Tabla de contenidos para November 2020 en MEGA

Unconventional times calls for resourcefulness. If not for the pandemic, we would be in New York City, steaming clothes and mapping out our shoot locations inside a hotel room. But with the borders still closed, all we could see were the screens of our laptops emitting signals from sunny New York to the four corners of our rooms, midnight Philippine time. Technology is lovely and all, but anyone who has ever attended a Zoom party will know that there’s still a disconnect, a gap that cannot be bridged by 1s and 0s. We pinned our wildest hopes and dreams in our November 2020 issue, so who better to represent it than someone who has already achieved hers? Filipina top model Hannah Locsin is now living her fashion fantasy in the…

MEGA 11/20 GENESIS We stepped into 2020 with high hopes for the future, yearning for the much-awaited change that we have rightfully longed for, only to be faced with the pandemic and other unfortunate events. In order for one to survive, the only way is to adapt. Deep in the pages of our November issue, we dive into wonderland and all of its uncertainties and oddities. Welcome to the limbo. Time is merely a concept as the year nears its end. This month’s muse is none other than Hannah Locsin, a supermodel in the making known for her gazelle-like poses. We have local brand AraPilak bringing back the katsa in Retail Trend Report while Get Ready to Wear features the sparkling metallics. Being in limbo may be an agonizing waiting…

Videos like “Drunk Skincare Routine,” or “Surprising My Family With Tattoos” may raise some eyebrows among the older generation, but to the present one, it’s being unapologetically real and raw. One of the most authentic content creators out there is Acushla Obusan. A business woman by day, her experience in public relations and marketing, photography and hosting hastened her growth in the age of social media. Starting out young, she built connections through photography and now, she manages her brand, Good Gang (or GG) with over 36,000 followers and counting. The local cult favorite quickly became an Instagram go-to for style and reasonably-priced clothing inspiration. Thanks to her experiences, Obusan gets to know herself better, manage her platform responsibly and speak up, showing a range that’s hard to find these…

WHAT CHANGES HAPPENED IN YOUR MINDSET BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC? Because of the pandemic, I have a renewed passion and appreciation for life and the little things that I often take for granted such as a family meal in a restaurant, a trip to the cinema with my kids, and hanging out with dear friends without fear and anxiety in my heart. WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? My kids and my friends make me smile—especially if we have adobong pusit for lunch. I smile every time I see the success of my resellers and distributors—when I see them being able to provide a good life for their families. WHAT IS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR LIFE THUS FAR? The most defining moment of my life was when God decided to…

HONEY, WE’RE HOME “We shall not cease from exploration And the end of all our exploring Will be to arrive where we started And know the place for the first time.” TS Eliot wrote these immortal lines for every intrepid traveler, a description that doesn’t apply to most of us right now. And yet all our travels have led us to where we were for the most part of the year, at home, the place where we started, a place that, for many of us, have come to know for the first time. For this month, we asked a few tastemakers how they turn a house into a home and that home into a place that sparks joy, not just because of the loved ones that live in it, but…

This month we dive deep into fall’s rich colors and textures. This has been the tradition of fashion and beauty every year, one that we would love to bring back—big time—this time around. Yes, the year has been a challenge for so many of us (and continues to be), but we need to let ourselves live out, to celebrate even. In Forces of Allure, jewel-toned eye shadows and other bold makeup moves make up for months of bare faces. Meanwhile, in Rulebook, we celebrate another beauty indulgence: long, crystal-encrusted, wildly painted nails. Take a cue from Beauty Blog muse Shaira Luna, whose photographs and style continue to inspire us to keep living, keep creating. Even if we’re spending more time at home, apart from other people and miles away from…

Our goals and dreams may seem as unreachable as the horizon, but with every step taken towards them, what was once deemed fantasy quickly becomes reality. In this issue we focus on our passions and where they take us when we act on them. We put the spotlight on careers that have become passion projects, shifting to things that fully ignite one’s spirit. The same trajectory can be seen in Hannah Locsin and her now internationally-renowned career in modeling. From doing small shoots in Manila to appearing in campaigns for Gucci and editorials in major fashion publications around the world, her wildest dreams are now truly her own—no matter how surreal they may be to those outside looking in. Her unusual reality—as well as our new reality—comes into play: an…

It has been established that fashion has the ability to transform and transport. Transform one’s mood, appearance, and even life. But more significantly, it has the ability to make you dream—to escape from reality and conjure fantasies. This is the premise of our November 2020 issue. Fashion may have taken a backseat because of our current situation, but we urge you to dream a little and see fashion as an outlet that can uplift, inspire and provide joy even during times of uncertainty. For us in MEGA, fashion has always been and will be a dream. Every issue, every page is a product of our creative aspiration, our wishes told via visual imprints that sum up our current thoughts and feelings shared and imparted to the reader. With our work…

1 CHED STUDIO The highly acclaimed designs of Christian Edward Dalogaog for CHED Studio have represented the Philippines in multiple events, including Lao Fashion Week and Pitti Imagine SUPER Trade Show during Milan Fashion Week. The label has also earned the seal of approval from fashion publications around the globe such asVogue ItaliaandWWD Japan. The team behind CHED studio is mindful about the societal, cultural and historical aspects embedded in their clothing. Thus, the brand is able to uphold a strong name with integrity and optimism as they continue to produce pieces that bridge the past to the future. Follow@chedstudio. 2 NAMÌ As the nursery rhymes goes: “Make new friends, but keep the old; One is silver and the other gold.” Best friends Cath Sobrevega and Ina Tirthdas launched NAMÌ…

In a time when our daily routines now revolve around the house, producing shoots have been quite a challenge to the MEGA team. But luck was on our side when we took our chance to feature CEO and all-around boss, Rhea Anicoche-Tan. “Babe, I’m home in Pampanga now and for safety’s sake, I’d like to stay here. Would you be open to me producing the shoot myself?” she said. Proof that if there’s a will there’s a way, Tan uses this same ingenious attitude for Beautéderm, one of the Philippine’s biggest beauty and skincare companies where she is also chairman. Tan’s beauty journey started at quite a young age. Calling herself a certified “beauty junkie,” Tan loved trying out products that range from makeup to skincare. Ending up dissatisfied, she…

Leaving home is never easy, let alone being a thousand miles away from your family, stuck in another continent. When his university Central Saint Martins (where fashion gods like Alexander McQueen and John Galliano have walked), shut down in March, B.A. Fashion Design student Jessan Macatangay was left with no option. He had zero resources: no fabric supplies nor the machinery to finish his graduation collection. “I had to change a lot: the design, the process, the materials,” he shares. Life would’ve been easier had he walked the easy path, but there’s always beauty and power in the struggle. Macatangay’s collection gravitates towards growth and being able to adapt with every difficulty, starting off with his model trying to fit a “chair” on her body and his instructions to find…

When reality as you know it is drastically shifting, you can’t help but feel unprepared. Let me share with you a few examples: I did not expect to still be working from home at my new job, where coffee runs with colleagues are replaced with Google Calendar invites. I didn’t think I would have to limit my encounters with friends and spend all this time at home. And I certainly did not expect to be broken up with in the middle of the pandemic. My ex and I entered these uncharted waters hopeful, holding on to each other. In the days that followed our breakup, questions floated around in my mind, one of them standing out: Does the quarantine corrupt one’s thinking or does it help you see things more…

1 GET IT TOGETHER Aesop’s minimalist and discreetly luxurious aesthetic speaks to us of being calm, focused and having it together. During the pandemic, we luxuriated in the AESOP Sublime Replenishing Night Masque (P5900/60 mL) and the Citrus Melange Body Cleanser (P2100/500 mL - pump). Both feature the perfect blend of herbaceous and citrus notes we’ve come to expect from the brand, as well lightly hydrating and nourishing skin benefits thanks to top grade essential oils and vitamins. 2 COVER YOUR BASES You know how everyone claimed they stopped putting on makeup during the quarantine? Well, we didn’t. Not at all. We upped our skincare, yes, but give up on makeup? Never. One of our best new discoveries is the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation (P2000), which does exactly as…

Hannah Locsin has the whiff of a dreamer. Hitting the three-month milestone of being a New York transplant, Hannah, in her Bushwick apartment, exudes off-duty model effortlessness. In a denim jacket, a white tank, and a bandana wrapped around her head, she is barefaced and all smiles. Since graduating from De La Salle University with a degree in Communication Arts in 2018, the model has already walked Paris, London, and Milan Fashion Weeks, and, more recently, snagged global campaigns with Levi’s, Uniqlo, Moncler x JW Anderson, Maybelline, Balenciaga, and, her favorite, Gucci. Did I mention she’s only 25? And that she’s only been a full-time model for two years? WHATEVER IT TAKES Hannah’s parents let her model on the side in college, on the condition that she’d keep her grades…

DANILO HESS Photographed Hannah Locsin in New York City With a keen eye for the arts, Filipino-American Danilo Hess has always possessed a connection with the craft. The small creative spark first started during his youth, where he would hone his talent through painting and photorealism. In his college years, the spark grew and turned into a flame that cast a light in the darkroom where he eventually found he found his true calling—photography. Exploring the art for many years, Hess graduated with a course in photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and traveled around the world assisting in both film and digital to learn the ways of the visual language. Today, his work speaks for himself with a portfolio of carefully executed and fiercely creative…

The hunt for vintage clothing is on the rise, but using actual Filipino fabrics that were once used as blankets, bibs and curtains is another tale to betold.The katsa wasusedto wrap newborns, as a towel for children’s sweaty backs, a rag for the kitchen or even a table topper to match the dining room’s huge wooden cutlery. But as a dress? AraPilak, which means “no waste” in the Cuyonon dialect, is a sustainable and handcrafted brand based in Palawan. Their recent collection, Ba’law (meaning “awareness”) features tops and dresses in katsa fabric that were sourced from local bakeries in their hometown and taken to their seamstresses. “I would like to consider Ba’Law as my small attempt to bring back some of the classic traditions of the Filipinos back when things…

WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST FASHION MEMORY? When I was younger I used to assist my aunt in selling Abel Iloko in Vigan where I grew up. It was one of the happiest moments of my life because it was the start my precious bonding moments with my aunties. I’m a proud Ilokana and our Abel Iloko is nothing short of fabulous—the craftsmanship that is put in creating it is superb—truly a celebration of Filipino artistry. WHO WAS YOUR FASHION ROLE MODEL WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP? I have always admired the style of fashion icon Audrey Hepburn—she exuded timelessness and a sublime fashion sense that is so classically chic. WHAT IS YOUR FASHION PHILOSOPHY? Style is important—it’s great if you naturally have it; but it could also be honed and…

It all started with a conversation on Instagram. “I love the piece that you made for me! How about we do something for MEGA?” I messaged Ushi Sato in excitement right after seeing the criss-cross cotton halter top he made for me. “Yes! I’ll make a capsule collection” he said. It was the beginning of a great collaboration of creative minds to build a collection that is both nostalgic and hopeful for the future—everything that the Ushi Sato brand stands for. Nostalgia fully captures Sato’s feeling when he remembers his mom creating padded blouses for the teachers across their house when he was three years old. “They were inspired from the catalogue photos of Giorgio Armani and Emanuel Ungaro. My fascination grew from there and so I also thank my…

Greek mythology is believed to have a myriad of gods, goddesses, and heroes. Antigone, who showcased her unconditional love to her family by being their guide and defender, falls under the line-up of ancient Greek heroines. Perfectly named after her is the Antigona, a House of Givenchy staple,as it provides added confidence and power to whoever carries one on their arm. As they mark the 10th anniversary of one of their best-selling handbags, the luxury fashion brand drops the popular line’s latest addition with the Antigona Soft. Unlike the sleek and architecturally-constructed original, the Antigona Soft introduces a more elegant variant by offering a serene and composed counterpart while retaining the signature triangle patch. Specially designed to highlight relaxed sophistication, it perfectly fits with the Fall 2020 ready-to-wear collections by…

The noticeably increased length of time we spend at home is a clear-cut reminder of how sacred our living spaces are. The magnified lens handed by the constraining effects of the novel coronavirus has provided a new perspective on defining utility and efficiency. And while home improvement has been omnipresent in regular conversation, there exists a remarkable shift—the increased interest of many and the rise of purchase and demand for home goods. Whether one’s personal space is actually intended to pivot as an answer to the effects of stringent lockdown measures, the transformative art of architecture and interior design offers solutions. MEGA asked three in-demand artists in the field share their expert advice on undergoing these changes. GEEWEL FUSTER: EQUITY BY EQUILIBRIUM Architect and interior designer Geewel Fuster injects character…

" SOME OF YOU SAY , 'JOY IS GREATER THAN SORROW,' AND OTHERS SAY,' NAY, SORROW IS THE GREATER.' BUT I SAY TO YOU, THEY ARE INSEPARABLE. TOGETHER THEY COME, AND WHEN ONE SITS ALONE WITH YOU AT YOUR BOARD, REMEMBER THAT THE OTHER IS ASLEEP UPON YOUR BED " -KHALIL GIBRAN, JOT AND SORROW CHAPTER VIII FASHION BERSHKA, Glorietta 2, SM Megamall; FENDI, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; 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; LOUIS VUITTON, Greenbelt 4, Solaire Resort and Casino; MAZEE PH, web <instagram.com/mazeeph>; QUEEN STREET WEST A. Mabini, San Juan; PRADA, Greenbelt 4, Solaire Resort and Casino; SAINT LAURENT, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; SOLE ACADEMY, UPTC, Trinoma, Bonifacio High Street;…