Rachel Donaire launched her purse collection, Vera Coulture, yesterday, June 10, and opened its first branch in Manila.
Sans her husband Nonito Donaire, who is presently "in the middle of training for a fight" (CLICK HERE to read her latest entry.), the boxing champ's wife warmly greeted the guests who trooped to the boutique at W Tower, 39th St. North Road Triangle Drive, Fort Bonifacio, Global City.
In an exclusive interview with PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Rachel said about her latest business venture:
"I'm basically managing and handling the marketing and sales of Vera Coulture...The first word is actually designer's middle name, which is Vera [Rhona Vera Cruz], so I wanna gave her credit. And then, 'coulture' is a word I made up. 'Couture,' from the French word haute couture, which means hand-made, hand-custom designed. 'Culture' kasi I wanted to show the Philippine culture or whatever Filipinos do. So I combined the two, and came up with 'coulture.'"
The bags and purses, which are also sold at Vera Coulture's stores in Florida and California, boast beautiful and relevant designs. One bag, for instance, was inspired by the hat of the late pop icon Michael Jackson. Rachel added, "And for every product being sold, a tree is planted. It really gives back to the Philippines."
Included in the display was the "Aquino line," which is Rachel's idea.
She related, "I brought it up with Nonito before the election started. He wanted to show Kuya Noynoy [President-elect Noynoy Aquino] his support, so we made a couple of bags with the yellow ribbon, the black-rimmed glasses, the flag...We also wanted to show the people that Filipino culture gives credit to the Philippines..."
Spotted checking out the bags and purses: Senator Pia Cayetano!
MEETING HER "IDOL." The PEP blogger has been vocal about her admiration for the lady senator, who's a known advocate of bills championing women and health.
"I'm so happy that finally, I got to meet her," exclaimed Rachel. "I think I've seen her when we were at the set before, but I didn't know her then. Parang I was with Nonito and so I was hiding behind him, e, so, I didn't get to talk to her.
"What I did was, you know, I searched for her name and learned that she's one of the strong women in the Philippines...the women that are trying to make a difference...
"When I heard she was running again, I offered my help. And she was doing that running [event]. Unfortunately, I was in the States so I didn't run. I wouldn't run. I am not the best runner. But I gave my support [via] Facebook, Twitter, every thing I could to support [her].
"And even though we haven't met yet, we felt like combined na... On [violence against women], environment, we made a connection."
They had been in touch via phone and email, and that day was the first time the two women were formally introduced.
Rachel added, "I was very surprised that she was able to make it. She is always so busy and I thought she was gonna be in Cebu, so when I texted her, said she was here, I was sobrang excited!
Senator Pia put in a good word for Rachel just before she left: "Tuwang-tuwa din ako sa kanya kasi I think she's a great role model for women. And since her husband is a national hero na rin, how perfect, di ba, that his better half is also an empowered woman and an inspiration din. And I'm so happy to be here, to be a part of her launching of this product which will provide work, di ba...Provide livelihood and would be able to show the talent of the Filipinos all over the world. What a wonderful thing that she's such a young lady pa doing all of these!"
Also invited to the launch and store opening were former Senator Richard Gordon, GMA Artists Center vice president Ida Henares, publicist Shirley Pizarro, actor-model Victor Aliwalas, GMA-7 reporter Nelson Canlas, and Celebrity Duets alumnus and photographer Nicolo Cosme.