balad, tears gets the mission done. Us as resume he is currently completing Iraq in January 2005. Jonathan was civilians, entrepreneurs, creatives, his MBA in Marketing at Grand exposed to the hardships of war. journalists, developers, designers, Canyon University. The super star When asked about how he wanted deploy ourselves to get our mission has his own urban chic clothing line to label his clothing brand, he said, done. What ever it takes. Our call- called DPLOYD and is the Chief “As I thought of a brand name, I ing, our passion. We’re DPLOYD of Marketing and Design for a new thought that we don’t have to be in within ourselves. “ And thus a energy drink, Enerzen Energy, that the military to get deployed. As a brand with a cause was born. As for Jonathan’s break through drink, Enerzen, it is the first func- When asked if he has any mottos, tional-hydrating energy beverage that Jonathan said “One of the philosophies helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and that inspires me is a quote I’ve said creates a heightened sense of overall before, “Some people get inspired to well being. They have already man- design, I design to inspire.” When asked ufactured thousands of bottles and if the Filipino community has helped are pushing the brand in Arizona and him he said “The Filipino community Florida. If you’re interested in trying has helped me tremendously in not only this revolutionary beverage you can promoting the DPLOYD brand, but also stop by at www.enerzenenergy.com. referring me to collaborate with other To place and order. “The selfless dedication of our sol- Filipino entrepreneurs with design, diers inspired me to create DPLOYD marketing, photography and video sup- Keep an eye out for this young LLC, a full service industrial design, port. My most recent entrepreneurial leader. He has been traveling across graphic & multimedia, marketing, event DPLOYD Collab & Inspire back the country for his business ventures photography & video production in June 13, 2014 was an epic success due and we cannot wait to catch up with company, as well as a unique clothing to the Filipino community and other him again in a few months to see what lifestyle brand. Collaborating with selfless supporters. I am truly thankful amazing things he has accomplished. a diverse client base to catalyze their and humbled for their support. Most Best of luck and god bless your en- business utilizing technology and importantly I believe my faith in God deavors Jonathan! creativity. 10% of each shirt sold is has helped me through every aspect of donated to the Wounded Warrior my life through deployment, For and inquiries feel free to visit Project charity.” college, and as an entrepreneur.” www.dployd.com. Define a Leader By Christina Serrano

Leadership will continue to be one of the most highly dis- cussed and debated topic. Un- doubtedly, countless books and articles provide a concoction of leadership materials. Hence, it may be best to stop defining it. Consequently, leaders must tainties to accomplish the orga- operate with agility given a par- nizational goals. The universal ticular situation while taking into traits of an effective leader consideration the many person- encompass drive, intelligence, ality types of team members insight, leadership motivation, and the myriad of internal and honesty and integrity, self-con- external variables. fidence, sociability, emotional Despite the absence of clear intelligence, and extroversion. HOW TO STAY ACTIVE IN THE SUMMER leadership universal definition The best leaders inspire amongst researchers; there is a action to deliver desirable seemingly agreed upon con- results. They establish the struct, that leadership involves roadmap for the team while providing much-needed inspi- cial skills to motivate the team to having influence over others. s the temperatures ration along the way to accom- get the job done even when the A leader is an individual who increase throughout plish objectives. Further, great followers are not inclined to do can influence people by provid- the valley, the desire to leaders eliminate unnecessary so. Hence, an effective leader is ing vision, objectives, direction, remain indoors increas- barriers to allow team mem- capable of utilizing his capabil- and motivation while performing es, as well. The heat of bers to maximize their poten- ities while promoting collabora- A under complexities and uncer- the sun heavily drains any motiva- tial. Simply put, they have spe- tion from the team. tion to get outdoors and stay active with friends and family. The desire “My best leadership moments have “What comes naturally to me is the "The best leadership moments are to remain indoors with A/C blasting all occurred when I realized I did desire to connect ideas, experiences, the ones that I don't know about. becomes more sought out resulting not have to lead anymore. Leader- stories, efforts, and people. Sharing They happen when someone on the in lazy days in front of the fan while relevant information at opportune staff or volunteer team makes the ship is not always about being in resting on the couch. With sum- front. Sometimes, it is about being times in ways that enhance outcomes right decision that solves a problem, comfortable enough to your skin is energizing. Communication skills, or delights a member, or inspires an mer approaching, it’s important to to lead from the rear and let others timing, including all stakeholders, idea, or advances our mission. The adjust with the new temperatures shine."—Velma Hart, FASAE, CAE, and ego-free interactions are keys to ultimate measure of a leader is what and keep an active lifestyle. While chief financial officer, Thurgood successful leadership.”—Susan Gorin, happens in your absence."—Gary A. some may think there are limited Marshall College Fund CAE, executive director, NationalPhotos Asso- courtesyLaBranche, of FASAE, Ihman CAE, Basas president Esturco ciation of School Psychologists and CEO, Association for Corporate activities during the summer, it’s Growth best to remember that it’s all about HOW TO STAY ACTIVE IN THE SUMMER BY CATHERINE HEATHER

s the temperatures getting creative with ideas. a beautiful sunrise, and we all know increase throughout Aside from the obvious visit to how amazing Arizona sunrises are. The the valley, the desire to the gym, outdoor activities do skies will be painted with an incredible remain indoors increas- not have to be a dying breed this shade of orange that contrasts beauti- A es, as well. The heat of season. Considering that tempera- fully against the blue morning. A breath- the sun heavily drains any motiva- tures are rising, this just means taking view gifted to the early birds. tion to get outdoors and stay active working around the hot hours of the Although outdoor activities aren’t with friends and family. The desire sun. Going for a run while the sun limited to only hitting gym, running and to remain indoors with A/C blasting is going down when the weather hiking, there is so much more to do becomes more sought out resulting cools down a little bit will be much throughout the valley. There are indoor in lazy days in front of the fan while better than running while the sun is rock climbing gyms or even indoor resting on the couch. With sum- beating down on you. With enough skating rinks if you really want to cool mer approaching, it’s important to motivation, a great hike can be down. Instead of hiking early in the adjust with the new temperatures accomplished in the early morning. morning, hop on a bike and get those and keep an active lifestyle. While As dreadful as waking up early miles in. Despite the high temperatures some may think there are limited sounds, the reward will compen- that are approaching, we shouldn’t let Photos courtesy of Ihman Basas Esturco activities during the summer, it’s sate your reluctance of waking that hinder our active lifestyle! best to remember that it’s all about before the sun. You will be met with May/June 2015 / FMag 14 Photo Courtesy of Ihman Esturco Photography

Who Will Be The Next Miss Teen Philippines Arizona 2015 Find Out This Coming June 13 and 20th, 2015 During the PDIC Cultural and Gala Night @ the Marriot Hotel Phoenix Airport For Inquiries Please Call Marie Cunning - 602 573 6936 Fashion Scene By Sheila Vidamo-Vertuno SJ Couture Making dreams come true, one bride at a time!

photo courtesy of ihman esturco photography

cottsdale, AZ – Look- Couture CEO and Designer, at stated elegance. What SJ Couture ing at my refl ection her vintage-themed Scottsdale is about - “The simple, striking wearing an elegant boutique. designs take vintage grace and ivory silk duchess SJ Couture’s high quality and infuse it with a contemporary twist. satin sleeveless authentic wedding gowns are Jeanne believes that fashion is a s A-line long dress designed for today’s real wom- frame only enhancing the per- with silk organza an. Making dreams come true fection of the woman. Her gowns ruffl e at hem, I was misty-eyed as (including hers!) one bride at a are ethereal, never ephemeral I see myself in a wedding gown for time, Jeanne tells us how she because your wedding is not just a the very fi rst time in my life. got started in the fashion indus- day… it’s a new beginning.” Nope! I wasn’t in the market for try, “I dream about wedding It is very refreshing to see a bridal wear, otherwise I will have gown designs, in 2010 I decided variety of uncommon lines and some explaining to do with my to try and see those dreams combinations of fabrics for bridal husband of 18 years. But not come to fruition.” With great wear than the usual beaded tulle having the experience of walking talent and eye for detail, that ball gown and embroidered satin down the aisle in a white wedding very same year, Jeanne won the serpentine cut. Jeanne combines gown, it truly felt like Christmas Phoenix Fashion Week Emerg- handmade organza, eco-friendly morning to play dress up while ing Designer of the Year 2010! silk/hemp charmeuse and fl oral interviewing Jeanne Hankerson, SJ Jeanne found her niche: under- laces. When asked about her Intimate details of SJ Couture gowns Credit: DesertRh1no Photography, Daniel Vertuno

Unique with its youthful silhou- ette, the Alex gown is a combi- nation of a silk duchess satin strapless long dress and a ¾ sleeve Italian fl oral lace open back jacket. What I love about this is that it comes in 2 versatile pieces that can be worn sepa- rately, styled with other ward- robe items. Jeanne Hankerson, SJ Couture CEO and Designer Credit: Katina Patriquin Photography, Jim Hesterman Getting down to work after my make-believe bridal fi tting, I asked Jeanne more questions about her brand and her- self… popular material choices and where they are sourced from, she told us, “I use silk fabrics in my gowns and deal Sheila: What is the inspiration behind SJ Couture? with New York for those and I use laces that are sourced Jeanne: My inspiration comes from different historical from Italy, France and Austria.” No way mass-produced, periods, the aroma of a spring day, and the desert after a her gowns are all made in America…New York City to be rainstorm. specifi c. SJ Couture prides its collections with timeless style and S: How do you go about designing a wedding dress? subtle details, never to take away from the bride’s mo- J: The design process starts with a sketch then goes to ment. There’s no lone motif to Jeanne’s designs, instead pattern then to sample. Once sample is created, I work on she focuses on individual personalities. The key, Jeanne tweaks and it will go back to apply the changes and return says, is in listening, understanding and collaborating with again as a sample, once everything is ok’d it will then be her brides.Two of my favorite SJ Couture bridal gowns sent to cut and sew. are “Zoe” and “Alex.” On top of my list is the Zoe gown, an ivory silk duchess satin fi tted bodice with dropped S: I like that you refer to each of your gown by name, how waist crystal-accented trim and delicate scalloped lace do you pick their names? at the edge of hi lo hem. Post wedding this is practically J: Some gowns get their names during the design process, wearable in other formal evening or red carpet events. some gowns come in and are fi nished and I have to think

17 FMag / May/June 2015 “Zoe” and “Alex” gowns by SJ Couture Credit: sjcouture.com

Getting down to work after my make-believe bridal fitting, I asked Jeanne more questions about her brand and her- self… about the name that fits that particular gown. To me these gowns have personalities and the name has to fit the per- Sheila: What is the inspiration behind SJ Couture? sonality. I love the Alex gown, that name just fit the gown. Jeanne: My inspiration comes from different historical periods, the aroma of a spring day, and the desert after a rainstorm. S: By the way, Congratulations! I saw that Alex has made its appearance on national TV at “Access Hollywood” and S: How do you go about designing a wedding dress? “E! News” earlier this year (visit ChasingSheila.blogspot. J: The design process starts with a sketch then goes to com for video links). pattern then to sample. Once sample is created, I work on I am proud and honored to represent SJ Couture in the tweaks and it will go back to apply the changes and return recent RAW Artist fashion show at the Monarch Theatre in again as a sample, once everything is ok’d it will then be Phoenix. Could you tell us about the Alex bridal gown you sent to cut and sew. had me wear at the RAW event? J: The inspiration for the Alex gown truly came from the S: I like that you refer to each of your gown by name, how Kendra gown, there were some brides that loved the Ken- do you pick their names? dra gown but wanted the dotted Swiss portion to be sep- J: Some gowns get their names during the design process, arate, so the Alex gown was born. I use silks for the gown some gowns come in and are finished and I have to think and lining and beautiful lace from Italy for the jacket.

May/June 2015 / FMag 18 Sheila Vertuno wearing the Alex by SJ Couture at the RAW Artist Fashion Jeanne Hankerson walks with model Christiana Kelly for the finale at the RAW Artist Fashion Show Show Credit: Edwin Padilla Photography, Edwin Padilla Credit: Edwin Padilla Photography, Edwin Padilla

and hopefully reduces stress. There you have it, if you plan to be a S: Like the Alex gown, I noticed that S: If you could dress anyone, past or S: What is the best part of your pro- holiday bride in December, now would many of your bridal wear come in 2 piec- present, who would it be? fession? be the time to start planning for that es, which is unconventional. J: If I could dress anyone it would J: Hearing back from happy brides - perfect wedding dress. Bonus – if you J: I love the idea of 2 pieces - as my col- probably be Jane Austen! that joy is so gratifying. mention “Chasing Sheila” when you lection of 2 pieces grows it makes it more S: What’s next for SJ Couture? make your appointment with SJ Cou- fun to mix and match. With the cashmere S: If you could collaborate with J: A lot of my designs now can be ture, you are in for a discount!!! tank top, the idea that you can wear this anyone, past or present, who would evening/red carpet gowns just by On a lighter note, Jeanne is an ear- top with jeans or dress pants/skirt after it be? changing the color - that would be ly riser and drinks only decaf coffee the wedding is really nice. J: This is a tough question, I don't fun! (Morning person who drinks decaf… know that I would collaborate so S: What advise would you give a impressive!). True to her roots, her style S: Yes! That cashmere tank top is a must much as want to see how, let's say bride to be? is east coast preppy; she enjoys DMB, have! What has been your favorite cus- Christian Dior worked i.e. what J: Don't wait too long to decide on James Taylor and classical music; and tom piece that you’ve created? inspired him - made him tick - that a gown - that's adding stress and her favorite travel destination is London. J: I love all the gowns I create - they each would be really interesting. pressure to an already high anxiety Workaholic as she is, Jeanne is still hold a special place for me, so there is time. A good time frame to allow for “working” on relaxing. But she enjoys really no favorite. your gown order is at least 6 months her rare free time with friends and prior, this way there is plenty of time family =) F Magazine Readers! shoot me with any questions, requests or feedback? Let’s connect online, send me a message or tweet me at “Chasing Shei- la” on Face- book/Twitter/ Instagram/ Pinterest!

Jeanne Hankerson walks with model Christiana Kelly for the finale at the RAW Artist Fashion Show Credit: Edwin Padilla Photography, Edwin Padilla

and hopefully reduces stress. There you have it, if you plan to be a S: What is the best part of your pro- holiday bride in December, now would fession? be the time to start planning for that J: Hearing back from happy brides - perfect wedding dress. Bonus – if you that joy is so gratifying. mention “Chasing Sheila” when you S: What’s next for SJ Couture? make your appointment with SJ Cou- J: A lot of my designs now can be ture, you are in for a discount!!! evening/red carpet gowns just by On a lighter note, Jeanne is an ear- changing the color - that would be ly riser and drinks only decaf coffee fun! (Morning person who drinks decaf… SJ Couture Bridal Luxury style team and models at the RAW Artist Fashion Show S: What advise would you give a impressive!). True to her roots, her style Credit: RAW Phoenix bride to be? is east coast preppy; she enjoys DMB, J: Don't wait too long to decide on James Taylor and classical music; and a gown - that's adding stress and her favorite travel destination is London. Good luck with your future venture, ‘Til the next ish dolls. In the pressure to an already high anxiety Workaholic as she is, Jeanne is still Jeanne, and more success to SJ meantime, get your FASH on, time. A good time frame to allow for “working” on relaxing. But she enjoys Couture! I am a big supporter of local keep styling and make a fashion your gown order is at least 6 months her rare free time with friends and and small business. And I believe in scene! prior, this way there is plenty of time family =) your brand! #MadeInAmerica AD WANT TO ADVERTISE WITH F Magazine?

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