Tabla de contenidos para June 2020 en MEGA

It’s been MEGA’s tradition to celebrate Pinoy Pride every June. In fact, this month, MEGA marks its own decade of Pinoy Pride history. What started out in 2010 as an initiative to promote Philippine Fashion has seen its reach expand far beyond our own industry. The Pinoy Pride and now New PH issue has become a medium that details the successes and milestones of individuals and groups that make us proud to be Filipinos. They are modern day heroes and undoubtedly figures we should aspire to be. From fashion, music, business, education, agriculture, politics and the arts, these people inspired us with their visionary thinking, creativity and courage. We believe that the current pandemic and the resulting social, cultural and economic struggles we are experiencing has made this movement even…

SARAH GERONIMO ARRIVES ON TIME. “She’s here,” says an inanimate voice as a car pulls in. We meet at Warehouse 17, a spacious boutique with modern Asian furniture and an ambient soundtrack located somewhere in the outer reaches of Makati. Sarah walks in unassumingly, clad in a crisp white shirt and jeans. Her bodyguard, an intimidating, expressionless figure in a barong, follows a few steps behind. She smiles disarmingly when I am introduced to her, shakes my hand, and unabashedly refers to me as ‘sir’— a rather odd sense of propriety, somewhat unexpected from a national pop icon. The hoopla commences. Sarah sits in a high chair in front of a lit-up mirror. She is for the most part quiet but grinning broadly and occasionally singing under her breath. It…

RUFFA GUTIERREZ IS NOT JUST A WOMAN. She is the woman. The kind whose oft glamorous physicality may intimidate at first, but give it a few minutes and you will quickly realize that Ruffa is a woman’s woman. In her most recent cover for MEGA, the endearingly candid beauty queen, actress and host talks about making movies that make her feel young again, the excitement and stress that comes with working with family on reality TV, her theory on the Internet, single motherhood and walking down the aisle again. Ruffa Gutierrez may be a celebrity of a certain strata, but she’s neither temperamental nor haughty. She’s simply a charismatic figure with a larger than life personality. We begin the filmed interview with a poised figure talking about her current projects.…

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 queen, a much-deserved title we bestow upon her after 13 years of blood, sweat, tears and a handful of ear candies. Even yours truly could not fathom the immensity of her aural glow in that white dress we shot. I looked back fondly on the tanned and sheepish but equally gutsy Sarah Geronimo who won that singing contest on IBC-13. She was the Sarah who came from nothing and had nothing to lose. This is the story of Sarah Geronimo, according to Sarah Geronimo—a…

Henry Motte-Muñoz often commands a double take. Half-Filipino and half-French, Muñoz is not the typical, run-of-the-mill social worker. In fact, his tousled locks and towering physique almost seem to insinuate otherwise. It’s a pleasant surprise to find out that Muñoz is, in fact, a man with many causes. An advocate of education, Muñoz founded Edukasyon.ph, a comprehensive website that helps students find prospective seniorand college courses with a listing of partner institutions and available scholarships. Muñoz puts a premium on education, as he knows full well the benefits one can reap from a degree having graduated with an MBA from the Harvard Business School himself, with distinction to boot. While he could have easily ventured into work elsewhere, he chose to return to the Philippines and give back to the…

Jollibee is beloved not only by the millions of Filipinos who pack each one of its ubiquitous stores in the Philippines, but also by homesick Pinoys abroad and foreigners who have fallen in love with the distinctly Pinoy flavors of the Chickenjoy, Yumburger and the sweet-style Jolly Spaghetti (just ask Anthony Bourdain). Jollibee has become one of the emblems of Filipino pride and culture; its stores—1,050 and growing fast in countries such as the USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bahrain and Vietnam to name a few—are consistently lauded for the quality of its food and service by the likes of The Daily Meal and Bon Appétit magazine. With chairman Tony Tan Caktiong at the helm, Jollibee has been honored by the Asian Wall Street Journal and the Forbes Asia as one…

There is calm even in the way she tucks her hair behind her ear; an unruffled presence that stays even after she leaves. Disconcertment arises when people look at you straight in the eye, but there is serenity in her gaze as her almond eyes pierce through yours. A tranquil spirit is usually mistaken for an apathetic one; one far removed from the challenges of the day-to-day. But like any good stereotype, there is an exception. Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa may have a soothing charisma where supposed indifference strings along, but the moment she speaks, walks and takes center stage, there is a subtle strength and substance so natural it s almost metaphysical. When asked what’s it like being a beauty queen expected to carry a title with such…

MAJA SALVADOR In this industry, especially one within the realm of show business, an unspoken but cardinal rule is to never assume that people will remember you. This isn’t to insinuate negative or untoward, of course. The hard truth of the matter is, there are so many people that interact on different levels on a daily basis that even for the most social and extroverted, it will prove difficult to catch up.However, every once in a while, someone will surprise you with more than just a recall of name or a quick pick up from the last professional conversation that is coddled in friendly banter. Maja Salvador will not only remember you, but she will engage as if you were lifelong friends who just caught up on the latest detail…

THE NEW UTILITARIAN Who says utilitarian style can’t be sexy? Pair your boxy separates with feminine pieces and sultry heels for a sensual take on utility wear LOVI POE Lovi Poe is definitely not your typical demure Filipina. She oozes sensuality, from her low, silky voice to her sultry and dusky beauty. Men (obviously) are drawn to her like bees to honey, and women end up feeling a mixture of admiration, envy and a little bit of disapproval—some Filipinas still believe that sexiness is something that you downplay. But underneath her alluring beauty, Lovi exhibits a quiet, steely strength and confidence about herself. In fact, when faced with intrigues and issues in her job, she keeps quiet. “I think silence is the best response,” she said. “Ayoko lang palakihin…although I…

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 its neck and presses its ears close for a sight and sound of the much-celebrated character, another beautifully complex and equally tragic wrought character is often overlooked. The harmonious cacophony of the daily dies down to an eerie sense of calm, betraying the war-torn Vietnamese milieu. An unsettling melody disrupts the quiet, foretelling in its cadence of percussion and strings. It is a weighty moment and from it emerges the sensually attractive but hardened Gigi Van Tranh, the original Miss…

Even at a young age watching Cinderella and old Hollywood movies, Ezra Santos already showed an inclination for fashion. The glamour of that era, as well as the designer’s mother’s rich personal style greatly influenced his aesthetic, which is now world renowned. It wasn’t always easy, as it took Santos a while to get his footing in the design world, becoming a designer for a local clothing boutique before grabbing a golden opportunity in Saudi Arabia, joining House of Arushi. In 2004, he established his own atelier EZRA and became internationally known for his neo-classic, structural designs. His elegant, embroidered gowns made him a star, but Santos is quick to note that being a Filipino gave him an edge, as Filipinos in Saudi Arabia are known for being hard working…

It is highly likely that Filipinos have come across Margarita Forés’ gustatory influence without even realizing it. Any diners at Cibo, Lusso, Grace Park and Alta—restaurants she owns—has had a run-in with the delectable creations of the famous chef. But of course, Forés has not only shaped tastes in terms of mere restaurant options, Forés continues to elevate the culinary landscape of the Philippines and raise standards by making a name for herself in the highly competitive global arena. In fact, she achieved one of the highest awards recently being named the Best Female Chef in Asia, a first for a Filipina chef. Aside from her recent award, Forés has been at the forefront of the culinary world as part of the organizers of the annual Madrid Fusion Manila, paving…

Drawn to her grandmother’s jewelry collection at age 12, Ann Ong never thought that her housewife-cum-entrepreneur status would plummet her into the global design arena. Since her humble beginnings in accessories design, Ong has ceaselessly conquered the global design industry cementing the Filipinos’ place in the big leagues citing numerous exhibits worldwide including shows in Germany, Singapore Fashion Week, Fashion Access in Hong Kong, Maison & Objet in Paris and her biggest in New York, where she won the NY NOW Best New Product Design in the Sustainability Category in 2016, earning her the title of the first Filipina to ever win this prestigious award. To add to her list of accolades, she also recently bagged three Katha Awards for pieces created from the most undervalued of local materials such…

Lav Diaz or Lavrente Indico Diaz is a multi-awarded filmmaker whose works transcend time and space. With films that run for long hours, tirelessly narrating the current social and political situation in the Philippines, Diaz introduces Filipino culture in his own artistic style. His most recent film Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis or A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery was screened at the 2016 Berlin Film Festival. The experience left the audience in awe as Diaz’s film transported them into a marriage of true Filipino history and mythology. A true definition to his title, Diaz uses the medium as a political and spiritual tool to express and inspire. He takes a new approach with his long-take aesthetic by going beyond images and words. He follows the ideology of early Filipinos who…

She has gone a long way since winning the reality talent show, Search for a Star in 2004. Rachelle Ann Go’s humble beginnings of singing contests and local noontime shows completely contrast her scintillating success today. Since then Go has headlined local and international concerts, bagging awards and recognition that bring pride to the Filipino name. Go has gone on to bigger and brighter screens. Her filmography now boasts film, television and theatre. She has played the most iconic of roles known by many today, as her resume lists down spine-tingling renditions of Gigi Van Tranh in Miss Saigon and Fantine in Les Miserables. Go brings with her pure passion and heart as she stands before a global audience with courage that is unmistakably Filipino. As the household name is…

Four women in mountains of gloss and fabric hold hands; drum rolls while hearts beat as the camera dollies across the stage. “Philippines!” shouts the chairwoman of the Miss World Organization. A tightly held top bun, a swinging pair of chandelier earrings and tears pricking the corner of her eyes, our very own Megan Young was crowned. It has been four years since the long-lashed, olive-skinned actress wowed the world with her grace. Nations have endured political, economic and cultural upheavals. Leaders have changed. Rockstars have died. Apps have come and gone. Megan, all glammed up in yellow pantsuit, sits posed on a high metal chair—ostensibly, the same. “In terms of my personal life, I would say not much has changed—just the fact that my circle is even tighter now…

ANTON HUANG Luxury & Specialty Retail Over the past three decades, the SSI (Stores Specialists, Inc.) Group has been at the forefront of innovation–providing options to the Filipino consumer and aiding in the increasing sophistication of the Filipino lifestyle. A man who has contributed greatly to this success is Anton Huang, President of the SSI Group. As a third generation Tantoco, Anton has inherited the family’s keen sense in business, which includes searching for the finest world-class products and services. This eye for detail has sustained the empire and made its lasting legacy as an undisputed leader in brand management of specialty retail concepts both locally and internationally. Last year, Anton was honored by the Italian government as a Cavaliere of the Order to the Merit of the Italian Republic…

CATRIONA GRAY BEAUTY QUEEN The world, or well, the universe that is, has fallen completely head over heels in love with Catriona Gray, that is if the world is the combined reach of over 5.6 million on Instagram alone, as well as a sizeable impact on other platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube where her interviews have not only been charming, but informed and impassioned as well. However, there is no population prouder of the serious strides the Miss Universe has taken since being crowned than the 104 million Filipinos she underscored during the finals night of the competition in December 2018. “You realize that when you have the sash of the Philippines, you are representing every single person. There is a pride and there is something that you…

Prologue THIS MONTH,WE CELEBRATE OUR NATION’S INDEPENDENCE. Not only that, it is the time for us to honor the heroes who made tremendous sacrifices to ensure future generations a nation governed by their own people and unbound by any form of tyranny. In this editorial, we play up the crimson hues to remind us of that chapter in our nation’s history and the sacrifices that were made. More than that, we play up the color red because the revolution was a period filled with passion and love of country that many Filipinos were willing to do anything, even die, for it. But aside from commemorating the past, this time of year is also about saluting our modern-day warriors—Filipinos who, in the spirit of solidarity and love of country, live to…

MICHAEL MARTINEZ OLYMPIAN There is an earnest yet determined look on his face that betrays a young man of his age. Michael Martinez gracefully glides on the ice before settling on his starting spot. The music blares and Michael begins what will probably be the most important performance of his life. With much ease he nailed highly complex mid-air spins, dizzying turns and heart-stopping jumps. His performance aside, it was a heart bursting with so much genuine passion from the 17-year-old Olympian that caught the world’s attention. The country’s lone representative, Michael Martinez not only became a breakout star during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, but a hero. A little sheepish and shy, he still is in a state of disbelief at how much he has inspired people, especially children.…

TIM YAP Tim Yap has been shaping the way we experience Manila’s nightlife for more than a decade, pioneering the hottest clubs of an era and carving and shaping the metro’s clubbing landscape. Aside from being a proud eventologist, Yap also hosts his eponymous The Tim Yap Show nightly and serves as the founding editor of PhilSTAR Supreme. With a keen eye on innovation, Yap’s overarching vision is fixed on bettering the country. “I have always been very passionate about nation-building and have been playing the part of nightlife tour guide, bearer of good news and junior minister of tourism for as long as I can remember,” he shares. All of his projects are hinged on being the best or the biggest—“the biggest club in the Philippines” or the “best…

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 Pilipinas, which she infamously joined…

Mounting of popular concerts and bringing in the brightest music stars is no easy feat. Glenn Llamas, COO of Wilbros Live, an entertainment and live events company in the Philippines, is responsible for just that. With a slew of award-winning artists under their repertoire including Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, John Legend, Demi Lovato, Michael Buble, Kylie Minogue, Jason Derulo, Nicki Minaj, Avril Lavigne and Selena Gomez, among others, Wilbros Live has been taking over the concert scene in the country for years. Llamas, who is at the helm of the company alongside his brothers William and Winston, has consistently been mounting well-executed shows. With the pulse for the most in-demand acts, Llamas is always on the lookout for the next big artist to bring to the country. By listening to…

“I am very humbled yet proud of everything I worked hard for to be able to be awarded such honor. It is a validation for me to continue on with my journey as a Filipino designer,” says Ito Kish on being a New PH awardee of MEGA Magazine. Kish began his career as a retailer and in 2000, he opened K I S H which opened more doors for him in interior design. March 2012, when he released his Baluster collection, was his first foray into furniture design. “There was no expectation about an award as I was not sure about the reception. Lucky enough, we won two Kathas (Best Production Design Furniture and Best Booth).” In the same year, his Gregoria won a silver award in Como, Italy. “I…

Charice Pempengco’s career took flight the minute she began posting videos on YouTube back in 2007. Since then she has won awards and honors like being the first Asian solo singer in history to land in the top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 album charts and she also managed to secure a spot on Forbes first-ever 30 Under 30 Asia. Garnering international recognition from top personalities all over, Pempengco’s almost laser beam trajectory success has since been a beacon for Filipino pride. Beyond her successful career, Pempengco has also served as a model for many young Filipinos who have struggled with their sexuality. Pempengco has not once shied away from the public eye. Her choice of coming out on Philippine television is a testament to her bravery. For embracing…

There are photographs that you flick through mindlessly through your saturated social media timeline. Another #OOTD? Pass. Another seamlessly created branded content? Skip. Another inspirational quote? Rolls eyes. Another destination you won’t see for some time? And then you give up completely and exit all the clutter and breathe deep. In this day and age where our senses are constantly violated with a barrage of visceral narratives meant to evoke and elicit a response; they all start to look and feel the same. Unless of course, at the midst of it all, there lies a genuine heart pulsing from within. Sure, our collective memories have been indelibly seared by the image of the controversial crowning moment well over a year ago, one that has seen the steady inching of Pia…

ANNE CURTIS Most Influential Filipino Celebrity From vacationing in the Philippines as a young child in the late 90s to becoming one of the most bankable celebrities in Philippine show business, Anne Curtis is the act to follow. This year marks her twentieth year in the industry, with numerous acting and hosting awards, including a Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress Award in 2008 for her movie Baler. Curtis’ breakthrough began when she moved to ABS-CBN and bagged a lead role in a major teleserye in 2005, Kampanerang Kuba. Different shows and movies began rolling in, eventually leading to movies in which she earned her awards such as In Your Eyes (2010) and No Other Woman (2011). As a testament to her star power, Curtis launched her album Annebisyosa in…

Even in a world ravaged by skepticism, one cannot discount the fact that the ascendancy of prophecy is very much in play in the affairs of the modern world. No, this isn’t your saturated astrology analogy nor is it an exaltation of Nostradamus and his spine-chilling predictions from the 16th century. It will be an almost exhaustive exercise to detail how fate weaves its assigned destinies to us mere mortals, much like how the ancient Greeks have believed the Moirai to do so, but nothing is more clear-cut of this literature than the unraveling of the life of one Miss Catriona Gray. “I never dreamed of being a beauty queen. But it’s hard to justify when it’s like, ‘Well, when you were five, you were in Little Miss Philippines, right?’…