Table of contents for June 2016 in MEGA

JAKE GALVEZ Jake comes from a line of prominent beauty experts. Thanks to their support, Jake is considered as one of the country’s top makeup artists. His journey to learn more about beauty trends and techniques took him from the Tony Galvez School of Cosmetology to May’s Beauty School and the Team Work Beauty School, as well as Cosmoprof Academy in Singpapore, Cinema Secrets in Los Angeles and at The Institute Technique du Maquillage in Paris. GELA LAUREL Gela’s interest in makeup started when she saw Broadway’s Cabaret. Later she took up Corrective Makeup, Expert Artistry Techniques and Airbrush Makeup from Empire Academy of Makeup in California, followed by several workshops in Manila and Malaysia. Her elegant, feminine work make her a favorite among celebrities and she remains as one…

THE LIST: 1 Gold tusk choker by MICHAEL KORS. 2 Metallic pleated midi skirt (P2995) by ZARA. 3 Black brown-lensed sunglasses by BOTTEGA VENETA. 4 Dark brown crepe slip-on top (P2220) by ARIN. 5 Black dainty jacket earrings by KATE SPADE. 6 Taupe vintage crossbody by TOPSHOP. 7 Black slingback fringed shoe (P4995) by MANGO. 8 Brown mule loafer by GUCCI. 9 Brown fringed leather shoulder bag by SALVATORE FERRAGAMO. 10 Ginger cotton trousers by JOSEPH. 11 White asymmetrical top (P10,400) by MARK BUMGARNER STYLE TIP Sport the trend two ways: skirt around it or sport an angled incline on a shirt hem…

LIP SMACKERS Give your lips a dose of youthful color and shine with GUERLAIN La Petite Robe Noire Lipstick (P1400), which is scented with an irresistible blend of bergamot, raspberry and rose. Our favourite shades include the deliciously bright 002 Pink Tie and the sexy, just-bitten look of 007 Black Perfecto. AT LONG LAST Let your lips take center stage with COVERGIRL Outlast Longwear + Moisture Lipstick (P450), which comes in nine eye-catching shades that not only stay on for hours but also keep your pucker moisturized. ROYAL FLUSH Blush away with ESTÉE LAUDER Pure Color Envy Sculpting Blush (P2475). With nine buildable shades that feature Luminous Optic technology that help you achieve that glow-from-within look, this is one palette you’ll want to have on hand all summer long. ENGLISH…

PUPPY LOVE The Koreans are really on to something with the “puppy dog” look (the reverse of the cat eye) gaining popularity beyond the usual teenaged k-pop fans. We gave it a mod spin with a crisp line that exaggerates the shape of the eye. For a night out, try tight-lining with a white or nude liner to brighten the eye and make it look bigger. STARRY EYED Glitter was the unexpected queen of the runways, turning up in Delpozo and Dries Van Noten’s S/S ’16 shows to Burberry’s F/W ’16 beauty looks. Whether it’s because 90s nostalgia is at an all-time high or the popularity of music festivals, glitter, it seems, is here to stay—at least for the year. For maximum impact, layer bold colored glitter over a creamy,…

It is easy to envy Camille Flores-Oloan. A certified boss lady with a bustling career, Camille seems to have landed the perfect job as Brand Manager of La Mer, one of the most coveted skincare brands in the world, and as the newly appointed Brand Manager of Jo Malone London, a luxury fragrance brand that recently launched in the Philippines. Her ascent up the corporate ladder started in a completely different field and, back then, a career in beauty was out of the equation. “Growing up, I was influenced by my mom who put on makeup every day before going to work. I was fascinated with all the colors, tools and application techniques. But I never imagined a career in beauty,” says Camille in hindsight, whose impressive resume includes a…

SIMPLICITY GOES A LONG WAY . Following the “less is more” philosophy, you can achieve a refined au naturel look: minimal makeup for maximum impact. Franceska Toro uses for an effortlessly chic appeal which shows of› her natural sun-kissed color. SHAPE UP Keep your brows in shape with the proper tools to boot. EB ADVANCE BROW KIT comes complete with three brow powders, setting wax, a styling brush, and a tweezer for your brow styling needs. BANISH THE BLEMISH Even out your complexion with EB ADVANCE TWO WAY CAKE. The one-step face powder and foundation is a moisturizing cover-up that gives your skin a flawless finish. TONE DOWN Opt for a nude lip as your ›inale. Franceska Toro goes for the EB ADVANCE MATIC LIPSTICK in Sahara Sunset; its muted…

“KALI FOCUSES ON PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF PERSONAL DEFENSE” Fighting sports have grown tremendously in the last couple of years. Whether it’s jiujitsu, kickboxing and even kravmaga, there’s a crash course for just about anything, but often overlooked is the art of arnis or what others refer to as “kali.” Kali is a combative Filipino martial art that involves close-quarter fighting with the use of an edged, impact or improvised weapon. It’s a complete martial arts system that teaches you how to defend against and fight with weaponry—and it can be fatal. Its origins go back to pre-colonial times when natives practiced it to defend themselves against invaders using simple knives and machetes. It has since evolved into a quintessential martial art that has been incorporated into basic military training by…

LOOK AT ME Be a star in clean whites and hints of sparkle SHE WONDERS Make your mark with statement making shapes SHINE ON Expose a bit of skin by way of cold shoulder tops in bright shades BACK AT YOU Add more texture to your look by way of pleats and sequins WHITE AS SNOW Infuse drama to an all white ensemble with a billowy fabric overlay IN FULL CIRCLE Play with froms and silhouettes for and form a new and exciting look Take this as a gospel. After all, Sarah Geronimo as a household name has never once failed to bless our television sets and big screens with her phenomenal talent. Bow down for the 27-year-old Popstar Princess (and romcom diva) who has officially grown into a full-fledged…

June is our annual Pinoy pride issue and it has been our tradition to champion everything that is Filipino. In this month’s edition, we highlight a number of well- loved local brands that have continually inspired us. Despite all the changes in the market, these labels have remained relevant with their collections and campaigns. Of course a Pinoy pride issue wouldn’t be complete without putting our talented designers to the fore. Now more than ever, the local design industry is abuzz with so much promise and energy. There’s an influx of young designers and at the same time the rise of the female designers. Established and seasoned designers on the other hand continue to produce and showcase their creations in various fashion weeks and presentations, showcasing their unique points of…

One is a celebrated triple threat, the other a magnetic theater songstress. Both talented superstars and worthy of Pinoy Pride distinction. Sarah Geronimo and Rachelle Ann Go had the same trajectory in their careers, both winning local singing contests and soon finding success in the entertainment industry. Soon enough Sarah honed her talents not only in singing but also in dancing and acting, and became a true box-office queen. Meanwhile Rachelle Ann found her love for theater and was recruited to perform in the legendary theaters of West End in London. It was an understatement to say we were excited to have both girls on the cover. Rachelle Ann was a vision of natural beauty on the day of the covershoot. Under the scorching hot sun, Rachelle kept a striking…

THE LIST: 1 Black openwork gilet (P2295) by MANGO. 2 Black faux leather maxi skirt with sheer panels by BCBG MAX AZRIA. 3 Triangle beaded tassel necklace by TOPSHOP. 4 Black jersey pleated midi skirt by TOPSHOP. 5 Navy fringed suede heel by ALDO. 6 Blue and white printed sneaker with silver hardware by CARVEN. 7 Steel and pink gold interlocked bracelets by CALVIN KLEIN. 8 Black sheer fringed top (P1995) by ZARA. 9 Decorative beads envelope (P2495) by MANGO. 10 Wine butterfly sunglasses by SALVATORE FERRAGAMO. 11 White cold shoulder Clara top (P12,000) by GABBIE SAREÑAS STYLE TIP Play a game of hide-and-seek with cleverly placed overlays and appliqué…

20 s FINE LINES Stripes are your fail-safe, go-to print for that casual Parisian allure THE LIST: 1 Striped button-down by TOPSHOP. 2 Blue trousers by RIVER ISLAND. 3 Striped long-sleeved dress by UNIQLO. 4 Striped tote bag by TORY BURCH. 5 White sneaker by VANS. 6 White jersey top by H&M. 7 Blue striped trousers by TOPSHOP. 8 Striped scarf by MARC BY MARC JACOBS. 9 Blue camisole top by TOPSHOP. 10 Aviator sunglasses by RAY-BAN 30 s FLARE UP Evoke the raw energy of street style with flared denim and cropped jackets THE LIST: 1 Blue round glasses by LINDA FARROW. 2 Denim shirt by MANGO. 3 Navy pleated culottes by KAREN MILLEN. 4 Quilted denim bag by STELLA MCCARTNEY. 5 Navy suede and patent heel by KURT…

“PAL HAS ALWAYS BEEN SINCERE IN GIVING TRUE SERVICE TO ITS FELLOW FILIPINO AND FOREIGN CUSTOMERS WORLDWIDE” The Filipino spirit is an inspiring thing. It shines bright with its resilience and determination. It touches people with its warmth and readiness to serve. In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Philippine Airlines (PAL) looks into the heart of the Filipino and honors what makes it unique. The legendary carrier puts this into song, suitably named “The Heart of the Filipino” composed by Donna Dimayuga, Creative Director of Ogilvy and Mather. And who better sing it than three of the most influential voices in the Philippines and beyond: Broadway mainstay Lea Salonga, pop sensation Sarah Geronimo and Pinoy rock icon Bamboo Mañalac. ONE SOUND “The Heart of the Filipino” tells of talent and…

“[BICOL OFFERS] A MOUTHWATERING SELECTION OF FOOD AND BREATHTAKING SIGHTS” I once asked a fellow Filipino what he knew about the Bicol region and he just answered with two words: Mount Mayon. Aside from this perfectly cone-shaped volcano, a vast area of Bicol remains unexplored. Reachable by land, sea or air, intrepid travelers will find their efforts well rewarded with a mouthwatering selection of food and breathtaking sights. From above, the mixture of greens and blues of this region is enough to get you dreaming of sun kissed exploits by the coast and by the piedmont. One of the most popular tourist spot is the Cagsawa Ruins located in the municipality of Daraga, Albay. It is the remains of a Franciscan church that was destroyed due to a volcanic eruption…

What a great time to be alive, ‘noh? It’s our Pinoy Pride issue and we’re proud to have very beautiful, distinctly Filipina-looking beauties on our covers. But I suppose what is even better is that we no longer have to wait for Independence Day to champion the beauty of Filipinas, a group that is predominantly petite in stature, dusky-skinned and feisty-mannered. Yes, our old notions of pretty are still there, but the new generation has decided to embrace, rather than dispel them. Who and what is beautiful is now a wider scope—it’s no longer relegated to just the fair-skin-straight-hair-hourglass-figure variety. This month, we visit the Healing Space, a center that specializes in alternative methods. We also talk to experts about the new frontier for women and their reproductive options here…

DEEP SEA Scientists studying microalgae noticed that it had the ability to survive, thrive and regenerate in the harshest conditions, thanks to the presence of Alguronic Acid and Microalgae Oil, which demonstrated anti-aging and moisturizing elements. Thus, ALGENIST anti-aging skincare line was born, featuring a variety of products that are suitable for all skin types and created without parabens, sulfates and synthetic dyes, perfect for those with sensitive skin. ABOUT FACE Bring the light back to your face with MURAD White Brilliance, the latest collection from the science-backed skincare brand. The four-piece collection, which includes the Luminous Essence (P3150) and Luminous Shield SPF 50 (P4150), uses Porcelain Flower Extract, an antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory-rich bloom. GOLDEN CHILD LA PRAIRIE Cellular Radiance Perfecting Fluide Pure Gold (P27,300) is the latest from the…

In fashion, we’re constantly told to dress for our body type. It goes without saying that there’s also a right way of eating for your body shape, and that losing weight isn’t just about exercising, cutting down on carbs, or lessening the sweets. At the Aivee Clinic, shares that there are four common female body shapes: apple, banana, pear and hourglass. Each shape is driven by specific hormones that trigger weight gain in problem areas, and it’s important to note that there are certain foods, including ones we deem healthy, that won’t always work with the body type that we have. This is why body type-specific diets are popular among those who not only want to lose weight, but also adopt a healthier lifestyle. There are many diet regimens available…

“Lola na ako!” quips 37-year-old Leo Posadas while talking about his impressive beauty tenure with an air of self-deprecation. Having begun his career as a makeup artist professionally in 2004 under the mentorship of Patrick Rosas, Leo has since carved his own path winning over loyal clients including some of the most in-demand faces in local show business, citing GMA Network’s Carla Abellana and Showtime regular Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon as some of his favorite clients as well as an extensive list of brides whose weddings Leo has made extra special. The youngest of four siblings, three of whom are girls, Leo has always been interested in beauty seeing his older sisters play with makeup growing up. His curiosity peaked in college when he dabbled in theater and musicals alongside his sister.…

When we hear the term “meso,” we often think of mesolipo and mesotherapy treatments. Mesotherapy is “a minimally invasive procedure that is widely used to treat various injuries and medical conditions. This medical specialty targets problem areas with microinjections of conventional or homeopathic medicines, vitamins, minerals and amino acids,” says Mesotherapy.com. “Tiny ‘medicinal bullets’ are delivered directly into the mesoderm (middle layer of skin) that are highly specific to the condition being treated.” Perhaps we often associate mesotherapy to mesolipo instantly because eliminating cellulite and promoting weight loss is two of the most popular applications of mesotherapy. However, anti-aging is now becoming one of the major concerns that can be addressed by the popular treatment. As what most facial aestheticians will tell you, topical creams can only do so much…

Everything in the modern world abides by doing things quick: Keep a fast pace or you lose. Try this, sit back, take into account all the things you put yourself through on a daily basis and then think long term...you’ll surprise yourself and find you haven’t been doing nearly enough to keep yourself healthy. Unfortunately, the first place this takes a toll on is on our skin. Getting less than eight hours of sleep over a week, subjecting yourself to stressful undertakings instantly shows good on your face. And no amount of makeup can compensate for health and skincare. Many women today scramble to find ways to cheat the system and buy into the “get better skin fast” idea. It’s no wonder every week there seems to be a new…

PASSION PLAYER Hints of black and white complement an all red ensemble ON HER THRONE Don’t be afraid to be sexy. Bare your decollete or your legs STARE DOWN Add texture to a solid look with embroidery and heavy beading ON THE HUNT Make a statement with long and airy pieces INTO NATURE Add striking bijoux to simple looks like statement drop earrings CROWNING MOMENT Go out of the box and dare to look striking with a statement head scarf If there is any piece of theater that the we are most aware of, it is definitely Miss Saigon, the passionate, honest and heart-wrenching telling of a tragic love story told through the point of view of the painfully tragic destitute that is Kim. But while the entire world cranes…

TAGAPAGBANTAY Connecting the human world and land of the mystics, the gatekeeper decides who are allowed into the other dimension MANGKUKULAM A powerful woman who has mastered the dark arts, she uses hexes and spells to torment her victims BABAENG ITIM The opposite of the harmless white lady, this incarnation is a vengeful spirit that is wicked to the people that see her ANTING-ANTING One way to battle halimaw is to use the dried tail of a stingray, salt, bolo, garlic and other blessed anting-anting MAMBABARANG More powerful than a mangkukulam, the mambabarang only needs to remember the victim’s face to summon insects to infect and torture them…

FASHION 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; EVE THE LABEL , SOMA Stores; EYE SOCIETY , Jupiter Street, SM Aura; FENDI , Rustan’s Shangrila Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Makati; FIRMA , Greenbelt 3; FOLDED & HUNG , All leading malls nationwide;…

Wow! What a fresh cover! You rock!—PETZ FABRE on MEGA May 2016 cover via She’s so gorgeous! Thank you MEGA for having Dara as your cover girl! We love it!—MARLENE VELORIA on MEGA May 2016 cover via The most beautiful girl ever!—@ITSKATTYXXI on MEGA May 2016 cover via They all look so dapper in denim! #hairgoals—JUSTINE TAPIC on MEGA Man May 2016 cover via GONE DIGITAL For those living abroad or who don’t have time to go to newsstands, MEGA is now available on MAGZTER and ZINIO WANT TO WIN MORE PRIZES? GOT SOMETHING TO SAY QUICK? Connect with us through Facebook.com/megamagazine or follow us on Twitter.com/mega_magazine; Instagram: @mega_magazine and @megaman_magazine for the latest MEGA news & promos…

In the face of rapid development and technological advancements, it has come to a point where screens become the only connection we crave for. While it isn’t entirely wrong, why not try to disconnect even just for a little while to realize that the best connections are with people and the dialogues you have with yourself, and of course, fashion. In our Best Buys section, we offer you a serving of clean asymmetrical cuts, fundamental shades of red and perennial sheer, while Get Ready to Wear celebrates freedom with the color blue. We honor the connection of past and present with a feature that brings iconic Filipino garments into the 21st century in Fashion Feature. This is a celebration of ties that bind—a fitting perspective that gives birth to the…

THE LIST: 1 Wine suede jacket (P8495) by MANGO. 2 Black acetate cat-eye sunglasses by FENDI. 3 Navy twill coat with shredded sleeves (P4120) by ARIN. 4 Black satin heel by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. 5 Black skinny leather belt by TOPSHOP. 6 Powder blue shirt dress (P3950) by HARLAN + HOLDEN. 7 Black ankle-strap block heel by CHARLES & KEITH. 8 Ruby and onyx mini leather crossbody by FURLA. 9 Maroon knitted palazzo trousers (P2595) by ZARA. 10 Red asymmetrical oxford top (P10,000) by PATTY ANG STYLE TIP Spice up a fiery red-on-red combination even further with frills and fluted sleeves…

The here and now of fashion arguably has us shifting our sights to the West. The land of sartorial capitals and up-to-the-minute trends, the ideas borne of the minds of America and Europe’s best have become a point of reference even for the Philippines’ own. Foreign ideas have ironically become the building blocks of work we call homegrown. Riding an opposite current, a subversive few have risen to the surface to breathe new life into local fashion. With our heritage as their focus, designers Happy Andrada, Gabbie Sarenas and Len Cabili of Filip + Inna meld together contemporary style and Filipino culture, each employing textiles or handwork techniques native to home. HAPPY ANDRADA Unfazed by the glory of international exhibits and the coveted awards under her belt, Happy Andrada is…

In MEGA, we like to challenge old ways of thinking, we advocate change and above all we champion local talent. In our past issues, we celebrated individuals who have made us proud in the international landscape, from fashion to the arts and film. But it was only in 2015 that we came to realize that we’ve been so caught up in our search for global Filipinos that we forgot about the brilliant minds within our shores who have inspired us to appreciate the unique and think outside the box. So this year, we decided to celebrate both. Besides, there’s always a Filipino doing something exceptional somewhere, like Broadway singer Joana Ampil (see #NewPH and People). We’re also honoring the most outstanding names in the hotel and service industry, like EDSA…

“STAY TRUTHFUL AND OPEN YOUR HEART WHEN YOU’RE ONSTAGE” Joanna Ampil’s beauty and artistry transcend time and platforms. It has been over two decades since then 17-year-old Joanna first auditioned for the iconic role of Kim in Miss Saigon at the Philippine International Convention Center in July 1992. At the time, she was unaware of the West End production’s scale. “Although I had heard of Miss Saigon previously, I had no inkling as to how massive a deal it was to perform on a West End stage, let alone be a lead in a musical,” she shares. “I suppose it helped me relax during the process…[I] just did what was required of me.” Joanna impressed the original creative team led by director Nicholas Hynter with her rendition of Home…

THE PERFECT LIP CHANEL Rouge Coco Stylo (P1850) is an absolute dream. It gives you the vividness of a lipstick, the shine of a gloss and the comfortability of a balm thanks to ingredients such as apple seed extract and jojoba and coconut oils. The lightweight, stylishly sleek twist-up black case also makes it easy to bring around, whether to the beach, the clubs or to the office. Of the eight shades, we love the bold 206 Histoire, the dusky 216 Lettre and the bombshell 204 Article. CLEAN UP Imagine getting full coverage with a lightweight feel and natural finish. This is why MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Concealer (P1700) is a MUST this summer. Dab on dark circles and even on blemishes for a flawless, photo-ready base. NATURAL…

HANDS UP Perfectly shaped nails that are strong can now be yours via Acrylic Gel Sculpture (price available upon request) from KIYOSA TOTAL JAPANESE BEAUTY SALON. If you’ve always wanted to grow your nails long but find them too weak, try this innovative procedure that lets you create the nail of your dreams, complete with a custom design done by one of the nail artisans at the salon. TOP OF THE LINE LE MAQUILLIAGE   SALON Creative Director Laurent Herbert makes sure that their customers keep that salon-fresh look long after they’ve stepped out from its doors. Le Maquillage Salon and Spa takes pampering to a world beyond the usual with its styling expertise, top-of-the-line services and equipment, expert aestheticians and indulgent spa amenities.—GF SLEEP TIGHT Snoring affects sleep, which…

While fruits are undoubtedly one of the healthiest snacks you can munch on, you still need to be wary of things such as fat and sugar content. 1. GUAVA - Low in carbohydrates and has zero cholesterol, it’s a very filling snack that satisfies the appetite easily. 2. CALAMANSI – Apart from being a rich source of vitamin C, it also promotes regular bowel movement to detoxify the body and assist in weight loss. 3. POMELO – Aside from strengthening the immune system, pomelos also contain a fat-burning enzyme called Carnitine pamitoyl-transferase. 4. STAR APPLE – This fruit contains a lot of antioxidants that flush out unwanted toxins and is a good source of fiber. 5. LANZONES – Another fruit rich in fiber, lanzones reduces the risk of heart disease…

WHO ARE YOUR BEAUTY ICONS? Madonna! Locally, it’s Kristine Hermosa, Carla Abellana and Gretchen Barretto. WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL BEAUTY TIPS? To open your eyes, you have to curl your lashes a lot and use mascara. If you’re in a rush, wear red lipstick because it will brighten your face and make your skin glow. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT BEAUTY TRENDS THAT YOU LIKE? Strobing. I love showing good, dewy skin. Also, highlighting. I love focusing on the cheekbones, nose, etc. WHERE DO YOU LOVE SHOPPING FOR BEAUTY PRODUCTS? Don Quijote in Japan. Everything is there! WHAT ADVISE CAN YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING MAKEUP ARTISTS? They really have to practice a lot. Mastering makeup is really about hands-on experience. Especially since makeup is very technical. WHO ARE THE MAKEUP ARTISTS…

According to Dr. Nestor Torres, a cosmetic doctor in Health Medica Toronto and speaker for Mesoestetic, a Spanish cosmeceutical company, age plays a role in choosing the ideal product. Among the brand’s extensive range, he recommends the following: 20 s C Line Energy C Cream’s rich antioxidant content is ideal for those in their 20s, who tend to experience acne, acne-scarring and exposure to environmental pollutants 30 s As we age, collagen in our skin decreases, which is why it’s important to supplement it with Collagen 360 Degree Elixir, a drinkable nutricosmetic 40 s Since most patients in this age range opt for targeted facial treatments, Dr. Torres recommends the Advanced Cellular Repair Cream, which boosts regenerative effects of such treatments 50 s Chromosomal disorders and cumulative skin damage that…

Friendship, collaboration, family and even acquaintances, there isn’t anything more intrinsic to the Filipino culture than connections. Nurturing these ties into an intricate web of relationships, we as a nation thrive in sharing a bit of ourselves with someone, no matter the circumstance. Two different personalities bound by a shared journey and friendship, Sarah Geronimo and Rachelle Anne Go have since taken off and soared to astronomic heights. With music threading through their trajectories, Sarah and Rachelle have cemented their place in the constellation of stars, one as a bonafide pop superstar and the other, a force to be reckoned with in musical theater, rightfully inspiring an entire nation that if you will it to, your dream can soar, too. Speaking of connections, we trace our cultural roots all over…

LOUISE Androgynous dressing was taken to a new level by RANDY ORTIZ—a loose off-shoulder top over wide-legged paneled trousers in black and white capture nonchalance that is very now FORMATION To sleep and wake up in dramatic couture is always a dream. Allow Mark Bumgarner’s classic approach to glamour and opulence reign supreme and take your breath away MEDIDA Mark Tamayo and Nino Angeles successfully create tone on tone looks that captivate the modern woman SAM ET SUZY The best take on lace and chiffon came from Chris Diaz—broderie anglaise and 3D florals found its elegiac seductive appeal through sheer organza and gazaar pairings CALLIOPE The glimmer of fabrics with sheen is always alluring especially when played out with hardware. Bengt Enrique successfully made clothes that feel contemporary and challenge…

PIA WURTZBACH THE MODERN FILIPINA Her massive effect on Filipinos is certain. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach bagged the Miss Universe 2015 crown, not without drama, and it was both the accomplishment and her handle of the controversial coronation that catapulted her to international fame. For a country that continues to enjoy beauty pageants, the Philippines has become immensely proud of its Miss Universe title holder who has brought back the crown after 42 years. Wurtzbach was born in West Germany to her German father and Filipina mother but was raised in Cagayan de Oro. She learned the value of hard work early on when she became her family’s breadwinner at 11 years old, the same year her parents separated. Pia modeled and acted for years until she began training for Binibining…