Índex per January 2018 a MEGA

I always welcome the New Year with resolutions. Coming from a rather crazy year, changes are made a vow and a commitment to keeping them is enacted. Despite the onslaught of technological conveniences, I’m still admittedly notorious for making a list of things I want to accomplish, which I of course check more than twice. Visual mood boards of my goals and targets are also curated, which are specific and measurable so it makes it easier to actually achieve them. This is also the time to wipe the proverbial slate clean. I realized I have the opportunity to make things right and better, thus I’m gifted with another chance, and it is really up to me to make things happen. Appropriately, fashion, I’d like to believe, is a state of…

STYLE TIP Amp up a slouchy suit’s ante with scene-stealing prints…

20s GOOD SPORT Accompanied by the edge of athleisure influences, finespun knits run the playing field STYLE TIP Chunky outerwear adds a sporty edge to dressy separates 30s SHAPE SHIFT Modern and classic collide in sultry tailored pieces that sport a sparkly disposition STYLE TIP Take your ensemble from day to night with sensuous silhouettes 40s SHEER BRILLIANCE It’s a total love affair with sheer dresses that embody delicate romanticism STYLE TIP Travel back to the retro style with fluid 80s-inspired pieces…

Cher Lui Pio is difficult to pin down. A quick sift through her Instagram—a picturesque mishmash of images neither too polished nor candid—tells us that when she isn’t on another adventure out of town, chances are she’s dining, dancing or dressing her days away somewhere in Manila’s heart of hearts. At 26, she seems almost a master of playing things by ear, filling life’s equation with work she loves, vacations to remember and memories worth keeping. Cher’s approach to fashion mirrors her outlook on all things. While she, in a single word, describes her style as moody, we chalk it up to the willingness to have fun with looks, and ample edge to pull them off. “Basically, it’s all about wearing whatever makes you happy at a particular moment,” she…

There’s an electric current that runs through every ELTA piece. Experimental with texture and shape, the label carries with it designer Renzel Galleta’s desire to shatter norms and empower through fashion. A fresh graduate from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde, the young designer seems to have found the perfect midpoint between unapologetic style and wearability. “When I design clothes, I always make sure that I would personally like them and that they’re up to my standard,” shares Renzel. His capsule collection for ELTA features stiff, boxy coats juxtaposed over understated dresses. On the idea that spurred the collection, Renzel credits a video game he played in his younger years and coincidentally came across again on a search for inspiration for his work. “I opted for fabrics and colors…

Towards the end of last year, there seemed to be a considerable shift in gender dynamics, with more and more individuals (women in particular) being empowered to talk about their personal experiences with abuse. Aside from just talking about sexual abuse, however, there has also been a wave of brave young women who took to social media to talk about something that is more in the gray: emotional and verbal abuse. Not as easy to pinpoint as physical abuse, there is still that stigma regarding this particular topic. Unfortunately, the lines are still blurred simply because the effects of emotional or verbal abuse aren’t as obvious as a physical scar or a bruise. But just because you don’t see something right away, doesn’t mean that one is less than the…

The New Year comes as a multi-sensory flash for many of us—multi-colored lights, a barrage of sounds (we recommend spinning the records of our Main Beauty inspiration, the eternal Grace Jones), the cool tickle of champagne sliding down our throats and the feel of wet lips pressing on our already damp cheeks. It’s time for a new chapter and we’re raring to go. For this month, we focus on women who are celebrating change and brand new starts. Beauty Blog shines a light on actress Andi Eigenmann and her sunkissed, carefree beauty style. In Artist Confidential, the incomparable Xeng Zulueta continues to take our breath away with her passionate creations. For Health & Wellness, we turn to the stars and find out how the universe affects our health and well-being.…

There is no need to introduce Xeng Zulueta. For the few who still might not be familiar with her, she might actually prefer to keep it that way. Known to keep people guessing with her out-of-the-box beauty looks, the makeup artist is at it again—but in the most unexpected way: “The biggest misconception about me as a makeup artist is that I can only do high fashion, or that I can’t do clean beauty looks,” says Zulueta. “So for this shoot, I’m out to prove everybody wrong. The styling may be edgy, but it’s all skin.” In an industry that hinges a lot on perception, Zulueta dares to keep changing, stubbornly trying out new things, keeping herself, her peers and the public on their toes, wondering what she’ll do next.…

KIEHL’S Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate Successfully navigating through the murky waters of skin fiction as far back as our grooming shelves can remember, Kiehl’s once again ups the ante with the reformulation of its Dermatologist Solutions Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate. A serum that packs a punch with 12.5% vitamin C, the concentrate promises a visible reduction of wrinkles. With the introduction of hyaluronic acid, skin is left smooth, plump and refined. Add this to your diligent routine and watch as time goes by—at least on your face. NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Water Gel An award-winning and best-selling product in the Neutrogena portfolio, the Hydro Boost Water Gel absorbs quickly and instantly delivers intense hydration actively leaving the skin supple and hydrated. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, the icy cream features a pleasantly aquatic scent…

Dear MEGA, It’s been almost a year since Maja Salvador’s highest-rating drama series, Wildflower premiered. The theme of revenge aside, the show is very fitting for Maja where we see her portray two different personas, Lily Cruz and Ivy Aguas. This proves how she can be very versatile, not only in the show but also in her career. She can do almost anything—acting, dancing, singing and modeling. Maja emerging on the cover of MEGA magazine with a bold statement, “I Am Woman” proves that she has aimed high in her career. When I got my own copy, I immediately rummaged to her story and I was impressed how she depicted classic villains. She carries herself well with each look she dressed up as. I saw Maja on the pages of…

Just like Mondays have come to mark a symbolic beginning of diets and lifestyle changes, it seems that January has taken on a similar connotation. We’ve become conditioned, it seems, to liken the first month of the year to the pressing of a proverbial reset button, the turning over of a new leaf. By way of tradition, we’ve come to believe that the midnight strike that separates the previous year from the next carries with it infinite possibilities. It’s safe to assume that the same rings true for fashion, what with trends resurfacing and new names turning into household fixtures season in and season out. However, here at MEGA, we usher in 2018 a little differently. This month, we look for more than small shifts on the scene, instead pursuing…

/A/ STUDIO With barely a separation on her identity and brand, /A/ Studio is the personification of Andrea Suarez’s creativity. Starting as a mere college project, Suarez took something small and overhauled it into an artful adventure true to her crux as both an individual and designer. Staying honest to her character, she created a line of clothing that resonated with herself, using her identity when it comes to its design process. Just a few months back, Suarez joined the takeover of young designers at SINULID: Epilogue. Not only was she able to exhibit her genius but it paved the way for /A/ Studio to gain recognition. Her latest collection carries an influence that greatly illustrates her love for color. Entitled “Comic Grand Budapest Hotel”, the range is inspired by…

Keep tabs on Cher’s most recent adventures by tuning in to her Instagram updates STYLE TALKS WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO SPICE UP AN OUTFIT? Making the small details count! From all the accessories you use to the fold of your sleeves, even the socks you choose to wear make the biggest difference. ARE YOU A PLANNER OR A SPUR-OF-THE-MOMENT DRESSER? I am both but most of the time, a planner. Better to be prepared than no. I’ve had days where in my head, the outfit I planned looks good but once I wore it, it wasn’t as great. So, I prefer planning more. DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE ICONS WHOM YOU LOOK UP TO? For a classic icon, I genuinely love Cher (yes, Queen) and Jane Birkin. For…

I varluski Aseron designs for the woman we all aspire to be. Polished, sophisticated, and with the confidence to dress a little insouciantly, the designer’s style aesthetic could just as easily be used to describe his muses and growing number of fans. If you haven’t heard of Aseron yet, that’s because the designer has kept a pretty low profile, save for a number of major fashion shows and exhibits here and abroad, most recently showing at Paris Fashion Week. Through the efforts of the Fashion Design Trade and Exhibit, Inc. (FDTEI), Aseron was one of four local designers chosen to exhibit their collections and create an indelible mark in the global fashion market. “IVARLUSKI ASERON IS A NAME THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE ON THE LIPS OF WOMEN FOR YEARS…

Fashion is a fun and exciting world, but many people—women in particular—approach it with trepidation. What with the fashion police, obligatory social media presence and the pervasive notion that fashion is for a select group of people who are mainly thin, rich and classically beautiful; it can be downright dispiriting. The last concept is something Nika Diwa loves to knock—mainly because it is true—but it doesn’t have to be. The noted speaker and stylist narrates a story about how she once worked with a big time model (“The likes of Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner.”), and she was shocked to find out that the already-slender model was supposedly found making herself sick in the bathroom. On top of that, the team she was working with edited the model to look…

When you think of collagen, you think of the squishy part of the skin that keeps your body together. Hence, it’s easy to think that the more collagen you have, the squishier your body gets. After much research, it turns out that collagen is way more than just the squishy part. There are actually 20 different types of collagen, serving different purposes. All in all, it keeps our skin looking plump and young. When we age, our collagen levels decrease which then leads to visible aging and wrinkles. Dr. Yanee Vasquez of Aesthetic Science explains that collagen, together with elastin, gives our skin the strength and elasticity it needs. “Once these protein fibers are damaged due to skin aging or from excessive and cumulative exposure to the sun, the skin…

RED ALERT For Avesikyan, skin is just as important in this bold makeup look, so start off with MAKE UP FOR EVER Skin Booster (P2250) to help perfect it. For the eyes, use a warm red eye shadow and Starlit Powder in 1 (P1250), a shimmery translucent glitter. For the lips, use Artist Liquid Matte in 302 (P1250) to match the eyes. PINK QUARTZ Go monochromatic with a glossy, bright pink lip and eye. To achieve this look, use MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Face Color in B218 (P1200) on the eyes and Aqua XL Paint in M82 (P1450) on the lips. Finish off with Mist & Fix (P1600) to lock in the color. STARSTRUCK Most of the time, a mere glow is all you need. But there are times…

No other name has penetrated the wide world of beauty like Vice Cosmetics. The fun and bold makeup brand has gained enormous success over the past three months since its launch. From sold-out shelf stocks within two hours of its release to their own website’s multiple crashes due to the sheer volume of traffic, the clamor has been surreal and owes its fame to the hands-on persistence of one of the most polarizing figures in the entertainment industry. As the creative force behind the line, Vice Ganda has always been ambitious and was ready to create an exciting business he could focus his infectious energy on along with his dynamic career as an actor, singer, host, and comedian. With his truly unique style, confidence, and wit, another dream of his…

LOCAL FLAVOR Keds ups its game as it becomes all about modern and feminine allure this season. Their recent collaboration with three of the most creative designers in the industry creates a new wave of fashion game-changers. With young designer Rosenthal Tee, minimalist, elegant, and laidback aesthetics are queen. Paired with designs from her Paradise Slumber Collection is the Keds Triple Shimmer. While with editorial favorite Bea Samson, psychedelic visions mixed with imaginative prints reign supreme. Her Real/ Unreal Collection is perfectly styled with the Keds Monochromatic Triple. Lastly, innovative designer Happy Andrada shows off her unique detail work and specialized craftsmanship producing the perfect balance between vision and wearability. The exemplary pieces from her Transcendence Collection meets Keds Triple Night Showers for an ecletic match of patterns and prints.…

STYLE TIP When trying on a gray-on-gray-on-gray look, add neat little details that give it a sense of depth and intricacy…

I am Maja’s avid fan. She is a great artist and very fine woman. God bless you Maja. —@wengnutella_07 on MEGA December 2017 via Perfect choice@mega_magazine. She’s the epitome of a strong woman. Her image is both empowering and inspiring. Beautiful, unique, confident, humble and one of a kind.—@hamhamss on MEGA December 2017 via Ikaw na talaga@iammajasalvador. You started and will be ending your year with a bang! —@lovefreddielynnd on MEGA December 2017 via Yes. #cocojam rocks MEGA issue December! What a blast. —@joizadominguez on MEGA Man December 2017 via I heart you my best actor —@deborahfakile143 on MEGA Man December 2017…

DEMETRIA + IDÉE REPEAT THEIR EXCLUSIVE DESIGNER COLLABORATION April 2017 saw the debut of Demetria and Idée’s designer collection, which flew off the shelves almost immediately. Following the triumph of their first capsule, Mai Mai Cojuangco is back with a sequel to her exclusive line of elegant bags made in Italy. Handcrafted from Italian leather by Florentine artisans, the range is a fusion of Cojuangco’s revered design talent and the careful curation of Idée’s Rica Lorenzo. The Demetria pieces feature vibrant new hues and striking details that make each bag truly one of a kind. The launch unveiled limited editions of two styles. The Bucket, which sports a practical squared structure attached with a vintage foulard, features hand-sewn scarves selected by Mai Mai herself from vintage shops in Florence. Meanwhile…

MODERN GLASS SLIPPER IN BLACK BY JIMMY CHOO X OFF-WHITE The joint effort between Virgil Abloh and Jimmy Choo proves to be equal parts elegant and avant-garde featuring the classic Jimmy Choo silhouette and Off-White’s plastic twist in a luminous luster enrobed in clear PVC WHIMSICAL TALE The conceptual piece takes a page from royalty, picking up pointers from the late Princess Diana and the classic fairytale of Cinderella…

We’re so eager to chuck off 2017 and its most questionable fashion trends (derrière jeans anyone?) and kick-off 2018 with things worth our time: meaningful topics and riveting people. For starters, in People, we profile two bright sparks in the beauty and fashion industries: international stylist Nika Diwa and modern beauty Katarina Rodriguez. In Travel, we visit secret hideaway Thunderbird resort in Rizal for some local inspiration and respite. In Food, Stories by Lilypad is a foodie fantasy come true, while Heatlist rounds up all the hot shows that’ll light up our social media. Lastly, in Relationship, we take on a topic that is rarely talked about—verbal abuse. While it’s not making as much noise as other forms of mistreatments, it scars and devastates as badly as the worst of…

The name Katarina Rodriguez has been around, sitting pleasantly at the corners of our mouth, likely to escape when we’re thinking about women of holistic beauty, even before she was crowned Miss Intercontinental Philippines. The 25-year old former competitive athlete, she understands the importance of staying healthy and disciplined. This is how you become proactive, after all. A successful model and television personality thanks to a successful run in Asia’s Next Top Model, and now a beauty queen, she is action- and others-oriented, recognizing the importance of having a platform and the influence to push for what she believes in. “What you do is what will produce effects, development and progress,” she says emphatically. “IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH AND YOU HAVE MORE, THAT’S WHEN YOU GIVE” She has come a…

For a most of us, our house is made up of brick and mortar, concrete and steel, built up from the ground and lavished with open and calming spaces both personal and for the whole family to use. And for most of us, our house becomes a home as we collect memories enriched with filial connections. This is exactly why Angel Tongco, owner of Stories by Lilypad, has opened her own ancestral home to other people. She wanted a place where everyone can find a familiar sanctuary. Built in the early 70s by her grandparents, her father and uncle, their home was a place of gathering, where family values were instilled. They used their own hands to build the house, often making wooden furniture and finishes themselves. And it was…

“Nowadays, my life’s been all about mastering the art of multi-tasking,” says Andi Eigenmann, a lady the public first met through show business. “From being a hands-on mom to Ellie, which means waking up at 7 AM to get her ready for school, taking her to and fetching her from school, to fulfilling all my goals for myself and repositioning myself as a career woman.” A brief visit to her Instagram account (@andieigengirl) and personal site <andieigengirl.wordpress.com> shows that there seems to be less and less of the celebrity-actress side of Andi that the public is primarily familiar with. Instead there’s much more of her wanderlust, motherhood and all the other aspects of her personality—“the [aspiring] filmmaker, world traveler, passionate food eater, naturalist and mermaid mom to fairy child Ellie,”…

It is no surprise that we welcome 2018 with a renewed vigor. After all, it is a time of change. We bid adieu to the super trends of 2017—logo mania, off-shoulders and ruffles and welcome fresh femininity with ladylike sorbet shades, tailored trench dressing and the sensuality of sheer. For the start of the year, we at MEGA give you a refresher course on what is chic, what is new and what is now. Our January cover girls combine high energy and sleek femininity as Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda headline the issue. Tailored neutrals paired up with iconic white shirts make their combo a clean and easy take on resort wear. We take on the canvass and put forward amazing art with the equally exquisite Tory Burch Resort 2018…

FASHION AC+632 , Greenbelt 5; ALEXANDER MCQUEEN , Shangri-La Plaza Mall; /A/ STUDIO , Instagram (@a_s.t.u.d.i.o); BERSHKA , SM Aura, SM Megamall, Glorietta 2; BURBERRY , Greenbelt 4, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Makati; CAROLINA HERRERA , Greenbelt 5; CHARLES & KEITH , SM Megamall, Power Plant Mall; CINTA , web <cintathebrand.com>; COMMONWEALTH , SM Aura; DISTINQT , PCCI Corporate Centre Makati; ELTA , Instagram (@el.ta_); EMILIO PUCCI , Rustan’s Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Rustan’s Makati; FENDI , Shangri-la Plaza Mall; FOREVER 21 , SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, SM Makati, SM Megamall; GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI , Greenbelt 5; GIVENCHY , Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Greenbelt 4; GUCCI , Greenbelt 4, Shangri-la Plaza Mall; HA.MU , Instagram (@_ha.mu_); H&M , SM Southmall, SM Makati, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Uptown Mall; JOHN…

HI, SHINE Temper the flashy spirit of sequins by pairing it with chunky knitwear…

SPERRY No, this isn’t quite your father’s favorite pair of boat shoes. Never settling for just another old port vibe, Sperry updates its unique and enduring nautical history with an iteration that is nostalgic and cutting edge at the same time. Making waves among adventure seekers and street-style mainstays, the 7 Seas collection takes what we love about the brand and raises its performance standards and style versatility. Far from the typical, the latest collection features a line of technology-driven kicks in fascinating neutrals, which you can easily integrate with whatever fashion persona you subscribe to. CONVERSE Listen, there’s nothing wrong with glitter—even just a bit of it. Generously smattering it on the classic Converse Chuck ’70, Thunderbolt and Ballet models, JW Anderson successfully disrupts yet another fashion (and pop…

STYLE TIP Keep everything focused on the words sprawled on your usual stylish duds by wearing them with tempered neutrals…