Table of contents for July 2016 in MEGA

PONG NIU Known for her focus on creating beautiful, radiant skin as well as her eye for color play, it is no wonder that Pong Niu is a sought-after makeup artist. Pong brings her passion and creativity to every work, whether it’s a beauty or fashion editorial, an advertising campaign or wedding projects. Her attention to details ensures whoever is sitting on her makeup chair (or the person producing the shoot) will get the look that they want. ANTHEA BUENO As one of the rising stars of the beauty industry, Anthea Bueno brings her Fine Arts background to her work, which, coupled with her remarkably refined taste, results in beautifully crafted work that has made her a favorite among editors and celebrities. Easygoing and low-key, Anthea’s foray into makeup artistry…

Hi MEGA, I’ve always dreamt of finding the love of my life, getting married, having kids and then having a house of our own. I felt like I was ready for motherhood. I’ve always imagined what my child would look like, how I would hold his or her hand when he or she is born; I’ve always joked with my closest friends that they would be the godparents of my child; that has been my dream ever since. Reality check: Just a month ago, I found out that I was pregnant. Everything seemed so surreal. In my dreams, I thought that it would be a smooth-sailing experience. But it wasn’t. At the age of 24 I got pregnant and my emotions were on an all-time high. I was scared, I…

1 RIHANNA X DIOR EYEWEAR Dior and Rihanna are at it again as they launch the Rihanna eyewear line. For the past few months we have seen Rihanna sporting a pair of out-of-this-world specs, which was inspired by La Forge from Star Trek. "I spent a day at Dior with their eyewear design team. I literally sat there and drew and drew until I was happy with the design, and the team illustrated it for me right then and there,” reveals Rihanna in an interview with WWD. 2 RIHANNA X PUMA It was her signature urban-meets-sensual look that cemented Rihanna as a true style star, so it was a match made in heaven when streetwear and shoe brand PUMA signed Rihanna as their creative director. Starting from a very successful…

THE LIST: 1 Silver double bar cuff by KENNETH COLE. 2 Silver twisted bangle by SAINT LAURENT. 3 Black studded crossbody bag by SAINT LAURENT. 4 White off-shoulder dress with tiered sleeves (P5995) by ZARA. 5 Chalk platform wedge sandal by CHARLES & KEITH. 6 Black wide-legged satin-trimmed trousers by GIVENCHY. 7 White crossbody with two-toned strap (P3995) by ZARA. 8 Black suede sandal by JIMMY CHOO. 9 Black suede obi belt by MANGO. 10 Feather chain earrings by TOPSHOP. 11 Black high-low lace top by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN STYLE TIP Romance the trend by sporting ruffled tiers on your sleeves…

Unlike our Saint Laurents and Versaces who’ve had fashion long inscribed into their respective game plans, Karen Topacio’s story involved its fair share of detours. “I was a late bloomer,” she says of her beginnings. “I went through many different phases before finally deciding to pursue fashion.” Unflattering silhouettes be damned (“I used to wear a basketball jersey and dad jeans”), an eventual move to the Land Down Under saw the designer doing as the Australians do—she set off Europe-bound for a working holiday. Like many graduates of the young and ambitious sort, Karen fell deeper and deeper in love with fashion—her true calling, despite what her teenage wardrobe might have led on—in the city of love and lights. But a far less common feat followed: her supposed year-long excursion…

“Feel free to shout at me. I just really like speaking my mind,” she quips with a smile on her face. Although no one would ever dare raise their voice at a Mayor-elect, her gesture definitely put everyone at ease. Pie Alvarez is not just personable, she is also warm and thoughtful, asking everyone how they are and constantly throwing jokes around. Today’s comedic jabs center on her sprained ankle, brought about by texting while walking. These traits made her not only a natural born leader but an effective public servant. “I started at 7th grade as class president. From then on I was always student body President. I have always wanted the leadership role to guide my peers,” she shares. Now serving her third and last term as Mayor…

“IT’S NICE TO BE IMPORTANT BUT IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE NICE” “Who says it’s still just a man’s drink?” asks supermodel Coco Rocha as I quietly nurse my glass of Scotch. “It’s a drink for everybody, I believe,” she punctuates, face puckered up but thoroughly convinced. We were of course getting right into the business of the moment, debating whether drinking scotch is solely just a brooding man’s thing. Historically and as literature has seared into our impressionable minds, taking a swig of the blunt but eventually warming spirit has been fenced off as an enclave of the masculine. Women on the other hand were relegated to mixes and stirred (or shaken) drinks often called as “girly drinks.” But as she swears by her favorite blend of ginger ale with…

HOT OFF THE PRESS This month, in celebration of all that’s fresh and new, we’ve listed down things that will get you excited. In Heatlist, we run through TV shows and movies that we’ve been looking forward to seeing. Food and Travel will take you to a “sosyal eatery” in the heart of Makati and an old-new luxury serviced apartment that will make you want to never check out. People shines the spotlight on another powerhouse voice in the music industry Morisette Amon. Find out what it is about her that earned her the title the country’s Next Big Diva. Lastly, we share our insight on #YOLO, the good, the bad and what we should make of it. Enjoy!…

“I THINK WHEREVER THIS ROAD WILL LEAD ME, I’M JUST GOING TO EMBRACE IT” In a country teeming with massively talented singers such as ours, it’s easy to dismiss Morissette Amon as just another voice in the airwaves, noontime variety shows or reality singing competitions. But listen to any of her audition songs (try Love on Top, the song that turned the chair of then judge and mentor of The Voice Philippines, Sarah Geronimo) or radio covers (Against All Odds or Chandelier) on YouTube and you’ll see why she’s unlike any other wide-eyed singer/performer on the block. Morisette Amon, born to a musically-inclined family in Cebu, was named after her father’s favorite singer Alanis Morissette. Although she has a strong foundation in rock music thanks to her dad, Morissette’s natural…

PENSHOPPE Penshoppe has never stopped putting the Philippines at the center of international fashion scene. This time, the well-loved casual wear brand welcomes another industry superstar, Gigi Hadid. Her first outing for Penshoppe is for the 2016 Denimlab campaign featuring the Power Stretch Jeans, a line of specialty pants that promises dynamic new movement with the use of soft stretchable material that provides absolute comfort plus a snug and flattering fit. Gigi joins Penshoppe’s roster of top model endorsers like Sean O’Pry, Lucky Blue Smith, Kendall Jenner as well as Asian superstars Dara Park and Mario Maurer. Penshoppe Power Stretch Jeans are now available in stores nationwide. For live updates on the brand, visit www.penshoppe.com  or follow Penshoppe on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@penshoppe), and Snapchat (teampenshoppe). CATHY…

STROBE LIGHTS While some people are in love with frosty rainbow highlighters, more discerning strobing fans would rather splurge on LAURA MERCIER Face Illuminator (price available upon request), which has expanded into four new equally beautiful shades, that are meant to enhance one’s natural beauty. FIGURE EIGHT Can you make an iconic product like the Eight Hour Cream even better? Yes, as evidenced by the range’s latest offering, the ELIZABETH ARDEN Eight Hour Cream All-Over Miracle Oil (P1900). This multitasking product can be used to nourish and beautify the face, hair and body with its special blend of tsubaki, grapeseed, avocado, olive and sunflower oils. IN THE PINK The T. LeClerc powders are desired for their lightweight feel and translucent quality—they mattify without giving you that chalky look. T. LE…

"As an editor and full-time mom, I need a product that multi-tasks as much as I do. This is why I love the CHANEL Rouge Coco Stylo (P1850). Packed with apple seed complex and a blend of premium plant oils, it’s a comforting balm with the intense color of a lipstick and the shine of a gloss—all housed in one slim, stylish pen that fits in my tiniest minaudière.”—PEEWEE REYES-ISIDRO, Editor-in-Chief "These days, my go-to look is a bold, colorful lip. Since I loathe reapplying makeup (who can be bothered?), STILA Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick (P1250) in Bacca, a vibrant raspberry, is a beauty kit mainstay. Not only does the shade look amazing on golden skin tones, but its creamy matte texture packs a powerful punch of color that…

MARCEL WAVES According to hairstylist Mong Amado, this is a great style if you’re in between washes as the oil in your hair will give the waves more hold and shine. Work in some mousse into your hair before sculpting the waves; keep them in place with pins or clips before slowly blowdrying them to set. A final spray of high-shine hair spray is all you need and you’re good to go. CRIMPING OUT How does one rescue the crimping iron from the early 90s? Start with a hair thickening product on damp or dry hair for mega volume. Mong then suggests choosing only few strategic locks for crimping and leaving the ends straight for a less “done” look. This also looks good as messy updo if you’re channeling Flash…

AS THE WEATHER TAKES A TURN FOR THE DARK, ATTENTION GETS LOST IN THE SHADOWS . Counter the mood with a bolder look to draw all eyes on you. Recreate Franceska Toro’s sultry radiance with her eb ADVANCE picks. ACCENTUATE Make a statement with your lip color. Choose from EB ADVANCE SUPREME LIPSTICK and its eight luscious matte shades and eight smooth crème shades. Franceska's current fave: Venus. LIGHTEN UP Brighten your face by evening out your complexion. EB ADVANCE STUDIO FINISH STICK FOUNDATION is a cream-based foundation that not only conceals the blemishes; it moisturizes your skin to keep it hydrated and glowing, too. ADD VOLUME Achieve a dramatic look and a bolder gaze with the EB ADVANCE MASCARA DUO WITH SILICON BRUSH. It thickens and lengthens your lashes…

UNIVERSE CALLS A fully embellished look calls for minimal accessories. Opt for a statement ring “I JOINED BINIBINI TO ENJOY SOMETHING NEW IN MY LIFE” We tried to be subtle and quiet but the distinct sound of a bag of cheese-flavored chips opening punctured through the stillness that hung in the air. It was slightly intimidating to stand in the middle of the room where the towering realizations of beauty and grace stood, our bag of calorie-laden goodness included. Despite trying to hide the evidence, we were caught red-handed by no less than Maxine Medina, Binibining Pilipinas-Universe. “Can I have some, please?” she asks sheepishly, hands cupped out. A vision of moody romance in an interestingly proportioned all-black ensemble (festooned with quirky accoutrements), who were we to deny the stunner…

LADY IN WAITING Warehouse suggests a new combination of feminine and flirty with ruffles and string slip dresses TEXTURED TALES From fringe to ladylike lace, Vero Moda’s women are ladylike but strong WILD WEST Battle the elements with western influences through F&F’s hot-new collection READY FOR THE RIDE Topshop puts forward a combination of leather and denim—your best bet for cool nonchalant style IN PURE FORMS Take on monastic style with Uniqlo’s deliciously minimal silhouettes in neutral shades of camel and white DISCO FEVER Sfera relives the 70s with palazzo pants, and bright and airy fabrics SMOOTH SAILING Channel utilitarian and nautical styles with GAP’s latest essentials CARRIBEAN BEAT Celebrate life with fun accessories, colorful knits and sportif styles with Forever 21’s best pieces IN THE RAW The denim domination…

This month, we encourage you to shop your heart out. After all, July is such an opportune time to splurge and indulge a “little” and take advantage of the sales or special deals that abound. Whether you are a mall, label, or even an online shopper, surely there’s something that’s bound to tickle your fancy, but remember, the kind of purchase you get will ultimately define it as a wise investment or sadly, a bad decision. Just because it’s half the price doesn’t exactly mean it’s a good deal, and just because something is on trend means that you’ll instantly feel updated. There are a few traps here and there so I stress importance on value for money. The most telling sign for me is when you gravitate towards a…

The month of July has us looking beyond pageantry’s typical equation of beauty and brains. Enter our cover girls of the month, Maxine Medina and Kylie Verzosa: living, breathing, modeling proof that the climb to a prestigious title—like say, that of Bb. Pilipinas-Universe or International—entails much more than a clichéd, two-step formula. Maxine and Kylie, who each arrived in comfortable ensembles and sensible heels, spared no time in transforming into the glammed-up muses we each watched and rooted for three months ago, only more self-assured and infinitely stronger. No strangers to cameras and expectant gazes, the pair flaunted an unstudied fluency in their movements, each projecting individually yet slotting together in what translated as a perfect fit on camera. Not once lodging a complaint in favor of laughing between flashes…

FREEWAY HONORS ABDULMARI IMAO Launching the next leg of its National Artist Collector’s Series, local label Freeway sheds the limelight on Abdulmari Imao, the first and only Moro National Artist. Celebrated for his usage of distinctly Muslim motifs, Imao’s sculptures and saturated paintings are a display of nationalism. Translating his love of Filipino heritage into wearable art, Freeway launches a vibrant 40-piece collection of day-to-night womenswear. HAPPY ANDRADA PRESENTS AT TORONTO ARTS & FASHION WEEK Ever the patriot, Happy Andrada has once again brought local fashion to the global game. Sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Samsung and Hedgren, the seasoned designer presented a proudly Filipino couture collection at Toronto Arts and Fashion Week’s haute couture show. Inspired by Apo Whangod Oggay, the last tribal tattoo artist from Kalinga, Andrada’s collection exhibits…

THE LIST: 1 Embroidered crossbody by VALENTINO. 2 Burgundy asymmetrical top by JOSEPH. 3 Olive pleated satin midi skirt by TOPSHOP. 4 Gold statement earrings with tassels by TORY BURCH. 5 Multi-colored striped hooded jumper by TORY BURCH. 6 Black leather mule by CALVIN KLEIN. 7 Yellow lace-up sandal (P2995) by MANGO. 8 Burgundy box clutch by CHARLES & KEITH. 9 Multicolored chevron printed pleated skirt by GUCCI. 10 Gold feather earrings (P795) by MANGO. 11 Tan ribbed sweater (P2295) by MANGO STYLE TIP Throw in rich burgundy or a palate-cleansing orange between lush earthy hues…

PAJAMA PARTY 20s Straight from bed to work, why not? Calm down in cool shades for a fresh look THE LIST 1 Blush lace bra by STELLA MCCARTNEY. 2 White laser-cut skirt by KAREN MILLEN. 3 Blush and gold bangle by MICHAEL KORS. 4 Silver hammered drop earrings by IPPOLITA. 5 White jacquard jacket by ZARA. 6 White silk trousers by JOSEPH. 7 Lace underwear by NATORI. 8 Silver metallic Pandora bag by GIVENCHY 9 Silver open-toe chain boot by CASADEI SLIP SERVICE 30s Get sexy and opt for high slits on sultry silk THE LIST 1 Nude snakeskin cat-eye sunglasses by LINDA FARROW. 2 Floral scarf by GUCCI. 3 White and gold ring by GUCCI. 4 Blush silk bomber jacket by ZARA. 5 White d'Orsay pump by GIANVITO ROSSI…

Who could forget the three-fold 23rd anniversary cover of MEGA magazine? 23 girls spread out in three weekends—it was indeed a herculean undertaking even for the most experienced. Together with the team and BJ Pascual, a quiet and unassuming woman took a 24th spot in the spread: Vania Romoff as she designed the garments for the cover girls. It was definitely a daunting task for everyone but for Vania it was kind of a dream come true. “I don’t want to sound like I won an Oscar but it feels like it!” she shared in one of her Instagram posts. It truly was a magical set of garments that wrapped around the right curves of our young rising women. Cascading sinuous drapes and ribbon details brought out the delicate beauty…

RISSA MANANQUILTRILLO AND CELESTIA Seasoned model and one-half of the fast-growing Happy Skin beauty empire, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo trades in the typical focused and steely model gaze that has enchanted the fashion-loving public for years when posing with the adorable three-year-old Celestia. While we wonder how she could be a mother of three and still have a rocking figure to boot, Rissa downplays the enviable and instead displays a warm affection to her children. Conquering the world of beauty is no easy feat, but at the end of the day, she goes home to three little tots that make everything happier than it already is. NICOLE JACINTO AND SOPHIA We will go ahead and say it, Nicole Jacinto and her husband has raised their daughter well. Already growing to be a…

LIPSTICK JUNGLE Years back, TIME Magazine came out with a story on the business of beauty and at a tender age, I understood the complexities of the Lipstick Index and the power of Bobbi Brown’s Bone eye shadow. When times are bad, a little retail therapy does wonders. These days, times are good, but beauty shopping in the Philippines is booming like never before. Cult brands open to record-breaking success and we’ve grown as customers; no longer clueless newbies, but informed and discerning clients. We’re also turning to the web to make many of our purchases. While I personally believe that nothing beats the personal shopping experience, adding a product to my cart, even if it’s actually just pixels and code, is still a thrill. Hence, for this month’s Hot…

1 BLANK SLATE Harnessing the rejuvenating powers of the night-blooming White Tuberose, ESTÉE LAUDER Re-Nutriv Radiant White Age Renewal Serum Concentrate (P15,540/30 ml) and Spot Corrector (P5700/30 ml) promises translucent, porcelain-like skin with regular use. 2 FIRM STAND Always heed Nora Ephron’s advice, so never forget your neck and décolletage with products such as NEOSTRATA Triple Firming Neck Cream (P3180), which uses Pro-Amino acid and NeoCitrate to boost collagen-production along with NeoGlucosamine and Apple Stem Cell extract. 3 POWER UP Shake off the day (or night) with NUXE Créme Prodigieuse Anti-Fatigue Moisturizing Eye Cream (P1250) and Moisturizing Cream (P1450), beloved French pharmacie products that use the Blue Everlasting Flower to nourish skin and restore its youthful bounce. 4 GOLD STANDARD Regenerate your skin’s natural luminosity and firmness with LANCÔME Precious…

Vanessa Matsunaga is always on the go. She continues to hustle as a model, entrepreneur, wife and new mom. As the face of Estée Lauder in the Philippines, she dabs on her grace-under-pressure approach and a beauty essential to survive another jam-packed day. No wonder she’s the perfect epitome of a go-getter on the go. Take a glimpse of her life in snaps. Follow Vanessa on Snapchat (@vnessamatsunaga). For more details about Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact, visit the Estée Lauder website < esteelauder.com.ph > and Facebook page < facebook.com/EsteeLauderPH >.…

Christine Dychiao is effortless despite her multi-hyphenated title. She is a wife, mother, blogger for TheManilaFashionObserver.com and co-founder and creative consultant for popular online stores Chicify and Tilda. The petite beauty is known for her relaxed sartorial style, her clothes always well made and well cut, fitting her slender frame perfectly. Key to her look, as well as her approach to beauty and other parts of her life, is her preference for quality products that don’t scream out their price tags. CLEAN FUN No day is the same for Christine even as she works from home, juggling the demands of her young family and her various passions—which are a lot. Because of her work in fashion and her lifestyle blog, she is often zipping from one event to the other.…

Admit it, we all have at one point become a Mrs. George (you know Regina George’s mom in Mean Girls)—obsessing over what’s new, what’s the latest and what’s fresh. But while beauty likes to prevent or, dare we say it, turn back time, fashion is more of looking ahead into the next. Not that there is anything wrong with that, especially in this day and age where everything moves at a hyperreal pace that even longtime pundits and creative strongholds are struggling to keep up. We do not necessarily perpetuate the El Dorado-like quest for youth but rather, we take great strides in looking into the next big thing. Starting things off, we shift the spotlight to two striking beauties, Kylie Verzosa and Maxine Medina, who are about to take…

QUEEN IN WAITING Make a statement with full on fringe pieces ENTHRONED Add fun to a rather austere look with of-the-moment pins and baubles FORWARD MARCH A black and white ensemble is always a welcome style statement…

FASHION ABLAZABLAZE , Market! Market!; AC+632 , Greenbelt 5; ALDO , Greenbelt 5, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, SM Aura; ALEXANDER MCQUEEN , Shangrila Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Makati; BALENCIAGA , Greenbelt 5; BENCH , All leading malls nationwide; BERSHKA , Greenbelt 3; BOTTEGA VENETA , Greenbelt 4; BURBERRY , Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Greenbelt 4; BVLGARI , Greenbelt 4; CASADEI , Bonifacio High Street Central; CHARLES & KEITH , SM Megamall, Eastwood Mall, Greenbelt 5; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN , Rustan’s Makati; CURA V , Power Plant Mall; DKNY , Power Plant Mall, Shangri-la Plaza Mall; DOROTHY PERKINS , SM Aura, Robinson’s Galleria, Power Plant Mall; EYE SOCIETY , Jupiter Street, SM Aura; FENDI , Rustan’s Shangri-la, Rustan’s Makati; FIRMA , Greenbelt 3; FOLDED & HUNG , All leading malls nationwide; FOREVER21 , SM Megamall,…

In partnership with Stores Specialists Inc., the very first Joe Fresh store opened in Shangri-la Plaza Mall last May 2016. The store encompasses 674 square meters and offers the complete lifestyle range of Joe Fresh’s women, men and children collections. The opening ceremony was led by Chairman Emeritus of Rustans Group of Companies Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., SSI Group President Anton Huang, Joe Fresh Vice President of National Retail Operations Tom Cario, Joe Fresh Senior Director for Global Communications Kari Talley, Joe Fresh Marketing Manager Crickette Tantoco and a host of celebrity influencers. Joe Fresh’s second store will open August 2016 at Trinoma Mall.…

DIGITAL MEDIA You are so beautiful inside and out. You are very talented and kind-hearted. I am your number one fan, Sarah! God bless and I am proud to be a Popster! —JEPOY GERONIMO on MEGA June 2016 cover via Thanks MEGA for having Rachelle Ann Go grace your June Issue. She’s the epitome of a world-class beauty and talent. I’m excited to get my own copy. —PAUL ALVIN on MEGA June 2016 cover via Both talented and driven individuals! Gorgeous girls! —@MARVS25 on MEGA June 2016 cover via Wow, bold move MEGA Man! It’s a step towards the right direction for equality and awareness for the LGBT community. Proud of you!—@TATAGANDA_BON on MEGA Man June 2016 cover via MEGA GONE DIGITAL For those living abroad or who don’t have…

Shopping has taken form in all available platforms. With each targeting a certain kind of lifestyle, these shopping channels allow everyone access to the best and biggest trends of the season. MEGA helps you sift through of-the-moment looks to prepare your wardrobe for another overhaul because frankly, there is no excuse to not look your best anymore. In Best Buys, we take in the breeze with sartorial shirtdresses, verdant shades of nature and feminine layered tiers, while Get Ready to Wear goes sensual as lace and bedroom dressing become street style statements. We travel to Australia to introduce this month’s New Kid On The Block, Karen Topacio and her larger-than-life designs. Further in our pages, we go back to romanticism with Vania Romoff as she shares how her designs continue…

THE LIST: 1 Mother of pearl drop earrings by KATE SPADE. 2 Blue tie-front shirtdress by WAREHOUSE. 3 Black belt with tassel detail by BCBG MAX AZRIA. 4 Light gray satin knot clutch by BOTTEGA VENETA. 5 Black fringed leather pump with chunky heel by GUCCI. 6 Black and burgundy ankle boot (P2595) by ZARA. 7 Silver infinity bracelet by UNO DE 50. 8 Blue leather satchel by KATE SPADE. 9 White split side trousers by MISS SELFRIDGE. 10 Printed silk shirtdress by TORY BURCH STYLE TIP Layer a shirtdress over a pair of slouchy trousers for extra ease and edge…

DEFIANCE DU JOUR Countless factors of the effortlessly cool persuasion come into play in Harlan + Holden’s formula for success. There’s the lack of A-list endorsers and models-of-the-moment. The uber neutral palette punctuated by pastels. The unparalleled ease of throwing their garments together and being able to call the outcome a cohesive ensemble. However, the most substantial strand in the mix unquestionably boils down to the brand’s core: straightforward uniform dressing. “Harlan + Holden was conceptualized based on the idea of saving time,” says the label’s Managing Director of their deliberate disregard of trends. Prioritizing simplicity and quality over seasonal shifts, the brand builds on its signature blouson cut, cowl neckline and garter details, among other distinct elements. The brand has branched out into footwear, kicking off their new foray…

Fronted by the pseudonym Queen of Black, we admit to expecting the 20-year-old to be no less than stoic. But long before her hair was set into loose textured curls and her makeup topped off with a matte swipe of her newly acquired Kylie Lip Kit, the fresh-faced blogger had shot down our presumptions, candidly sharing how she had prepared for the shoot and throwing off-the-cuff compliments our way. Who would have thought the Queen of Black would be so spirited? Barely out of her teens and already an Instagram hit, Cha is a representation of the here and now of the young fashion scene. Proud patron of homegrown brands, forthright fan of Hollywood’s favorite reality stars and purveyor of the “style star online and student offline” equation, it’s plain…

TC SIBAL TC Alvarez-Sibal’s shop and studio, nestled in the heart of Makati, speak volumes of her design philosophy. The ground floor, which houses several racks of her ready-to-wear pieces, boasts turquoise walls and quirky fixtures while her second-floor workspace is plastered with magazine clippings, wall art and heart-warming doodles of her children. The same pillars of embellishment, color and individuality are what make up the core of TC’s line Two Chic, a venture she has described as personal and emotional. A decision befitting of her brand, the designer chooses to sell her pieces in a place she proudly calls her own. When complimented on her welcoming space and the equally warm staff who look after it, a smile graces her features. “It’s very cozy here,” she says, fulfilled. MICH…

Toyo Eatery emanates an easy elegance and a warm familiarity akin to stepping into a sophisticated yet unpretentious Filipino home. This is exactly how Chef Jordy Navarra and his wife May envisioned this dining space where people can come as they are, but at the same time enjoy Pinoy food with a level of refinement. After working with Michelin-starred restaurants The Fat Duck in England and Bo Innovation in Hong Kong, Navarra returned to the Philippines to reconnect with his culinary roots—first by helming the kitchen at Black Sheep, and now by undertaking his latest gastronomic venture, dubbed an “eatery” to place emphasis on how it is, simply, “a place to eat.” Adding to the laidback atmosphere is the open kitchen, which allows guests to witness the work that goes…

1 MODERN ICON GIORGIO ARMANI Sî Rose Signature EDP (P6000/100 ml), a variant of the brand’s signature scent, features two kinds of roses: the delicate, honeyed Rose de Mai and the intense Rose Turque. 2 LIVING DOLL Inspired by the brand’s dreamy high fashion, ELIE SAAB Rose Couture (P6000/90 ml) is a pastel pink confection of peony, rose, sandalwood and patchouli for the urban fashionista. 3 GARDEN VIEW The inimitable Tory Burch once again shares the wonders of her garden via the TORY BURCH Jolie Fleur (P6850/100 ml) collection, which includes romantic Rose, easygoing Verte and elegant Bleue. 4 NEW CLASS Modern dames desire the SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Signorina Misteriosa (P6600/100 ml), an oriental fruity fragrance of wild blackberry, neroli, tuberose and black vanilla mousse accord. 5 AN ADVENTURE Showcasing the…

GLOSSIER For every woman who’s fantasized about curating her own Top Shelf, IntoTheGloss.com’s Glossier skincare and makeup line is a must. They’re all you need to look put-together without looking like you tried too hard. For now products are only available on Glossier.com and shipping is limited, but we bet this won’t be the case much longer. CHECK OUT: Milky Jelly Cleanser and Generation G (a balm and matte lipstick hybrid) PAT MCGRATH LABS The genius of Pat McGrath is now available to us mere mortals—well, sort of. The iconic makeup artist stealthily released her heart-stoppingly beautiful Skin Fetish products late last year, starting with the striking gold pigment and now with the highlighter to end all highlighters. Visit her website PatMcGrath.com or Sephora.com to order—or sign up in the…

HANG OUT WITH VALERIE Vanessa meets up with beauty queen Valerie Lim at Unit 27 Bar+Cafe. The two bond over food and silly snaps. They look flawless as usual, with Valerie even complimenting Vanessa: "Your foundation is amazing!” A BEAUTY TRIP TO THE MALL Vanessa checks out the Estée Lauder boutique at SM Aura Premier. The boutique’s resident makeup artist gives Vanessa a quick beauty fix—a touch of Estée Lauder Double Wear Makeup To Go Liquid Compact. FOOD TASTING AT NAXIONAL Work doesn’t even feel like work especially when there’s food involved. Vanessa runs the newly opened Naxional South American Diner. Part of her job is food tasting and she’s enjoying every single bit of it. ON THE WAY As she makes her way to a photo shoot, Vanessa touches…

QUICK MELT The creamy, lightweight texture of BOBBI BROWN Skin Nourish (P2550) mask belies a powerful, skin-quenching formula rich with nourishing and healing coral grass, green algae and muru muru butter. Smooth all over face once a week to soften the look of fine lines and plump up the skin. STEAM PUNK Masks aren’t just for your face—they’re also for your hair. If constant bleaching and coloring is leaving your strands brittle, LEADERS INSOLUTION Steam Power Hair Pack (P248) is full of good-for-your-hair ingredients such as amino acid elastin, lavender, peptides, chamomile and witch hazel. Simply slip the cap on after a shower and leave on for a few minutes to get shiny, healthy strong hair again. JUICE CLEANSE ORIGINS By All Green Deep Cleansing Mask (P2400) catches up on…

At the height of heavy contouring and the matte dark lip trends of the West, we find South Korean makeup brands popping up at every corner. As the Training Manager and Chief Makeup Artist of South Korea’s top cosmetic brand The Face Shop, Marge Apacible-Priestley stands at the forefront of it all. Marge has over 11 years in the beauty industry and has trained for and studied her art internationally. Marge has always been interested in beauty, the love affair sparking in her freshman year in high school. “While most of my friends shopped for clothes, I always found myself in the cosmetics section of the mall,” narrates Marge. The blooming of her career began without any formal training as a makeup artist for school plays, events and fashion shows.…

“SCULP SURE CAN ‘GIVE PATIENTS THE SHAPE AND FIGURE THEY WANT’” Everyone has a problem area. That part in your body that refuses to budge, no matter the amount of dieting or exercise that you do. Like many other pear-shaped women, my issue lies—or rather, clings—on my thighs, which I’ve come to accept will never slip into a pair of jeans in a single, fluid motion. I wasn’t looking for extreme weight loss, but rather for an inch or two of fat to be strategically removed from a specific body part. Enter Sculp Sure. The latest noninvasive machine from Cynosure promises to destroy fat cells in one 25-minute session with no downtime, no change in lifestyle and no effort at all—unless you count staying relatively still for less than half…

HIGHER POWER Inject femininity to a powerful all black look with flounce and silk textures CELESTIAL BEAUTY Rivetted details reveal hints of skin…

PURITAN BLOOMS Rica Rico’s aesthetic gives life to feminine silhouettes via details that marry classic construction and forward thinking THE NEW DENIM Rawness injected with unbridled sexuality, Bengt Enrique translates his knowhow and references into staples for the contemporary woman A LITTLE BIT OF CHAOS A modern day expert in design manipulation, Via Valencia knows just the right mix of simplicity and complexity CULTURAL REVOLUTION A fusion of unexpected fabrics, details rooted in history and a careful mastery in tailoring, Mike Tidalgo brings forth a new wave of designs for the future WISPS OF A WOMAN Esme Palaganas continously redefines what it is to be a modern woman with tailored aesthetics and unexpected feminine details…

In partnership with Naked Princess, designer Pia Gladys Perey unveiled her bridesmaids’ collection in Bridesmaids & Boudoir fashion show hosted by supermodel and E! Network’s reality TV star Tia Shipman. The invite-only event was attended by fashion bloggers, top stylists, celebrities and an array of tastemakers. The evening was sponsored by Naked Princess, Citron Catering, Glenmorangie of the LVMH Group, Bokaos, Caterina Jewelry and Sassoon Salon. Pia also showcased a preview of her F/W ‘16 collection, which was inspired from her recent move to Los Angeles, called “Final Home.” The pieces boast the designer’s mastery in draping and her roots in sportswear, which is evident in her experimentation with neoprene.…