Ex-beauty queen Rosenda Casaje on Fashion Week moments with Heart, Pia

Former beauty queen-turned-entrepreneur Rosenda Casaje never imagined she would one day move in the same fashion circle where she gets to see celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kim Kardashian.

- By LEAH C. SALTERIO

Rosenda also met local names such as actress Heart Evangelista and 2015 Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, whom she regularly sees in the fashion week, although they don't get to bond yet after seeing each other in the event, attended by celebrities worldwide.

Three years ago, Rosenda was a VIP (very important person) client of one, high-end brand so she was invited to go to Paris and attend the fashion week.

"That was where I started to get invited by other different brands every time there's fashion week," Rosenda said. "I am going to Paris this July for the haute couture fashion week."

Whenever she leaves for the fashion week, Rosenda is accompanied by her own glam team. "You need that," she said. "I have my make-up artist, my social media girl to curate my posts, stylist and my assistant."

Rosenda has attended Fashion Week in Paris and Milan a number of times. "Sometimes, I get invited in June, January or September," she said. Her office spends for her trips.

"It's a pity if you will not attend, although it's so tiring. But I'm happy that Filipinos are getting more exposed in the fashion week, showcasing what we can contribute as Filipinos. That makes you proud."