Table of contents for April 2018 in MEGA

I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again: Summer is a season I face with mixed feelings. For many, the summer is a chance to get away and escape. While it is an opportunity for a respite and have that much-deserved break, prepping for this so-called “vacation” entails a degree of stress. Actual planning such as finalizing an itinerary, packing, booking of accommodations and transport are just some of the things that come to mind. And don’t get me started on the actual trip itself. Don’t most of us spread ourselves too thin and actually miss out on the intended rest or sleep trying to cover most ground while we’re on a holiday? Come to think of it, do we truly get to unplug and detach ourselves from technology…

Basked in the warmth of summer and sunshine was the MEGA team on a Monday morning. Despite the blazing heat and sand on their feet, there was a certain beauty to the sight of the crashing waves. From the splashes of the sea, there she was, Nadine Lustre, one of the most beguiling faces in the Philippines, glowing with bliss and contentment. Having quite the busy and eventful year so far, she is taking it a notch higher with the release of Lustrous, her very own makeup line in collaboration with Australian beauty brand, BYS Cosmetics. “I never use sunblock,” spills Nadine when asked what her secret was to getting that envious tan. She is every bit the epitome of an island girl, unafraid to get a little sand on…

STYLE TIP For a less glamorous and dressed down look, contrast your pearls with other stones and metals…

Patty Ang has her identity clear as crystal as this is a visionary who is firm and knows the essence of her designs—creating them with grit and ingenuity at such a young age. She describes her sartorial journey as a love affair and surely enough, it’s an irrefutable term as she fell fast and hard, realizing fashion was the path she wanted to take after graduating in 2013. Armed with a passionate heart, she moved to London to study in Central Saint Martins before officially launching her namesake brand. While many know her for her luxurious couture designs, Ang has broadened her vestiary arsenal with a prêt-àporter line called Patty Ang Studio, where she continues to create accessible fashion for the modern woman. Each piece is an expansion of her…

For Rachelle Sayed, Associate Marketing Manager under Stores Specialists, Inc. for the official franchises of Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen and Tod’s, a typical day involves a lot of multi-tasking. From attending meetings to handling the advertising and promotions of each brand to attending events, one wonders how this beauty always looks so put together. Her secret? Opting for a simple skincare regimen. “I’ve found the modern-day skincare routine to be so much more complex with added steps and products. Personally, I don’t believe that piling on all the ‘holy grails’ is the best way to go,” says Sayed. Instead, she shares that during the day, she simply cleanses and applies a lot of sunblock, while at night, her routine consists of cleansing, toning, applying serum and…

“IF YOU START WITH ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS AT AN EARLIER AGE, THE LESS LIKELY YOU’LL DEVELOP [PREMATURE] SIGNS OF AGING” One day you’re unstoppable, having the time of your life, then before you know it, poof—out comes a wrinkle, an age spot or pores that seem bigger than they did yesterday. Unfortunately, many people still wait until the first wrinkle to start an anti-aging routine. This shouldn’t be the case. One should take preventive measures to slow down the appearance of wrinkles and sagging in the long run. So, when exactly should one start incorporating anti-aging products to their skincare routine? 25 is typically the recommended age by most dermatologists, but Dr. Jean Marquez, FPDS Chief Doctor and Dermatologist of DARE Clinic, shares that there is no harm in starting a…

I love doing things that are forbidden. When everyone is moving towards a particular direction, I would almost always go the opposite. I feel victorious whenever I go against the grain, especially if my methods are successful or noticed. No, it isn’t a form of rebellion. My actions are always calculated, different and based on what is right and wrong. Right was always an anchor that would pull me back when my going against the popular decision was a little too far. I allude all of this to being born at the cusp of two very different generations. I come from a generation that I describe as the perfect middle. When I was younger, I was forced to take afternoon naps, I was forbidden to drink coffee and I was…

Dear MEGA, So much has been said about living life to the fullest, but perhaps no one really knows that more than people who have lived on the edge, or worse, have their lives threatened by imminent peril at some point. This is why I took away a greater appreciation for the fragile gift of life and all the opportunities nestled within after reading the story of your March cover star, Kisses Delavin. Her struggles early on in her childhood and even the ones she continues to face as she braves the world of show business has pushed me to evaluate the way I see things and maybe with enough courage, dare to step outside my own comfort zones. This couldn’t be any clearer in your ongoing #MakingMEGA series where…

The sun is up and scorching and the arrival of the hottest season is upon us. As the temperatures warm from the runway to the red carpet, we’re taking inspiration from summer’s essence of calm and collected but never losing its sensualistic panache. In Best Buys, we delve into trends fresh off the sizzling runway with arrestingly bright hues, shorts and a darker, grungy take to denim. In Get Ready To Wear, we dissect the beloved slip dress—the revered 90s staple and demonstrate multiple ways to wear the key piece across all ages. For New Kids On The Block, we put the spotlight on Tajah Fuentes’ inventive fusion of smart design and masterful craftsmanship with her progressive sartorial approach with sustainability. Jumping into Retail Trend Report, renowned designer, Patty Ang…

STYLE TIP Who says you can’t wear shorts to work? Dress it up with a structured blazer for a more polished and sophisticated feel…

20s WHAT’S YOUR FLOW? Femininity collides with streetwear sensibilities in diaphanous ensembles STYLE TIP Pack a punch with the hands-free utility of belt bags 30s CHECK YOURSELF Drive into print city with coordinating plaid patterns STYLE TIP Decorate your ensemble with bows and lace-up heels 40s SWEET DREAMS Get into the good feeling of the sleepwear trend with silk coordinates STYLE TIP Corsets make for a standout accessory accompanied by a cinched silhouette…

It’s not everyday that you get a completely different answer when you ask a designer to illustrate their vision. In an industry that runs on creativity and a passion for art, Tajah Fuentes has a mission outside of just creating stylish clothes. Her objective? Sustainability. It surely hasn’t been amiss with the local scene but now, more than ever, there has never been a more critical time for us to consume with care and intelligence. Fuentes is one of the young crafters jumpstarting the movement, “My vision is to promote sustainability and hopefully help influence people into changing their lifestyle,” explains the designer, who identifies not just a figure in fashion but someone who chooses to live the sustainable life and help the environment by promoting upcycling—a process of transforming…

FLORIAN TRINIDAD & ASSEMBLY In a world of fast fashion and the cursory rigmarole of trends, Florian Trinidad marches to a different beat. With a pesonal take to style, her cool, laidback way of dressing easily translates to the projects she produces as a freelance stylist—taking on a whole scope ranging from campaigns to lookbooks and commercials. "My style is greatly influenced by the 90s with a mix of the early 2000s era,” she shares. "The looks I create are very hip-hop street and reminiscent to the looks of Aaliyah, TLC, Run DMC, & Kris Kross to name a few.” Expressing a deep love for athleisure, she takes inspiration from streetwear lookbooks and magazines like i-D and Nylon Japan togettheballrollinginher creative process. "My signature pieces would definitely include a good…

Imagine finally getting that much-deserved beach vacation wearing your cute high-waisted bikini. While you enjoy the warmth of the sun as the waves hit the shore, you candidly smile and that genuine moment is captured through a photo. You post it on Instagram and suddenly, you become wary of your flaws—how you wish you had a flat belly, thinner arms, slimmer cheeks, clearer skin, and well, the list goes on. So, you delete that photo, open an editing app, then erase what you feel shouldn’t be seen by others. You post the edited photo and though you look and feel quite different, you feel improved—different, but better. Instagram has emerged as the primary social media platform where visual representation stands as the name of the game. It has subtly welcomed…

This month, MEGA’s beauty department is all about taking a break. We realized that if it’s good for the soul and the mind, it’s also good for your skin. Take a break from staying up late, eating junk food and for heaven’s sake, take that well-deserved break from work and go on vacation. Take that break from sun avoidance and play on the sunny side of the street. The editors share their favorite sunscreens in Tried & Tested. However, if you are dying for a hint of the sun’s kiss on your skin Counter Intelligence shows you how to fake it flawlessly. We also sit down with glam girl Rachelle Sayed and ask her how she keeps her balance in Beauty Blog. Lastly, we’re taking a break from the idea…

The sun is shining brighter as ever this summer, but sadly, a beautiful tan doesn’t come as easily for everyone. Some of us might experience fleeting tans that are gone before we know it, while others burn up way too easily. This is where the magic of makeup comes in—thank god. We got in touch with makeup artist and hairstylist Cats Del Rosario of Artists & Company Manila on ways one can fake that enviable sun-kissed glow all year round. BRONZED BEAUTY Tanning is the body’s way of signaling the damage being done to our skin cells, also protecting the body from further damage. After exposure to the sun, humans have adapted melanin, repairing the body from that damage, resulting in a tan that will typically fade in a few…

Nature’s own filter, which occurs at an all too brief time in the late afternoon, is called the golden hour, a magical time when the sun’s rays soften and caress the skin with an ethereal glow. The blurring effect and radiance that this phenomenon adds to the skin is something that makeup and photography try to approximate, but fact is nothing truly shines like naturally beautiful, healthy skin. This is the effect of CHANEL Sublimage L’Extrait de Crème (P29,500), which harnesses all the facets of the extraordinary ingredient Vanilla Planifolia, chosen from 117 kinds of vanilla for its numerous skincare benefits. Sublimage L’Extrait de Crème contains the highest concentration of this ingredient, making it the most effective in regenerating, repairing and protecting skin. “Simplicity,sensoriality,naturalness…Effectiveness” are the words used that the…

What do you order when you are shooting several batches of fine young men with chiselled abs, sharp triceps and enviable pecs (among other highly defined muscle of their bodies)? Boxes and boxes of pizza and fried chicken, of course. No, we aren’t kidding. As is tradition with photo shoots, these far from the healthy scale kind of food are a norm. Meanwhile, the bodies deemed the best in the land were pumping up or taking forkfuls of crisp, healthy greens. Did we wish we had bodies like them? Yes. Did we regret the slices of oil-laden carbs wolfed down in no time flat? Yes. Did we want to immediately hit the gym after the head-scratching brawn session? Yes. (Some of us actually ran for the nearest fitness center after.)…

STYLE TIP Opt for fitted shorter shorts and pair them with breezy button-downs for a look that is easy and relaxed…

DERRICK MONASTERIO "The dream is to have a solo concert in Philippine Arena,” reveals Derrick Monasterio. This may sound far-fetched for a man known for his good looks and fit body but for him, it’s something worth pursuing in his lifetime. Growing up as a choirboy, he says that it’s one of his measures to say that he’s made it. "Before I went into showbiz, I used to sing.” With an actress for a mom, Derrick’s road to being an actor came naturally for him. After doing a photo shoot, he landed a role in a teen-oriented show for a major TV network thus starting his acting career. As an actor and a model, he knows that he needs to keep his body in check. For Derrick, having a good…

Overall, the styling is really good. These high-fashion clothing will definitely slay when worn by an appropriate person with a modelesque figure. Scratch that. Whatever figure that is, when one can slay, she will slay. —@ooppiinniioonn on MEGA March 2018 via This is the best cover so far. Well done!—@akiraamoren on MEGA March 2018 via Confidently independent with a beautiful heart, #KissesDelavin —@kweenkisses on MEGA March 2018 via Congratulations to the whole MEGA team!Ang galingniyo. Congratsdin, @marcogalloc. Proud of you.—@mycth_ on MEGA Man March 2018 via Ang ganda ng effect ng sunlight sa mukha ni Marco! Para siyang porcelain figure.—@always_mayward on MEGA Man March 2018 via @marcogalloc You gave justice to the magazine’s brand. Truly a MEGA Man worthy cover. It looks classy and high fashion! Kudos to the whole…

HARRY STYLES IS THE NEW FACE OF GUCCI If there’s anyone who truly loves a Gucci suit, it’s Harry Styles. His breakthrough solo record took the world by storm, including his cinematic debut in the Academy Award-winning Dunkirk and now he’s got another major accomplishment under his belt, being named the face of Gucci. For spring/summer 2018, creative director Alessandro Michele has recruited the young multi-hyphenate for the upcoming tailoring campaign. The full reveal is expected soon, but what can we expect? We’re thinking dapper suits, brooding pouts and a chronic case of breaking the internet, or at least a few fan-girl hearts. RICCARDO TISCI HEADS TO BURBERRY Following Christopher Bailey’s exit after 17 years in the helm, former Givenchy head, Riccardo Tisci has been named as the new chief…

STYLE TIP When layering bright colors, opt for a gradient effect by starting from dark to light—or vice versa…

What was life like when you were a teenager? Were you one of those young adolescents whose noses were buried in books? Or were you amongst the band of misfits, so young and reckless? For Alexandra Camus, she isn’t on either ends. At the tender age of sixteen, she jumpstarted her path to a modeling career. An innocent hair show with celebrated hairstylist Lourd Ramos, who gave her the cut of her life, would land her in multiple casting calls and go-sees. Agents, stylists and people from the industry began paying attention to her distinct look. It was a fairytale similar to 90s supermodel Linda Evangelista’s overall metamorphosis. At thirteen, Alexa vividly remembers her mom (who used to be a former model) taking her to various fashion shows, getting a…

Stay cool. This is what we’re doing this month, especially on the internet. While there are issues that need getting indignant over, there are some that don’t the pitchforks and torches (it’s way too hot for those). Take for example, editing one’s photo on Instagram. C’mon guys, the filters are what made it fun. Don’t agree? See what one writer thinks in Forvm. Another thing we’re so over with? Broken hearts. That’s why we’ve prepared a handy guide on how to execute the perfect summer fling in Relationship. In Feature Story, we talk about why taking a break from work is essential. And if you are thinking about vacations, Let Travel inspire you pack your bags and visit Aureo La Union with its beautiful stretch of aquamarine waters and honey-colored…

Cat Arambulo-Antonio is hard to miss. Not only can you hear her voice for afar and pick her out from a crowd in her signature all-black ensembles, but you can feel her presence. When she enters a room, it starts buzzing and she is literally all over the place—unavoidable and unstoppable. The multi-hyphenate has graced MEGA’s pages several times before, often for her style and beauty, but this time she is here for a different reason—a brand new role as the first Filipino judge in the popular reality series competition The Apartment: Passion for Design. Yes, she’s an interior designer too, among other things. So how exactly did she end up on the judge’s table alongside Laurence Llewlyn-Bowen and Tyler Wisler? Why, through Instagram naturally. “Remember that time when I…

1 IN THE CLEAR "While I always try to stay away from the sun, it’s unavoidable during summer vacations. For those times, I’m toting the brand new SHISEIDO Clear Stick UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ (P1900). Not only is it protection in a handy stick form, but its new clear formula makes it easier to reapply over makeup. Thanks to its WetForce Technology, which strengthens when it comes into contact with water or perspiration, I don’t have to worry about UV damage when I’m keeping my cool in a pool.”—Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Editor-In-Chief 2 BODY TALK "I love my golden brown skin (which becomes even deeper during the summer), but know that it needs protection just like everyone else’s skin. I’ve been a loyal user of Bioré products and their latest…

After MEGA’s freezing journey in Germany and Prague, we go back to the tropics this season for our Big Summer Issue. Pare everything down and stash all your coats back to the closet as we get sizzling. Nadine Lustre encapsulates the feeling of the season with her perfectly toned physique, golden tanned skin and a carefree disposition that makes her the perfect island girl to represent the arrival of summer. Oh, did we mention that she’s releasing a makeup line with BYS Cosmetics this month as well? Filling up her beauty arsenal for the hotter than hot shoot, the bronzers, highlighters and eyeshadows perfectly complemented Nadine’s natural beauty as she suited up in palm and floral prints with cool silhouettes and neutral colored swimwear. We shine on the woman’s second…

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; APARTMENT 8 CLOTHING , Glorietta 2, Uptown Mall, Alabang Town Center; BALENCIAGA , Greenbelt 5; CALVIN KLEIN , Greenbelt 5, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, 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; H&M , SM Southmall, SM Makati, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Uptown Mall; JIMMY…

CK ONE A sparkling burst of fresh, fruity and vegetable-like notes, the scent of the lingering drawl of the summer may just come in the form of CK One Summer. Coalescing for the bold and adventurous spirit, the fragrance opens with a shot of lime mojito that dances flirtatiously with a succulent guava before finally giving in to the warmth of cedar wood at the base. Like an easy and balmy afternoon out on the road, the scent is comfortable, especially after it settles. Housed in a beautiful turquoise bottle, which can be decorated with stickers available on the box, CK One Summer is without a doubt a memory waiting to happen. SCHICK Did you really think that you could get away with skipping the trim and shave step of…

STYLE TIP Embrace the popularity of white and wear them all at once for that ultimate refresher…