Sheryl Cruz received an award recognition for her “Paper for Now” craft business, which was exhibited during Washington, D.C.’s fashion, networking and cultural event to kick-off 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence

The event, held at the Chancery Annex of the Embassy in Washington, D.C. on June 2, 2023, was in line with the ongoing celebrations of the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in Washington, D.C., where the Philippine Embassy extended its support to the Philippine Independence Day Committee (PIDC) of the greater District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (also known as DMV area) as it kicked off festivities through a fashion exhibit and networking event.

Guests were able to browse numerous designs by accomplished international fashion designers, such as Ms. Kirsten Regalado, Filipino memorabilia /a fashion pieces from the personal collections of Valera Law, Helping Hand 1835, Magge & Friends, and an exclusive opportunity to see the Filipiniana gowns worn by First Lady Marie Louise Araneta Marcos and Former First Lady Imelda Marcos during the presidential inauguration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.  Ms. Sheryl Cruz’s craft business “Paper For Now” was also included in the exhibition.

Ms. Sheryl Cruz’s “Paper For Now” business, which she established since 2012, produces bags and wallets made from recycled newspapers that are woven intricately with bare hands of women workers, while lending to the noble cause of preserving the environment. Sheryl finds her recycled paper bag business a way of expressing her art, as well as an advocacy to help provide jobs to women, especially mothers, through it.  The bags and wallets were very popular to visiting foreigners as well as Filipino balikbayans and are available at ‘Cash and Carry’, ’Kultura’ as well as in trade exhibits.

Ms. Sheryl Cruz announces to this author that she is coming out with new designs before the end of the year, collaborating with couture designer ANDRE SORIANO, who is now based in Washington, D.C.