Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2019 i MEGA

That glass skin. You’re a goddess, Erich!— @vanedicated via Bought a signed copy! Great issue and you look fabulous with that glowy skin!— @siren0306 via Best glowing goddess ever, Erich!—@march2ne6 via Such a beautiful lady. Stay sweet and humble!— @luzminiaaquino via Congratulations! Ang ganda!— @jentelcastillo via Super love this! Yes, he is not the same person now. He is more focused and humble!— @2019queenelizabeth via Love this collection.— @marcsburg via I love your new look. It really suits you.— @m._maryann via Please be assured that we will support you all the way, Alden, Continue reaching for your dreams!— @judithbauer via…

If we weren’t careful enough, Loisa Andalio would just have eased in through the studio without being noticed. This isn’t to say there is no panache to her presence, because there is a lot of that as she tipped her glinted sunglasses to exchange pleasantries with everyone on set. But unlike the larger-than-life persona of high-caliber personalities, she is definitely low-key and fuss-free. So, there she was, standing amidst us and it became clear, even in her pre-cover shoot glam that she is one to watch out for. She is most certainly a radiant and incredibly real star. There is no pretense to her, as she admits to subscribing to a what-you-see-is-what-you-get-mantra. While this phrase may be perceived negatively, it only means that she is confident in the skin that…

STYLE TIP Make plaid cool again by opting for chic headgears such as baseball caps or visors…

RICARDO TISCI FOR BURBERRY Ricardo Tisci is an influencer on his own. Known for exceeding expectations with both vision and sales for every fashion house he leads, Tisci isn’t just popular because of his relations to A-list superstars, but is put on a fashion pedestal mainly because he is a creative genius that can transform his vision into sales. Etched in fashion memory, his Spring ‘11 couture collection for Givenchy, where he chose an all asian cast where he reinterpreted Asian details (such as graceful swans and kimonos) and created gowns that reflected the heights of couture, but he opted to pair it up with Gundam-like heads. Essentially, he made couture cool. When he left Givenchy, everyone was speechless, immediately speculating as to which house he was going to transform…

“Her voice came through the night, from the light, from the stars,” writes Jerry Spinelli in his infamous novel Stargirl, a coming-of-age story about a girl who was deemed strange for her crazy antics, elusiveness, and quirks that made people love and hate her all at the same time. Clutching herself, gesticulating in the air, Frankie’s words tumble out like incantations with her sultry voice as she begins to explain the things she’s passionate about. “More than making music, I’m able to express myself through poetry and writing short stories,” she reveals. “Putting your work out there can seem scary at times, but you just have to be brave about it without the fear of being judged.” This is a mantra she strongly lives by, and her work is well-documented…

Being ‘in fashion’ requires a certain ‘nowness.’ A fashion trend, let’s say period dressing, with square necklines from the 16th century, can only appeal to fashionphiles of today when the likes of Vaquera and Y/ Project recreate this look into the 21st century as a cropped top or a chic white dress. The designer, in that same context, is then given a big responsibility to represent an idea, but also making it uniquely their own. That is the best description of Sassa Jimenez and her decade-long tenure in the business. However, fashion was never a first love for Sassa Jimenez. Growing up, she remembers delving into different activities from cooking to dancing, and even painting. It only became clear to her when she entered college at the Fashion Institute of…

Do you remember the time when the internet was simple, innocent or dare we even so much as insinuate, peaceful? I’m pretty sure it is taking you to the snail pace of a dial-up connection to think far back to its infancy, where despite its almost Jurassic framework and flow of information, it was actually a seedbed for information where opinions mattered, thoughts were replete of pretense, and, for all its seedy reputation, connections were genuine. With access to the internet and its interface being a veritable luxury, it was held to a high regard—proving to be a world of wonder for all things imaginable. But that seems to be a lifetime ago, because today the digital landscape is far from diplomatic. In fact, it seems that every single day…

The makeover is legendary in the beauty world. How many times have we seen it in talk shows, in movies, splayed out on gossip sites and reality TV shows? We love the slow-mo montage of blossoming cinematic ingenues just as much as we adore the instant pleasure of the quick change. Transformation, if done right, is supposed to reveal a side of the person—one’s true beauty. In Artist Confidential, the legendary celebrity hairstylist and purveyor of many makeovers, Ken Pavés, talks about how giving back has impacted his life and made his life richer far beyond his Hollywood dreams. Liz Lanuzo, one of the original beauty bloggers in the Philippines, talks about the transformative power of makeup and how to wield influence responsibly in Beauty Blog. Lastly, let MAC Regional…

SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS In a sea of gloss, MAC Shot of Colour Lip Oil (P1250) stands out. Not just for the vibrant color (there are 14 crazy bright shades), but for the texture and wear. MAC describes it as a tint-in-oil formula, which explains the rich texture and the intense pigmentation. It may feel thicker than most, but it also settles smoothly on the lips with a balm-like feel. Its goopy texture also makes it easy to manipulate, whether it’s to diffuse lines or get that ombre effect. HAPPY HAPPY JOY JOY The latest baby from the immensely popular Hello Happy range is here. BENEFIT Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation (P1990) is described as a medium coverage foundation with SPF 15 PA++ with a "natural satin” finish (meaning it’s matte,…

Just like that, nearly six inches from my waist are gone and I am back to my 24-inch model size. This isn’t in anyway a flex, just an expression of gratitude to getting my life in order, especially seeing how unbelievably easy it was to snap back into this model frame through the latest liposuction advancements done exclusively at the Belo Medical Clinic. However, how I found myself here in the first place was anything but simple. Last January 2017, my only brother, Miko, died suddenly from a stroke. No closure, no goodbye—nothing but regrets and what-ifs filled my broken heart. I’ve always considered myself to be a very mentally strong and emotionally-attuned person. As a personality development speaker and NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) life coach, one would assume that I…

It might seem like an unlikely pairing, but once you get past the difference in height and physicality, as well as of points of origin, the coming together of the man they call the “Greek Freak,” Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the “Cheerful Charmer of Germany,” Edward Barber, is one that ultimately makes sense. Aside from being superstars in their own right, they both have a strong sense of family, which strengthens their interface from arguable strangers to, as male friendships are bound to be, brothers. Takingplace9751km.awayfromPhilippine shores, Giannis and Edward meet at the area of Kifissia in Athens, Greece as orchestrated by the top-selling and uncompromising fragrance brand, Str8. Despite easily towering over Edward, the basketball superstar and the young actor clicked instantly, where the latter even interviewed the former for…

STYLE TIP For maximum impact, wear the trench coat with another lingering micro-trend—the tonal code of dressing…

There are greats, and then there are legends. Sometimes we see the terms as interchangeable. But Greats are those who are exceptional in their fields. Legends are those whose stories continue to resonate and live on. Most of us remember the birth of Ginebra’s “Never Say Die” when Jawo returned to the game from the hospital after getting his busted lip stitched up. That’s why he’s the Living Legend. But there are others. In this issue, we feature the stories behind some of the legends behind the Philippine Baskteball Association and dive into what made them legendary. ALLAN CAIDIC The Legend of The Triggerman 21 November 1991 | Most Points scored by a PBA Player: 79 Highly touted coming out of college and taken first overall in the 1987 PBA…

STYLE TIP Counter the hyper-practical staple with multiple pockets by wearing it with sartorial classics…

Hello MEGA, Being so exposed to social media, especially on Instagram and YouTube, I’ve always wondered how flawless my favorite celebrities and personalities are in real life. More than just the physical and surface level, there has been this curiosity in me to find out if they are what they seem to be. Take Erich Gonzales for example. Standing to be one of the more riveting and radiant actresses of her time, with her talent and beauty that is not even so much as questionable, the personality we see onscreen or online is equally charming, which makes me daydream of being like her one day. But thanks to your cover story and shoot on her for July (the fashion was just so dreamy), I learned that while she is on…

The old has gone and the new has come, and so goes the timeless proverb. Evolution involves eliminating all other forms of hindrances from reaching one’s final form so to speak, and the idea of transformation itself has always cracked open endless discourses into the cookie-cutter stereotype of how one should be. Transformation comes full circle as no other individual was a better canvas to tell this story than Loisa Andalio, who looked ethereal in fresh-off-the-runway pieces from homecoming designer Cherry Veric’s collection. In our style pages, we dive into pre-fall with the standout trends as seen on Best Buys and Get-Ready-To-Wear. Then, we dissect the very art of how to wear clothing in Retail Trend Report with Proud Race’s signature deconstructive aesthetic, and explore duality in New Kids on…

In an interview with infamous filmmaker Stanley Kubrick in the early 70s for his film, A Clockwork Orange, he revealed that its baffling title came from an off-hand Cockney expression that he overheard in a pub. The orange symbolizes life and tranquility as opposed to its more mechanical and calculating counterpart—a clock ticking like a machine. It’s these bitter-sweet contradictories that make life more fascinating. Blown-up proportions, unorthodox dressing, and all the while appearing well-put together—these are just a few words that could possibly describe what or who Proudrace is. It was a union of two creators—Pat Bondoc and Rik Rasos, an industrial designer and a t-shirt artificer that started out only making clothes for themselves until the general public took notice including Singapore, Tokyo, and America. They’ve come a…

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE PHILOSOPHY? Right now, I’m trying to be bolder. I love the 70s to 90s, and I definitely think that influences my taste significantly. I’m trying to branch out into more color and patterns, but my love for classics still remain very much intact—a little black dress, stilettos, a good faded mom jeans and sneakers; these are things that can’t do you wrong, no matter the time or place. ARE YOU A PLANNER OR A SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT DRESSER? Depends on the occasion. But definitely, more often than not, I find myself just opening up my closet and grabbing what catches my eye. Your gut can’t go wrong when it comes to style, and I think that what I wear is often instinctive for that precise reason. DO YOU…

Transformation is typically a long and arduous process. Coastlines, cityscapes, and careers—they all happen slowly and with much effort. But to an audience, it seems much faster; Overnight the mist dissipates and a new world emerges, bright and inevitable. The same can be said of the wonderful women who populate our People feature, singers of various genres and stages in their careers. Their beautiful faces and heartfelt lyrics may seem so definite already, but read the fine print and you’ll get a better understanding of their journey in song. In Forvm, we talk again about cancel culture and why its insistence on the instant just doesn’t always jive with the rhythm of life.…

BRIGHT SPOTS Mix Pre-Raphaelite palettes with Impressionist application. Makeup artist Gery Penaso paired ochre eye shadow with brilliant teal liner, a wash of fuchsia blush and a smudge of brick lipstick. Skip the brushes and use the warmth of the pads of your fingers to apply. MAC Art Library: It’s Designer CANDIED APPLES Freshen up a bright pout by buffing out the lip line. Add gloss and a lick of highlighter on the bow, et voila! It’s a lip that’s made for kissing—and perhaps a bit more. SUNNIES FACE Fluffmatte in Hot Sauce BE A DRAG Smudge dark, sooty liner (kohl and other soft-textured products will do) along the rims of your eyes and rub it out. The effect is liner done on the fly, at the back of the…

Motherhood nowadays feels pretty damn intimidating. You have all these #instamoms who seem to miraculously sprout abs just a few weeks after they’ve delivered their little miracles into the world. Not to forget the mom of multiples who looks like she’s barely out of her teens—not someone who’s had three of them. Undoubtedly, there’s pressure for us moms to literally suck it up so that we too can look picture perfect while pushing our Bugaboos. In all honesty, the need to look like I’ve bounced back to my pre-baby body is something that I constantly think about. While working on fixing my diastasis recti, a very real medical condition that happens to women when the rectus abdominis muscles in the abdomen separate during pregnancy, my gym trainer points out that…

A lot has been said about the annual Pinoy Pride Ball at this point. You’ve seen the photographs, browsed through many IG Stories, and yes, felt some whiplash effect by the accounts that transpired. On the surface, it was a celebration—a glitzy, gleaming, and grand showing of fashion, society, and celebrity. But at its heart, it still was and is a coming together of pride in every personal sense and definition possible. This year’s fete, called the MEGA Equality Ball, saw many things: high-profile personalities, an endless clicking of cameras, deafening chatter and conversations, and an impressive set-up befitting the night of pride. More than the frivolities and fanfare, what made the extra special were the awardees honored for their laudable efforts to make a better world, whether it is…

When do you say enough is enough? When do you throw in the towel, turn your back on a friendship, or break that habit that is comfortable and satisfying for you? Do you wait until your body starts to hurt after all those nights you spent partying? Do you stop eating unhealthy when you can no longer pick up something on the floor with ease? Or do you wait until you lose a loved one before you starting thinking of self care? When do you make a move? I’m just like you. I was not immaculate in college; I ate too much fast food and consumed copious amounts of alcohol after a long day at work. I abused my body through food, alcohol, nicotine, and long sleepless nights. Eight months…

While many of us know the story of the caterpillar’s transition into becoming a beautiful butterfly, the journey to get there is one that entails a lot of challenges, sacrifices, and change. Science teaches us that it stops eating, hangs itself upside down from a twig, and spins itself into a cocoon. In this state of hibernation, it literally digests itself, radically changing its body to become a beautiful butterfly. Imagine the lengths and means it undergoes in order to transform. As severe as this process may seem, it is essential to the caterpillar’s circle of life. There are no skips or short cuts—it has no choice but to undergo this stage. Fortunately for us, we hold the power to pace our own physical transformations. Whether it be deciding to…

STYLE TIP Add personality to a rather austere piece with bright orange shades…

20s BLUE JEAN BABY Does deconstructed yet tailored denim have a place in this volatile world? Absolutely STYLE TIP Revamp an old denim jacket by adding cutouts and a bit of raw edges 30s BORN WITH GOOD JEANS Stow away the light-washed jeans for dark ones, giving it a sleeker feel STYLE TIP Dark denim exudes understated elegance 40s OUT OF THE BLUE Rigid denim gets the high fashion stamp of approval for pre-fall STYLE TIP Add a statement belt to an otherwise unornamented outfit…

GIRL IN THE CITY The Hermès woman gets wild in the urban jungle with its latest collection of scarves THAT’S A WRAP Whether you wear it as a head or neck scarf, as a twilly or even as a top, Hermès silk scarves aren’t just an accessory—they are your look’s pièce-de-résistance…

Immaculate and pure is the white swan, while her twin, the black swan finds pleasure in danger. One can easily feel the ambivalence and uncertainty in these types of situations, but can be revoked with self-assurance and adaptability. With these strongholds in mind, young designer Chynna Mamawal fashioned herself into a vision turned reality. Coming from an entrepreneurial background, she’s always had a sense of direction and a keen sense of the future, hence she persevered until she struck a chord of purpose. Working for one of the biggest retail companies in the country for two years gave her an avenue to explore how to maneuver the fickle-minded market. “I wanted to know fashion on a deeper level business-wise first,” she says. With a strong training ground and concise knowledge…

YENG CONSTANTINO KEEPING IT REAL Yeng Constantino is going back to the basics when it comes to her music. The multi-awarded hit maker has gone a long way from her days as a contestant in Pinoy Dream Academy to being a judge herself in numerous reality talent shows. Even now as a member of DIVAS, together with KZ Tandingan, Kyla, and Angeline Quinto, she still prioritizes writing music for herself. And she’s currently making a follow-up to her iconoclastic Synthesia. She describes how the process for the album in the making is markedly different compared to her signature pop rock sound and even moreso the album it succeeds. “Parang hindi ko ini-intend to be different this time. Gusto ko lang na gawin siya kung paano dumarating sa akin. Walang formula.…

There isn’t anything more intrinsic to the festive Filipino culture than a celebratory gathering. Whether it be a union of souls for a wedding, a young woman’s coming-of-age, or perhaps a yearly gathering of families across generations old and new, count on it to be made into a big deal where every little detail isn’t left unturned. This cultural scrutiny has become a rigor for revelry, ensuring that everyone has nothing but a good time with a trove of memories to last them well into a lifetime. Needless to say, spaces where every form of kinship can converge and celebrate are of the essence. More than just real estate, areas of this sort have to offer something more, which will not only prove lucrative but memorable for the guests. Honoring…

CLASS ACT She’s the woman at the back of the room, elegant, discreet, and refined, dressed in a chic little outfit that incites long looks from all sides. This is the woman JIMMY CHOO Floral (P6148/100 ml) calls to mind. The perfume is a "fine floral bouquet” as per perfumer Louise Turner, who masterfully blended together soft citruses such as bergamot and nectarine with sweet pea and magnolia, and added a dash of musk and ambroxan to create this quietly lovely scent. Translucent and soft, delicate yet with a backbone, Jimmy Choo’s latest fragrance speaks to the woman of the moment. PRISMATIC Exuberant, sparkling, like a fragrant glass of champagne, FERRAGAMO Amo Ferragamo Flowerful (P5650/100 ml) embodies the modern young woman full of joy, unbridled optimism and confidence. Its top…

What can be said of Ken Pavés that hasn’t been said already? The superstar hairstylist, the mane man of the likes of Victoria and David Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, and noughties icon Jessica Simpson, isn’t your typical glam squad member. He’s often front and center along with this celeb clientele, collaborating on shows, products, and other passion projects. Right in the thick of things is where Pavés appears to thrive, whether it’s in an Oscar party with his A-List friends, a congressional hearing with the movers and shakers of United States politics, or in Cabanatuan City, with the poverty-stricken. It would be easy to dismiss the guy, with his Hollywood connections and jet-set lifestyle, but Ken Pavés isn’t the type to just attend charitable galas and perhaps write a hefty check…

Most of us fear change even though it is intrinsically inevitable. Our comfort zones become our place of stagnancy, an unmoving line that fully personifies flat-lining, a spiritual death that leaves us all impassioned, dull, and unfeeling. In this issue, we encourage you to edge out of your comfort zones, and embrace the beauty of transformation, along with the colorful living that comes from it. Loisa Andalio headlines this issue as she transforms from a teen star into a woman of her own. Channeling a Renaissance painting, we take inspiration from her classic kind of beauty and swathe her in a mix of feminine and masculine pieces fully reflecting a new woman that we are all excited to see. In Black Girl Magic we take our precise cues from the…

STYLE TIP Give in to the nonchalant ease of the trend and wear everything loose and relaxed…

1 AVEDA A concern that is no stranger to male species, hair thinning and hair fall has since seen a steady decline mostly due to many technological advancements in treatment. While this is usually administered for alarming case scenarios, men can jumpstart the hounding anxiety and nip it in the bud with preventive measures, such as the use of Aveda’s Invati Men Scalp Revitaliser. A leave-on treatment, the blend is 98% naturally derived, with the vitamin C-rich amla, or Indian gooseberry, which once invigorated into the scalp instantly thickens hair at the root. Also known to have anti-oxidant capacities, the revitaliser reduces the chances of hair loss by not allowing free radicals to damage your hair. 2 KIEHL’S While it sounds ironic, the innovative multi-miracle water cream crafted by skincare…

There isn’t a more distinct display of the man’s dichotomy than perhaps in sports, where despite the pervading aggression, violence, and physicality, as well as a pervading perpetuation of toxic masculinity, there lies a curious case of emotion when meeting certain inevitable extremes such as either loss or victory. In fact, it is in the quiet few minutes before an athlete enters an arena that he finds himself stripped of that toughened exterior, rendered still and silent, filtering everything from the noise and the nerves that he has to be at his very best. Despite what the archaic athletic archetype may be, this is when he becomes most the man—accepting the emotional highs, as well as the lows that essentially make him. “’There is no way I’m getting emotional,’” Giannis…