Table of contents for June 2018 in MEGA

Call us incredibly persistent or downright crazy, but we at MEGA really like to shoot for the stars—literally and figuratively. And as it runs deep into the spine of our magazine, it becomes apparent that we don’t rest on just being enough or ticking the bare minimum. This holds very true for the highly-anticipated Pinoy Pride issue we cull annually with much enthusiasm. An opportunity to not only flex our creative and cerebral muscles, the June edition of the magazine is the best chance to showcase the very best that the Philippines has to offer. So, it goes without saying that we aren’t stopping at the best, not now or ever. An endeavour that is in no way a walk in the park, we totally went for it and brought…

More than just a clothing brand, Filip + Inna’s mission isn’t just to create. Inspired by the Philippines’ own culture and complex craftwork, Len Cabili designs timeless and one-of-a-kind clothing to revive and preserve the country’s intricate traditional wear. Cabili, a former dancer turned fashion designer, began to fall in love with culture and tradition as a child residing in Iligan where Maranaos would visit her home, all in their fine regalia. Seeing this display already stirred something in her, but what completely enamored her was the exposure to Philippine folk dance where she was drawn to indigenous peoples’ florid costumes. Thereafter, the idea of Filip + Inna ignited. Much bigger than the concept of clothes itself, Filip + Inna is a social enterprise where Cabili collaborates with masterful embroiderers,…

Being born into the world of politics is never an easy task. Expectations are high and a path is almost always laid out for you to follow. But in Cristal’s case, being a bit of rebel to these standards is what makes her the best woman for the job—being elected as the 5th District’s Representative of Manila. “My family has been in public service for so many years, and as a child we were urged to help people and it has always something I was always drawn to,” she shares. “Although public service comes in different forms, I guess my passion for it has somewhat become my mission.” Her projects range from giving free healthcare, which inludes free maintenance medications, check-ups and diagnostic and laboratory work to visiting orphanages and…

It’s true what they say that intense emotion results in great art. The tortured artist sentiment stands as an enduring notion that any brilliant creative pursuit comes from pain, and that’s exactly what SoFA fashion design graduate, Jeremy Tan took as a driving force to his masterpiece. Fusing a long-adored sartorial staple with the deep fire within him, he destroyed to create something beautiful—designing intricate deconstructed denim inspired by his father’s passing. Prior to his jumpstart to the fashion world, Tan remembers immediately developing a love for clothes and all things stylish at a young age. “I remember wearing dresses and my mom’s heels; putting on make-up and wearing ribbons on my short hair [as a child]. My mom supported me being feminine and even took pictures of me growing…

If you aren’t quick enough, it can be fairly difficult to keep up with master lensman, Mark Nicdao. Often five to ten steps ahead of the group he shoots with, he is like a ninja speeding off in search of the next photogenic spot to tell the visual story he has collaborated with the creatives around him. Make no mistake, it isn’t a mere walk in the park either, because if he isn’t running towards the farthest point of the distance, he teeters on the edge of a flimsy perch all in the name of the memorable shot that is sure to sear into your senses. A trusted guardian of the still image, he will go to great lengths to snap that perfect photograph. Concurrently, he doesn’t settle for just…

The current gem of the pristine Alona Beach stretch in Panglao, Bohol is the sprawling Henann Resort that sprouts ever so majestically from within the serene horizon. Occupying 6.5 hectares of land, it stands to be the biggest development out of the 7 resorts of the Henann Group. But more than the grandeur of the property, the heart and soul of this expanse is the warm and inviting coastal-inspired accommodations that truly make guests feel right at home as they enter the resort’s majestic lobby. It was a few months leading up to the soft opening of Henann Resort Alona Beach and while Alfonso Chusuey was personable and genuinely into the many social moments, it was clear that there was a lot going on in his head, and it was…

Anyone wielding a moderately-sized camera with a robot-like appendage jutting out, filming just about anything and everything that counts as unique and engaging content is nothing out of the ordinary these days. In fact, our day-to-day is like the satirical scifi flick, The Truman Show, come to life, where it is as if everyone is a willing star of their own reality show. While there is nothing wrong with that, especially in an age where consumption of media has reached an evolved level of (self) consciousness, it is mighty interesting to even remember the day when the concept of recording and eventually publishing the material on the vlog was something unheard of. No one knows this more than Wil Dasovich, arguably one of the more prominent YouTubers in the country…

Sure, it goes without saying, but we need to say it again and again: Women are all sorts of super, in every sense of the word. Who else gets the job done, maintain a household in this dynamic generation, tend to the self and well, so much more? Yes, the women who really, truly rule and run the world. June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla is that kind of super woman, one that takes on the world with great skill, tenacity and warmth. As the SVP and Controller of PLDT Inc. and Chief Financial Officer of Smart Communications, she is a powerful figure in the industry she has toiled at for 18 years. While onlookers will affirm that she has made it, the doting and devout wife and mother reasons otherwise, citing that…

“A star is born in Digos,” a very enthused Martin Nievera exclaims during the tail-end of the wildly successful X Factor Philippines audition of KZ Tandingan. The words proved to be prophetic, as the firecracker of a talent would not only win the reality singing competition, but she would soon take over the local music scene as the fitting and most deserving Soul Supreme. While she has enjoyed a considerable amount of success on the local front, little did she know (and the rest of us, really) that this was only the beginning. Sure, she did harbor a dream to share not only her musical gift, but to also show the world what original Pinoy music was. It seemed like a dream that was beyond her, however she kept this…

It’s an image that’s universal—a beautiful girl inside a bathroom, all dolled up and applying a slick of lip lacquer on her full mouth. A good party is what makeup— fun makeup—was made for. And whether you’re applying that second coat of lipstick on a decadent marble powder room clad in your Furne One gown, primping inside a neon-lit bathroom throbbing with EDM, or using your phone’s camera to retouch as you and your friends drive to the latest music festival, the right lip is necessary. It’s not about the color, the effect or the wear—it’s allof it. The life of a party girl requires a good lip, and DIOR Addict Lacquer Plump (P1950) fits the bill completely. You get vivid color, high shine and lip-plumping action—all in one swipe.…

With a range of celebrity clients and various salon branches under her belt, legendary makeup artist and hairstylist Bambbi Fuentes is at a point in her career where she no longer needs to introduce herself—yet she still does. As she walks in the studio for the day’s shoot, she warmly greets everybody in the room, showering them with genuine compliments. Aside from her much-lauded talent, perhaps it is also this sweet disposition that has made her an industry favorite all these years. Fuentes’ effortless skill in bringing out the best in others started early. “My love for makeup started in grade school, when I would slightly alter the makeup in the magazine covers my mother would subscribe to,” she says, reminiscing her childhood, adding that she would use crayons to…

May it be a day at school, a work day, or simply a day out, the no-makeup makeup look is the ideal everyday wear. A simple touch to enhance your features and makes you look effortlessly beautiful lets people know that you’re a woman who gets things done. That said, perfecting the look is no easy feat, but with the right products, you can easily look like a pro at it. That’s where BYS has got you covered. As a makeup line with the widest range of quality products, you are sure to find what you need in their lines. Plus, with its value for money, you are sure to restock these babies. To achieve that radiant, dewy and au naturel complexion, we’ve narrowed down a few essentials that is…

MAJA SALVADOR In this industry, especially one within the realm of show business, an unspoken but cardinal rule is to never assume that people will remember you. This isn’t to insinuate negative or untoward, of course. The hard truth of the matter is, there are so many people that interact on different levels on a daily basis that even for the most social and extroverted, it will prove difficult to catch up. However, every once in a while, someone will surprise you with more than just a recall of name or a quick pick up from the last professional conversation that is coddled in friendly banter. Maja Salvador will not only remember you, but she will engage as if you were lifelong friends who just caught up on the latest…

The #MakingMEGA series has seen some very special moments on and off camera, extending as far as the much talked-about documentary premieres—from the apparent catching of Anne Curtis’ breath atop Machu Pichu, to attempting to chase giraffes in South Africa, even battling below-zero temperatures to capture the perfect shot in Iceland. So, when it came to mapping out the back-to-back-to-back journeys at the first crack of the New Year, the work has been cut out for us. And that was such a brunt to bear, because we sure have had a lot of spectacular moments caught on film. In the magazine, we like to go above and beyond just to give you a story you have never seen or experienced before. Naturally, this year was nothing short of spell-binding as…

Filipino fashion is definitely anything but ordinary. From taking over Los Angeles Fashion Week to multiple fashion showcases across the globe, local talent is rightfully making an impact on a massive scale—recognized by their unyielding creativity and fierce individualistic expression. This month, it’s all about the celebration of fashion as we demonstrate the flair of Filipino craft. In Get Ready To Wear, we pay homage to traditional wear translated into the modern across all ages. In Best Buys, we dissect the season’s coolest trends with new takes to the classic pencil skirt, the current runway favored nylon, and the tough hue of army green. For New Kids On The Block, Jeremy Tan makes friends with chaos through his elaborate deconstructed denim creations, while we delve into the intricacies of local…

“It’s always something that I’ve wanted to do,” says Portia when asked about her 360-degree career shift. It wasn’t much of a challenge as her heart truly lies in supporting socio-cultural causes and non-profit organizations, coupled with an unending passion for helping others fulfill their purpose amidst adversities. In what her former colleagues call a not-so surprising twist of fate, she left her job as Meg magazine’s Fashion Editor three years ago to pursue her master’s degree in international journalism, eventually landing a scholarship in the prestigious Cardiff University in the UK. The sudden turnover of events allowed her to find her true calling step-by-step, starting off as a volunteer for female refugees in the Welsh Refugee Council, all while focusing on her studies. “I love hearing other people’s stories…

The spirited, bustling city of Manila is anything but ordinary. A metropolis buzzing with rich culture and a broad sense of profound history isn’t lost despite the country’s big steps towards modernization. Linking the past and future, the city has a charm that brings an enriching experience to seeing Manila in a cultural light. Apart from heritage sites and brilliant architectural spaces, the local fashion scene is something truly worthy of awe and applause. For years, fashion designers, including international names have held the traditional terno in esteem with its structural yet sophisticated butterfly sleeves. These figures have consistently aimed to modernize and immortalize this Filipino national costume, also known as the Maria Clara or terno. And now in celebration of heritage month, TheDepartmentofTourismtogetherwiththeIntramuros Administration and Manila’s 5th District Representative,…

With a certain ominous tone to his name, it can be very easy to get intimidated by master couturier, the luminous Furne One. It doesn’t get any less daunting as practically affixed to his celebrated line, Amato Couture, are stellar names such as Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and of course, the Queen B herself, Beyoncé. But before you could even wince or be rooted stiff in a fit of being starstruck, the Dubai-based but very proudly Filipino designer will be the first person to shatter all these preconceived notions with a warm, almost shy smile and a genuinely affable personality. A suspension of disbelief strewn aside, it can be fittingly unnerving that the fashion hero to many is for lack of a better term,…

When asked about the degustation menu in Toyo Eatery, a colleague replied that it was “wild.” It wasn’t wild in the usual sense—foie gras wasn’t topped on top of anything, nothing was drowned in melted cheese or doused with truffle-infused oil. No, Toyo Eatery is about Filipino food, relearned and re-experienced, a version of a song we know by heart, one infused by our own memories and Chef Jordy Navarra’s very specific point-of-view. “It’s hard to explain or describe, pero ang sarap,” the colleague said. “I want to eat there again.” Many Filipinos share this inability to explain exactly why Toyo’s food is so good. It’s familiar, yet different—and we definitely want to eat it again. Why open a restaurant with food that your mother can make at home? Or…

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would get here,” writes Marketing Director Georgina Wilson on her Instagram page as she shared the opening of the 100th store of Sunnies Studios and Sunnies Specs in Cebu. “Still just as grateful for this store as our first one,” corroborates brand Creative Director, Martine Cajucom, on her own timeline. Sunnies Studios is no longer just about the specs that they are wildly known for. Today, they are a complete lifestyle brand that branches out in different markets such as premium prescription eyewear (Sunnies Specs), food and beverage (Sunnies Café) and even children’s eyewear (Sunnies Specs Kids). To top it all off, their main eyewear lines are being endorsed by two of the biggest names in the enertaiment industry today: Liza…

You log on YouTube and click the suggested video of Regine Velasquez singing her seminal classic hit, Araw Gabi on what seems to be your typical run-of-the-mill FM radio station. As you get lost in the beautiful song, you notice the bustling motion of people outside and you realize that isn’t your textbook definition of a station after all. Curious, you get lost in the next few videos such as KZ Tandingan covering Tadhana or even Dua Lipa singing Thinkin’ Bout You against a background of moving traffic. Not too long after, you realize that this radio station is a mobile one, quite literally taking the music straight to you. This is the simple albeit, genius concept that has propelled Wish 107.5 to a pop culture phenomenon. And we’re not…

This month, we celebrate modern Filipina beauty with splashes of bold color, cool hair and women that inspire us to go after our goals with gusto. This month’s Main Beauty showcases color—on the eyes, on the mouth—everywhere we want to be noticed. In Rulebook, we show you how to wear your hair that looks sexy and cool, but keeps you focused by staying off of your face. For Beauty Blog and Artist Confidential, we have Veronica Resurreccion and Bambbi Fuentes respectively—two women who show us that while some successes may take some time, they are just as sweet—if not sweeter! In Counter Intelligence, writer Marella Ricketts asks the modern Filipina if we should stop fighting our natural hair. Can we really let go of our straightening irons and curling wands?…

BIG EASY We love a good blowout, and this voluminous style, inspired by the bigger-is-better 80s, is a statement in itself. For this look, hairstylist Jan Edrosolan suggests using quick-drying hair spray at the roots as this results in an “instant fullness that looks lush and natural,” he says. REBIRTH OF SLICK Contrary to popular belief, slicked back hair isn’t as simple as many online tutorials make it to be. This look needs structure, so it requires heat styling and hair products. The result though, is so cool and effortless-looking, you won’t mind the work at all. For this, Edrosolan suggests blow drying hair with a diffuser, and using sea salt spray for fine hair and styling oil or cream for thick manes. Then, take a bit of gel to…

Experts will tell you that there are no shortcuts to weight loss. Yet, people persist—after all, if there’s a drink to wake us up, a drink to calm us down, and one to put us to sleep, there should be one that will help us jumpstart our bodies into shedding unwanted pounds. Thankfully, a lot of the drinks that help with weight loss are all-natural or have been imbibed for centuries. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular drinkable weight loss aids: 1 COFFEE Coffee contains caffeine, which has been shown to boost metabolism and fat loss. Yes, that buzz you feel after your morning espresso kicks your mind and body into higher gear. Drinking a cup before working out might help you run faster, longer or lift…

In the five years that I’ve known Denise*, I’ve only seen her sport her naturally curly hair during our first year of friendship. Since then, the 22-year-old marketing manager has been splurging on one hair straightening treatment after another, from rebonding to Brazilian blow-outs, anything to make her hair appear—in the words of practically every shampoo commercial—enviably straight and silky smooth. “I hate my curly hair, it makes me look so unattractive,” she says on more than one occasion. Don’t get it twisted, though. This isn’t simply a matter of individuals hating on their curly locks. Many of those with straight hair opt for perms and volumizing treatments just so their hair wouldn’t appear flat. Thirty-one-year-old editor Ray* says that this has been a frustration for him ever since, as…

BRIGHT EYES This chic take on the neon trend is a great way to play up dark eyes and barely-there makeup. Choose a pigmented cream or liquid product with a white base so it pops against skin. Next, apply dark liner finely right along the lashes (you can also opt to tightline) and add several layers of mascara. UNDERNEATH IT ALL The trick to pulling off colored liner—especially blue—is to embrace its flower power roots. Keep it fun, light-hearted and young. This means you may need to break the rules for “pretty” makeup. For this look, kohl liner was smudged along the entire lower lashline and then rimmed with sky blue color. Go ahead, wear it with a flower on your hair—just not as a crown because that’s so passé.…

MELCHORA AQUINO More popularly known as Tandang Sora, Melchora Aquino opened a sari-sari store during the Spanish occupation and gave hundreds of cavans of rice, carabaos and other supplies for the Katipuneros while she took care of sick and wounded in her house GENERAL AGUEDA KAHABAGAN In 1899, Agueda was known as the Tagalog Joan of Arc and the only female general in the roster of leaders in the Katipunan. After winning against the Spaniards with General Artemio Ricarte, she continued the fight with the Americans alongside General Pio del Pilar in the Southern Tagalog region SIMEONA PUNSALAN-TAPANG Simeona Punsalan-Tapang was regarded as the last-living female Huk veteran of a high rank described as “a big bodied woman with a man’s strength. Opening her eyes to the art of war…

FASHION ALDO , Greenbelt 3, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Powerplant Mall, SM Aura, SM Megamall; BALENCIAGA, Greenbelt 5; BERSHKA , Glorietta 2, SM Megamall; CHARLES & KEITH , SM Megamall, Power Plant Mall; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN , Rustan’s Makati; FENDI , Shangri-La Plaza Mall; FOREVER 21 , 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; JIMMY CHOO , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Makati, Greenbelt 4; JOSEPH , SM Aura; LOEWE , Shangri-la Plaza Mall; LOUIS VUITTON , Greenbelt 4, Solaire Resort and Casino; MANGO , Glorietta 2, Mall of Asia, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall; MARC JACOB…

Heart carries herself with grace, style and class not only in her outfit but most importantly in her attitude —@loveheartevangelista on MEGA May 2018 via Both remarkable in their fashion sense and lifestyle. Cheers to more years of friendship Heart and Lovi. —@bluebubbles08 on MEGA May via Proof that women who raise each other up shine even brighter. So true —@sheena_hayati on MEGA May via You deserve it naman talaga. You deserve more blessings and a million readers, followers and supporters! Congrats, @davidguison —@simplyfitz3066 on MEGA Man May 2018 via You deserve to be called as an inspiration because you really are. Cheers to more magazine covers!—@arloudlsrys on MEGA Man May 2018 via Wow! Never thought would see you guys together in one magazine cover—@jiabebeh on MEGA Man May 2018…

STYLE TIP Go bold and amplify this traditional silhouette by wearing chic trousers underneath…

20s I SEE YOU The beloved barong gets a modern spin in crisp cuts and playful billowy silhouettes STYLE TIP Channel your inner minimalist with clean, clear-heeled pumps and frayed denim 30s TALES OF TRADITION Get into the local groove with ethnic prints featuring intricate weaving and precise beadwork STYLE TIP Amp up the festive feel with the decorative flair of tassel earrings 40s THE BRIGHT SIDE  Striking hues of the spectrum-wide primaries persists with the rule-breaking color blocking trend STYLE TIP Balance a flared silhouette with corsets to give the illusion of an hourglass shape…

DESCRIBE A REGULAR DAY IN YOUR LIFE. WHAT KEEPS YOU BUSY? I go to the CNN office, answer e-mails, edit articles that come in, look for sources if I need interviewees for my own articles, write my own stories if there’s any, oversee social media content, then go home. Once I’m home, I usually check my e-mails again, this time for INKLINE. WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR YEAR SO FAR? A highlight is getting to do a story on the Kafala system, the visa sponsorship system that is closely tied to human rights violations on domestic workers in Gulf countries. Another highlight is interviewing women whose children were victims of the war on drugs. APART FROM FASHION, WHAT FIELDS OR ACTIVITIES INTEREST YOU? Journalism for obvious reasons, but…

THE ETHEREAL IN LOS ANGELES There’s always a sense of otherworldly glamour in a Michael Leyva creation, whether it’s a ready-to-wear piece or a captivating haute couture gown. No wonder he took the City of Angels by storm and ended with a much-deserved standing ovation of thunderous applause. THE ROMANTICIST IN NEW YORK Project Runway Season 2 alumnus Cherry Veric is known for his intricately-beaded creations, enchanting baroque patterns and embellishments, all emphasizing the woman’s strength and sensuality while being deeply rooted in Filipino tradition and culture. THE DAUNTLESS IN LAOS MEGA YDC 2012’s grand winner Renan Pacson’s designs often lean toward a cerebral and abstract theme, intertwined with androgyny and his revolutionary street cred without leaving behind the Philippines’ rich textiles and indigenous tribes in each collection. THE POST…

Our annual Pinoy Pride issue celebrates the Filipinos who make a difference. This year’s crop of awardees are a motley crew—daring chefs, musical buses and singing superstars just to name a few. In a time when political, religious and cultural differences threaten to divide us as a people, we turn to the visionaries and revolutionaries who are showing us that the Filipino hasn’t lost sight of the goal: excellence. The team also revisits the old issues that continue to haunt, following us into new uncharted territory. In a heart-tugging Feature Story, we explore the absence of a father victimized by injustice through the eyes of his daughter. Lastly, we have a roundup of some of the best places to visit in Manila when it comes to Food and Travel.…

Over the past three decades, the SSI (Stores Specialists, Inc.) Group has been at the forefront of innovation–providing options to the Filipino consumer and aiding in the increasing sophistication of the Filipino lifestyle. A man who has contributed greatly to this success is Anton Huang, President of the SSI Group. As a third generation Tantoco, Anton has inherited the family’s keen sense in business, which includes searching for the finest world-class products and services. This eye for detail has sustained the empire and made its lasting legacy as an undisputed leader in brand management of specialty retail concepts both locally and internationally. Last year, Anton was honored by the Italian government as a Cavaliere of the Order to the Merit of the Italian Republic for his contributions in bringing the…

Something is inimitably different to the art of Heart Evangelista-Escudero. Or, if we’re being pedantic about this medium of her expression, we should be addressing her as Love Marie Ongpauco-Escudero—her given name, as well as her realization as a full-fledged visual artist. The skill and technique that she has honed since her childhood, even when left aside to pursue a career in show business, is still bold yet graceful; the narrative vivid as the colors that splash through the canvas. This time, however, there is a much more palpable self-assurance that jumps from the framed masterpiece. Needless to say, she has blossomed for the world to see and appreciate. But it was never easy for the actress and artist, as during the early onset of her foray into the visceral…

It doesn’t surprise us that at that point, bogged down by the obvious jetlag, coupled with the understandable wearing down by a jam-packed schedule that included a master class, press interviews and a shoot with Kris Aquino herself, Patrick Starrr was fighting through exhaustion—after all, the YouTube phenomenon with covetable global collaborations to his name (such as his collections with MAC) has been fighting for where he is for a good part of his professional life, at least. But despite this, he was still as, if not more warm, generous and incredibly gracious to the guests that have gathered for the intimate soiree hosted for him by MAC Cosmetics Philippines. That singular moment meant the world to Patrick Starrr, the Filipino boy who found success in the world of vlogging…

It can be very easy to dismiss the team up of Edward Barber and Maymay Entrata as just another byproduct of the well-oiled mega-machine of showbiz. If you look at things from a jaded point-of-view, you will nitpick on how seemingly formulaic it appears to be: two former reality TV hopefuls, one lass raised in the hustle of the province, and the other, a citizen of the world who has grown up in a straight-laced Germany, come together in a prescribed onscreen pairing that is intended to throw the pop culture-consuming public into a fit of fandom frenzy. But despite all that, the vibrant and full of life love team of Maymay and Edward, or MayWard as they are called as a singular, is at its very essence, a once-in-a-lifetime…

A titan-like reputation precedes the man that has led the De La Salle Lady Spikers to an impressive 11 University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) championships in the twenty years that he has been at the helm. A strict, don’tmess-with-him disciplinarian, Coach Ramil de Jesus has since settled into the guise of a mentor, practically being a father of sorts to a rotation of now volleyball superstars that have toiled their time at his training court. But despite this preconception, he doesn’t rest on just the numbers, instead he keeps moving forward because of the passion he has for the sport that is near and dear to his heart. “Siguro sa akin, hard work lang ‘yan, and then ‘yung passion,” he says of his winning touch as a coach.…

In makeup, nude isn’t a single color, nor is it a single look. It’s a way to reveal one’s unique beauty, through light and shadow, touch and texture. There isn’t one way to do it, and the resulting looks are all variations on the idea of going bare. When Chanel launched Les Beiges years ago, the brand sought out to showcase beauty as “simplicity, elegance, freedom and authenticity,” a look that was at once youthful yet classic, enhanced yet real. The makeup let the light through, filtering it to reveal the beauty of every woman who used it. Naturally, it was a hit—the creamy, featherlight textures and the translucent finish of the products were a perfect fit for this new beauty ideal that is inclusive and celebrates everyone’s unique look.…

“It was actually my husband’s idea for me to start Extraordinail,” beams Veronica Resurreccion, CEO of Extraordinail Salon & Skin Care. “I used to spend a lot on my nails and he felt that it was time for me to start a business out of it.” With that, came their first branch in Greenhills four years ago. From a humble 54 square meter space, her business has blossomed into a number of branches years later, with a newly-opened location in BGC. Since then, it has successfully grown to be one of the top choices of beauty enthusiasts and celebrities such as Heart Evangelista, who later on become part of the business as well. When it comes to her business, Resurreccion is very hands-on. “I spend most of my time visiting…

It was an especially hot and action-packed day. Multiple photo shoots were occuring, and we were pulling out clothes and making returns at the same time. Converging at the MEGA office, the editorial team was spent and ready to call it a day until a message to try out the Flow Spa at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila popped up. Timing is everything and the invite to this luxury spa was as if by order of the gods above. In the middle of one of the Metro Manila’s bustling central business districts, one can indulge in the Ulitmate Tranquility Treatment at The Flow Spa, located at the 22nd floor of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. This premium spa is an oasis of calm with its off-white interiors, tranquil lighting and small…

A global survey in 2013 by Gallup analytics in the United States found out that the Filipino is the most emotional and sensitive among 140 nationalities. This is proven true until now, with fake news spreading online dividing the country into different sides, each passionate for what they stand for. Although we can be emotional to a fault, it is this caring nature that makes us fight for what we truly believe in. Best example of this is the unlikely star of our Pinoy Pride issue cover, Furne One. Starting his career with the very first edition of MEGA YDC, he has since built his career into a fashion juggernaut that sprang from Dubai, propelling his name as a shining example of how amazing Filipinos that can rule the world.…