Tabla de contenidos para March 2020 en MEGA

When #MakingMEGA started seven years ago in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Machu Pichu, Peru, its purpose was to give our readers a glimpse of how to create a magazine. It aimed to document the challenges and successes of the editorial team and how far they would go to capture the perfect image and produce content for the issue. It also aimed to humanize a cover star and show another side of her—one that is unguarded and raw. While this foundation still holds true for #MakingMEGA now, it has become so much more than that for many of us who have been a part of it. It had brought readers to far off, dream destinations, launched careers, verified stardoms and created memorable, iconic, meme-worthy covers. South Africa, Japan, Morocco, Greece,…

NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON’T Camo’s style cred has been elevated thanks luxury houses like Prada and Louis Vuitton using the print extensively in their collections Graphic jacket and trouser set by JANN BUNGCARAS, Camouflage bucket hat by DKNY,silver chain necklace by H&M,VLTG White leather trainers by CONVERSE STYLE TIP Tailored denim is back and better than ever STYLE TIP Pair a strong piece with equally standout steppers…

“Randolf pokes fun at the obsessive pop culture through clothing,” says the statement welcoming you to their official website, amid a montage of celebrity pap shots from the oughts. The brand’s signature tongue-in-cheek themes are always consistent, almost often winking at the undying love of the masses for entertainment culture. Starting out with their chief creative officer RJ Santos making tees of fashion icons Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld and Grace Coddington’s heads on it, presenting a collection at Amazon Fashion Week in Tokyo and now creating the coolest custom barongs at TernoCon early this year, Randolf is now all grown up. Theirrecentcollection, Destination: 0 isa sequel of their earlier work, Take Me To Prom two years ago. The previous pieces were all about getting butterflies and going to prom for…

Personalities under the limelight have always been required to look their best. Every photograph taken of them is expected to have a certain glossiness worthy to be on the pages of a magazine or an Instagram post labeled #goals. Unfortunately, these insta-perfect models wearing the latest in fashion, with their amazing physiques and poreless, glass skin often serve to increase a woman’s insecurities instead of inspiring them. Iza Calzado is one such beauty who aims to break the mold by being comfortable in her own skin and sharing the message of body positivity. In one of Iza’s The Body Love Revolution talks for She Talks Asia, she spoke about her journey to self-love. Her weight peaked when she was fifteen at 220+lbs and at that time it was one of…

When it comes to accessories, donning an OMEGA wristwatch is a subtle way to elevate one’s look, letting the brushed metal or buttery soft leather, classic yet modern design and masterful complications do the talking. It’s a style move that speaks softly, but volumes, of one’s character and taste. This same aesthetic follows OMEGA’s latest release, a collection of luxury eyewear that is meant to enhance one’s style—never distract. The Swiss watchmaker partnered with Marcolin Eyewear in Italy to produce the sunglasses range, the designs of which take inspiration from OMEGA’s range of heritage and luxury timepieces. The same materials are used on the frames and signature features, such as a watch’s crown and bezel, are included in subtle yet ingenious ways, so that both watch and sunglasses work in…

DR. AIVEE & KELI TEO The fashion duo that is Aivee and Keli has been a mainstay on many best dressed lists. Their social media accounts are certainly chockfull of memorable fashion moments. You know how the (Instagram) story goes: Dr. Aivee Teo enters the Aivee Institute in something that manages to be of-the-moment and classic at the same time. Next, you see Keli fitting into a pair of classic Midnight 00 heels while her mom shops in the background. These two are true lovers of fashion and are unafraid to try something new—or share an outfit. Many of their twinning looks are composed of vibrant, fun prints, feminine ruffles or sleek, tailored pieces. But they always put their own spin on things: Keli often pairs loose sweaters with tutu…

Becoming one of the most sought after designers in this industry is no easy feat. A vision in design should always be complemented by flawless execution, consistency and consideration to the woman who wears their clothes. Every season, the designer is given the responsibility to exceed what has been done and present a new way of dressing that will inspire not only clients, but more importantly young artists who are just starting to build on their dreams. Even with so many amazing designers of our time, Dennis Lustico always come to mind when it came to design mastery. Lustico’s illustrious career began in the early 2000s. His designs were clearly global in perspective proven by his win in Paris at the Young Designer’s Competition. He was then inducted as an…

Who doesn’t have mom issues? This month, as MEGA celebrates our annual Power Issue, we also celebrate one of the most powerful forces: love, specifically from one of the most potent sources, our mothers. We seek their affection, their validation, even as we recoil when we realize that we are turning into them. Mothers. Can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Which brings us to one of the more unique aspects of Philippine culture: our yaya. For generations, many of us were raised by second mothers, the woman who lived with us and took care of us, so that our biological mothers could pursue careers, take time out for themselves. In recent years, our brand of mothering has become so desirable that we’ve exported it to other countries. For…

I first saw Jean-Luc Godard’s Une Femme Est Une Femme (Translation: A Woman Is A Woman) when I was in high school. I was enthralled with the chaotic beauty of the cinematography (it was French New Wave, after all) and the charm of its lead star, Anna Karina. Later on, I would learn that the story—simply put, an exotic dancer dead set on having a child—has a little more to it. She decided to become a certain kind of woman, so she set her mind to it. The beauty section of this month’s issue showcases women creating their own definitions of what a woman should be. We start with Pong Niu on Artist Confidential, where she shares her inspirational story. On Beauty Blog, Katarina Rodriguez takes us to her second…

Picture this: you and a girlfriend of yours are aimlessly browsing through Instagram when you stumble across a photo of a celebrity you heard—or simply suspect—has gone under the knife. Before you know it, you Google “[celebrity’s name] before surgery” and chuckle when you find yourselves to be right. Sound familiar? At least once in our lives, many of us have judged someone for undergoing plastic surgery. It could be subtle, in the form of a double take when you pass someone on the street. It could also be a snide comment to your group of trusted friends. Sadly, with the rise of social media came this constant pressure to look “perfect”—whatever that means. But at the same time, because the topic is still quite taboo, many still try to…

Having a rocking good time can be pretty exhausting, even if we speak from the off-the-grid context of a beach escape. Sure, the very definition has considerably shifted over the years, with pervasive intrusions of dance parties on the toasted sandy expanse or even bouts of adrenaline rush of cliff-jumping adventures with nothing getting in between you and the piercing blaze of the sun, but when all is said and done, there is nothing the body and soul craves more than that sink-in-your-mattress, mind-calming moment of rest and relaxation. In the inviting expanse of Aqua Boracay, the gleaming gem of the resort nestled along the stretch of Bulabog beach, there is a lot of talk about mid-day partying at the day club, strenuous kite surfing, and lots and lots of…

ESTEE LAUDER One of the quickest ways to betray one’s age is through the often tired and behest with lines area around the eyes. Before you relent to the inevitable, it is best you reignite the energy of your skin by supercharging it with a treatment that will eventually bring the youthful light of your eyes. With 10x more of its Concentrated Repair Technology, Estee Lauder resuscitates skin with the Advanced Night Repair Eye Supercharged Complex, a lightweight cushioning gel cream that addresses fine lines, wrinkles, puffiness, dark circles, dryness, and uneven skin tone, revealing skin that soft and silky to the touch. NARS Provocative, evocative, and daring, Nars introduces its very first signature scent, aptly christened Audacious Fragrance. A creative collaboration with Olivia Giacobetti, this foray into the perfume…

Many cover stars will go to extremes to get a shot, but Pia Wurtzbach is in a league of her own. Fighting heat, exhaustion, an unforgiving location, a cold and, frankly, extreme outfits, the beauty queen and Making MEGA March 2020 cover star made sure she would get the photos we needed for an iconic MEGA cover. The word tends to get thrown around easily these days, but surely that image of a sexier-than-sin Pia Wurtzbach, dressed in a little gold suit and heels, has been seared into your consciousness for life. Careful. That’s another word that was used a lot during her shoot. Whether it was on the side of a steep cliff, atop the moss-covered rocks where the ferocious Atlantic waves crashed violently upon, or against the stony…

GOLD LINK Add contrast to a dark ensemble with head-turning gold accessories Black mini dress, gold earrings, chain necklace and white boots all by H&M…

THE LIST: 1 Fiorever earrings by BVLGARI. 2 Polka dot gown by BALENCIAGA. 3 Polka dot wide legged trousers by MICHAEL KORS. 4 Vanity XS printed leather bag by BALENCIAGA. 5 Polka dot bow embellished dress by CAROLINA HERRERA. 6 Metallic polka dot sandal by SAINT LAURENT. 7 White cowboy boot by BERSHKA. 8 White laser cut hand bag by CHARLES & KEITH. 9 Silver chain necklace by ZARA. 10 Polka dot long shirt with slits by BERSHKA. 11 Polka dot ruched dress by ZARA. 12 Black sunglasses with chain by STRADIVARIUS.…

Often times, the people who sit comfortably in silence are the ones who have the loudest minds—and style. Filipino-American model Kahlea Belonia is a testament to this. Upon scrolling on her Instagram feed, pops of red, yellow and pink brighten the app’s otherwise clean interface. One photo is of her in a liquid metallic bodysuit, emulating a golden goddess in all her glory. Another photo shows her wearing colorful woven coordinates by popular local brand Pio Pio. But what stands out is a photo of Belonia, blooming in the rosiest shades of Bench Beauty. People might perceive her to be the loudest in the room because of her style and beauty choices, but she’s quite the opposite. Her aesthetic is heavily influenced by her mother who is a painter. In…

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST FASHION MEMORY? "My mom always looked chic and fabulous.” WHO WAS YOUR FASHION ROLE MODEL GROWING U P ? "It would always be my mom. From fashion and beauty, she has always been my role model.” WHAT IS YOUR FASHION PHILOSOPHY? "Dress for your mood and for your body. Find pieces that work well for you and stick with it. Play around with accessories to keep it fun and for me that’s the best way to show your edgier side.” “THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE IS GR ATITUDE AND KNOWING THAT EVEN IN THE DARKEST OF TIMES THERE WILL ALWAYS, ALWAYS BE A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL ” WHAT ABOUT FASHION INSPIRES YOU? "It is a form of self-expression and love and…

1 MADEMOISELLE The Mademoiselle, a cross body bag that epitomizes the modern French woman’s style, is all about fun and functionality. Its signature details are its flap, clasp and perforations, along with two shoulder straps that can be worn short, long or both, depending on one’s mood. Crafted in calfskin leather, this season, it literally takes on a new form via a bucket shape. 2 ROSE AU Longchamp puts the focus on the Roseau—a structured open tote bag with a bamboo toggle, the perfect top handle to carry all your belongings. Understated and sophisticated, this piece is certainly a must have. For its new offering, the Roseau gets a revamp and is scaled down to a compact mini with extra wide chapes. It also features a removable strap, in chainlink…

Drawing has always been an expression of one’s inner psyche. This is why long before children could develop their intellect and emotions, the easiest way for them to express themselves is through the most colorful crayon from the box, in the doodles they make to flesh out what they see. But fret not, a child’s intelligence is not measured by how accurate or detailed they are. Anything circular may emulate a head but to them, it could be a ball or a sun. It’s this specific ambiguity that makes it an unreliable indicator. For Nina Amoncio, this unsung art form is what brought her to Rakuten Fashion Week in Tokyo, aptly entitled GUNITA. “I wanted to feature a visual interpretation of an eight-year-old child. Growing up, children exposed to these…

CAPITAL INITIAL Add street cred to your look with big logo sunglasses…

“And so they kept falling into that percentage!” my friend says. “Can you imagine? There was a less than three percent chance of it occurring and it still happened to them.” She’s telling us the story of couple’s tragedy-rife journey in having a child. Pregnancy is a complicated chapter in one’s life. Often, people think it’s purely a time of joy and celebration, a pastel daydream that moves from one delightful trimester to the next, culminating in a birthing montage set to a Motown beat, followed by a string orchestra crescendo as the beautiful babe is brought to an exhausted but beaming mom. But this is real life, and pregnancy is a messy, complicated affair. It’s filled with percentages and statistics, of secret diseases and cautionary tales, many of which…

The year was 1965. When culinary icon Nora Daza first came out with her cookbook, Let’s Cook With Nora, it quickly turned into a sensation, encouraging Filipinos to spend more time in the kitchen and prepare their meals with love. Daza won the hearts of many, specifically wives and mothers who were expected to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner (and maybe even merienda) for their families. Fast forward to today, where there is a deepened interest in food and travel. In addition to this, ingredients have also grown to be more abundant. This is what led Nina Daza-Puyat and her team to think about updating her mother’s cookbook. True enough, Daza-Puyat stumbled across ingredients thatweren’tinthemarketanymore and long procedures written in paragraph form. She knew it was time. “What pushed me…

STAY HAPPY This year, we are introduced to HAPPY SKIN Lip Mallow (P549), a plush matte lip mousse that glides smoothly on the lips with its air-whipped formula. The product, which also contains SPF 15, comes in eight colors chosen to be universally flattering on all skin tones. BEST OF BOTH WORLDS Achieve your beauty goals with minimal effort and at minimal cost with ISSY & CO. Their latest eyebrow releases include the Brow Refiner (P349), a pigmented brow gel on one end, castor oil on the other to help promote the growth of brows and lashes while your sleep. BACKED BY SCIENCE Sad but true: stress can take its toll on your skin as well. Combat this with CÉLETEQUE DERMOSCIENCE Hydration Ultra Moisturizing Essence (P499)—a product that makes skin…

POWER FRAGRANCE Magnetic and fresh, the DOLCE & GABBANA Dolce Shine (P6950) never fails to brighten my day. Fruity ingredients such as mango and grapefruit are combined with the florals jasmine and orange blossom, and its result is reminiscent of the Italian joy of life. The scent assures you of a great day ahead.—PEEWEE REYES ISIDRO, Editor-In-Chief HE’S A MYSTERY I’ve just found my new favorite date fragrance: NARCISO RODRIGUEZ For Him Bleu Noir Extreme (P5700). The scent perfectly captures feelings of intrigue and seduction with its notes of mandarin green, basil, black ebony and citrus. The fragrance is crisp, cool, yet enigmatic at the same time.—RJ ROQUE, Social Media Editor FEELING MYSELF As we grow older, we ideally strive to become closer to our truest selves. Inspired by this…

Iarrive a few minutes shy of our 9 AM call time. When I get to the studio, I find our subject for today, makeup artist Pong Niu, getting ready to prep her muse Cat Arambulo’s face. I’m a little embarrassed that they arrived before me, but they assure me that things have always been this way with them. Apparently, this was how the two developed a bond over the years. Both would arrive before the call time and would pass the time chatting while waiting for everyone else to arrive. “I was represented by MAC back then and was assigned to work with Cat, who was the fashion director then of Channel V Philippines,” Niu shares. Since then, Arambulo would always request for the makeup artist, even reaching a point…

You know the word. The word that spurred a thousand outcries and raised a lot of people’s voices. Yes, that F-Word. Feminist. A word easily thrown around without knowing the actual context. It’s 2020, but we still visualize a woman with temperamental issues and unshaved armpit hair who abhors the very existence of men? “If you still hate the word, it is not the word that is important. It’s the idea and ambition behind it.” This powerful statement was delivered by English actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson. In the Philippines, we also have our outspoken advocates, such as Miss Universe, gender equality advocate and cover star Pia Wurtzbach, who unapologetically refers to herself as an “Alpha Female.” Must more women take up space? Why the need to…

INFINITY GEM Celestial sapphire is a symbol of wisdom and royalty Red neoprene coat by JOHN HERRERA, houndstooth turtleneck and skirt set by H&M, lucite heels by PRIMADONNA, drop earrings by KLAD JEWELRY STYLE TIP Don’t be afraid to mix metals…

THE LIST: 1 Tiered taffeta dress by PHILOSOPHY DI LORENZO SERAFINI. 2 Serpenti necklace by BVLGARI. 3 Turquoise pleated tiered gown by GUCCI. 4 Serpenti ring with malachite and diamonds by BVLGARI. 5 Green ruffled dress by MICHAEL KORS. 6 Queen and King studded clutch bag by ALEXANDER MCQUEEN. 7 Gold open toe high heels with pleat detail by GIANVITO ROSSI. 8 Two tone leather mule by ZARA. 9 Green patent belt bag by CHARLES & KEITH. 10 Rose red layered skirt by TOPSHOP. 11 Lavender layered blouse by ZARA. 12 Acetate earrings by ZARA. 13 Blush tiered lace midi dress by STRADIVARIUS. 14 Lavender sunglasses by BERSHKA. STYLE TIP Turn to pastels for an ultra-feminine aesthetic…

DESCRIBE A REGULAR DAY IN YOUR LIFE. "I’m usually out shooting new content or trying to create and share ideas with creative people that I meet online, or I would be going to a casting for a fashion show or a campaign shoot. I love to meet all these people when I go to castings and shows, but what I love the most is when I’m home with Jermaine. I like to spend time with her because she has an out there personality that keeps me entertained. We go on simple dates, like going out for ice cream, to the arcade or catching a movie that I know she would like.” WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHLIGHTS OF YOUR YEAR SO FAR? "I love to work with my Bench Beauty crew.…

SINCE BEING MARRIED WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT STAYED THE SAME AND WHAT HAS CHANGED? "Our individuality is still there but what changed was paying bills together and for some reason I am more excited to go home and be with my Benjamin.” WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? "LOVE in all forms and from everyone!” WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE? "The secret to a happy life is gratitude and knowing that ven in the darkest of times there will always, always be a light at the end of the tunnel.” WHAT IS NEXT FOR IZA CALZADO? "Abundance, growth and taking over the world and maybe also the kitchen to make Ben happier!”…

REVÉ BY RENÉ “I love sunglasses! It’s the only fashion accessory that both reveals and conceals at the same time,” says Rene Chu, founder of cult eyewear brand Revé by René. It all started when Chu was looking for a pair of sunglasses that fully represented her style. When she couldn’t find it, she decided to build her own brand. A combination of classic and quirky designs, Revé by René sunnies soon became a style staple for celebrities like Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow and Fan Bing Bing, especially when iconic Parisian boutique Colette snapped up the designs. Today the brand is stocked in more than thirty retailers around the world, ready for the woman who is confident, authentic and adventurous enough to wear them. BONDI STUDIOS BY ERICA DEE, SAM TANGCO,…

ONE FOR ALL Every piece of the collection is beautifully crafted with an array of stunning gemstones…

Here’s what can satisfy our intense cravings for our all time American favorites: the fail-safe, tender, high-grade steak served sizzling hot. Picture yourself dining out on a weekend afternoon over scrumptious food while reveling in the homey, comforting vibe of its rustic and laid-back interiors. Does that get your appetite rumbling? Good—because we are hungry, too. With six branches in the metro, Blake’s Wings and Steaks continues to change the game for steak lovers. Now, enjoying a mouthwatering steak is readily accessible. While you can have a plate of steak all to yourself, it’s also best to share it with your friends. Blake’s got its name from owner and general manager Joana Manalo’s Siberian Husky, which she received as a present on her 18th birthday. Over the years the restaurant…

A KISS FOR GOOD LUCK Fresh for spring, NARS is releasing eight shades of their popular Afterglow Lip Balm (P1500). From the iconic peachy pink Orgasm to a sheer mulberry called Wicked and the cherry red Turbo, each tinted balm gives a hint of color and shine while infusing lips with nourishing and protective antioxidant ingredients. MIRROR, MIRROR Radiant, dewy skin is everyone’s goal nowadays. SNAILWHITE helps us achieve this without breaking the bank with their cult favorite products. One of these is the Moisture Facial Cream (995), a brightening moisturizer that gives you radiance with ingredients such as Centella Asiatica and Snail Mucin. LOVE LETTER Diptyque pays tribute to Paris, its city of birth, with their latest fragrance, Eau Capitale (P9150). The scent’s key elements—patchouli, pink peppercorn, rose and…

The feminist movement has evolved immensely in the past few years. From the much publicized #MeToo stories to the eternal struggle of the gender pay gap, today’s woman is ready to fight for her rights and to claim what is rightfully hers. These recent developments have also reminded us of the pioneering women who have come before us such as Harriet Tubman, Leona Florentino and Marsha P. Johnson. This month, we honor the cumulative success of the movement by putting the woman in the forefront of this issue. Our wonder woman is none other than Pia Wurtzbach. A woman of beauty, brains and tenacity, Pia has proven time and again why perseverance and moving forward will always get you to your dreams. Armored in powerful gold pieces against the scorching…

FASHION BALENCIAGA, Greenbelt 5; BERSHKA, Glorietta 2, SM Megamall; BURBERRY, Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati; CHARLES & KEITH , SM Megamall, Power Plant Mall; DISTINQT, G/F Shangri-La, The Fort; CONVERSE, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Makati, SM Megamall; GUCCI, Greenbelt 4, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; H&M, SM Southmall, SM Makati, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Uptown Mall; LOUIS VUITTON, Greenbelt 4, Solaire Resort and Casino; PRADA, Greenbelt 4, Solaire Resort and Casino; SAINT LAURENT, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; STRADIVARIUS, Glorietta 2, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Aura; TOPSHOP, Greenbelt 3, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Power Plant Mall; UNIQLO, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Makati, SM Megamall; UNIVERS, East Tower One Rockwell; Adora Greenbelt 5; ZARA, Greenbelt 5, Power Plant Mall, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall DESIGNER ADANTE…

Even with a cumulative average of so many years in the business of visuals and storytelling (come on, it is rude to get into Jurassic specifics now), it still is admittedly nerve-racking walking up to highly-produced shoots, especially when it calls for a vibrant stretch of sunlight. So, imagine our rising fear when just moments before, we were met a fair amount of rainfall and a gloomy roll of grayed out overcast. But even before the mood was figuratively dampened, the familiar warmth and gleaming glow of the sun poked through the thick clouds and revealed a most beautiful light that made the expanse of green grass glisten with drops of rain. A lesson in trust and perhaps even by a stretch, of faith, this was a reminder to just…