Indholdsfortegnelse for October 2019 i MEGA

Hello MEGA, A few years ago, I remember myself constantly visiting our college library to kill time during my long and sometimes dragging break hours. I would sit and enjoy the quietness, often reading MEGA magazine. I remember how I admired the talent of the people creating every exquisite page of the magazine, always executing such wonderful covers and editorials. I was also fascinated with how the team is able to pull off everything within a month. Suffice to say, the covers of MEGA are a monthly anticipation for me. Last month, MEGA stunned us with their Big Fashion Issue, which featured seven covers and seven utterly transformed cover stars. I want to commend the team for the wonderful job of bringing together local musical artists. Your cover girls inspire…

It’s midnight and you’re still scrolling mindlessly on social media, looking at Instagram models’ thirst traps, beauty vloggers spitting at each other left and right, and influencers that just shared their five-step “easy” skin care routine even though people know they’re pampered by the best facials the city has to offer. In a time when everything is in excess, how hard is it to live up to today’s beauty standards? Challenging, that’s for sure but as jarring as it sounds, the digital age has given everyone a platform, a voice. Take for example Rihanna’s lingerie line “Savage X” where she staged an unorthodox show featuring a diverse cast—including two models who were pregnant—one of which went through labor backstage. It was a celebration of all shapes, sizes and colors, a…

Uprooting yourself is never an easy choice. Especially if you’ve bloomed and grew where you were planted. This is a decision Hindy Weber-Tantoco had to make a few years ago. She spent nearly a decade in the retail industry, designing for several brands and various clients. Life was good, she was following the path set before her, just trying to be fruitful in any way she can. Until a major life event made her contemplate and re-evaluate her choices. In her self-introspection, Hindy realized she was exhausted from the toxic cycle of creating and not realizing how much waste clothes were making. Your favorite pair of denims alone take ten to 12 months to decompose. Your favorite lycra bodysuit? Give it 20 to 200 years before it disintegrates. Fashion is…

The whole country was on the edge of their seats last December 17, 2018, not because of a Pacquiao fight but with an equally nerve-wrecking event where beauty, wit and wisdom substitute jabs and knockouts. Our country’s bet, Miss Philippines-Universe, Catriona Gray was the epitomy of beauty and brains and her team was composed of the best of the best, especially her dedicated designer, Mak Tumang. From her “Sinag” dress to her fiery “Mayon” gown that helped her win the Miss Universe 2018 title, Catriona Gray understands well the brilliance of Mak Tumang. He had always been into the arts and had a flare for the drama. His maximalist inclination is also innate and can be seen, not just in his elegant gowns, but also in his creations for religious…

CRYSTAL AMAZE A little bit of the occult never hurt anyone—not when they’re this pretty. Manifest your destiny with SMASHBOX cosmetics’ collaboration with The Hoodwitch, a 17-piece makeup collection that includes Crystalized versions of the cult-fave Photofinish Primer Water and Primerizer, Shimmer Drops, Always On Liquid Eye Shadow, Gloss Angeles Lip Gloss and Eye Palette. With the fusion of Smashbox technology and artistry with the power of crystals, envisioning one’s intentions has never been more beautiful. CLEAN MACHINE We love a good cleansing device to ensure thorough face cleaning, but how do we ensure that our bristles are free from pore-irritating germs and bacteria? TODD MICHAEL BEAUTY Soniclear cleansing brush—which comes in this beautiful blush shade—is part of the first ever anti-microbial beauty system. The sonic cleansing device has six…

The first time I met Janeena Chan, she was hosting a fashion event that was in danger of becoming a total snoozer. As many of these style events go, it started late and many of the guests were already on their third glass of vino. Through the feigned smiles and scant hors d’oeuvres, a voice boomed out of the speakers—confident, clear, and dare I say, peppy? Janeena strode to the center of the room, dressed in a slinky outfit, donning impeccable makeup and the shiniest, bounciest head of hair I’d ever seen. She spoke candidly, dared to make jokes and somehow got the crowd of hungry, hungover fashionistas giggling into their wine glasses. I’ve seen her several times since, and witnessed her career blossom into the powerhouse that it is…

THE BEST CLEANSERS Get a deep down clean SNAILWHITE Whipp Soap Perennially sold out for a reason. This foamy face wash gets skin squeaky clean FANCY HANDY Fresh Face Vulcan Cleanser Oily and combination skin will love this treatment cleanser YADAH Green Tea Cleansing Balm Remove every last bit of dirt and makeup. The first step in a double cleansing routine SHISEIDO Complete Cleansing Microfoam All skin types will benefit from this no-nonsense facial wash THE BEST FOR ANTI-AGING Embrace age, but not the under eye baggage SCO SPF 50 PA+++ It’s lightweight, comfortable and leaves no white cast—which means you’ll probably reapply it every two hours ELIZABETH ARDEN Advanced Ceramide Eye Capsules Smooth, tighten and brighten the delicate skin around the eye ESTÉE LAUDER Advanced Night Repair Ampoules The…

Fashion trends come and go in just a season, or worse—through a “Worst Trends” list. Many women do change wardrobes season after season but there are also women who go for the classics or what we call, the essentials. These women are in the forefront leading the way to sustainable fashion. Leading the charge is Heart Evangelista Escudero, with her classic Fifties-style dressing and dramatic makeup looks, highlighted by Néw Lounge’s new lash technology. Joining her is KC Concepcion, the Original It Girl, who takes on the season’s hot neutrals trend and wearing Shiseido’s latest foundation technology. A fast fashion brand known to push for sustainable fashion, H&M launches their magical street style Studio Collection in an enchanting editorial inspired by Sabrina The Teenage Witch. Additionally, we give you the…

The Philippines is spoilt for choice when it comes to world cuisines and food movements. Filipinos love to eat and are willing to try just about anything, no matter how odd the concept or combination. However, classics such as Italian cuisine, with its array of pastas, succulent meats and mouthwatering desserts, will always have a place in our collective heart. If you find yourself craving for traditional Italian, head on to El Capo in bustling Pasig. El Capo started out humble, a small business venture conceived by Nicolas “Nico” Ong. Since its low-key beginnings, El Capo has gone on to greater heights while staying true to its roots and mission of providing Filipinos with delicious, comforting Italian food. From starting out as a small stall in urban food bazaars, Nico’s…

When you really think about it, nothing has really changed with human perception. People will only want to show the good bits, projecting nothing but the best at every interface and connection, reserving the rest for a select few at best. With the onset of social media, it has careened from aspirational to out of control, where acuity has shifted to almost impenetrable heights all in hopes of getting all the likes and double taps their curated posts can get. There is inherently nothing wrong with this, except of course when some will resort to downright deception. This is the preconceived notion that Richard Juan, who is admittedly a little unnerved when being referred to as an influencer, is insistent on breaking down. On the day of this shoot, the…

I have spent a good 16 years of my life in MEGA, the company that Sari built from the ground up. Like the many others who have stayed and even those who have moved on, we were all witness to Sari’s journey into building an empire that remains as vibrant and relevant, and will surely stand the test of time. Sari was a visionary. She wanted a magazine that would cater to Filipino women through MEGA, to inspire them with fashion and style. She was also a staunch supporter of Filipino fashion and designers, launching MEGA Young Designer’s Competition, which produced some of Philippine fashion’s biggest names. She also launched MEGA FASHION CREW, a TV show that discovered the next big photographers, makeup and hair artists, and stylists. She later…

THE LIST 1 Round tortoiseshell sunglasses by BALENCIAGA. 2 Pussy bow silk blouse by GIVENCHY. 3 Tan obi belt by LOEWE. 4 White cape by LOEWE. 5 Jacquard cropped pants by GUCCI. 6 Suede trimmed shoulder bag by CHLOÉ AT ADORA. 7 Tan boot by JIMMY CHOO. 8 Bow strap bow heel by CHARLES & KEITH. 9 Brown fringed cape by DOROTHY PERKINS. 10 Black croc-effect bag by CHARLES & KEITH. 11 Wide legged sleeveless jumpsuit by ZARA. 12 Herringbone scarf by DOROTHY PERKINS. 13 Chain hoop earrings by STRADIVARIUS. 14 Contrast sleeved sweater by ZARA STYLE TIP Browns and neutral colors are best to compliment your caped look…

20s THE BLACK PANTHER Add sleek savagery with a cropped utilitarian jacket and thigh high boots STYLE TIP Accentuate an all-black look with metallic hardware 30s BLACK WIDOW Soften stiff leather in renditions of fringe and loose cropped trousers STYLE TIP Elevate a look with elegant, low-heeled steppers 40s VAMPIRE WEEKEND Sashay the night away in feminine silhouettes that exude sensuality STYLE TIP Play with volume through a cinched waist paired with flared trousers…

Thirteen years ago, the dance movie Step Up came out in theaters, exciting fans of similar films like You Got Served or Dirty Dancing. It was one of the few motion pictures of its kind that inspired many viewers to put on their dancing shoes and get moving. The drama was kept on a light-hearted note, but the choreography? Mind-blowing. What is it with dancing that never fails to capture everybody’s attention? Some say it’s the dope clothes, some say it’s the effortless swagger each dancer exudes. But what happens when you have both? Filipino-Japanese Keiko Nakajima has been shaking up both dance and film worlds gracefully. A member of the super-charged crew A-Team, who notoriously bagged awards at competitions locally and internationally, she slowly started making moves of her…

What happens when a leader goes? A team composed of only followers will feel rudderless and may find themselves lost, adrift at sea. Worse, they can abandon the journey and moor the boat at the jetty. However, if a leader has done her job well, she would have created a team full of fully formed people, capable of furthering the expedition. This is what Sari Yap has done and that is why MEGA continues to create, to grow and stretch itself out, reaching out to that overarching vision, never losing sight of the dream. Where do we go when a leader goes? We keep moving forward.…

MEGA’s annual Beauty Awards is always a major coup for the editorial team. Not only is it hot off the heels of the filled-to-the-brim September issue, but October’s ode to all things beauty has the editors sifting and testing through piles and piles of beauty products and scheduling treatments on the reg. Yes, we know it sounds rather dreamy (wouldn’t you like to douse yourself with a different Tom Ford perfume daily? Or dab on the latest cream from Sisley and La Prairie?), but at the end of the day, it’s still work and we only have so much skin, hair and nail to spare. It always seems insurmountable at the start, but we always find our way. This year we give you the new classics, the modern essentials that…

LOVE ME DO While the rest of the world is obsessing over mattes, MAC Love Me Lipstick Collection celebrates the new kind of cream lipstick, one that is weightless and has a satin soft texture. Gone are the days when cream formulas were oily gunks that strayed past the lip line. MAC’s revolutionary formula infuses Argan oil into the mix, giving the Love Me Lipsticks a nourishing benefit, day-long wear, and subtle shine—without the heaviness. SKIN A-PEEL An excellent addition to their longtime anti-acne line, THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Peel-Off Mask (P350) contains potent, community trade tea tree oil and provides a fun and non-drying way to decongest and detoxify skin. Mix a little bit of water to the formula, which also contains aromatic lemon tee tree oil…

Change can be daunting at times, but it is indeed necessary. Whether it is switching career paths or leaving a relationship you’ve grown out of, each transition will leave you with new insight as you make your way towards the woman you’re destined to be. Of course, it would help to have something to boost your confidence as you face each change, giving you that extra push. One popular weapon of choice just happens to be perfume—in this case, Bvlgari’s new Rose Goldea Blossom Delight. First launched in 2016, Bvlgari’s Rose Goldea was a tribute to femininity in its purest form. This 2019 reinvention of the scent turns it into a sparkling floral musk that is perfect for everyday use. Modern and sophisticated, the new Rose Goldea Blossom Delight represents…

My daughter has amazing skin. Yes, she’s two years old, so it’s not really fair to compare one’s thirty-something skin to a toddler, but nothing makes me look older and more tired than sharing a selfie with her perfect baby skin, unmarked by time, stress and lack of sleep. This is fact: collagen, the protein that holds our bodies together gets depleted as we age, and along with it, the ability to parkour and wear foundation without a primer. Dismal lifestyle choices, like smoking, a sugary diet and exposure to excessive UV rays also contribute to a decrease in its production. The result is an achy body and skin that isn’t as supple, bouncy, soft, smooth and radiant as a toddler’s. The worst part is that the child doesn’t care,…

THE NEW CLASSICS Re-work, revise, revolutionize SHISEIDO Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation A featherweight foundation that soothes and protects while making you look fresh—all day HAPPY SKIN Generation Happy Skin Active Love Your Lips Intense Color Butter Balm SPF 15 A nourishing balm with vivid color and a layer of sun protection GUERLAIN L’EssentielThe grand dame of beauty brands releases a youthful new base TÉVIANT Eyebrow Duo Powder This local brand gets our brow issues right BENEFIT Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation The new version of the cult foundation delivers a perfectly natural finish SUNNIES FACE Lip Dip A plush formula that gives the perfect stain or blur THE BEST FOR INSTANT GLAMOUR All you need are a few essentials to take your look from day to dayum TOM FORD Eye…

Whether you like to admit it or not, you can easily pass judgment on the next person, even when you have zero knowledge of who they may be, what they are going through or what stories are swirling in their system. I cannot blame you, because despite an overriding sense of morals and propriety, nestled in the depths of the human condition is a desire to cast people in a certain light, shove them in boxes they are hardly aware of, and even force a conviction that is far beyond what they actually are. Whatever the case for this delusion, it somehow makes one feel better not knowing the other end of the social spectrum, which only stacks up the frequency and magnitude of such inconclusive verdicts. For example, to…

FASHION ALEXANDER MCQUEEN , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Makati; ARAW THE LINE , Tropa Store, 117 Aguirre St., Makati; BALENCIAGA , Greenbelt 5; BERSHKA , Glorietta 2, SM Megamall; BURBERRY , Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati; BVLGARI , Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; CHARLES & KEITH , SM Megamall, Power Plant Mall; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN , Rustan’s Makati; DISTINQT, G/F Shangri-La, The Fort; FENDI , Shangri-La Plaza Mall; FOREVER21 , SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Makati, SM Megamall; GIVENCHY , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Greenbelt 4; GUCCI , Greenbelt 4, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; H&M , SM Southmall, SM Makati, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Uptown Mall; HOMME ET FEMME , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, 8 Rockwell; JIMMY CHOO , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Makati, Greenbelt 4; KATE SPADE ,…

1 TOM FORD Already touted as a masterpiece within a refined collection of fragrances from Tom Ford, the incarnation of Tobacco Vanille from its Private Blend line is an intoxicating invoking of an old-world charm that is infused with the grace of contemporary times. Smooth, dark, and heady, the traditionally oriental spicy scent opens up with an opulent whiff of tobacco leaf and aromatic spice notes, which then unravels to a creamy mix of tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla, and cocoa, before finishing to notes of dry fruit and sweet wood sap. A definitive staple for fans of the brand, the scent, and the man himself, the headlining fragrance chooses no time for perfection, but it is best sprayed on the pulse for a cool night out in the town.…

Love moves in mysterious ways. An emotion often linked with soft and sweet imagery can also give people a rush of fiery sensations. This complex emotion can be expressed in many ways. It can be a quick embrace or making a call to a loved one, both of which were scenes from my interview with Richard Gomez. His loving ways stem from his work and it became evident that for a man who cares so much about his own physical and mental health, caring for others has become second nature. GONE ARE THE DAYS OF A MACHO SOCIETY As our conversation continued, Richard’s love for his friends and family became palpable. He remains unfazed by the looming stigma of machismo, believing that people should express themselves without any societal dictation.…

What were you doing at 27-years old?After a hopefully successfully clearing the hurdle that is a quarter life crisis, and standing at the awning of Saturn’s Retum, this fraction of one’s life can be challenging. With the whims of adolescence appropriately stripped and replaced with the rigors of adulthood, one is expected to pull it together and soldier on for the rest of their lives. Literature has drilled this in our collective consciousness time and again, setting prospects that are quite frankly sometimes too hard to reach. No matter how sane and sorted one may be, no one is expected to have it figured at 26, let alone be at the forefront of a disruptive revolution. At the very best, this time is spent navigating the labyrinthine catacombs of adulthood,…

One could easily go to YouTube and look up “100 years of Beauty” and see how the concept of beauty constantly changes. One minute it’s thin brows and rouged lips, the next decade it’s bronzed skin and thick brows. What remains constant though, is the idea that true beauty really is skin deep. This month, who better to lead this movement, but the eternal beauties that are KC Concepcion and Heart Evangelista Escudero? Both are known not only for their exquisite faces and figures, but also for their kindness, bravery and tireless work ethic. Clad in the best of mid-century fashion in the brightest of shades, Heart was visibly ecstatic when we brought out the feathered hats by designer Philip Rodriguez. A shoot with Heart is always full of exciting…

THE LIST: Night At The Casino necklace by BVLGARI Charming Sirens necklace by BVLGARI. 3 easures necklace by BVLGARI. 4 Emerald Affair necklace by BVLGARI. 5 Fairy Wings necklace by BVLGARI. 6 Action! necklace by BVLGARI DREAM LAND The highly intricate and colorful pirces exude a fantastical beauty only Bvlgari can create…

Food and fashion have a complicated relationship. We all know of the latter’s problematic view of the former. Take this iconic movie scene: after being kicked out of a gala, Emily Blunt’s character in The Devil Wears Prada, lashes out at the bagel-eating Andy. “All the clothes you’re gonna get, you don’t deserve them! You eat carbs for Christ’s sake!” she cries out. Yet food also often serves as sartorial inspiration. Schiaparelli’s “Lobster Dress” from 1937, Moschino with their fast-food inspired collection in 2014, Dolce and Gabbana’s use of classic Italian cuisine as prints incorporated in mini dresses and burlap sacks, and Vetements sending models down the runway in McDonald’s uniforms. Locally, we’ve made that mark too with homegrown Cebu-based Tie Diet, with Shayne Lopez putting icing on this particular…

I REMEMBER YOU Those were the first words Sari Yap said when I entered her room. I’d applied in MEGA years before, back when the internet was the Internet and no one was ashamed of Yahoo! Mail. I was so nervous for my meeting with Sari that I’d asked sartorial advice from my mom, my titas, all my friends and an ex-boyfriend. The interview went well despite my clammy hands and vigorous, unnecessary nodding. Perhaps Sari saw something beyond the jittery figure because she sent me home with a job offer that day, one that I didn’t accept because I was a terrible twentysomething, full of misplaced self-confidence and self-loathing. I had many friends in the industry, which was then full of Gucci Gangs and a rave mentality—work hard, but…

“For the love of God, do you really have to go to the washroom four floors down? Why don’t you just pee here?” I asked my friend in an admittedly impatient but innocent huff as we trekked to the mall’s cinema that night. “Previews are starting, and you know how I hate missing the trailers.” “It’s the only place with a non-gendered restroom in the mall,” she replied. “There I won’t be shamed for relieving myself.” Right then and there, my world came to an abrupt halt, as if displacing the arrangement of my heart, mind, and soul to an unrecognizable mess. Clearly slapping me to my senses, an old conversation we had surfaced, bringing with it a violent wave that crashed on my still veneer. Having been completely consumed…

The soft-spoken Regan Rabanal has enthralled a demanding crowd of beauty editors, digital content creators and social media influencers. Despite the constant selfie-taking and air-bussing, everyone is clearly hanging on to his every word. This is all happening during the MAC AW ’19 Trends show. In one set the Senior Manager for Makeup Artistry Asia Pacific is painting a model’s exquisite face with holographic color, explaining step by step, how to achieve this work of art. “My liner never looks that good!” exclaimed one of the editors. “Which products did he use for the skin?” demanded another. The mark of a pro is the seeming simplicity of his movements and obviousness of choice. What we don’t see are the years and years of practice, the mistakes and the willingness to…

READY FOR MY CLOSE UP Aivee TempSure + Aivee Glass THE AIVEE INSTITUTE Bring together the instant lift of a radio frequency treatment with a deeply hydrating facial, and you’ve got a winner THE BEST PICK-ME-UP FACIAL Signature Facial at GLOW SKIN CLINIC This eight-step treatment leaves skin looking picture-perfect THE BEST IN SHAPING UP Belo 360 Liposuction at the BELO MEDICAL GROUP The beauty pioneers reveal a revolutionary liposuction procedure that lets you sculpt your best body while their Thermage FLX gives your face the lift you desire THE BEST NAIL EXTENSIONS EXTRAORDINAIL There are nail extensions that are good enough for us, and there those that are good enough for Manila Luzon THE BEST FAUX LASHES NÉW LOUNGE Celebs adore their lightweight, I-literally-woke-up-like-this lashes…

Four years ago, Sari Yap, founder of One Mega Group said these words in a recorded interview: “Some people might feel sad about it when they realize that their time or their job is done. But with me, I don’t feel that way. It’s because I feel that I have truly done what I was supposed to do which is to make sure that MEGA, my legacy, outlives me. And I think that’s the hallmark of a good founder.” I found this recording as I was on the treadmill on a very sad day the day she passed away. I found it so , powerful that I put it online to remind people of how truly ahead of her time Sari was, but more importanly, how useful these words were.…