Inhoudsopgave van May 2018 - MEGA

Summer is dwindling to an end, but we’re not quite ready to bid the season adieu just yet. In true MEGA form, we find it only fitting to culminate it by highlighting one of the year’s hottest trends on the cover—shining, shimmering and splendid metallic. True, it’s quite challenging to pull off such a high-octane look, but we wanted to make a statement. While admittedly, this is a style I would quickly say pass, the recent offerings and the ways it has been presented has unexpectedly had an effect on me. It made me think twice, as if seeing it for the very first time. As we are still on a summer hangover, our fashion and beauty pages are blatant displays of celebrating it—think pieces in pops of bright hues,…

THE LIST: 1 Panthäre yellow gold earrings (P938,160) by CARTIER. 2 Cream Iowa oversized striped wool and cashmere-blend sweater (P50,405) by BURBERRY. 3 Printed cotton and linen-blend culottes (P12,055) by TORY BURCH. 4 Double G leather sandal (P38,050) by GUCCI. 5 Timeless 27mm watch (P49,560) by GUCCI. 6 Shopper leather-trimmed printed canvas tote (P55,885) by SAINT LAURENT. 7 Rope detail slip on (P2399) by CHARLES & KEITH. 8 Cream shirred bandeau cropped top (P1200) by MISS SELFRIDGE. 9 Patterned Flared trousers (P4990) by H&M. 10 3-pack necklaces (P499) by H&M. 11 Linen jacket (P4490) by H&M. 12 Backpack pompoms (P2495) by ZARA STYLE TIP Shake up your neutrals by adding a bold pop of color…

No one has cemented their name in fashion like Guess. Founded by the Marciano brothers in 1981, the businessmen had a clear vision in mind: to revolutionize the beloved denim style burnished with their original signature of light stonewashed pieces in softer textures and form-fitting silhouettes. These were soon juxtaposed with southern Californian sensibilities that the brand has long been associated with—executing iconic campaigns that illustrated the radiant West Coast—a landscape something the Marcianos likely resonate with coming from the sunlit port city of Marseille. The triangle emblem that we’ve so often seen in seminal promotional images and pop culture has become a symbol for the youth aesthetic that fused sultry and cool. Apart from its noteworthy iconography, Guess is identified with launching the modeling careers of notable fashion girls…

No, she may not be seen on screen working on blockbuster movies and chick flicks, but she is an artist in every right. Her presence is illuminating, a breath of fresh air defying the city life’s day-to-day toxicity. Behind the double-tapped hearts and loyal army of fans, Issa Pressman always made sure that she’s not just your average influencer. In fact, she has lots to bring to the table. She dances, she paints, she produces and edits films, and she loves makeup. “I like putting a little of myself in different things. I’m the type who likes dipping my finger in each cake instead of eating just one.” Issa used to hate art, but one day she stumbled upon a blank canvas and thought to herself, “why not?” Not only…

Our new reality, one that includes navigating the online and offline worlds, has made traditionally difficult things even more challenging. Take, for example, dating. It has always been tricky, and breaking up even more so, but now we have extra boxes to tick out (in a relationship? It’s complicated?) and a new set of unwritten rules (does this deserve an Insta Story or an Instagram post?). Don’t have a clue? Check out Relationship and maybe you’ll get some form of closure. Meanwhile, in Feature Story, we assess the state of mind of the new generation raising the next generation. Yes, the Millennials are procreating and the Cool Moms have Dr. Google on their side—but just how sage is their advice? While things are getting murky in cyberspace, it’s never been…

WASH AND WEAR A soft wash of color all over the lids makes for an easy and breezy smoky eye. The look is effortless but still glamorous. As a bonus, this can be done with your (clean) fingers. While makeup artist Pia Reyes used a damp brush to pack on the base color, she feathered it out by using her ring finger in a gentle, tapping motion. A lighter shade was used as highlight, applied and blended using her pinky. Use a tinted brow mascara to thicken and brush up brows, then finish with a few coats of mascara. GLAM ROCK Adding a dark or contrasting color to your smoky eye can add instant glam and a bit of rock ’n’ roll to your look. "Start with the eyes first,”…

Here’s the tea: Lippies are a classic makeup product that will always make a statement. However, choosing a lip product that suits you can be overwhelming with all the different products out there. Did you know that you can get your perfect lippie just by looking at the color of the veins on your wrist? All you have to do is check whether it’s blue, green or a combination of both. It is also important to take note of your undertone, of which there are three types: cool, warm and neutral. BLUE VEIN To check your undertone, simply look at the veins on your wrist. Those with cool undertones are usually mestiza types who have visible blue veins. Bold red and blush pink lippies work best for cool-toned people. A…

“It’s ugly until Rihanna decides it’s not,” writes the caption in many of Rihanna’s outfit photos spreading all over of the interwebs today. First, it was the fully ruffled royal blue ball gown by Molly Goddard, and then there was the deconstructed pinstriped blazer dress by Luar. It all looked obscure on the runway, some even saying it wasn’t wearable. But once Rihanna wore it, everyone changed their point-of-view. Now, that is what you call influence. This month, we focus on just that, where social media has allowed celebrities to not only be stars on the silver screen but also key opinion leaders in fashion. Who else to front the cover than Heart Evangelista-Escudero and Lovi Poe? Heart’s love for fashion and art has been amplified tenfold because of her…

FASHION ADIDAS , Powerplant Mall, Glorietta 3, Greenbelt 3, Uptown Mall, SM Aura, SM Megamall; 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; DISTINQT , <4/F PCCI Building, L.P., Leviste St., Salcedo Village, Makati>; ENFÖLD , Shangri-La Fort, PCCI Bldg, 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; GUESS , SM Megamall, Glorietta 2; 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…

I have an aversion for any kindofsurprise.Igetreally uncomfortable with the feeling of shock whether it is the happy or sad kind. I dislike the feeling of a racing heart, sweaty palms, anxiety or paranoia—I find it very disconcerting. Because of this, I don’t like surprise birthday parties or delivering bad news. While so much good can come out of both happy and sad news, I still prefer steady emotions rather than a rollercoaster ride of peaks and valleys. My dislike for surprises is consistent with my OCD tendencies and more importantly, my need for order and careful planning. However, I do know that there is no situation that is never without a curveball. One of the shows I’m currently watching is the premier season of Station 19, a spinoff of…

CELETEQUE With the summer escapades drawing to a close, it’s time to pack up those bright-colored swim shorts, air out your beach towel and take a final sip of your seaside cocktail. What you shouldn’t set aside, however, is the religious application of sunscreen—even if you walk past the fine sand and skid the concrete streets of the city. Easy and convenient to use, the Vitamin E and sunflower oil-infused Face and Body Sun Defense Spray SPF 50 by Celeteque transitions flawlessly on any given condition, delivering maximum protection against UVA and UVB rays under dry and wet conditions. L’OREAL PARIS There isn’t a more shocking sign of aging than at least a strand of gray hair amidst a sea of a typical jet black. While the solutions are painless…

“WHEN I HAD MY OWN BLOG... IT WAS MY OWN LITTLE PLACE IN THE DIGITAL WORLD, MY OWN VOICE” “David, an award-winning graphic designer, is a master at playing with colors.” That’s probably how David Guison’s profile intro would read in another lifetime. But the Multimedia Arts graduate chose a different path for himself. "It’s so funny when all my blockmates from college applied their learning from our course and here I am. But I did manage to apply my skills in web designing and photography.” He still plays with color. But his knack for composition is best seen on the photos of his blog where he showcases not just his knowhow on which colors work best together but his over-all skill at creating the perfect shot of his style…

QUIET ON THE SET Temper a lively print with earth tones ON THE AIR Warm things up with the straightforward combination of a shirt and trousers, but this time in bright pops of color and grown-up cinching Blue and red striped shirt, gray trousers and embellished leather sneakers all by GUCCI GIVE ‘EM WHAT THEY WANT Put on a show and dare to break out of the typical with shocks of colors, details and an overriding sense of courage WELCOME TO MY WORLD Menswear inches outside its defined comfort zone and takes on a head-to-toe pattern play in matching sets THIS IS THE GREATEST SHOW Toe the line between classic and contemporary by wearing a well-fitting tailored suit set with separates that are bold in color…

In an age where accessibility is paramount, digital culture gives us plenty of room to execute creative pursuits and reach a wider audience. The combination of Millennials and technology’s influence have served as a force for sweeping cultural change and social responsibility. For fashion, that also means coming in valiant and unabashed. In Get Ready To Wear, we hit rewind with an homage to the 90s—going down the nostalgic route in style across all ages. Fresh off the runway, we dissect the season’s hottest trends with über chic neutrals, the beloved heritage print of plaid, and taking a short cut with modish mini dresses. For New Kids On The Block, young designer Jenni Contreras unleashes her artful brand of fearless with a Japanese-inspired assemblage for Problem Studios, while Avel Bacudio…

THE LIST: 1 Black polo neck sweater (P995) by STRADIVARIUS. 2 Silver earrings (P499) by H&M. 3 Feather hem slip mini dress (P3,095) by TOPSHOP. 4 Sparkly stone choker (P799) by H&M. 5 Boxy clutch bag (P3199) by CHARLES & KEITH. 6 Rochelle two part heel (P3386) by TOPSHOP. 7 Freja ankle boot by SAINT LAURENT. 8 Queen king faux pearl embellished leather clutch (P139,450) by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. 9 Gold tone resin ring (P19,736) by BALENCIAGA. 10 Gold baguette ring (P8850) by FENDI. 11 White turtleneck eyelet mini dress (P139,522) by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. 12 14k gold plated hoop earrings (P5188) by MICHAEL KORS STYLE TIP Layer a turtleneck underneath for adde sophistication…

Fresh from her travels is Yanee Nuñez Alvarez as she sat down with the MEGA team on a warm Tuesday afternoon. Her enviable tan and glowing aura was noticeable as she made sure that everything was taken care of. At 34, she’s accomplished so much in life. A chef by profession, being exposed to the family business at such a young age fueled her passion to succeed in every little thing she does. But amongst all these success stories, she still finds solace in being a mother and wife. Ever since getting married, her priorities shifted. Long evenings working on events and public relations turned into sleepless nights looking after her growing family. But even then, Yanee still managed to juggle all things in between with her grace and wits.…

We know the feeling all too well—fresh from a breakup, you log on Facebook and see a green dot next to the dreaded name of your ex. Before you know it, you’ve already logged off or gone on invisible mode. Maybe you can’t help yourself and even chat up the person who has recently broken your heart, breaking all promises you have made for yourself. Let’s face it, breakups are never easy. And the fact that we’re on our smartphones 24/7 make them even trickier to navigate. Having said this, what is the smartest way to get over someone in the digital age? OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND Fresh from a break up, 22-year-old PR practitioner Cat shares that blocking her ex from all forms of social media was…

For many women who grew up reading and watching makeup application tutorials, a brush or a sponge is deemed necessary to achieve that flawless finish. And while it’s certainly true if you’re going to be shot up close, editorial style, or plan on preening under the glare of a thousand flashing light bulbs, but one’s daily makeup need not be that complicated. After all, who has the time? Many makeup experts have long espoused using one’s hands to massage makeup into the skin in order to blend it down and make it appear like second skin. Not only is it simpler (you only need clean hands), but it can also be done at the back of an Uber, while using one’s smartphone as a makeshift mirror. “NO ONE, PERHAPS, UNDERSTANDS…

The local beauty industry has gifted us with a number of legends who are still at the top of their game to this day. But with the Millennial generation on the rise, these two talented artists have caught the attention of many. NIKKI DUQUE Many of us might have been confused about which career path to follow at a young age, but for makeup artist Nikki Duque, this wasn’t the case. “Since my mother is a makeup artist, I was exposed to the beauty industry at a very young age, she says, referring to her mother Cristine “Ting” Duque, who has been in the industry for more than 20 years. While Nikki has always loved it, she took her passion for makeup to the next level when she studied at…

If you don’t have the time to try out Fitness First’s Spartan SGX workout, you may opt for a home workout instead. Without the use of any equipment, you can still train like a warrior by designing a workout that targets the majority of your muscles, depending also on whether you consider yourself a beginner or more advanced. A sample workout would have you doing three to five sets of ten of the following exercises: 1 Air Squats 2 Push ups 3 Lunges 4 Walking Plank 5 Jumping Jacks 6 Tricep Dips 7 Sit Ups 8 Burpees The key here is to perform each station with as little rest as possible and to do each movement precisely. This will surely work multiple muscle groups and give you the satisfaction you…

Let’s state the most obvious shall we? Lovi Poe is always, always a vision in whatever she is dressed in—the silver mini dress clinging to her body especially. Even from a far distance, her brown skin glimmers in rhythmic succession with the metallic creation that is fully accentuating her toned physique. All we could mutter under our collective breaths was, damn, girl. It is hard not to ogle at her dusky beauty, but what’s more apparent is the new presence and renewed sense of confidence she seems to have. Lovi Poe has been having a lot of fashion moments lately. A subsequent in-depth study of her social media timeline reveals that little by little, she has been carefully curating things in her life—from her looks, feed, projects, to relationships, we…

Amazing how perfectly she shifted personas in every photo! She has the artistic talents that capture and deliver unique creativity. She’s a walking art. Imperfections she embraced and conquered made her even more more powerful than ever before. Her influence is documentary. —@hummyboom on MEGA April 2018 via Her passion to overcome her weaknesses sums up her spiritual nature. Artfully done Nadine. Well done. —@blasttolast on MEGA April 2018 via This woman is so inspiring. I love her outlook in life—goal-driven, ambitious, family oriented, passionate lover, simple, honest, fearless, very, very creative, resourceful, talented and humble. I’m loving you more and more. —@simplyfitz3066 on MEGA April 2018 via Thank you @megaman_magazine for having @gumabaomarco on your April issue and for including him on this year’s Best Bodies. We will definitely…

THE LIST: 1 Gold hoops (P3531) by KATE SPADE. 2 Eva orange oversized wool-blend turtleneck sweater (P23,850) by TORY BURCH. 3 Plaid fitted blazer (P155,260) by GUCCI. 4 Gingham wearable tech metro watch (P10,126) by KATE SPADE. 5 Garret plaid trousers (P7240) by TORY BURCH. 6 Off white leather box bag (P103,452) by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. 7 White classic open toe mules (P51,670) by GIVENCHY. 8 Hibiscus ankle boot (P6256) by TOPSHOP. 9 Seline cross body bag (P1840) by TOPSHOP. 10 Checked mini skirt (P1840) by TOPSHOP. 11 White pima cotton shirt (P3290) by H&M. 12 Cropped double-breasted suit (P3606) by TOPSHOP. 13 Check bralette (P,620) by TOPSHOP. 14 Round earrings (P499) by H&M. 15 Faux leather nautical Cap (P995) by STRADIVARIUS. 16 Maru sunglasses (P499) by SUNNIES STUDIOS STYLE TIP…

20s MEAN STREETS The comfort of athleisure and New York streetwear sensibilities fuse in tracksuit pairings STYLE TIP Doubling as a statement piece and a convenient accessory, belt bags are the ultimate utilitarian staple THE LIST: 1 Ribbed silk turtleneck sweater (P40,398) by CALVIN KLEIN. 2 Square-frame acetate and gunmetal-tone sunglasses (P5261) by LE SPECS X ADAM SELMAN. 3 Blush track jacket (P7895) by ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY. 4 Logo print high neck bodysuit (P6861) by VERSUS VERSACE. 5 Red side-striped track pants (P14,295) by MSGM. 6 Blush track pants (P5825) by ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY. 7 Embellished leather-trimmed jacquard belt bag (P89,401) by BALENCIAGA. 8 Air Vapormax Flyknit Utility sneaker (P12,377) by NIKE. 9 Contrast panel runner (P35,017) by CALVIN KLEIN. 10 Monogram bum bag (P53,440) by LOUIS VUITTON…

Jenni Contreras won’t put herself in a box. The young designer refuses to define her brand and stick to one identity—a sentiment that effortlessly translates to pr()blem’s designs—straightforward but still surrounded with an air of intrigue. Contreras’ vision for pr()blem is anything but ordinary; these exact sensibilities unabridgely translated to her creations for Bench Design Awards where she reigned victorious with three other designers. This milestone became the very catalyst for her to continue cultivating her solo line after a two-year stint with ARIN and venturing into graphic design and writing for an Australian magazine. Coming back into her craft, Contreras dived headfirst into evolving her debut collection and indubitably, she went in bolder than ever with “aftrskool”—an assemblage influenced by the Sukeban, which is a Japanese term for school…

Ever since the release of their first bag collection in 1997, Italian fashion brand Tod’s influence has been insurmountable. A favorite amongst the classiest women on the planet, the D-bag was a direct homage to iconic royalty Princess Diana of Wales. Her style encompasses that of a Tod’s woman, with underrated luxury and impeccable taste, much like the infamous hand bag which got an overhaul—softer, with no lining, a hand cut finish and with a contemporary silhouette. The D-Bag is a feminine reinterpretation of what seems to be an infusion of a bowling bag and a doctor bag, both unlikely derivatives of inspiration when designing for a woman in my mind. Years later and the D-bag has stood the test of time. Unsurprisingly, it’s been around the arm of another…

“We should get a place here,” said one of my companions as we drove up the steep, winding road to Club Punta Fuego. Everyone in the car nodded in agreement. Let the kids pitch their tents and post their selfies in the next new frontier. For those of us who’ve bid their beer-soaked Labor Day pasts adieu, places such as Punta Fuego have become the dream, the place for tranquil, rejuvenating weekends spent bonding with select company and enjoying the charms and amenities of this exclusive seaside community. “MARVEL AT THE BEAUTY OF THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA FROM YOUR BALCONY” In the 90s, Punta Fuego was the hot place to be. It was were the rich and beautiful summered in a country with eternal sunshine. Years later, it has retained…

Every year, MEGA takes time to recognize the young guns, the new faces who are taking over the game. For a few years now, they’ve been tied to their online presence—and we’re not just talking about the number of their Instagram followers (although they are quite impressive). The magazine has always been about women who with substance, and that’s something that doesn’t always translate simply into popularity, but instead through acclaim and respect among their peers. We see this in Suyen Lim and Nikki Duque, two artists who are staking their claim in the crowded beauty industry. Read about what makes them cooler than all the others in Artist Confidential. In Beauty Blog we feature the feisty Denice Sy, heir apparent to cosmetics juggernaut Ever Bilena and a woman on…

With legendary beauty brand Ever Bilena’s owner and president Dioceldo Sy as your father, one might feel an insane amount of pressure. But for Denice Sy, who handles sales and marketing for the brand, a busy day is what she thrives on. “I personally handle majority of our key retail accounts, which is heavily operations based,” says Sy, sharing that a typical day for her can range from being at the office to review sales numbers and communicating with the brand’s trade partners, to out on the field to conceptualize products or to attend PR-related events. “I like my days fully packed because I find it the most fulfilling when I maximize my productivity,” she adds. But while she likes her days busy, her own beauty regimen is relatively simple,…

Practically everyone considers dimples on the face adorable, but when they’re spotted elsewhere on the body, a sense of panic starts to arise. Cellulite, or the pushing of fat deposits that distort the connective tissues beneath the skin, isn’t something most people find cute, especially the women who have them. “As of the moment, experts don’t really know the exact reasons why cellulite develops, only theories to the factors that affect this growth,” says Dr. Regie E. Layug, a Family Medicine Doctor from Marie France. “This could be one possible reason why people get surprised or anxious when they suddenly see it. That, plus the fact that society has made people more [self] conscious of their look.” While many people still assume that cellulite is a problem only middle-aged women…

Undoubtedly one of the loudest and most anticipated Making MEGA film screenings of late, Maymay Entrata and Edward Barber—collectively and more popularly known as MayWard—proved that they are truly Philippine showbiz’s modern darlings. Fans were already lined up hours before the screening at the IMAX Theater at the SM Aura Premier. It was a packed house, and the excitement was palpable, especially when Maymay arrived, resplendent in a champagne-colored Mark Bumgarner gown, her hair swept up into a classic bun bedecked with flicks of silver foil and a picture-perfect winged eye. Edward meanwhile, stole many (more) hearts when he arrived in a Rajo Laurel creation, his gray jacket accented with pins (also from Broadway Gems) that perfectly complemented his partner’s ensemble. If they looked like a modern fairytale couple, it’s…

1.FAD FAD is the very first comprehensive Fashion Dictionary app that explains everything fashion-related from labels, sewing and even fashion jargon. 2. STYLECT Stylect has been dubbed as the "tinder for shoes,” offering the user to make a wish list and purchase directly through the app by swiping through a range of designers and retailers depending on your style and likes. 3. THE HUNT This app allows you to ‘hunt’ the clothes, accessories and shoes you saw on a street style star’s outfit that you’ve been dying to know where to purchase. 4. SHOP SPRING Considered an ‘online mall’ based on user reviews, Shop Spring gives you a personalized mobile shopping experience with 1500 of your favorite brands including Coach, Alexander Wang and more with free shipping and returns. 5.…

STYLE TIP Keep things classic by wearing the spirited separate with fitted trousers for a more grown up appeal…

VIVO V9 Today, smartphones have gone above and beyond with the innovations, putting premium on the buzzword on everyone’s lips—the selfie. Sure, it should take a call, perhaps send an SMS (for an emergency, you’ll never know), but more importantly, it should have a top-of-the-line camera to capture images from the front and back. With the release of the Vivo V9, it does that and more. With a large 6.3-inch full view display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 chipset, dual rear cameras, 24MP front camera, and Android 8.1 operating system, it can be said: the Vivo V9 is a notch above its predecessors. Now, the f/2.0 aperture AI-enabled camera features include Face Beauty, Face Beauty video call, HDR mode, Gender Detection and a sharper auto-focus. FUJIFILM X-A5 The Fujifilm X Series has…

Actor, host, fitness instructor and now, vlogger, Alex Diaz is set to make a mark in all prescribed hyphenates He does not want to be anywhere else. For Alex Diaz, "What is important is where I am now. I am 100% fixated on this journey. I do not want to even consider what I would be doing if I was not on the biz.” Where exactly is he now? His portfolio is filled with various forays in different areas of the show business. He’s basically done it all—a radio jock, a commercial model, a theater actor, a VJ, a recording artist, and an actor. "I’ve always had an inclination towards performing arts,” he says. And perform he did. He was launched with the Star Magic Circle batch of 2013 thus…

On his list of what inspires him, LA Aguinaldo wrote, "The wind on a hot day.” Rather peculiar for a guy known for his good looks and YouTube channel, this also gives a good glimpse of who LA is as a person. He is a guy who lives and seizes every moment. And even on his content, this is apparent. But LA on his YouTube channel did not start out as the outgoing guy you see on screen today. "I was really reserved and in a way, quite withdrawn,” he admits. "Basically, I was shy. One day, I got propelled into modeling where I was thrown into a world of extroversion. I had to be confident in front of the camera in shoots, in front of hundreds of people in…

Why do sunsets have to be sad? Often painted with an understated streak of forlorn, the impending dipping of the light is a testament to a day of gratitude and contentment, as it is a resonance of hope for the next day sunrise of possibilities ahead THE GOLD RUSH Pairing stripes shouldn’t be necessarily difficult. For starters, you can pick a common color between two separates and watch them match effortlessly together NO TRESPASSING Take to a contrast of color with separates when pairing similar patterns together JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF LIGHT There is nothing more classic than fine stripes in navy blue. Make sure to keep one in your style stash for that requisite hint of familiarity BE HERE, WAITING Completely stumped when rushing to head out? Wear…