Table of contents for August 2018 in MEGA

It is in the very nature of most It-girls to come and go, giving way to a new generation. Before you know it, people will be buzzing about a new face who simply own the elusive title. It is only the most clever who understand that reinvention is the way to go. And it seems as if the women of Sunnies Studios have perfected this skill, leaving their own personal touch to everything they do. Introducing their much-awaited makeup line, Sunnies Face, to the public, sisters Georgina and Jess Wilson, Bea Soriano-Dee and Martine Cajucom have captivated their audiences once again. On the day of their cover shoot with MEGA, they beguile even more so, striking their best poses as photographer BJ Pascual worked his magic behind the camera. The…

A freshman in college, Kyla Zuniga was always amused with the fickle-minded nature of business and fashion. This was when she started Undo Clothing, her very own label that caters to stylish and easy going young women. Formerly known as ‘IT’S ALL ABOUT HUE,’ Kyla matured alongside the brand, which is why she decided to relaunch it as Undo, and at the moment, the brand has amassed a following of 35.2k on Instagram alone. Picturesque post cards of travel destinations, tropical living and visually pleasing photos of her current collection that appears as if it came straight out of a Pinterest board delights and entices upon viewing the brand’s feed. Undo’s subdued colors, mostly dominated by beige, nude and white, and a few punchy hues thrown in makes it distinguishable…

Tyffanie Domingo’s eye for design and beauty was always innate. She grew up in an environment where she was constantly exposed to dress making and women who would regularly join beauty pageants. Admiring the ternos that colored her childhood, sneaking inside her room to steal her heels and try on her ravishing dresses during siesta and the sun-drenched afternoons of playtime, this fascination would carry on to her adolescence which eventually led her to booking a flight from California to the Philippines to decidedly pursue fashion and marketing in School of Fashion and Arts (SoFA). Showcased at the 2018 Manila Fashion Festival no less, her first collection took root from the untranslatable Greek word “meraki,” which alludes to doing something with soul, creativity and love; or putting something of yourself…

Who hasn’t jumped on a beauty trend? Even the most dedicated classicist can be persuaded to try something new, whether it comes from haute couture runways or the colorful city streets. In this month’s Rulebook, we check out the Boy Beat look, while Main Beauty plays with plaits. Other trends we like? De-cluttering our space and our mind (see Health & Wellness) and creating a more pronounced nose line sans bronzer or a knife (check out Counter Intelligence). Lastly, we do features on other Insta-faves—cruelty-free makeup with BYS, the smoky eye by way of Chanel and a smoldering hunk by way of Scott Eastwood, the new face of Davidoff Cool Water.…

SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT Mimic sunburn with blush that is swept across the tops of the cheeks and the nose. To get the look, use NARS Liquid Blush in Torrid and then dot the face with K-PALETTE Real Lasting Eyebrow in Natural Brown for faux freckles. SUCKER PUNCH On a night out, amp up your berry pout by adding a stain. Combine products such as the TOM FORD Boys & Girls in Leonardo and the darker NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga for something vampy yet easygoing. LATE NIGHT While dark circles are typically considered to be flaws, a makeup look that replicates it can result in a smoldering gaze. Makeup artist Pam Robes uses NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and the GUERLAIN Terra-cotta 4 Seasons Bronzing Powder in…

It’s the eyes. If we were to surmise the reason for Scott Eastwood’s being chosen as the new face of Davidoff Cool Water—also known as the universal fragrance of hot boyfriends—it’d be his eyes. They’re the exact color of the Davidoff bottle—a bracing blue that reminds one of the ocean, sparkling in the sun one minute, crashing on the rocks on the next, and always deep and mysterious. His sapphire blue orbs are the starting point for a series of manly pluses that include a perfectly strong jaw lined with the right amount of facial scruff, a laconic drawl, a toned, bronzed chest… IS IT GETTING HOT IN HERE? No doubt the charming American actor with the famous last name is more than just a pretty face. He’s starred in…

In recent years, the fashion and beauty world have seen a resurgence of simplicity. Fortifying this state of mind are feminist movements that encourage women to speak up and embrace the skin we are in. This month, we tackle the balance between the grand with the clean and minimal–and the many different iterations of it that are the forever staples of a woman. For the women on the cover we give the spotlight to four lady bosses who have created the iconic mother brand that is Sunnies Studios. With influence ranging through generations and a business acumen that is clearly the main ingredient for success, Bea Soriano-Dee, Georgina Wilson, Jess Wilson and Martine Cajucom prove that the future is female with their new beauty brand, Sunnies Face. In Altered Egos,…

In the country, the most talented makeup artists have effortlessly risen to the level of the celebrities they paint on as well. One of those names is RB Chanco, who is responsible for creating show-stopping looks for Kris Aquino, Erich Gonzales and Julia Barretto. Wouldn’t it be great to know at least a few of her secrets? Fortunately, we now have the key to becoming the very best version of ourselves with Chanco’s first book, Rbeautified. In partnership with MAC Cosmetics, Chanco launched this milestone of hers and brought beauty enthusiasts and friends together at the Manila House Private Club. In addition to an enjoyable program, the makeup artist joined guests for an evening of fun and laughter. “A face made by me is a face made for the spotlight,”…

The one thing I look for these days is authenticity—authenticity in everyday exchanges, authenticity in products and the way they are sold by their makers, and more importantly, authenticity in people that want to be a part of my life. From where I am standing, I only have 24-hours in a day to make something good and it is not enough. Clearly, there is no time for bull especially from people. There is time, however, for candor and honesty in every conversation, activity, or stimuli that I subject myself to. For a large part of my adult life, I tolerated many things. It reached a point that the clutter in my life had become too much that I decided to no longer want the garbage. This is the reason why…

STYLE TIP For a maximum, more mainstream appeal, wear monochromatic pastels from head-to-toe…

EYE IT Made officially a thing by Queer Eye’s Tan France, the French Tuck has rapidly become a man’s style to do…

Dear MEGA, Hype is a word we have come across a lot, especially as of late, and I’m glad that you went on ahead and tackled it along the lines of luxury, beauty and even perhaps sounding off on the naysayers of your cover star, Maine Mendoza. Clearly, beyond the hype that has led her to where she is now, I enjoyed learning more about her in your magazine. With so much more to say, she is such a rarity in the industry indeed. (Even her videos on your website was another revealing facet to her already quirky personality.) I guess what I’m trying to say is that as an observer, I’m glad she has remains true to herself without apology. The world needs more of that and thank you…

Fire up a search on “Rihanna naked dress” and you’ll see countless results of the bad gal in nothing but that Swarovski-encrusted dress—a look that not only cemented her status as CFDA’s fashion Icon of the Year award in 2014, but also had tongues wagging incessantly. However, she still managed to remain unapologetically empowered—like she always does. Yes, not every woman who bares it all is necessarily looked down upon. The women whose souls are in the spotlight navigate a constant negotiation between being engulfed in the no-holds-barred critiques and the ability to hide their volatility behind the obvious scrutiny in a society commonly deemed as a man’s world. Deep inside the pages of MEGA, we dissect pre-fall’s trends starting off with the comeback of animal prints, the refashioned pantsuit…

Emerging from the streets of Greenhills, San Juan, is Filipino shoe brand Alberto’s flagship store. Alberto’s shoes are well known for their durability and stability, two of the most sought-after sartorial attributes of Filipinos when it comes to footwear. The brand has since branched out to leather goods, releasing bags and accessories that are both functional yet fashionable. The brand’s latest innovation, the Memory Foam System collection, boasts extra comfort and relief from pressure, a technological milestone in the fast fashion landscape of the Philippines. The bestselling line comprises of heeled sandals, flat shoes and men’s shoes that won’t hurt your pockets nor your soles. Known for their sterling choice of quality materials and craftsmanship, Alberto shoes are made to fit any lifestyle. STEP BY STEP Alberto’s shoes offer comfort,…

You may consider her showbiz royalty, an heir-apparent to actors Janno Gibbs and Bing Loyzaga in the entertainment industry, but Chi doesn’t allow her last name to dictate or otherwise overshadow who she is and can still be. Yes, she may have played minor roles alongside her father in the past, but this was a direction that she could not see herself basking in forever. “I used to be a grade school teacher,” she divulges. No wonder she had an illuminating sense of effortless sophistication and humility during the entire shoot as she carefully explained in-between takes how her brainchild, Neon Island, which she co-founded with her high school best friend has blossomed into where it is now. Despite what people assume, nothing was ever handed to Chi on a…

Fuss-free and easy, but never boring—this is how, in her own words, Stacy Rodriguez describes her label’s design principle. Known to craft eclectic clothing that’s laidback but unique in every way, designer Stacy Rodriguez’s namesake label Eustacia has definitely been an eye-catcher in the Manila fashion scene. The 32-year-old, who was once a stylist that eventually ventured into designing, came back from the Big Apple a few years ago equipped with a degree from Parsons School of Design, as well as hands-on experience from recognized fashion houses such as The Row, Badgley Mischka and Altuzarra. She successfully launched Eustacia two years ago, which has since then been constantly worn by big names in the industry such as Megan Young, Anne Curtis and Julia Barretto, to name a few. Her love…

Upon entering Da Gianni located in Westgate Alabang, you will probably notice one of two things first: 1.) the mouthwatering smell of their dishes wafting past you, and 2.) its quirky interiors that make the Italian restaurant truly one of a kind. As your eyes dart from one detail to another—from the framed photo of Brigitte Bardot located above the bathroom sink to an impressive collection of Altoid mints set up on a wall—you start to feel right at home. “Everything you see here, from our recipes to the little details, that’s all Nonno. He really was a character,” proudly shares Matteo Guidicelli of his family’s restaurant. Nonno, in case you’re wondering, is what they lovingly call his grandfather—the heart of Da Gianni. “Three years ago, when my Nonno passed…

As the no-makeup makeup look slowly makes its exit, the rest of 2018 embraces the dominance of the double M as the overarching color mantra—metallic and magnetic. Shimmer has become more wearable, making the skin look fresh and young. Colors that were seen as intimidating in the past are now welcomed as an everyday essential. Silver eye makeup triumphed during the spring runway collections as makeup artists maximized the metallic shade in a diverse range of styles—everything from glittery tears to full-lid looks were de rigueur. On social media, beauty influencers are using silver as a base, often topping it with winged eyeliner or using bright pops of color everywhere, from the inner corner of the eyes or along the lashes. Taking cues from one’s outfit or jewelry amps up…

If Josefina Bolzico’s face looks familiar to you, it’s probably because you’ve seen her strut it in front of the camera or showcase her sillier side on her uncle Nico’s Instagram account. Having recently moved from Argentina to Manila, the model shares that she is in love with the country and enjoying her time here. On days when she is a little busier, however, she says that time management is key. “I start my days drinking coffee while I check emails and organize my calendar. It is a time of the day that I enjoy very much,” she says. In addition to Bolzico’s striking beauty, what caught my attention upon first meeting her is the fact that there were two equally beautiful individuals trailing behind her. “This is my mother…

1 Remove all your clothes and put it all in one location (i.e. bed, or on a clean mat on the floor). Here you will see how much you actually have. 2 Touch each item and observe how you feel. If there is a spark of joy, or a positive feeling when you touch an item, then by all means keep it. There is no need to ask any other question other than "Does it spark joy?” 3 Put back and organize only items that sparks joy, and make sure that everything is stored in such a way that you can see the contents of your closet at a glance. Nothing is layered on top of each other. 4 The rest of the items can be donated, recycled or sold…

Winding down from the lingering drawl of a 12-hour working day might be the necessary exhale one looks forward to, but for Georgina Wilson, there is no such thing as slowing down—completely. With a bouncing one-year old on her lap cooing at the sight of everything that moves, she manages to keep an elegant and eloquent hold of our conversation, tend to her son, and even presumably map out the next few hours leading up to her 6:00 AM flight the next day. “You know what, when I’ve figured it out, I’ll get back to you,” she says with a laugh when asked how she keeps things together. But despite the obvious (and understandable) exhaustion wearing down on her, there is a palpable excitement that colors her words back to…

You never quite forget your encounter with Wil Dasovich. Whether it be trawling his YouTube (or Instagram) account for all the latest kengkoy adventures or actually interfacing with him one-on-one, he reveals himself rather effectively—searing himself in your memory bank way beyond the pitfalls of the random access file. Perhaps there lies the charm of the digital superstar, a title he winces at the mere mention of. For whatever the internet has built him up to be, he remains to be your average Joe who well, happens to tell really good stories. This is what keeps us hooked—his humor, his unique point-of-view and his undeterred tenacity to keep at it, even when the going gets tough. And tough it got. But despite whatever challenges he has had to face (more…

LA MER Replenishing Oil Exfoliator While a bunch of us wouldn’t so much as bother about the sensorial experience a product delivers, we have to admit that it does help excite a routine; one that may tend to be short-changed or worse, waylaid. This is what makes the product line of La Mer work beyond its effective and miraculous concoction, as well as its revered cult status. Continuing the La Mer tradition of soothing and smoothing, the Replenishing Oil Exfoliator, a copious mix of sea kelp fibers, sugar crystals, sea salt, molasses and vitamin C that coalesce from gelled oil matter into a richer, fluid texture buffs and cleanses the skin to a bouncy, vibrant state. ABERCROMBIE & FITCH First Instinct Extreme Where its predecessor, First Instinct, sought out to…

We’ve been waiting for this since forever. —@ghettocoachella on MEGA July 2018 via Wow, just wow. I want to buy this. I love this girl @mainedcm thank you @mega_magazine for her MEGA cover again. The cover is classy. —@ebydcruz25 on MEGA July 2018 via Finally an article moving away from her caricature character because our dear girl is way much more than that.—@subtlelife1111 on MEGA July 2018 via Amazing achievements in just three years.—@rinaamata on MEGA July 2018 via Only Maine catches my attention and captivates my heart. Kakaiba talaga kasi ang ganda niya. So charming, lovable and adorable. Gandang kumikinang.—@mairydei on MEGA July 2018 via Absolutely stunning like a living painting. Love you, Maine! —@lingbulleceron MEGA July 2018 via Congratulations. Waiting for the denim, Matt. —@Sarahmatteo4 on MEGA Man…

20s SEE ME THROUGH The best way to wear lingerie out of the bedroom is to layer it underneath sheer fabrics STYLE TIP Dare to go bold with reverse layering by wearing your lingerie over instead of under 30s LET IT BREATHE Once tagged as a wardrobe malfunction, showing off your bra has never been this chic STYLE TIP Ruffles and sheer go hand in hand, elevating its coquettish nature 40s IN THE NIGHT A mix of sensual and sophisticated, layering just got more intriguing with sheer’s added mystery STYLE TIP Keep the rest of the look minimal with crisp flared trousers or a midi skirt for a straightforward yet striking ensemble…

Where formative “What I Want To Be When I Grow Up” essays mostly sees typical titles such as doctor, architect, designer, lawyer and the like, Mary Carla Christine Reyes Sia already saw herself as a public servant. “Since I was a kid, my greatest dream was to become a politician,” she divulges. The vision was clear—she wanted to do so much more; she wanted to help beyond what was expected of her. But getting to that goal meant working to be the best version of herself to be able to serve to only the best of her abilities. With a rudimentary and elevated education to her name, she soon worked her way up at C.P. Reyes Hospital, in her hometown of Tanauan City, Batangas where she now sits as Chief…

While a part of the world takes its yearly break to frolic in the sun, August in the Philippines, like other countries that have strong ties to Taoist and Buddhist traditions, is marked as Ghost Month. Hungry ghosts roam freely to cost mischief, so important events and decisions—weddings, business transactions, etc.—are put on hold. In this time of calm and introspection, we like to kick-back and relax and read interesting features, such as Beauty & Features Writer Marella Ricketts’ coming to terms with her identify in the context of family and celebrity (see Feature Story). In Food, the sprit of his Nonno is alive and kicking in Matteo Guidicelli’s gustatory paean to his roots. Lastly, in Travel we pay a visit to the centuries-old manse that has been converted into…

Whenever people ask me who the true personification of #MomGoals is, my answer has always been Jennifer Lopez, for obvious reasons, but also because she imbues women to lose the cape and love themselves as much as they love their children. Plus, her banging mom bod is coveted by mothers the world over. I am no exception. I have been a mom for eighteen years to six children. To say that I’ve been busy is a sheer understatement. Between the demands of motherhood, a career and everything in-between, taking care of my well-being just wasn’t a priority. So, for my 40th birthday, I made a decision to focus on me and vowed to take care of myself mentally, emotionally and physically. The physical part has been the most daunting challenge,…

Lunchtime beauty is all the rage these days, with quick, no downtime treatments being as normal as booking an appointment at the spa. And why not—it’s easy, practically painless and won’t mess with your social or work calendar. Nose fillers, in particular, are highly favored exactly for those reasons. Dr. Vicki Belo defines a nose filler by first explaining the four kinds of skin cells, keratin, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. “Hyaluronic acid is what fillers are made up of, and more or less, they are the ground substances in the body. What does that mean? They are the most numerous. If you build a building, the cement between the two structural beams is the hyaluronic acid.” Those beams, she explains are the collagen. And while there are different kinds…

MINE! NO MINE! Co-ord plaids are a sure way to mix fun and business A GLASS OF JEWELS, PLEASE Emerald is the best shine for the season. Pair it with gold for maximum impact THAT’S A GOOD BOY Add drama to your look with a floor length coat HE SHOT ME DOWN, BANG, BANG! You can never go wrong with lace. Wear silver add-ons for extra shine SPIDER SENSE Prints and texture instantly upgrade an otherwise basic look CATNIP Compliment an all-white look with silver and crystal jewelry POSE FOR ME Experiment with shapes for a new and updated look LOVE ME NOT Expose some skin via your décolletage and legs LEADING LADY An all-black look with impeccable fit makes for a formidable look A-TEAM Opt for fits that highlight…

STYLE TIP Ease into this divisive trend comeback by wearing a pair of shorts over it for a hint of modesty and subtlety…

“I’m tired,” or so reads the title of a stirring and potentially alarming video posted by YouTube maverick, Wil Dasovich a little over a month ago. Now, it isn’t necessarily out of place for these digital superstars to go off the grid every once in a while, preceded by an accompanying video log (a vlog, as the kids say these days), of course. However, it was a little out of character for the Filipino-American YouTuber whose channel has always been about the sunnier, more chipper way of looking at life’s many different facets. But then again, the man wielding the camera at himself is no ordinary internet native. Clearly worn down and perhaps a little over wrung by life’s penchant for swift swerves that can force one to careen out…