Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2018 i MEGA

The last year was truly a noisy and (very) busy one for us. With the milestone of turning 25 hovering on our heads, we knew we had to go big, we had to go bold, we had to well, go places we’ve never been to before. And we did. With a year-long celebration in order, we produced a bestselling book, threw a grand anniversary party, as well as a generation-turning Millennial ball, we went on not one but two countries for our annual #MakingMEGA campaign and finally, we capped off the year with the very first MEGA Fashion Week in September. So, this year we thought, maybe we could afford to go a little quiet… not. In true MEGA fashion, we had to find another way to make our 26th…

Since its inception in 2010, #MakingMEGA has come a long way in bringing your favorite stars to far-off places, always with a captivating story to tell. We’ve scaled thousands of miles to off-the-beaten-path destinations all in the name of the most riveting story and the perfect shot, from Anne Curtis’ inaugural photo shoot in scenic South America to Janella Salvador’s coastal-inspired editorial in picturesque Portugal. Though it might seem fortuitous, our destinations are thoughtfully hand-picked to bring out the best in each individual. This month, for our 10th #MakingMEGA series, we’re seizing greater and grander things, and chasing bigger dreams—whether it’s in or out of a fairy godmother-bestowed ball gown. We raised the bar high on the very first day of the year with a modern fairy-tale-themed photo shoot in…

FORCE OF NATURE Following their release of elevated basics for the fall/winter season, the Christopher Lemaireled Uniqlo U line takes their Lifewear range up a notch with a collection inspired by nature, spotlighting pieces of reworked understated staples. The palette is influenced by natural elements featuring key hues of sky and sea blue, forest and grass green, as well as brick accents that heighten and redefine what it means to have versatility in one’s wardrobe. The earthy assortment is juxtaposed with slightly oversized silhouettes for effortlessly relaxed style—the star being the thick-striped open collar shirt as the brand’s exciting seasonal item for the womenswear line, while the multi-colored Border T-shirt leads the new addition for menswear employed with heavyweight cotton. GOOD SPORT Since the launch of their Conscious collection back…

20s ENMESHED Dark romance merges with Southern influences in flowy tulle ensembles 30s DOUBLE DOWN Timelessness reigns with classic silhouettes and crisp numbers accompanied by hints of cowgirl flair 40s WHY CAN’T WE BE FRINGE? It’s all in the crafty details with fringe and pompoms as the focal points STYLE TIP A classic black dress is a foolproof piece to take you from day to night STYLE TIP Jazz up a smart look with knee-high boots STYLE TIP Accessorize a poncho with a thin belt for a cinched look…

There is a duality that seems to inform every aspect of Dennis Lustico’s body of work—whimsical yet restrained, modern but doused with a classic feminine charm, and bold yet thoughtful of a woman’s silhouette. Armed with a vivid imagination hard at work, traditional tailoring techniques are clearly morphed with an experimental mix of materials, colors, and prints, resulting in standout frocks that are also highly wearable. Returning to Paris Fashion Week for spring/summer 2018 to show off the latest collection of his DeLUSTICO line, press buyers and fellow designers all turned to the designer, eager to see the kind of creative genius he envisions for the new season. Not that his audience was expecting anything less, of course. Rising above the hype, Lustico delivered a concise line up of playful…

1. THE DARKEST HOUR Directed by Joe Wright; starring Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas and Lily James During one of the bleakest times of World War 2, UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler or fight against the advancing nazis. How this turns out is easily found in history books (or a quick search on the internet), but this pivotal episode shows how one person’s bravery and idealism in the face of great odds can change the course of a nation—or even the world. Opens February 14 2. THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI Directed by Martin McDonagh; starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell When her daughter’s murder remains unsolved after a long period of time, a brusque, blue-collar woman takes matters into…

REGAL BABY Pair the Pantone color of the year—ultra violet—with an equally arresting marigold shade. Contrasting textures add another layer of interest—even if only you and your makeup-aficionado friends notice. Here, makeup artist Pia Reyes paired a creamy matte shadow with metallic liner to add even more pizzazz to this eye-catching look. SACRÉ BLUE The spring runways were lit up with bright pops of saturated makeup. The key to achieving the vivid hues is to layer products and colors. On the eyes, pat a cream color on the lids and set with powder; for the lips, fill in with a lip pencil and top with lipstick or gloss. Wear with fresh-looking skin (skip the powder!) and a lot of confidence. PINK LADY The classic cat-eye liner and pink lip look…

Practically everyone is familiar with probiotics these days, which are, simply put, a good type of bacteria that provides numerous health benefits. Because of vast research over the years, people have been more accepting of the thought of ingesting bacteria—for health reasons. Maybe you or someone you know even takes it on a daily basis. Tracing its roots already says a lot, with probiotic coming from the Greek word pro, meaning “promoting” and biotic, meaning “life.” “Research has shown that it is possible to modify the intestinal flora and to replace harmful microbes with good bacteria,” shares Dr. Edwin Bien, Wellness and Integrative Medicine Specialist. He shares that aging and unhealthy choices of food causes the production of toxic substances in the large bowel, resulting in autointoxication. This can explain…

When we are young, our skin’s ability to regenerate and heal is fast. It is because our skin’s cellular level is working at its optimal best. When we age, however, everything slows down. Cellular damage occurs from internal and external factors, resulting in dull, aging skin. No matter what kind of skincare we use, its efficacy boils down to absorption and retention. In short, it is about our skin’s ability to react to proper treatment and care that the healing and results are dependent on. This concern has been for a long time plaguing countless women around the world. Sentiments such as “I don’t see any difference” or “My product is not working” are truly frustrating. In this fast-paced world, where women are faced with extreme external and internal conditions…

ELECTRIC STUDIOS Great news for those of you who live in the North—Electric Studio, the first indoor cycling boutique in the country, just opened their 3rd branch at The Podium Mall in Ortigas. Every session is a full-body fitness experience, with themed rides that sync to high energy beats and instructors who constantly push their riders to strengthen their body and mind. You’ll surely leave each session more inspired and positive than ever. Electric Studio Podium is located at the 4th Level, The Podium Mall, 12 ADB Ave., Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City PGP Pia Gladys Perey’s creations have always been known for their romantic, glamorous flair and figure-flattering silhouettes. An established brand internationally, the PGP label is a favorite among many fashion insiders in the Philippines who love her graceful,…

While we are still (hopefully) persisting with our start-of-the-year resolves to make things better, the self included, international retail giant H&M joins in on the tradition of great beginnings with the arrival of its first Sustainable Sport collection for ladies. A commitment to the environment with its use of sustainable materials such as recycled polyester and organic cotton, the brand encourages its market to ditch the sprint and make a marathon out of the cause by partnering with Flyweight, a premiere group boxing studio to highlight not only the form and function of the pieces (an assortment of sports bras, compression tights and hoodies in olive green, black and beige) but to jumpstart a fitness movement as well. THE BOX Fitness and fashion come together as H&M presents its first…

Dear MEGA, Your January 2018 issue meant a lot to me. First of all, let me say that I couldn’t stop fan-girling over the Vice Ganda and Anne Curtis cover once I saw it. Not only do I look up to them as stars, but I’m also a huge fan of both BLK and Vice Cosmetics. Seeing them unite for your cover showed me that when it comes to beauty, we should empower each other instead of competing against the other. I’m happy that both Vice and Anne are encouraging us to display positive traits like these. I also enjoyed reading a lot of the articles this issue, including the relationship piece on verbal and emotional abuse. I realized that this can be applied to every kind of relationship, not…

There’s a certain sorcery to dressing up. Taught as early as childhood of the transformative power of dress (remember Cinderella’s one-night glow up?), women have turned to fashion not only to seek out self-expression but to give the best version of ourselves a visible, tangible form. Thankfully, this isn’t just restricted to the fairy tales. We’ve come to channel emotion and the different roles we play into clothing, taking the fantasy of fashion far beyond our story books. This month, we celebrate the wonder of clothing and the minds of the forces that create it. In Best Buys, we pinpoint trends that have swept us off for the season: tiered dresses, pearl embellishments and a spunky new Millennial pink. In Get Ready to Wear, we take on the concept of…

STYLE TIP Stay true to your primaries. Create refreshing contrast by pairing bright pink with yellows, reds and blues…

Riddled with spectacular window displays, local luxury boutique Adora is hard to miss. The interiors are adorned in lush décor, with each section spruced up to suit the fanciful semblance the brand evokes—sporting a charming Hopper-esque palette fused with the gentility of a Gillian Rucker piece. Apart from the visuals, Adora prides itself on its attention to the finer details—the crafting of every handmade shoe, the exquisiteness of tailored clothing and artistry of a meticulously-made bag. Evidently, the curating style of Adora dwells on sophistication and superior quality. Established in 2008, the upscale retailer has developed itself to become the forefront for modern luxury, sourcing globally from New Delhi to New York with only the best of the best in mind. Enlisted in Adora’s stylish arsenal are top designer names…

It was an especially hot day as we made the drive to the home of Berna Romulo Puyat. “Try these locally made chocolate,” Berna insisted as she was having her hair done. “They are delicious!” And try we did as we savored the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate truffles dipped in different kinds of toppings. This love for local produce and local farmers came later in Berna’s life. “I was with the PMS (Presidential Management Staff) and my boss, Secretary Arthur Yap, was being transferred to the Department of Agriculture,” she shares. “He asked me if I wanted to join him. I admit at first I wasnt sure if it would be a fit for me because I knew nothing about agriculture. But my boss told me to just try it out first.…

Tasteless Group of Restaurants is known for their strong branding direction and catchy names, having enjoyed successes with their earlier restaurants including Le Petit Soufflé, Scout’s Honor, Fowlbread, Hole In the Wall, Ping Pong Diplomacy, Wrong Ramen, Bad Bird and partnerships with concepts like Your Local and Hey Handsome. So it’s no surprise that their next venture is as counterculture as their other concepts. Enter Poison Doughnuts and Coffee. For Co-owner and Chef Miko Aspiras, the venture came about just at the right time. “It was chance, you could call it serendipitous, that we all had an obsession with doughnuts, an obsession with how to do various types of sourdough.” The proprietors are pastry chefs Miko Aspiras and Kristine Lotilla, in collaboration with Charles Paw, Hydra Design Group’s Dan Matutina…

“A Always leave an air of mystery,” my mother once told a grade school version of myself in the middle of a lecture on the opposite sex. The thought has since been ingrained in my mind, even more present when I first started to date. Naturally, I had to probe deeper. After all, this piece of advice was coming from a woman who chooses to have a separate bathroom from her husband. It seems to be working for them. This got me thinking: how much distance do we really need from our partners? Surely spending every waking moment with them and sharing with them every detail of our lives would drive us crazy. In an attempt to gain more insight on the topic, I interviewed a married couple, a couple…

It is almost a little too hard to believe that once upon a time, Patrick Starrr was told to wipe off his full face of makeup. Yes, we are talking about the prime beauty influencer with a firm digital stronghold of 3.9 million followers on Instagram and 3,364,481 subscribers on YouTubethat is as of press time, of course. He is the same Filipino male beauty guru who is at the forefront of the movement that argues that men (and boys) can wear makeup if they please, because as he continues to reiterate on all his social media platforms, “makeup is a one-size fits all.” And yet ironically, he was discouraged to be who he really truly was—pink brows, blue cut crease and all. But instead of dampening the spirit of…

1. BURT’S BEES INTENSE HYDRATION CREAM CLEANSER (P895) Wash off the day’s grime with this hydrating cleanser, which uses clary sage and probiotic technology to leave skin feeling fresh. 2. ALLIES OF SKIN BRIGHT FUTURE OVERNIGHT FACIAL (P6374) Wake up to rejuvenated skin—brighter, firmer and more moisturized, thanks to a blend of probiotics, AHAs and time-release retinol. 3. ALLIES OF SKIN MOLECULAR SAVIOUR MIST (P3167) Beyond just balancing skin’s pH, this refreshing facial mist is packed with antioxidants, silk amino acids and, of course, probiotics. 4. TOO FACED HANGOVER PRIMER (P1888) This soothing primer has a probiotic-based ingredient that boosts the skin’s radiance and hydration.…

Fashion is supposed to tell a story; Narratives that reflect the times and thereby taking you to other worlds. From the historical Renaissance inspiration at Gucci to the future perfect world of Peter Dundas’ debut collection for his own brand, the cruise 2018 collections are all about the stories from the new, the old and the fantastic. For our anniversary issue, we live out a dream and fly to Germany with Maymay Entrata as she embodies the most beautiful women in fairy tales. From the strong-spirited Pocahontas to the enchanting Cinderella, Maymay transforms into her own woman as an artist and more importantly, as a dreamer. We take you to different worlds with our fashion editorials with Virus Detected, a technological ode to Comme des Garçons and Rei Kawakubo. Wild…

It was night of pure glamour as CH Carolina Herrera celebrated the grand opening of its flagship boutique in Manila at Greenbelt 5. The New York-based label, known for its elegant and classic pieces, carries a whole range of collection for men, women and children. In attendance were Manila’s who’s who and most stylish along with guests who witnessed the Greenbelt Garden transform into a runway as the brand presented its fall collection. The pieces, inspired by the power and spirit of the city that never sleeps, showcased the perfect balance between daring playfulness and timeless sophistication. Hosted by Tricia Centenera, guests enjoyed overflowing champagne and hors d’ouevres. Also introduced were CH Carolina Herrera’s local ambassadors Heart Ongpauco-Escudero, Georgina Wilson-Burnand, Martine Cajucom, and Mond Gutierrez. Located in one of the…

This is what I’ve been waiting for ever since. Anything in collaboration ngViceAnne. Finally. —@cathryn_arceo on MEGA January 2018 via Happy new year guys! You’re both my inspiration and happiness! —@silverjxsephine on MEGA January 2018 via Ang ganda naman ni Ate Vice at Ate Anne. Mag-sisterngatalaga sila.—@maricarlotino on MEGA January 2018 via Thank you @megaman_magazine @mega_magazine @jannpascua @angelodecartagena and the rest of the MEGA Man team —@marktamayoph on MEGA Man January 2018 via You’re really living up to your waveGOD status —@deborahfakile143 on MEGA Man January 2018 via…

STYLE TIP Let your accessories do the talking. Take this trend for a refreshing spin with pearl-encrusted shoes and bags…

Elephant mini leather crossbody bag by LOEWE Loewe exhibits a comical flair with an expertly crafted bag in calf leather featuring an adjustable strap, complete with a long trunk and dot-perforated eyes coming in 7 striking shades. Available at ADORA…

TIM YAP & JAVI MARTINEZ In the world of celebrities and entertainment, glamour will always be part of the equation. Yaparazzi, the events and PR firm of Tim Yap and his partner Javi Martinez, thrives in exactly that. From Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho’s spectacular Paris wedding and one-of-a-kind launches to massive music festivals, these two know how to turn what would be typical, run-of-the-mill events into a lifetime of memories. It was quite a surprise then that their wedding was a quiet civil ceremony in New York attended only by their closest loved ones and yes, even Lea Salonga. "Celebrating our special day in this very intimate way gave us the chance to enjoy every single detail,” they share. "Having this moment to just take care of each other…

Stories bring you faraway places, strange lands and sometimes to places that you’ve never been too, even if they’re right under your nose. This month, we’re going to those hidden worlds, such as the ones tucked away in Karrivin Plaza—Poison Doughnuts and Panaderya Toyo—in Food. Travel takes us to Hong Kong, where a familiar-sounding hotel shows us something new. In Relationship, we ask about the secrets that couple’s keep—from one another. We know communication and honesty is key to a successful relationship, but do they need to be privy to everything in your life? And lastly, in Forvm, one of our favorite writers weighs in on recent events and the internet’s habit of calling people out on social issues: is it flirting or sexual harassment? Is it a hairstyle or…

At the conception of Toyo Eatery, Chef Jordy Navarra, being the holistic and meticulous culinary man that he is, knew that he wanted to make the best bread that he could to offer his diners. He realized that he didn’t have the proper skillset to produce bread that can stand alone as a main, and one that could pair well with his uniquely charred dishes prepared in native and traditional techniques. This is where Chef Richie Manapat comes in. “I happened to drop by and then saw that they were trying, and it didn’t work out. I said, ‘Maybe I can help you guys.’ Since Jordy looks at every single part of the whole restaurant, that’s how we ended up working with sourdough for Toyo Eatery.” Their partnership of two…

Text TRINA EPILEPSIA BOUTAIN. IT TAKES TWO In every fantasy story, there’s always a duo involved: a princess and a prince, a heroine and a villain, a sojourner and his best mate. This month, we delve into the power of two, starting with Rulebook, where unexpected color pairings bring boldness to modern makeup. In Beauty Blog, MEGA has an exclusive on the much-anticipated collaboration between celebrated makeup vlogger Patrick Starrr and MAC Cosmetics—a collection that has us completely bewitched. In Artist Confidential, we ask JuRo, Jude Hipolito and Rose Velasco, why two heads are better than one when it comes to beautiful hair. In Health and Wellness and Anti-Aging, we revisit two beauty stalwarts—water and probiotics—and find out why they’re the talk of the town once again. Lastly, we have…

1 I AM WOMAN "Pink and red make for an ultra-feminine statement: strong yet delicate. While most people would use the lighter shade on their hands and the bolder one on their toes, I prefer using a vivid red such as CHANEL Le Vernis (P1550) in Arancio Vibrante on my nails, as they brighten up the skin and add more focus to a stack of arm candy, and a light shade like Nuvola Rosa (P1250) on the toes which puts the focus on stateme shoes.”—Peewee Reyes-Isidro Editor-In-Chief 2 PURPLE HAZE "I love putty-like shades and duo-chrome lacquer, so if I can put them together then all the better! The combination of DEBORAH LIPPMANN Gel Lab Pro (P795) in I Put A Spell On You, an iridescent purple with green shimmer,…

It’s one of the standard beauty secret answers: drink lots of water. Almost everyone with beautiful, glowing skin attests to the powers of downing the standard eight glasses; some go as far as drinking only certain brands of mineral water—some even bathe in it. Like many things, not all water are made equal. Designer water’s popularity is growing, and a resurgence in naturopathic remedies means more people are heading to exotic springs. Surely, there must be something in water, specifically those waters, that is so special that they’re called “healing.” FIX YOU Waters such as those found in Lourdes, France are said to combat and prevent many diseases and help keep skin healthy, supple and young looking. The secret? Good ol’ hydrogen gas. Studies have shown that these prized waters…

A fair warning: getting your tresses styled by Jude Hipolito and Rose Velasco will definitely cost you. But despite the fact that their services are on the pricier side, loyal clients claim of their wonders, with some of them even flying in from other parts of the world just for an appointment in JURO Salon Exclusif, tucked in Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City. One can easily sense how approachable they are regardless of their status. Both Hipolito and Velasco are incredibly easy to talk to, as they are patient, observant and brimming with insight—the qualities of an ideal conversationalist. These very strengths are what they use in their salon, resulting in happy clients who all feel deeply cared for as soon as they sink into their chairs. “Honestly caring about…

Accessory label Charming Charlie launched a special Kendall and Kylie limited collection at the Central Square in Bonifacio High Street Central. The line, which reflects the sisters’ distinct personal styles, focused on feminine details and avant-garde inspirations. The brand unveiled the limited offering by inviting celebrity sisters Maxene Magalona and Saab Maglona-Bacarro along with Megan and Lauren Young to the launch with the brand’s loyal customers. The sisters came in their usual stylish selves complete with their own limited edition Charming Charlie x Kendall + Kylie wristlets. Details such as a pink fur and neon lit wall with Kendall and Kylie’s signature was set up, encouraging shoppers and attendees to do Instagram worthy posts. SIBLING REVELRY Maxene Magalona and Saab Magalona-Bacarro with Megan and Lauren Young launched Charming Charlie’s limited…