Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2019 i MEGA

The original "IT” girl! —@anthonysaer via Our fave cover girl is back! Thank you MEGA! —@catcochesa via Super gorgeous the original "IT” girl —@yvongonzaga via Gorgeous as ever. My idol since high school! —@nhamshey via Queen of winged eyeliner. —@rockyferrer via Such regal taste. Love this. —@cedric092485 via So proud of you Richard! —@_iscatnotscott via So handsome, loved it! —@costa_isadora via I will let you to sign my copy. Congrats and I’m so proud of you! —@iammarycampos via…

Fun fact: this isn’t the first time Kira Balinger has graced the cover of MEGA Magazine. Together with a number of young stars, the doe-eyed beauty first appeared on the cover two years ago, as part of the magazine’s “Women To Watch.” This time, she embraces the spotlight on her own. “I’m not the same person I was two years ago,” she says, saying that she has matured into a woman more true to herself. She shares that this can be applied to many aspects in her life, from which projects to tackle to how she wants to express herself. One way she has recently decided to do the latter is through her hair color, which was made easily wearable through L’Oréal Professionnel’s new MajiFashion line. Balinger’s long brown mane…

20s PURPLE HAZE A statement jacket automatically amplifies any outfit STYLE TIP A teeny, tiny, sexy bralette gives this volimunous outfit some sass 30s BERRY GOOD Break up the monotony with punched up prints STYLE TIP Keep it balanced by layering tailored trousers underneath a dress 40s LAVENDER’S BLUE Bask in power suiting with feminine colors STYLE TIP Spice up your look by diversifying textures and cuts…

In 1912, Louis Cartier made a delightful design discovery that would later on go down in Cartier’s history as a trademark of elegance and simplicity for women all over. He took the usual round watch shape and elongated it to produce two straight lines enclosed by two curves. This iconic shape gave birth to a delicate and distinguished watch: the Baignoire. For years, this simple yet brilliant alteration has wooed women of elegance, giving them a taste of refinement and class with just one timepiece. The distinct Baignoire was given a further upgrade in the 1950s, when its oval silhouette was given a more curvaceous accent on the sides. Its dial was stamped with redesigned Roman or Arabic numerals on a silvered sandblasted background, and encased by lustrous gold gadroons.…

In the beginning, there was nothing. Scientists believe it was the Big Bang theory, theologians say it was God who created life on earth. But whichever one chooses to believe in, the bottom line is—we are entities whose existence serve reason and purpose. In the Bible, God created Eve for Adam when he took her from his rib. Set in the beautiful Garden of Eden, it was a paradise for the man and woman and all the living creatures until Eve was tempted by the snake and they were banished. This was the same tale that inspired Therese Melliza, a young designer from Saint Benilde. “I had an idea of Eve because of Dua Lipa’s song called ‘Garden,’” Therese recalls. “I thought of Eve as someone who is not being…

MOVE OVER Moving from point A to point B, while simple in concept, is—as many simple ideas often go—quite complicated. Especially for modern humans. First, there’s the packing. Then, the timing. Then, the sharing. After all, if a tree falls and it wasn’t shared on Instagram, does it matter even? In Manila, moving from one point to the other often takes forever, or at least a lifetime. Read about it Feature Story. In Travel (the kind we like) one woman ponders about the glory of traveling solo; the first question being, should we bother even? These are the points we’re thinking about this month as we sit silently in traffic, fuming, musing, indifferent, waiting to move.…

Traveling is addictive. It gives off such a euphoric high that we’re already planning a new trip the minute we board the plane going home. The next big decision, of course, is knowing where to go, so we’ve listed some amazing countries that might tickle your fancy with their rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes and amazing food. THAILAND From their dazzling seashores to their rich green lands and glowing temples, Thailand’s landscape is as diverse as their world-renowned cuisine. It’s an exciting thrill ride from coast to coast that’s perfectly matched by the warmth and hospitality of its locals. SWITZERLAND If a Eurotrip is on the horizon, journey towards Switzerland. The rich Alpine landscapes are more than enough to make your heart leap with its fresh mountain air and stunning views.…

Metro Manila offers a variety of cuisines, but more often than not, those of us who are more experimental with food aren’t sure where to look. For the adventurous eater, Vanderlust Bistro + Patisserie in The Podium will save the day. Offering you the best of continental European cuisine and pastries, every dish contains a delightful surprise. “My wife and I actually conceptualized everything during our honeymoon, where we were vacationing for over a month,” shares Mark Anthony Tan, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Valerie. He explains that rather than focusing on one particular cuisine, the two found their inspiration from a variety of countries such as Italy, Spain and Germany. “We want Filipinos to know what European food tastes like so we’re not afraid to add ingredients…

For many Filipinos, Kiehl’s products have been a long-time staple, with their gel moisturizers and anti-aging serums finding their way into our hearts. Known for combining a cosmetic and pharmaceutical approach—customers are recommended a personalized skincare routine—it is easy to see why many have grown to be immensely loyal to the brand. Kaila Nicdao, Business Unit Director of the Luxury Division for L’Oreal Philippines, heads the team behind Kiehl’s Philippines. Her day-to-day life at the office means handling brand management, training and retail. “For ten years, I was professionally working in hair care so moving to do skincare in Kiehl’s was a breath of fresh air for me,” she says. More than just their quality products, however, she also shares that what attracted her to the brand was their belief…

ALL THAT ATTITUDE What makes an outfit work? Fit is important, yes. Does it have to be on trend? Probably. But what makes everything work to the favor of its wearer is the attitude that comes with every look. The main requirement for a look to get that 100 % emoji is the emotion behind it. Whether it be Julie Pelipas’s nonchalant expressions or Eva Chen and Tiffany Hsu’s wide grins when they discovered their twinning moment in Sacai, there is a certain kind of attitude that is captured by streetstyle photographers if the subject is enjoying what she wears. This month is all about the attitude of dressing as Julie Anne San Jose heads the cool denim movement wearing the best of Lee Jeans. With a mix of gold,…

Denim heritage brand Lee celebrated its 130th anniversary with a pop-up party at SM Makati. The event, which featured DIY workshops, limited edition toy collections and custom cocktails, saw Lee ambassadors and MEGA cover stars Tony Lambrusca and Julie Anne San Jose meeting with fans and wearing head-to-toe Lee ensembles. Classic yet modern, cool yet comfortable, Lee apparel is a go-to for denim lovers who adore the brand’s perfect fit and street-style edge. Celebrities, digital influencers and key media personalities were all on hand during the pop-up, eager to be part of the party toasting the beloved brand. Over a century later, Lee shows no signs of being the youth’s denim of choice. STAYING STRONG Lee continues to be the denim of choice by many style stars…

It was a little after breaking into the mainstream through a fastfood commercial and his much publicized stint at the talent-cum-reality competition, Pinoy Boyband Superstar, that we first came into contact with Tony Labrusca, you know, the young man who has by now secured a sweet spot in the ever-so temperamental realm of show business. An up-and-comer with so much potential, we featured him two years ago for our Best Bodies Special, a comprehensive issue that took into account fitness regimen and lifestyle at an equal plane, and of course, the condition of his temple. While it may be considered surface level, the draw being the body, there was already more to him than just that. With a conversation that ran a little over the sound bite standard, it became…

STYLE TIP Go all out with the devil-may-care ‘tude and wear your choice of hot pink from head-to-toe…

Contrary to popular belief, men who are deemed stylish are not so much as born with it (though some are fortunate enough to claim so) are refined by time and experience. Their style comes from the men and women in their lives, particularly their mothers, wives and girlfriends. Important milestones such as prom, graduation, their first day at work, and also weddings and holidays compel men to look their best. Like a good bottle of red, men look better as they age. But how can you tell if a man is stylish or not? Let’s start with the basics: shoes. Men love their shoes. If there’s one thing they’d be gushing about when it comes to fashion, it would be this. A stylish man knows the right choice of footwear…

When was the last time you traveled solely for leisure and fun? Take a break from the daily grind and use that vacation leaves you’ve saved up over time. Let yourself experience an adventure of a lifetime by visiting any of the hottest destinations below with your best buddies or going solo: FOR PARTY-GOERS:  LAS VEGAS, NEVADA This is where you can find booze, parties, games, and women in one place. An all-in one package surrounded with colorful vibrant buildings lit up with neon lights at night. Dubbed as the ‘Sin City,’ Vegas is not all about gambling. At daytime, enjoy a dip in singles scene pools or dare to visit an European style topless pools. For a fun night out, visit a gentlemen’s club or start a pub crawl…

STYLE TIP As with anything, the easiest way to wear this trend is to approach it from a monochromatic point-of-view…

Dear MEGA, Congratulations on the beautiful covers of KC Concepcion and Heart Evangelista Escudero. Heart has always been one of my favorite faces in showbiz and KC was the It Girl before all the others. I love how the articles showcased how intelligent, brave and mature these women are. And the images! Amazing! I loved the softness of the neutral palette—it really played up KC’s distinct beauty. As for Heart, I think the classic 1950s styling was so very her—glamorous and feminine. The MEGA Beauty Awards was also great. I always look forward to it so I know which products to look out for. I loved how a “classic” list was included, as these products have stood the test of time. And the fashion was—as always—on point. I can’t wait…

Three things we learned about Julie Anne San Jose as an artist: First: She’s punctual. Julie Anne did the amazing celebrity feat of being on time for her cover shoot. This isn’t to shame other personalities, who have to abide by a ridiculous work schedule and an even more ridiculous traffic situation. It was just odd to see the young singer-model-actress enter Shutterspace Studio while everybody was still nursing their coffees. Nevertheless, her vibe, all bubbly positivity and sweet-smiling gameness, was exactly what we needed in what would be a marathon shoot. Second: She looks amazing in her jeans. Nothing, it seems, comes between her and her Lee denims. With her svelte physique and easy charm, Julie Anne looks the way we all want to when donning denim—cool and effortless.…

Designers have always been oracles. Every collection they make is their vision of a woman: who she is, what she stands for and her attitude. Her innate power is present in every hem, stitch and cut. This vision creates a sense of community for women who resonate with the same energy. And for Pablo Cabahug, the vision has always been a woman of love and a woman sure of her femininity. Pablo grew up in the city of Dumaguete. Growing up, he looked up to his grandfathers, Pabling and Dopling, a city fiscal and lieutenant sergeant of the Philippine constabulary, respectively. These two strong men inspired Pablo to enter the military, but destiny had something else in mind. Despite his military dreams, Pablo recalls how it was the women in…

4:30 AM. It’s pitch black. My brother and I stumble into the car, careful not to hit the breakfast plates my mother has prepared for us, which my father has ingeniously placed inside lidless baskets to keep them from spilling. We’ll barely touch the food, much to my mother’s chagrin. Ten year olds—what can you do? Instead we’ll sleep during the ride from Alabang to Makati, pre-Skyway, pre-C5, and awake when we arrive—hopefully—before the 7:30 bell. It’s 7:38 AM. I’m thirteen years old and I am sneaking into the bathroom, hoping to slip into the line as it passes by after the flag ceremony. Inside I see three other girls with their bags. We nod at each other and watch out for the teacher who might come in to check…

YOU BETTER WORK As the seasons change, so does your mood. If you find yourself undecided over what your new hair color should be, why not try multiple pastel hues, as seen in this month’s Main Beauty editorial? Afterwards, style your crowning glory with all things sparkly and shiny, as seen in Rulebook. Our Beauty Feature this month features eyelash engineer and new NÉW Lounge partner Maki Miura, who only wants her clients to put forth the very best version of themselves. Lastly, we are grounded by the wisdom of Kiehl’s Philippines’ very own Kaila Nicdao in Beauty Blog. These stories show us that as we enter different chapters of our lives, a shift in attitude is necessary. So read on and be inspired to experiment to your heart’s content.…

Anyone working in the beauty industry should know that first impressions are everything. Maki Miura, a Japanese eyelash engineer and educator who is now a partner of top eyelash extension salon NÉW Lounge, understands this all too well. “You can only impress someone within the first three seconds of meeting them,” she says very matter-of-factly. “Eyelash extensions help bring out the best, most presentable version of yourself. That delicate detail, no matter how small in millimeters, makes all the difference.” Before she fell into the wonderful world of lashes, Maki actually entered the beauty industry as a nail technician. What made her make the switch was simple: seeing a client of hers in beautifully done eyelash extensions. “I realized how much it could change someone’s look. So I studied that…

FASHION ALEXANDER MCQUEEN , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’sMakati; ARAW THE LINE , Tropa Store, 117 Aguirre St., Makati; BALENCIAGA , Greenbelt 5; BERSHKA , Glorietta 2, SM Megamall; BURBERRY , Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati; BVLGARI , Greenbelt 4, Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La Plaza Mall; CHARLES & KEITH , SM Megamall, Power Plant Mall; CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN , Rustan’s Makati; DISTINQT , G/F Shangri-La, The Fort; FENDI , Shangri-La Plaza Mall; FOREVER21 , 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; HOMME ET FEMME , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, 8 Rockwell; JIMMY CHOO , Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’sMakati, Greenbelt 4; KATE SPADE , Central…

1 ISSEY MIYAKE Scents function on so many levels, from the initial whiff to make a first impression to locking in that to an impression seared into memory. With an experience unlike any other, it is ultimately pleasant when the initial interface matches the coalescing with your chemistry. And this is precisely how Issey Miyake L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme Wood & Wood functions, with its flask of oak. Already giving off a grounded warmth, the scent is an alluring blend that is robust but not imposing with a swirl of grapefruit, sandalwood, ambrox, apricot, as well as of cedarwood and sandalwood, gaining intensity with a steady sillage through vetizer and patchouli. 2 AVEDA So, you’ve decided to get your hair colored and you’re wondering what the best after care solution…

When I got an invite to go to Milan Fashion Week for the Gucci show, I immediately felt two things: joy and fear. Happiness obviously, because it was a once in a lifetime experience and nervous because, I might not be able to keep up with the kind of real time content that was demanded by digital publishing. While stories in print have the luxury of time, digital is all about up-to-the-minute reporting. Thankfully, my fears were unfounded thanks to proper planning and help by my team; I was able to tick that box from my to-do list. Full disclosure: I have always embraced digital and loved print at the same time, but sometimes, I feel like I may not be as technologically advanced or in the know when it…

UNDAUNTED The days of binge shopping—shopping for shopping’s sake—are over. This November, our annual shopping issue celebrates every person’s unique aesthetic with mindful consumption. We’ve laid out a collection of long-lasting, versatile pieces that you can pick and choose from to suit yourself. We urge each one to listen closely to one’s own style story and to be unafraid to share it. For Best Buys, we present a case for gold textures, renaissance silhouettes and asymmetrical cuts while Get Ready to Wear gives softness to the season via our new favorite shade: lilac. Therese Melliza reshapes daily wear and is this month’s New Kids on The Block. For Designer Profile, we go back to classic romance with Pablo Cabahug’s 10th anniversary collection; expect volume, tulle and bold silhouettes. In our…

THE LIST 1 Round drop earrings by BALENCIAGA. 2 Printed top by CAROLINA HERRERA. 3 Draped asymmetrical top by BALENCIAGA. 4 One shoulder taffeta top by GIVENCHY. 5 Animal print goat hair shorts by SAINT LAURENT. 6 Wine red pleated skirt by JOSEPH. 7 Green Classic City croc-effect bag by BALENCIAGA. 8 Patent sling back sandals by PRADA. 9 Red patent boot by BERSHKA. 10 Pink paperbag trousers by STRADIVARIUS. 11 Metallic asymmetrical top by ZARA. 12 Sequined tailored shorts by TOPSHOP. 13 Orange fur bag by TOPSHOP. 14 Green asymmetrical dress by ZARA. 15 One shoulder top by STRADIVARIUS STYLE TIP Get poppin’ with a serious dose of color-blocking…

If Australia were a woman, she would be on the golden shores of the land walking barefoot, a martini on her hand and wearing all Zimmermann. But who is Zimmermann? And why has every major female celebrity and personality the likes of Beyoncé, Margot Robbie, Kendall Jenner and even the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton been spotted wearing them? Despite the name, the brand is run by two-woman team Nicky and Simone Zimmermann, each with a background in fashion and marketing. In 1991, Nicky created a selection of tops and dresses and started selling them at Sydney’s Paddington Market. She’d continue creating and selling there for a while until a friend of hers, who happened to work for Vogue Australia, bought a top and it became an instant hit in…

It was obvious from the get-go that Ann Murphy was an unabashed fashion lover. During her shoot for this feature, the president of Frontrow Philippines brought with her racks filled with Dior frocks and suits, Fendi boots in an array of envy-inducing leathers and other eye-catching pieces from bold-faced fashion names like Versace and Zimmerman. With her lithe figure, she was an easy fit for the designer outfits; her high cheekbones and easy grace made her a natural model. As one of the leaders of Frontrow Philippines, the largest network marketing company in the Philippines, one would think that all of her focus and time is spent building the Frontrow empire but for her, family always comes first. “First and foremost I am a mother. My day will always start…

In the age of self-care, we need to prioritize ourselves. It’s easy to overlook our own wellbeing when we keep getting caught up in everything that’s happening in our lives. It’s difficult, but not impossible. We have to take care of ourselves holistically—and not just when we’re sick. So if you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up then there are a variety of options available just within the metro. MANE TIME Sometimes the care we need is in the form of a haircut. Whether it’s a fresh new style in a bold new color or just a quick refresh of a cut you already love, a haircut changes your entire look and can give you more room to express yourself and give yourself a confidence boost! SPA DAY A day…

The first book I remember truly taking to heart was not The Alchemist, which is one of the works of literature most cited for igniting a love for travel. What did it for me was a children’s atlas, one that wasn’t even mine. A cousin who was too young to read had a collection of them kept behind a glass bookcase. I borrowed it frequently, not so much to read, but to worship. The Great Pyramids of Giza, the River Nile, the Rose City of Petra — all wonders of the world that I had made a mental note to one day see, before I even knew what mental notes were. I prayed to the picture of Christ the Redeemer: “Let me see you.” Not Jesus, but the art deco…

The eyes, they say is the mirror of the soul. They tell the story of a person’s journey or their state of being, health and even age. It is also one of the most important and hardworking sensorial tools we use in everyday life. The eye area comprises of 22 muscles that are in constant motion, blinking 10,000 times a day. Not surprisingly, the delicate skin surrounding it also exhibits the most obvious signs of aging: drooping of the upper and lower lids, brows, loss of elasticity and the apperance of fine lines and wrinkles. SCIENCE FOR THE EYES Swiss luxury brand La Prarie has long championed the importance of addressing skin aging and this time, their focus is on the eyes. Caviar science, which is an effective innovation developed…

MEGA Exclusives hosted a dinner with its October cover star Heart Evangelista Escudero. The intimate event was held at Lemuria Restaurant and Wine Bar in Bonifacio Global City and in partnership with NÉW Lounge, the premiere lash salon in the Philippines. As one of MEGA’s iconic women, Heart stunned in a slinky black Mark Bumgarner creation, her hair in a sleek high ponytail, and her lashes—of course—curled and lifted to winged perfection. Welcoming guests, which included MEGA CEO Archie Carrasco, Ar. Geewel Cabungcal-Fuster, model Jessica Yang and digital influencer Camille Co, was MEGA Editor-In-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro. Guests were wined and dined with some of Lemuria’s signature dishes, and were also treated to a display of Chef Jean-Francois Brouck’s cooking skills, master chef of the Institute Culinaire Disciples Escoffier and head…

I love having conversations with men and women particularly at events and during trips. It is from these dialogues where I am able to get content that I can put in my media brands. More importantly, it is a great source for data that I can use to make informed decisions. Conversations, however mundane or exciting are a great way to keep your ear on the ground for movements, shifts and new directions for the changing lifestyles of people today. In many of these dialogues, however, people often talk about themselves in an attempt to “sell” their brands, themselves or their ideas. Many time, I love what people tell me, but some go beyond sharing and crossover to the territory of narcissism. Those are the talks that I don’t like.…

STYLE TIP Bulky as it may seem, the best way to confront the outerwear is to keep everything else streamlined…

No matter how careful one is these days, the chances of being misunderstood or getting lost in translation (and we don’t mean that in the strict linguistic sense) is obscenely great that in a vacuum of opinions, thoughts, or fleeting statements, there exists a need to set a precedence or affix an insulating conjugation to cushion the potential impact. It’s like every waking moment is a frustrating game of Minesweeper, that popular pre-mainstream internet pastime in the 90s meant to mimic history’s atrocious relationship with landmines in a crude 8-bit render. In the single player puzzle, the objective is to clear the board of hidden mines without detonating them, very vaguely clued only by the mysterious squares across and steered by heavy strokes of luck. While I still do not…