Tabla de contenidos para September 2021 en MEGA

Our theme this month may be about taking space, but thanks to an unexpected lockdown, our cover shoot left us scrambling for time. For the second time in as many years, we have turned to Catriona Gray to work her magic. Last year we asked her to dive deep into a tank of water, and this time we asked her to be—first—patient, as we had to wait for the ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) to be lifted, and second, to look up to the sky—or as much as her imagination would let her as restrictions limited us to a studio. Lucky for us, Miss Gray looks fantastic wherever you put her, and, more importantly, makes it look way to easy. Instead of diaphanous gowns, Gray is now dressed in sharp, chic…

COMMITTED Let’s talk about commitment. It’s perhaps it’s one of the toughest words in the English language, as it requires almost beyond human effort and determination to succeed. Think about committing to fidelity, to a passion, to truth, justice, and not having seconds for dessert. Hard right? Well, that’s why we’re lauding the Philippine Olympians who were masterful in the recent Tokyo Olympics. Gold medal winner Hidilyn Diaz is now a millionaire, thanks to the many prizes that have sprung up from her sporting triumph. But giving love to a successful person is easy—giving it them when they’re risking it all for a dream isn’t. We can’t say enough for our sports heroes, so here’s another one for them in Feature Story. At the other end of the spectrum, in…

FALL BACK In a period largely marked by what-ifs, we’re grateful for things that are certain. Here’s a beauty truth: never breakup with your hairstylist. If you’ve found your hair soulmate, stick with them. This isn’t to say you can’t try someone new—but just know that you’ll always come back to them. The many, many muses of Renz Pangilinan know this for sure. In Artist Confidential, the MEGA Fashion Award winner went BIG with a ten-page spread chockfull of gorgeous faces—a veritable who’s who of stunning women who can simply go by one name: Pia, Liza, Kylie, Megan, and Ivana just to name a few—and their crowning glories. Meanwhile, in Beauty Blog, fellow Pangilinan muse Coleen Garcia Crawford is simply glowing these days, despite being a new mom in a…

When the stars align, you can bet that Renz Pangilinan is the reason behind it and this is time we mean it literally. One of the top hairstylists of today, it was almost destiny when we got in touch with him in hopes that we could talk to him about his career and book him for a photoshoot with at least one of his muses. But in true Renz style, he went big and checked off seven of his muses to stand alongside him. Working his Midas touch on the tresses of his high-profile clientele, I was struck with the pro’s on-the-job approach–whether it be an effortless blowout or a sculptural braid, he remained efficient and precise. “You’re only as good as your last work,” he describes the dedication he…

A WOMAN’S WORTH The Filipino woman has always been expected to be silent. It was the way to go, living in a patriarchal society, further solidified by the machismo of its leaders. Filipinas have long fought for their place and their voice, and as the dawn of a new millennium came about, it brought along a host of things that aided to the revolution. One of them is social media, which—among many things—allowed connections to be created at warp speed, making their cries louder, their presence stronger. While we still have a way to go, more Filipinas are undoubtedly becoming more empowered. In this issue we give the spotlight to women who express themselves no holds barred fully embracing ‘their feminine power.’ Who better to represent women who speak up…

When MEGA started 29 years ago, it had a clear vision and purpose. It was to teach the Filipino woman to dress up and to put Filipino fashion and designers to the fore. This mission now and hopefully it will remain that way in the coming years. As a title with a clear and strong voice, it is also important for it to tackle relevant issues that consumers should know about. It is its duty to present ideas, give opinions and edit content that can incite conversation, inspiration, entertainment, and most importantly, empower its audience. These concepts make up the foundation of the brand. With the advent of the digital age, specifically social media, where things happen at light speed, MEGA has been called to react, almost immediately, to cultural…

Baro’t Saya, Filipiniana, mestiza dress—the terno goes by many names. Tracing its history and evolution since the precolonial days, it’s more than just the voluminous butterfly sleeves and wide, bell shape. It’s a testament of our history and fight against colonialism—something that many Filipinos seem to forget. Luckily, there’s young designer Hannah Adrias. At last year’s prestigious Terno Con Festival, where the most notable Filipino designers showcase their take on the terno and mentor the next generation, her collection stood out. Not only did the Slim Fashion & Arts alumni deliver and win the gintong medalya, her terno collection showed how millennials and Gen Z are perceiving our national attire. It resonated with a lot of young people, especially her military renditions and utilitarian-inspired silhouettes. It didn’t stop there as…

ONE FOR THE BOOKS Wherever your feet would take you here in the Philippines, you will always find a basketball, tennis court, or maybe a golf course if you happen to live nearby. From random streets of our local barangays to exclusive villages, there will always be a place for sports. Whether we learn sports in school, love it as a hobby, or simply emulating the same endurance, will, and strength that champions have, it seems like there’s a hidden athlete in all of us. That’s why it’s no surprise why the Olympic games easily captured the interest of Filipinos, especially when a kababayan is set to compete. After being postponed in 2020 the much-awaited Tokyo Olympics was finally held and for the first time, our country sent the most…

COME AND GET IT Perhaps one of the most anticipated brand launches of late, RARE BEAUTY is unique for its inclusive take on the beauty and support for mental health through its Rare Impact fund. The line, founded by celebrity and mental-health advocate Selena Gomez, is made up of vegan, cruelty-free and sustainably packaged makeup. Top sellers include the Soft Pink Liquid Blush (P1350), a creamy, lightweight liquid-cream hybrid that has buildable coverage and soft matte and dewy finishes, and the Liquid Touch Brightening Concealer (P1300), a weightless and radiant concealer available in an outstanding 48 shades. BRIGHT EYES The brand new SHISEIDO Pop PowdgerGel Eye Shadow (P1450) is a sensorial feast. Its powder-gel formula gives it everything we want in an eye shadow: lightweight, easy to blend, long lasting…

PRETTY FRESH Today’s emphasis on gloss rather than glitter is tempting even the most dedicated matte-lover to embrace the dewy look Earrings by MAUVE MANILA JEWELRY DOUBLE TROUBLE Take a note from the early aughts by opting for warmer, shinier formulas to define all the right places Necklace by MAUVE MANILA JEWELRY and Nails by BEW NAILS JUICY COUTURE Have fun in full glam with the Y2K trends that have made a major comeback. Think pastel hues, Barbie pink lips, and blinding highlighter Orang lace gloves by ROEL ROSAL and puff sleeves by BEA GUERRERO…

Catriona Gray didn’t set out to be Miss Universe because she liked beauty pageants. She didn’t even think she would qualify. “I was told that I wasn’t fierce enough, wasn’t sexy enough, and didn’t look Filipina enough to hold my own in Binibining Pilipinas,” Catriona tells Mega. She later learned, after already winning Miss World Philippines in 2016, that a different title — that of Miss Universe — would help her champion her cause better, particularly education as a means out of poverty. So, she rebelled against her naysayers and tried out for the renowned competition. Of course, now known the world over, Catriona — a fan favorite for her famous sultry lava walk — was crowned Miss Universe in 2018. Three years since her majestic coronation, she now funnels…

BLANK SPACE As far as living and surviving goes, especially in isolation, taking up space indeed takes a lot of strength to do so. Fully realizing the power in your voice no big or as easy as it sounds. Questions like, how far will it take me? Will it make anyone’s lives better? dodge many. Taking up space can look different from person to person, so for our September issue, we asked a couple of people. At the forefront, we have Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, trailblazing Filipino label Bagasao studios for Designer Profile, the young designer who modernized the terno, Hannah Adrias in New Kids On The Block, and slow fashion advocate Angkan for Retail Trend Report. The amount of space you take up no matter what aspect of…

HIGHER GROUND Elevate you fall ensembles with the chicest pairs from your favorite brands. Mach And Mach Double Bow 110Mm Pumps Everyday ball with these silver pointed toe pumps from Mach and Mach. A fashion must-have, even Cinderella would want a pair. The Attico Devon Patent Leather Mules These block heeled mules from The Attico will surely turn heads this Fall. From casual to classy, these mules can easily match your style. Amina Muaddi Vita Wraparound Snakeskin-Effect Sandals Embrace your wild side with these Amina Muaddi wraparound sandals from their AW21 collection. A.W.A.K.E Mode Fringe Leather Sandals Chic and playful, get ready for a season full of fun with A.W.A.K.E Mode’s fringe heels crafted with calf leather. Bottega Veneta Dot Feather-Detailed Sandals A bold and bright pair, these leather sandals…

Ready to wear has only been a result of globalization and capitalism. The fast fashion landscape was keeping up with the quick changes that are happening in the world and society. But before all of this, there was a concept of slowness and appreciation of the now and current even in the world of fashion. Joseph Bagasao remembers this with stories of her grand mother. “My Grandparents, specially my lola was a well-dressed woman. Ready to wear back then did not exist very much in the province so all her outfits are custom made for her. From her regular church outfits to dinner and parties, it was always with a clutch or handbag and “Abanico” to match” he shared. This slowness and most importantly, thoughtfulness was the beginning of his…

In times of crisis, we often would seek the company of others. “There is strength in numbers,” as the saying would go. Yet today, we are mandated the exact opposite of what to do when feeling terrified, isolate. With this said, we all know the safety protocols – wash your hands, don’t touch your face, avoid social gatherings but there’s one that’s not often talked about but should: call your friends. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, putting the effort to create meaningful conversations promote resilience. “When you share and you talk to someone, then you’ll realize that somebody else is going through this too. So, we have to feel comfortable having open, honest, and direct conversations with one another,” says Clinical Psychologist Dr. Charma Dudley. During…

GO GROW GLOW The DIOR Forever Skin Glow Cushion (PTK) offers a perfected visage that lasts 24-hours. The formula gives comfortable, medium-to-full coverage with a glowing, natural effect. Complete with SPF 35 broad spectrum sun protection and the brand’s signature rose hip extract to keep skin feeling soft and supple, it’s perfect for those with drier skin or simply looking for a luminous look. SPARK NOTES BVLGARI Omnia By Mary Katrantzou is sure to put a smile on one’s face. The collaboration between the Roman Maison, known for its bold designs, and the exuberant British designer is a match made in olfactory heaven. The sparkling scent starts with mandarin essence and fig leaf, then slips into a kaleidoscope of gardenia accord and orange flower, before drying down to Omnia’s signature…

An awarded actress and TV host with trademark dimples and an enviably toned body, Coleen Garcia tends to leave people awestruck whenever she walks into a room. These days, she’s even more radiant thanks to her bundle of joy turning one. In September of last year, Garcia and her husband Billy Crawford welcomed their baby boy Amari. “Above everything, I love how he calls for me,” she shares. And while she celebrates her baby’s milestone, Garcia’s documentation of motherhood online also embraces the authentic. “I’m just so tired of seeing unattainable perfection everywhere, it’s so exhausting. I just want to be the best me I can be,” she says. “There’s a difference between trying to impress and trying to inspire. Impressing people is showing them ‘I can do it” or…

“The night is shattered, and the blue stars shiver in the distance”— PABLO NERUDA…