Over-the-top, larger-than-life, above-and-beyond. These are just a few things that come to mind when you think of the famed Italian fashion designer and inventor, Roberto Cavalli. Exotic prints, animated colors, and stretch jeans. Then, these are just a few things that encapsulate his brand. Known for his exuberant aesthetics, Cavalli passed away at the age of 83 in Florence, Italy, marking another significant change in the fashion industry—a world he had a strong hand in shaping.

RELATED: MEGA Forecast: Unexpected Color Trends For Summer 2024

Renowned for pioneering and patenting his groundbreaking printing technique, Cavalli’s fashion lines bore the stamp of artistry and untamed prints, a legacy imprinted upon his eponymous Maison for generations, persisting even in the face of changing trends. Addressing an audience at Oxford University in 2013, he proclaimed, “Minimalism is boring. I am a mountain in the minimalism. Fashion that is not crazy is not fashion.” 

Since the 1970s, the designer pursued the heedless nature of Italian style, diving into experiments with fabrics and printing techniques, from luxurious leather to patchwork denim. These endeavors not only attracted the attention of Hermès and Pierre Cardin, but also set the scene for him to pursue a dynamic path to build his Maison, characterized by an energetic lifestyle and inventive collaborations, including being one of the first designer-led collaborations for H&M in 2007 and custom couture outfits for Beyoncé for her Renaissance World Tour in 2023.

He wasn’t a global household name until 1993 when, through a stroke of sartorial innovation, Cavalli unveiled a sandblasting technique for denim. Introducing Lycra to jeans, the designer revolutionized comfort in trousers and ignited a media frenzy when he chose Naomi Campbell to debut them in a runway show. Thus, the trend in stretch jeans was born.

In the fertile garden of fashion, Cavalli’s collections blossomed with the vivacious hues of flora and the spirit of fauna. Embracing the primal energy of the wilderness, the designer’s legendary animal prints prowled alongside his other trademark creations: weathered denim, cascading silken ensembles, and jeweled garments that hugged the body seductively.  

In the late ’90s, the designer released Just Cavalli, a spirited diffusion line aimed at a younger audience. This venture paved the way for subsequent endeavors, including a children’s line, a home collection, and a foray into hospitality like cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Beyond his professional ventures, Cavalli’s lifestyle is footed with extravagance. His primary abode sprawled across a majestic 13-hectare Tuscan estate, a sanctuary of luxury featuring a flourishing vineyard, sleek racehorses, and a fleet of Ferraris. The estate echoed with the presence of an eclectic array of exotic companions, from parrots to a tiger. Personal indulgences included a helicopter and a superyacht christened Freedom, with its design inspired by the bold and brave spirit of Batman—just like himself.

Cavalli famously said, “Excess is success.” Reflecting on his legacy, it becomes evident that his life and work wholly embodied this ethos. From his pioneering printing techniques to his fearless embrace of bold aesthetics, always staying true to his own identity, Cavalli revolutionized the fashion industry. His passing celebrates a legacy defined by unapologetic extravagance, boundless creativity, and a relentless pursuit of success, further entrenched in the celebration of that very essence.

Photos: ROBERTO CAVALLI (via website, Facebook, and Instagram)
Featured Image: ROBERTO CAVALLI (via Instagram)

The post Excess as Success: The Legacy of Roberto Cavalli appeared first on MEGA.

Ivana Alawi’s path into content creation has always been about entertainment, creativity, and kindness—all in the best quality possible. The YouTuber turned actress knows her way in front of and around the camera—but on the big screen, it’s fictional—a character she’s playing. On YouTube, Ivana is as true as she can be. In embracing authenticity as a public figure, Ivana shares the technical aspect of her content creation that’s boosted her process.

RELATED: Spotted: Ivana Alawi’s Outfits in Paris

In the moment…in the camera

“I get to reach different audiences. I love doing this [content creation] because it’s hands-on and it shows who I am,” Ivana tells MEGA. She also reveals that most of her content is natural: “Whatever happens, happens. Wala akong script. I think that’s why natutuwa ‘yong mga viewers—because it’s natural.” This means that the viral ‘Pinaiyak ako ni Marian Rivera’, the ‘My Followers Control My Day’, and all the other vlogs—everything comes authentically. Ivana’s entertainment value is high, but her audience is also really charmed by quick-wittedness and sense of humor.

Coming from the good place

But really sustaining her channel, which contains an amassed number of 17.5 million, is certainly no small feat. With that, Ivana just gives it straight to MEGA: “I love helping out, I love inspiring people with my own content, and I get to be creative, to think of what I want to do. That’s touching people’s hearts and showing kindness.”

In one of her many vlogs, Ivana surprised delivery riders with free helmets and cash prizes, and they couldn’t help tearing up. It’s safe to say Ivana has a heart of gold for sharing her blessings and for using her platform to do so.

Going into the technical side

While it comes with its rewards, the biggest challenge for Ivana is thinking of ideas. “I’m a one-woman team, it’s really just me,” she shares. “And sometimes, mauubusan ka talaga ng ideas. But at the end of the day, what keeps me going is the audience who want to see more.”

And to achieve this, Ivana is always on her phone—filming, monitoring, taking down notes and ideas. She shares with MEGA, “With work, it’s really important to me to have a fast-charging phone. I’m always on it—I create content, I monitor and watch my content, I think of content, I talk to a lot of people…and what helps me do this without worrying about my battery life is Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G.”

Alongside this, our phones are a central hub for all things content, and it’s crucial for content creators to keep up and ensure their content increases engagement and is easily accessible on mobile devices. “Lagi akong low-bat, so it really changed my life,” Ivana says, emphasizing that the battery life of Infinix NOTE 40 Pro+ 5G is an important technical aspect of her process. Consequently, pieces of Ivana’s life are recorded and documented for everyone to see; it’s vital for her to capture these moments with a fast-moving device with high quality. 

The creator’s new partnership with mobile brand Infinix is rooted from a shared vision and message—to reach everyone. “We both have the same goal of reaching people, and Infinix offers affordable phones for those with tight budgets,” Ivana states. “I want the viewers to experience what I experience when I film or edit or do anything with this phone, too.”

That said, for aspiring YouTubers or content creators, Ivana’s piece of advice is always this: while the equipment may be the same for optimal quality, it’s who you show in front of the camera that needs to be uniquely your own: “You need to be yourself.”

Photos and Featured Image: INFINIX

The post How Ivana Alawi Succeeds in Being a One-Woman Team appeared first on MEGA.

Never underestimate the power of flowers in an occasion, a home, and most especially, in a person. From receiving blooms to actually assembling them, the joy of having roses or daisies in your hand is more than just for the senses. Flowers become vessels of emotions and ideas that carry our passions, dreams, and feelings. This meaningful relationship with nature is something that Guenevierre Panopio, or “Fluff” of Fluff’s Flowers understands, and you will, too. 

RELATED: These Filipino Flowers are Muses For Fragrance and Fashion

Rooted from Passion at Home

Today, several businesses can attest to how the cabin fever from the pandemic birthed ideas of businesses. But for Fluff, flower arrangement began as a stress reliever. “My stress levels were through the roof, as we do real estate and service contracting, two highly impacted industries then. I had always been fond of flowers, so I started buying from the usual retailers and markets,” she shares.

After seeking some knowledge on Instagram and YouTube during the lockdown days, the floral designer became more committed to sourcing blooms and getting the varieties that she wanted. Her brother, who saw her devotion to the craft, then pushed her to turn it into a business. Even with the fear of joy dissipating once passion mixes with profit, Fluff took the risk and from there, bloomed her business. 

The Blossoming Business

Fluff’s Flowers, in essence, is a floral design studio with just a side of selling loose blooms. In other words, they turn flowers into assembled art. Distinguishing their design studio from flower suppliers, Fluff says, “A shop will focus on retail, so they have to stock harder blooms that can last with or without a chiller. A design studio will focus on design—bespoke orders and events.”

Fluff further explains the difference in the form of one flower—the chrysanthemum. Ever present in places like Dangwa, its staple presence is due to its functionality in a number of events such as wakes. But with the eyes of someone like Fluff, the chrysanthemums form the wedding arch of a client. “With good taste, a good eye, skill, patience, and a healthy dose of obsession, the humble chrysanthemum is made into something special—a part of someone’s dream wedding,” she explains. 

From Nature and Back

Apart from their elegant styling, Fluff’s Flowers prides itself on their conscious decisions for nature—their ultimate source of blooms. Simply put, they strip the flowers off unnecessary plastic wrapping. But their biggest environmental move? No flower foams. 

“I thought it was reusable and biodegradable because it’s green. Apparently not! I didn’t know that every time you poke a stem into the foam, that powder that comes off is basically a microplastic,” Fluff elaborates, crediting Sustainable Floristry. 

For One’s Own Bloom

Floral design, whether as a hobby or a business, grounds you to be present in your own company or even with others. One must exercise creativity and discernment on how to create the arrangement that conveys your desired theme or mood. “Floral arrangement is a perfect way to be both focused and relaxed. Zen. It is not tusok-tusok lang. This is why ikebana is traditionally paired with calligraphy and chanoyu—they just place you in that serene zone,” she shares.

“In a casual group setting, friends can bond over the natural beauty of blooms while working on their individual designs. Or they can work together to produce a full table design that would require understanding each other’s styles and tastes to produce a harmonious look,” she adds. 

So, if you find yourself in need of nature’s touch in your own hands, Fluff’s Flowers is offering a workshop just in time for Mother’s Day on May 11, 2024, at the Corinthian Clubhouse. The peonies will be waiting for your own touch of creativity, representing your blooming side in floral design.

Photos: FLUFF’S FLOWERS

The post Here’s How Floral Design Can Bloom From Passion to Business appeared first on MEGA.

In a glorious and celebratory moment back in 2018, Catriona Gray stepped out into the world in the red dress inspired by the Mayon Volcano and her much lauded lava walk, and moments later, was granted a title that holds the weight of a whole country. In an industry that projects physical and intellectual beauty, cultural awareness, and national pride, it is essentially her heart that took home the crown—Catriona is a woman of purpose and objective who takes something with her bare hands and molds it. Taking a seat with MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro for the latest episode of MEGA: The Next Move, the Miss Universe 2018 engages in a candid conversation to lay out five revelations about her journey—around and beyond pageantry.

RELATED: 5 Unknown Facts About Michelle Dee’s Miss Universe Journey Revealed in MEGA: The Next Move

1. Pageantry was never in the cards for the international titleholder

For some, it’s a dream. For Catriona, it was a happenstance: “This was a journey I did not foresee.” She admits to MEGA that joining the industry was actually a means to acquire a platform that would bolster and support her heart for community work, an advocacy that truly shapes her DNA.

Modeling did not give her this opportunity. “It wasn’t something I necessarily found a lot of joy in,” she says. “I like the creative process, the vision, the styling—but as an individual with lots of thoughts and opinions, I felt like a mannequin.” The beauty queen says she had much more to offer beyond fronting the cameras, but she reiterates that the work allowed her to meet Filipino creatives and allowed her a moment and space to reflect on her perspective around beauty—and the mold the world insisted she fit best in. “How do I define beauty for myself in an industry that’s telling me I need to be this way? What image am I portraying to young girls while I tell them that they’re not small enough to fit into this box? Am I going to allow people to make me feel this way about myself, or do I need to form that understanding for myself?,” Catriona would often ask herself. The modeling chapter for the beauty queen was a learning curve, and gave her the resolution and desire to break out of that small box and take the meaning of success and beauty with her own hands. Being able to do so, and voice her thoughts and opinions as a woman with such strong beliefs in the Miss Universe stage felt like a significant turning point for her. With the eyes of the world on the Philippines’ candidate, Catriona chose to highlight her work with the poor and with communities in need.

Her passion was formed at a time when she felt aimless and felt the weight of supporting her family crush her; she found purpose in volunteering for a non-governmental organization. “That’s how it began,” she says. “And a friend of mine was joining Miss World, and I thought: I’m doing this on my own. What more can I do with a platform if more people were involved with what I care about?”

Aside from envisioning and doing great change, Catriona’s 2018 campaign changed the landscape of pageantry worldwide as she put all her effort into making the National Costume segment significant. “It’s the one chance for the representative to be a part of our culture and invite people to know more,” she says. “There’s no other part in the competition that gives you that opportunity.”

Furthermore, since her reign, the huge strides in inclusivity make it evident that pageantry is a platform, not just a competition. Taking measures off such as age limit, height limit, civil status limitations, and that more transgender women are competing, it boosts pageantry into a more uplifting scale. “Women were always given glass ceilings,” Catriona states. “If you’re thriving in a family life, there’s no way you can have a great career. Or if you have kids, it’s selfish of you to do something for yourself. Pageants now have evolved past that.” However, she’s also hopeful for more change and improvement, believing that women should be able to have the freedom to choose how they should display their bodies for the world to see in the swimsuit competition. 

2. While it was unexpected, Miss Universe taught her three things: be present, regain your power, and enjoy all the high and low seasons

Navigating the public sphere was a challenge for the beauty queen. She shares that having people outside your country know your name was overwhelming, that the ‘bigness’ for a titleholder becomes immensely profuse. “Even in the competition, time passes by so fast,” she tells MEGA. “So I need to be present, to have a conscious moment with what I’m feeling. How will I remember this moment—because it’s all so fleeting?”

Further, she expresses that winning the crown threw her into a bit of a loop, especially with her original intent of using it as support for causework. Catriona admits to feeling disheartened that she can’t be a leader in the duration of her reign, and there wasn’t much opportunity beyond the business side of pageantry. “I couldn’t understand why we can’t balance it with on-ground initiatives that are true to my values and advocacy. My message on the night that I won, was that I am a queen of service and people,” she says in full honesty. “I couldn’t control it, but I could control myself. So I channeled all my energy into planning what I wanted to do after my reign—regaining my power again.”

Finally, taking home the crown is such a universal and public moment, one might assume it would be the queen’s peak. Catriona mentions feeling a pressure to reach that same public achievement, but has come to realize in her whole Miss Universe journey that peaks come in different forms, and that, “it doesn’t have to be public for it to be significant to you. All of that is unique to my journey that it doesn’t look like anyone else’s. I’ve come to appreciate both the high and low seasons.”

3. Catriona is constantly in the pursuit of fronting the Filipino culture and the arts

Growing up in Australia, the titleholder shared that not understanding or speaking the language was the biggest hindrance in moving to the Philippines—a disconnect, if you will, from her Filipina roots. However, she shared that as her mother embodied and carried who the Filipino is, there was an exposure that did not feel as foreign or as unfamiliar when she stepped foot into her motherland. “Then, it was through the course of the pageant and understanding the weight of the Filipino sash that I really dove deep into our culture,” Catriona tells MEGA. “I have a greater appreciation for the Filipino culture, in things like textiles, jewelry-making, and the way of life in finding what makes us uniquely Pinoy. My journey in pageantry, I really want it to be a showcase of the identity of the Filipino people even if it’s through fashion or an accessory or a symbol—it’s small, but it’s an invitation to learn more.”

The beauty queen is currently the ambassador of the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and she shares that this is a position she is immensely grateful for—an opportunity to learn and an invitation for people to learn alongside her. “There’s so much to be said about our poetry and dancers and musicians,” she says, highlighting that there is a space for art in the universe for Filipino people.

4. Catriona’s golden rules of style consists of two things: figure and confidence

Even the beauty queen finds style and fashion to be ever-changing and continuously evolving—a reflection of self and an outward projection of how you want to be perceived. For Catriona, she shares she’s always been drawn to well-tailored clothing and timeless, classic pieces inspired by her mother, but her love for creativity makes her explorative spirit come alive. “I love playing with loud patterns, different textures, and shapes on my body,” she says.

When asked about being a wearer of a Filipino designer’s creation, Catriona passionately remarks, “I find a lot of pride in it. I always expect two things: one, remembering how well I was supported on the world stage by my countrymen, so I want to elevate other people and other creatives trying to put their art form into the universe—because they are so deserving and capable of holding space on that international level; and two, I think the designs are beautiful. Having a piece in your outfit uniquely made is a conversation-starter, and I love the value that it brings—it gives you an opportunity to share something about your culture.”

That said, Catriona’s first rule is to find what flatters you and position your style into your innate understanding of what you are comfortable with physically depending on your body type and proportions. Her second? Wear what makes you feel good or confident. “This is something I applied in my pageant journey as well,” she admits to MEGA. “I wasn’t looking for a specific silhouette or a specific color, all the outfit needed to do was make me feel at my best, my most confident, my most powerful and capable. And fashion has the ability to make you feel a certain way.”

5. Her twenties were a playground for figuring out who she is—and now, she knows.

Having just turned thirty this year, Catriona shares that there’s much to learn and navigate and figure out in her twenties. She reveals it was easy to get swept up in the world, to get tied down to the definitions of beauty and success in the industry and in the age of social media. “I was figuring out what being a spokesperson means to me as well. Because if I allowed it to be defined by the people in the industry, I’ll feel like I’m in a race, but in my thirties, I’m more self-assured,” she tells MEGA.

As a woman with vision and passion and so much heart poured into everything she does, Catriona says this vision became even more concrete and clear now that she has built her confidence and found herself a position where she can truly be happy—in her advocacy work, in connecting with other people, and creating. “I truly feel I’m now stepping into a place where I know how I define beauty, success, happiness—and even if those evolve, I now have the confidence,” she says. “And I feel more well-supported, well-loved, and more open to people.”

Since her reign six years ago, Catriona Gray is now in the works of putting together her first business with a community arm. In the realm of creative pursuits, she also reveals that she has exciting endeavors coming up. “I felt busy last year,” she shares, “but I didn’t have a ‘baby,’ a project that I created. So this year is the year of sowing. I’m planting the seeds. I’m going back to my roots and creating again—and I’m excited to offer it to the world.”

To watch the whole podcast episode, visit MEGA’s official YouTube channel here.

You can also listen to the episode on MEGA’s official Spotify here.

Photography KIM SANTOS of KLIQ INC.

Photos and Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES, SMILE TRAIN PHILIPPINES, CATRIONA GRAY (Via Facebook), NATIONAL COMMISSION ON CULTURE AND THE ARTS (Via Website)

The post Who is Catriona Gray Today? 5 Personal Truths Revealed in MEGA: The Next Move appeared first on MEGA.

Kathryn Bernardo is no stranger to stardom. Throughout her career, she has conquered every media, from TV shows, movie screens, advertisements, and magazine features. Her extensive filmography has since cemented her into the mainstream. And she only continues to be an unstoppable force in the industry. Two decades into her career, Kathryn is as radiant as ever. Despite her never-ending schedule, she continues to confidently tackle every project head-on. All while looking every bit like the star she is. So how does she do it?

It’s all in the prep. In her latest cover shoot with MEGA, Kathryn Bernardo unveils the secret to her stunningly clear skin. It turns out simplicity really is the key. Kathryn follows these three easy steps before glamming herself up for the cameras. 

Step 1: Cleanse

“It is very important to prepare my skin before I put on makeup, just to make sure my skin is protected throughout the day,” Kathryn said. To some, cleansing is only the first step in their extensive routine. However, to Kathryn, this is an integral part of having clearer skin. To make her makeup flawless for shoots, she always has a clean base to work with. 

To achieve this, Kathryn uses Pond’s Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Facial Foam, which gently washes away impurities. It also contains niasorcinol, a combination of ethyl resorcinol and niacinamide. This results in the clear and supple skin that Kathryn is known for. 

Step 2: Serum

A serum could make or break your skincare routine. Kathryn raved about her latest favorite, Pond’s Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Serum. As with every product in this line, this serum contains Kathryn’s latest holy grail: a blend of ethyl resorcinol and niacinamide, known as niasorcinol.

Niacinamide fades dark spots and acne scars. Its effects are then boosted by e-resorcinol, which adds 500x to its brightening effects. This is clinically tested and proven to penetrate 20 layers deep into the skin, lending to a brighter complexion.

Because of this powerful combination, Kathryn glows even when juggling multiple projects. No wonder this product is one of her top recommendations. 

Step 3: Moisturize + Sun Protect

Moisturizing and sun protection are key steps in maintaining a youthful complexion. Despite always being out and about for shoots, Kathryn maintains her young appearance. This is because she finishes every skin prep routine with Pond’s Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Day Cream.

This standout product contains a perfect ratio of niasorcinol, Vitamin C, and SPF. Pond’s Bright Miracle Clarity Day Cream has SPF30, which offers sun protection. It also moisturizes the skin, giving Kathryn her bright and youthful glow.

With how harmful UV rays can be for the skin, it always helps to have an added layer of protection. Kathryn tops this moisturizer with Pond’s UV Hydrate Sunscreen. An SPF 50 PA++++ rating offers a high level of protection against UVB rays. It also contains hyaluron, which gives you a hydrated, glass skin finish! But what Kathyrn loves best about this product is that it is lightweight and leaves no white cast. It is the perfect sunscreen to maintain your sun-kissed complexion in blazing summers!

Even with endless workloads, Kathryn remains positively radiant thanks to this easy skincare routine featuring Pond’s Niasorcinol line. Now, with 500x the brightening power of other ingredients, you can have better and clearer skin.

The post Kathryn Bernardo Swears by Niasorcinol in Her Skin Prep Routine appeared first on MEGA.

Growth is paramount, leading to an independence evolved with guts and glory. Many experience growth off-screen and off-camera: from the silent self-reflection during solitary walks, to the subtle maturation seen in intimate conversations with loved ones, and even in the unspoken lessons learned through pursuits like art. But not everyone emerges as a solo act. Few embody an independent force as profoundly as Kathryn Bernardo.

RELATED: Kathryn Bernardo on Choosing Herself and Finding Peace

During one of the days of her shoot in El Nido for her magazine comeback, Kathryn Bernardo recently sat down for an intimate chat with MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro. On pink and orange rattan furniture, our April 2024 cover star divulged personal anecdotes and insights. She embraces change, asserts their independence, and thrives with the shifting tides of stardom.

Not a Passenger, but a Captain

Among the five issues she’s graced for MEGA— one of which boasted six covers—Bernardo holds a special place in her heart for the Making MEGA Iceland issue from September 2016. Describing it as “memorable and iconic”, she reminisced about the breathtaking shoot of Iceland, lensed by the acclaimed Mark Nicdao. “Sobrang memorable ‘yan,” she fondly recalled, highlighting how the experience left her frostbitten with memories. “Hindi ko ‘yon makakalimutan.”

Yet, she loved the representation of the current cover: about a girl stuck on an island after a shipwreck. “Sabi ko, ‘Oh my, God, that’s perfect’, because I associated myself as a ship,” she enthused. Although not the girl depicted, she empathizes with the ship, but far from being a wreck. “The ship has been through a lot of storms lately,” she shared. With a proud smile, however, she assures, “But then, the ship survived.” She opens a revelation, steering clear of the turbulent waters of uncertainty: “I’m just so happy because I used to be a passenger of that ship; now, I feel like I’m the captain of my ship.”

Embracing Local Designers

“It’s so nice because all of the pieces are local Filipino designers,” Kathryn expressed her admiration for local Filipino creativity, particularly in fashion. She commends the decision by MEGA to feature pieces exclusively from Filipino designers, emphasizing the need to champion our homegrown talent. On the issue, Bernardo wears Bonita Penaranda, Neric Beltran, Cherry Veric, Rob Ortega, Agua Brazilian, Herwin Carzoda, and Rey Calajate.

“I love supporting local brands and local designers,” she affirmed the significance of promoting Filipino craftsmanship on an international platform. “We’re promoting the Philippines; might as well wear the pieces from our very talented Filipino designers.” Nonetheless, they are irreplaceable.

Reflections on the Core of Her Being

Venturing into more profound terrain, Bernardo reflects on the concept of purpose, a notion she finds both intricate and intimate, complex and personal.  At 28, she contemplates the multifaceted roles she plays in life, particularly as a daughter to her mother. “I want to give my family the best life there is,” she shared earnestly, revealing her deep-seated desire to share her blessings and accomplishments with her loved ones. 

Speaking with sincerity, Bernardo signifies her strong familial bonds and the intrinsic motivation to enrich the lives of those closest to her. Her perspective on purpose becomes more than an obligation, encompassing her sense of choice and devotion to her family. It’s a sentiment that encapsulates her grounded nature amidst the glitz of showbiz. “Because I want to share everything with my family,” she explained. “I want to share my milestones, all my successes and failures with my family kasi yan yung core ko.”

The April 2024 cover star’s candid revelations offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of a young woman matured in front of our eyes, portraying a multitude of characters on-screen, and embodying the vulnerable roles of her life. From her early days as a promising young talent to her current status as a revered actress, Bernardo’s trajectory symbolizes the confident stride of a self-assured woman in an industry defined by fleeting fame—marked by substance over superficiality, wit over whimsy, and talent over trendiness. Kathryn Bernardo becomes beauty personalized and personified, a character growth through a much-needed story arc, epitomizing the woman she is today: brimming with choices, overflowing with possibilities, full of self-love. 

Photographed by CHARISMA LICO. Creative Direction and Styling PATRICK TY. Fashion Direction KAT CRUZ-VILLANUEVA and RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Art Direction BRIE VENTURA. Production JONES PALTENG. Fashion Assistant BITHIA REYES. Sittings Editor PEEWEE REYES- ISIDRO. Photography Assistants ANTONIO BAYLON and ERWIN ARDA. Makeup JUSTINE DEL ROSARIO. Hair JOHN VALLE. Fashion AGUA BRAZILIAN. ALDO. BONITA PENARANDA. CHERRY VERIC. FERRAGAMO. HERWIN CARDOZA. REY CALAJATE. ROB ORTEGA. NERIC BELTRAN. Shot on location LIHIM RESORTS, EL NIDO. Special thanks to KRISELLE ROMAN and MICA CRUZ of AIRSWIFT; CORNY CAEDO, VINCENT FAJARDA, RAM ELUMBA of LIHIM RESORTS, EL NIDO, and LULU ROMERO

The post 3 Honest Truths from Kathryn Bernardo’s Up Close and Personal Interview appeared first on MEGA.

A MEGA opportunity awaits. Are you ready to set yourself apart and establish your presence on the runway of your dreams? The MEGA Young Designers Competition (YDC) 2024 Casting Call is here, and it’s time for aspiring models to step into the spotlight, make your mark, and claim your glory. 

RELATED: The Formidable Alumni of the MEGA Young Designers Competition

Scheduled for April 12, 2024, 1PM, at the MEGA Studio in the Estancia Offices West Wing, this casting call signifies a crucial chance for those looking to break into the fashion industry.

Eligibility

Are you a Metro Manila dweller with a taste for fashion and a passion for the dramatic? If you’re nodding along enthusiastically, you’re in luck. Open to residents of Metro Manila who are 18 – 30 years old, the casting call requires participants to be available for fittings, technical rehearsals, and the final fashion show.

The Process

Participants are expected to arrive at the designated location and time with a printed set card and dressed in a fitted white tee, jeans, and appropriate footwear—heels for women.

As you strike a pose, the Top 6 designers and the discerning eyes of the MEGA editorial team will be on the lookout for that special spark that sets them apart from the crowd. At the end of the day, a total of 48 models will be selected to walk the designs of the competing designers.

RSVP your attendance by filling out the official Google form.

The Prize

Selected models will have the exceptional opportunity to kickstart their careers with MEGA, showcasing their talent on the runway of the Philippines’ first and most prestigious design competition. And if that’s not enough to make you reach for your best runway walk, how about the chance to be immortalized in the glossy pages of MEGA’s iconic print magazine?

RELATED: The Young Designers Competition is MEGA’s Legacy For Others

Casting Call Recap

• The casting call is open to anyone residing in Metro Manila.
• Participants must be between 18 – 30 years old at the time of audition.
• Models must be available for fittings, technical runs, and on the actual fashion show.
• RSVP your attendance by answering the official Google form
• Models bring their printed set card during the audition,
• Models must be dressed in a fitted white tee, fitted jeans, and dress shoes (heels for the ladies).
• Models will be asked to walk and take test shots. 
• At the end of the day, the designers and MEGA team will have selected a total of 48 models for the final fashion show. 

Seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, dare to dream, and make your mark in high fashion. The runway is waiting, and your moment is now.

Photos and Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES

The post Calling All Models: MEGA Young Designers Competition 2024 appeared first on MEGA.

A cup of joe is perhaps the most universally loved ritual shared by people all across the globe—no matter the time. So a good java spot is necessary for us Filipinos, whether you’re there for a chill brunch or quick munch, a midday break from work, or a morning pick-me-up.

RELATED: How Halohalo Inspires Women to Pursue Entrepreneurial Dreams

From light and smooth to rich and full-bodied, Everyday Coffee Roasters provides you with thoughtfully sourced coffee, delicious pastries and meals, and sustainability and community-minded touches. The entreprise started from a humble home kitchen in 2016 but today today they have built three distinct store concepts. A testament to the founders’ commitment to deliver carefully curated beans to fit every java preference. Quality also remains intact as they are carefully tended to throughout the entire process—sourcing from farms to the curating and roasting the coffee beans with care. 

When it comes to truly dynamic coffee, Everyday Coffee Roasters also sells their custom roasts by the bag. They’re delivered to you freshly roasted and in small batches to ensure high quality taste. Throught this, a cup of coffee isn’t just a drink you chug down—but an experience where the differences and emphasis in flavor, depth, and blends are palpable.

To happily sate any caffeine consumer, the minimalist spot at Hilltop Studio has the perfect interior, space, and atmosphere for you to work, chill, catch up with friends. At Hilltop Studio, the shop is a casual, coffee-fueled gathering place for all types of people to lounge. It’s sleek and perfect for Instagram posts, but also communal and welcoming at the same time. The comforting and inviting space to savor every cup embodies the trifecta of good food, good coffee, and good memories with every visit.

All this to say—a small idea can sprout into so much more if you have the passion, determination, and the vision to think and do. Everyday Coffee Roasters’ mission is to elevate the narrative of Filipino craftsmanship in the coffee landscape—and they’re doing it one cup at a time. From a small space to bigger ones, Everyday Coffee Roasters is due to give you the Filipino coffee experience you deserve.

Hilltop Studio is open from Tuesdays to Sundays at 9AM to 8PM, and 9AM to 6PM on Mondays. 

Photos and Featured Image: EVERYDAY COFFEE ROASTERS, RAPHAEL ALICO (Via Instagram)

The post Where to Get Your Perfect Brew and Instagrammable Cafe Photos in Manila appeared first on MEGA.

Dreams are imagined possibilities of the future that profoundly appeal to our ideal life, which ultimately sets off the beginning of our journey that would shape our way forward. By pursuing our passion and goals, we take an active part in growing toward our potential. For Physical Therapist and Body Mechanic CEO and President Irene Lopez, her story began in the most unlikeliest of places—the hospital.

A redirection

“I grew up in a hospital because I had a heart condition, so I told myself I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to help people,” Lopez shared. However, life is known to be a marker of change and progress, and Lopez adapted to these shifting tides. Taking Physical Therapy as her pre-med course, she fell deeply in love with it. 

“Physical Therapy is different. It’s more personal. You get to touch people’s lives in various ways and be part of the recovery the whole way,” Lopez explained, adding that while doctors add years to our lives, physical therapists “add quality to your life by making you pain-free.” This journey to healing includes exercises to fix how the body works. 

Lopez followed her heart and spent nine years as a freelance Physical Therapist. She would drive around the city from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., going from one house to another. “I didn’t know where I was headed back then,” Lopez admitted, unsure of her future. But through hard work, perseverance, and strong faith, she eventually found her footing in the most suitable place to set up her dream life: Capitol Commons in Pasig, a mixed-use development built by Ortigas Land.

Creating Harmony

Striving for a harmonious life means balancing work and personal life. Lopez found this lifestyle in Capitol Commons, where she can live, work, and play with everything she wants and needs within reach.

“I decided to live in one of the towers of Capitol Commons because I like how I’m in the middle of everything,” Lopez said, where her home is a small pocket of haven in the city that feels secluded and not too crowded. 

Lopez also enjoys the comfort and convenience her home provides. “It makes me efficient, and I can give my time to more important things. I can also walk my dog in the park and get my coffee or lunch, even in the middle of a hectic day,” she detailed, emphasizing how she can finally maximize her time and make every moment count. 

Moreover, Lopez also established her physical therapy studio, Body Mechanic, in Level 3, East Wing, Estancia Mall to expand her client base. With a great location for her business, she’s confident that she and her skilled physiotherapists can offer holistic health for all by tackling body issues and teaching better ways to move and do things.

“Capitol Commons is the heart of my life because this is where my business started,” she remarked. “I had a lot of opportunities here. Soon, we’ll expand Body Mechanic in Estancia Mall to cater to our growing clientele.”

Now, Lopez is enjoying life to the fullest, but also reminding us that every time we wake up, we have to be “intentional and conscious with everything that we’re doing so we can attain our goals.”

Get in touch with Ortigas Land. For more information, please visit Ortigas Land through their website, Facebook, and Instagram. You may also visit Body Mechanic at L3 East Wing, Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City, or visit their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

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This is an excerpt from MEGA’s April 2024 Dining

Along the 26^th street in Bonifacio Global City is a nondescript glass door that has “Taupe” as the largest word written on it. Its irenic facade may be easy to miss, especially that it lounges alongside the humming restaurants and cafes in the vicinity. But the geniality this entryway evokes is a precursor of the experience to come. We say, in this case, do judge the place by its exterior.  

The fulfillment of Chef Francis Tolentino’s years-long ambition, Taupe is the dining version of “quiet luxury.” While those words have somehow lost their meaning in fashion due to over-usage, in the Philippine dining scene, however, the concept holds strong merit.

In recent memory, there have been arguments about restaurants that offer tasting menus (Taupe offers eight-course or ten-course menus, with the option to add cocktail pairing, concocted by mixologist Radge Egar).

For some, the pedagogic introduction to the dishes and the environment itself may seem too busy or lofty; for others, it’s a welcome reminder of our heritage, and the skills and passion of the people making it. Within this polarizing discourse, Taupe may have found the perfect balance. 

AROUND THE PHILIPPINES

Dining at Taupe, which is named after Tolentino’s favorite color, is like taking an unhurried and enlightening trip around the Philippines, where many of the restaurant’s ingredients are sourced. But, while such is the case, it would also only take seconds upon entering to know that whoever birthed the ideas for this place is an avid world traveler: Guests are promptly welcomed in by a modern, cozy bar that stands beside a prominent staircase with recessed lights—which leads to a visible wine cellar. The marble dining tables and chairs as soft as suede, all in neutral shades, are illuminated by white, pendant lights.

On the end corner of the restaurant, atop a few steps, is the pass—a widely open one—where guests can marvel, in full view, the well-rehearsed dance happening in the kitchen. Then, in that same place, items in black wooden crates will catch anyone’s attention: It’s a collection of different kinds of locally made artisanal salt. This place, in essence, is a reflection of Chef Francis Tolentino’s journey. 

Discover more about Taupe’s take on quite luxury dining in MEGA’s April 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.

Creative Direction JONES PALTENG. Photographed by KIERAN PUNAY of KLIQ.INC.

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The desire for beauty has existed since the beginning of humanity. This is a universal aspiration, and in one way or another, us women are all participants in this sphere—and so this is Rosenda Casaje’s motivation to establish Gorgeous Glow Philippines. From the ground up, Rosenda created an enterprise that commits to optimal health and beauty for the Filipina. It’s a beauty playground out here, but Gorgeous Glow’s curated regimens are incredibly personal—aiding women to look and feel their best.

Whether it’s combatting persistent acne, diminishing fine lines, or calming sensitive skin, there are rejuvenating beauty tools to discover in Gorgeous Glow. Rosenda is hard at work in molding solutions to give your skin the TLC it needs and in building a brand that advocates for women nationwide—and shows that there is beauty in leading, making, feeling and being powerful in our own skin.

RELATED: MEGA Women Takeover: Mags Cue Makes Her Apparel Business Stand Out With Passion and Endurance

Beauty is Powerful

“I’ve always loved looking my best growing up,” Rosenda tells MEGA. “And I love helping each and every woman to feel beautiful in their own way.” 

Beauty is a powerful force—it’s more than just looking good. It gives us the confidence to present the best version of ourselves to the world, and this is Rosenda’s everyday mission, dedicating herself to this cause through carefully selected ingredients and formulas and through her desire to offer every woman their skincare needs.

“I began with selling beauty products online seven years ago,” she shares. “And when the time came that I saw an opportunity to start my own brand, I took it.”

But First, Skincare

Now, with a sustaining robust business model that values quality, efficacy, safety, and sincerity, Rosenda celebrates the different expressions of beauty the Filipina can provide in the permanent quest for continuous self-care. As a leader in a market that grows more and more broad-ranging, Rosenda acts to champion the cause of women and to strengthen the communities with which she and her brand engages by providing accessible solutions in bottles, caplets, drinks, and other treatments.

The daily grind can often be overwhelming. But for a female entrepreneur such as Rosenda, her fulfillment comes from an advocacy built on driving and contributing to the overall confidence of women. “We’re a locally-made brand that encourages them to boost their confidence,” she says. “Not just physically, but in a way that makes a skincare routine a part of taking care of themselves—so that you reveal the best version of you to yourself and to the world.”

A Woman’s Self-trust is the Fuel to Lead

To do this, Rosenda creates for and around people. Her perspective is unexpected and generates change. It’s shaped and formed by her experience, environment, and intuition as a woman who’s cutting through the glass and taking charge. “I trust my intuition to guide my business decisions,” she tells MEGA. “I’ve faced so many challenges in the business industry. I’ve faced so many rejections, but they fueled me to get me where I am right now. Seven years ago, when I started, people told me they were going to support me. But then nawala silang lahat. So I told myself that I need to stand firm with my decision, because if I can’t support myself, who else is going to do it? That’s what motivated me to continue the business.”

 This doesn’t mean logic, academic and work experience go to the wayside. But as Rosenda leads, it’s clear that it’s a holistic approach—a holistic blend of skills and vision and drive to execute. Female leaders are always looked down upon for trusting ourselves—they expect us to second-guess, to doubt, to diminish our brilliance. But when it’s people like Rosenda who don’t do that, they can start a movement of women stepping into leadership potential and building a generation that reshapes the working world—or in Rosenda’s case, the beauty industry. It’s leaders like Rosenda who outwit the world of work, and do so by championing the Filipina beauty.

In striving to commit to her mission, Rosenda sets out to achieve the skin’s perfect balance and well-being with solutions to reveal visibly bright glow-ups, all the while looking her best and feeling powerful in her own skin.

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup NIX SORIANO assisted by DANYCA KLOIE EVANGELISTA of NIX INSTITUTE BEAUTY. Hair BHELLE ALBA assisted by JESSEY MIRANDA of NIX INSTITUTE BEAUTY. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and ISABELLA DARANG. Special thanks to GRAPEVINE RESTAURANT and JULIUS LAGMAN

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Fashion is a language where self-expression reigns supreme. Whether it’s one response to society or the start of one’s conversation with others, dressing up is a form of speaking up for oneself, and also, for others. If there is anyone who understands this, it’s clothing apparel entrepreneur Mags Cue. 

RELATED: MEGA Women Takeover: Anna Magkawas is on a Mission to Empower and Inspire

Fashion for One, and for All

“It’s not just only my passion,” the businesswoman begins explaining. “It is also my advocacy. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, and it’s more on women empowerment. I also do annual fashion shows called Mags on the Catwalk to help women boost their self-esteem and self confidence.” The said initiative happens nationwide, catering to women of all ages and sizes to affirm their significance in their individual fields of their lives. “Every time they use our clothes, I develop this sense of confidence and credibility that they like, trust, and believe in what they’re wearing,” she adds. 

The Reality of Business

The road to success has adjectives ascribed to the journey of getting to where one wants to be. Alone is oftentimes a part of that, and it is with this fact that Calpito-Cue continues to strive. “We’re into the [clothing] business already even before. Our family business used to be a tailoring shop, a dress shop. Personally, I’ve always had this passion for fashion, and I’ve always loved dressing up. But among all of the siblings, I’m the only one who did the same thing,” she points out. 

When asked about the challenge of running her business, Mags’ response was a follow up to her decision of continuing their family legacy. “I’m the sole proprietor of Mags,” she says. “My sons are all masculine and brusko, and they’re not into women’s fashion. They help out, but they’re all boys.” Speaking like a true mother, she couldn’t help but also talk about her sons, particularly Andre Cue, who had a particular interest in pageantry just like her. “My son was Mister International Philippines-Caballero Unversal 2022 and he landed top 10 in the International Competition in Venezuela,” she recalls. 

A Power Woman’s Vision

In the realm of business, competition signifies a demand that needs to be met. While others thrive at the thought of monopolizing in one industry, Cue is the opposite. For her, it’s not really competition but an opportunity for the market. “The market is too competitive,” she admits. “But I’m just so happy na tabi-tabi kaming mga boutique because that means you have a lot of pieces to choose from. If ang dami niyong brands, the people will come over.” 

Concluding the interview, Mags offers advice anchored on her experience and mindset as a power woman. “Follow your dreams, follow your art. Age and status don’t really matter. What matters is your passion. Don’t look at a business or motivate yourself to earn. Motivate yourself to do your best. The earnings will follow.”

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup MAURI ESTRADA. Hair MISTY GABRIEL. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and ISABELLA DARANG. Special thanks to GRAPEVINE RESTAURANT and JULIUS LAGMAN

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The perception of beauty, to many, is still connoted to superficiality. For others, the concentration to outward and physical beauty is merely vanity. But women, who know real beauty, would beg to disagree. It is looking good rooted on skin deep confidence and assurance on one’s own skills and capabilities. Just by the fact that the concept is ruled by the goddess Venus, women define, change, and forward ideals and practices in the realm of beauty. In today’s world, Bambi Del Rosario Young is the face of beauty found in taking charge of one’s health and work. As the multifaceted entrepreneur gave MEGA a closer look on her wellness-focused venture, she shares her take on why this journey is not just for herself, but also for other women. 

RELATED: MEGA Women Takeover: Anna Magkawas is on a Mission to Empower and Inspire

Starting With a Smart Choice

According to Del Rosario-Young, the pandemic fueled her perceptive take on business. “I was very interested in biohacking. We were doing things at home—sauna, natural sunshine, intermittent fasting; but a big part of it was drinking supplements. One of those was collagen,” she shares. “Since I was drinking a lot at that time, I was trying to minimize what I was taking while making sure that I had the correct dosage that I needed. That’s how Smarter Dose came about.”

The Korean-manufactured supplement is a combination of five ingredients that targets one’s healthier change from inside to out—marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, rice ceramide, vitamin C, and the FOS prebiotic. To some, the product can easily be classified under the beauty section. But for Bambi, beauty has a bigger purpose—it coincides with wellness. 

“We might be construed as a beauty brand, but in the future, we want to align Smarter Dose as a wellness brand. These supplements were made to cater to the needs of women in the current society,” the businesswoman affirms.

The Bigger Impact of Choosing

There is no denying that if women have been demanded so much then, they are also expected to so much more now, as the definition and understanding of feminism are wider than ever. Consequently, we all feel like we need to do more to measure our worth. But as the saying goes, one can only give what they have. The Smarter Dose proponent, then, took this into consideration in choosing what she wanted to invest on, and it’s in uplifting women. 

“We’ve been getting repeat orders already from people who said that their skin is glowing, and their bowel movements have regulated. They feel better to take on their day because of their healthier gut. Apart from that, due to the high dosage of collagen and hyaluronic acid, they feel that their joints are also improving,” she notes.

A Woman’s Doing

For Bambi, having a female-dominated beauty industry in the Philippines is a blessing that she found herself choosing and doing. “It is easy [for me] because it is fit for women. I’m blessed that the industry I chose—beauty and wellness—is led by women themselves.”

With all the responsibilities that she fulfills in her personal and professional life, Del Rosario-Young stresses the importance of balance to keep giving more for others. “I need to manage myself for the time I have as a mom, as a wife, and as an entrepreneur of another business.”

And as a woman of her own word, this is the belief that she teaches and practices for herself and others. “Being an empowered woman means living up to one’s best potential, whatever that may be,” Bambi states. “I believe every person has their own gift, their own strengths, and when they use that, it becomes empowerment.”

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup EDS GO. Hair POTCHIE of STYLE O BOX (Bambi). Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and ISABELLA DARANG. Special thanks to GRAPEVINE RESTAURANT and JULIUS LAGMAN.

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As a beautiful symbol of love and commitment, a ring may arguably be one of the most intentional and overwhelming purchases you might make in a lifetime. Jewelry pieces that represent a momentous occasion hold grand meaning for a couple headed to their happily ever after. Thus, it requires thorough research and discovery before you land on the One. There’s no one who understands this better than founder Betina Lagman of Brilyo Jewelry, who built the enterprise with her husband Julius Lagman.

In their quest to provide world-class quality jewelry to suit every kind of individual, Betina is a woman who takes up space with her visionary and inventive mind, ambition and purpose, and brilliance—both in the jewelry she creates and within herself.

RELATED: MEGA Women Takeover: Bambi Del Rosario Young is Giving What Women Want in Beauty and Wellness

The Perfect Ring and More

Betina Lagman was once a bride-to-be. She had an image of the perfect wedding ring in her mind, but Betina and her now husband had a hard time searching for one in the market. So they took matters into their own hands and decided to craft her dream wedding ring together. “It’s mine and my husband’s first baby,” Betina tells MEGA. “And just like a baby, we are hands-on in building the business, in grooming it, in making sure that it maximizes or reaches its potential.”

After three years, Brilyo has become a household name in the diamond and bridal industry. Whether you favor a simple solitaire, a vintage-inspired piece, a shining halo, or just about anything in between, possibilities abound at Brilyo. Choose from a variety of classic designs or customize your own one-of-a-kind ring with a precious and semi-precious gemstone. Take your pick from a wide array: sapphires, colored diamonds, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and more. Their commitment to create pieces that feel like heirlooms-in-the-making and detailed craftsmanship have truly carved out a space in the Philippine jewelry market for quality rings that last a lifetime. The brand extends that ethos to other custom-made pieces such as earrings, necklaces, pendants, and even tiaras. Rings are where they began, but at Brilyo, with Betina at the forefront and leading the helm with her husband, the sparkle is an endless shine.

On Leading as a Power Woman

“It’s about being tough in making difficult decisions, but at the same time having the heart,” Betina says. “That’s my favorite part about being a female entrepreneur.” 

Finding that delicate balance and working in that balance is a perspective that women who lead understand. Women are often stated to be too emotional, but those emotions do not compromise the quality of work, the experience, or what is being created. In fact, they shape and cultivate the quality of service provided when it’s also armed with a selection of pieces that make for happy customers. “My biggest motivation is to keep seeing the happy faces of the couples that come to us to get their engagement rings or wedding rings,” Betina continues. “Or sometimes, just momentous occasions in their lives, like anniversaries and birthdays. Seeing their faces light up when they open that jewelry box. I want to keep seeing that, and that’s what we’ve been working on—really giving them quality pieces they can enjoy forever.” 

When women like Betina care very deeply about their work and the people it touches, it breeds perseverance that makes for a driving force in the enterprise. However, it doesn’t come without its cons. When it comes to the most challenging part, Betina answers MEGA, “Balancing my time. When you want something, especially in business, there is so much work to do and to accomplish. But then there’s also balancing the family time. As women, we are the pillars of the home—we’re both needed at the office and at home. Sometimes, it’s tough—how to be good at both, and how to be present at both.”

But she does it so gracefully, in the midst of it all. Betina is a woman who gets her passion and fulfillment fueled by the changes she makes and the dreams she weaves both in the confines of her home and office. It’s not easy, but it’s a case of how being both will not nor will it ever be mutually exclusive for women.

Going For Gold…or the Diamond

“It’s unconventional, the way we started,” Betina says. “Because when you say engagement ring, it’s usually a surprise or a secret for the woman. But we were one of those couples who got our rings together, and you’d be surprised that a lot of our clients already get their rings together as well. My husband and I wanted to make sure that I get the ring that I really wanted, because I’ll be wearing that forever,” Betina says. “It’s all about going for something that you want.”

Never settle for the gemstone that doesn’t make your eyes shine, ladies. For women, providing for themselves what they want when they can’t get or find it elsewhere is not being too ambitious—it’s inventive. It’s being spirited and able. It’s being sharp and driven to build, to maintain, to keep.

For her final advice as a power woman, here’s a page out of Betina’s guidebook: “Don’t fit into molds. Don’t be afraid to do something that’s unconventional. If you find an opportunity, like how we found an opportunity in this industry, go for it, study it, and make sure you get good at it.”

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup NIKI MEDINA. Hair EMILIANO BELJOT. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and ISABELLA DARANG. Special thanks to GRAPEVINE RESTAURANT and JULIUS LAGMAN

The post MEGA Women Takeover: Betina Lagman Achieves Success by Leading with the Heart appeared first on MEGA.

Anna Magkawas was behind LuxOnline PH, a luxury bag online selling platform, before pivoting to the health and wellness sector with the Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group. The move was done amidst the pandemic and gained notable success. The celebrated entrepreneur broadened her career by becoming a TV host for “Negosyo Goals,” which features business-focused stories to inspire and help viewers in their ventures. 

RELATED: MEGA Women Takeover: Meet the Power Females Who are Taking Up Greater Space

The Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group founder and CEO became a prominent figure in the bustling beauty world. To stay ahead in the industry’s competitive landscape, she sets herself apart by prioritizing her products’ quality and global appeal. With her brand getting international recognition and orders, her commitment to investing in creating products that boost customer confidence has paid off. Rather than saturating the market with substandard offerings, she focuses on crafting something special to empower individuals to feel their best, inside and out. This reflects Anna Magkawas’ belief that Luxe’s beauty solutions are more than just beauty regimens or routines but a big step towards embracing a sense of confidence that shines from within.

Empowered Women Empower Women

According to Anna, being an empowered woman isn’t a title you wear; it’s the essence of who you are, both in the public eye and private. Someone who transcends her achievements goes way beyond the trophies she has on her shelf or awards she receives. It’s more about the fire in her belly and maintaining a positive attitude that, in turn, inspires others to realize and chase their dreams. An empowered woman possesses authenticity and fosters genuine connections in the lives she touches, revealing the essence of her character. 

The influencer marketing strategy was gold and propelled Anna Magkawas to success. This approach helped her reach people far and wide through different personalities with diverse audiences that resonated with her message of positivity and empowerment. 

She’s heard from many women who found her success story inspiring throughout her career. Women from all walks of life reach out to her and share how her journey, or when they see her on TV or other platforms, has lifted them from their darkest moments. “Ikaw yung naging inspirasyon ko para bumangon ako sa buhay,” Anna recalls someone saying. It shows how powerful the reach of social media and the digital age is, primarily when used right: personal narratives become beacons of hope for women searching for a light to guide them toward empowerment. 

It’s incredible how sharing positive vibes can help others feel seen and heard. “Kaya pang bumangon,” Anna reiterates how powerful a reminder any digital content wielded with purpose and heart has to those searching for a flicker of hope online. “Parating may pag-asa.”

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup NIX SORIANO assisted by DANYCA KLOIE EVANGELISTA of NIX INSTITUTE BEAUTY. Hair BHELLE ALBA assisted by JESSEY MIRANDA of NIX INSTITUTE BEAUTY. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and ISABELLA DARANG. Special thanks to GRAPEVINE RESTAURANT and JULIUS LAGMAN

The post MEGA Women Takeover: Anna Magkawas is on a Mission to Empower and Inspire appeared first on MEGA.

Historically, for women, daring for greatness is costly. The price for simply claiming their worthiness to occupy certain spaces is high enough to choose invisibility instead. It’s no wonder that so many women have hidden their brilliance and true potential, sometimes even from themselves. But the times have changed and today women are reshaping industries, challenging norms, and most importantly, embracing their power and taking up space larger than ever before.

Before Women’s Month comes to a close, MEGA talks to five individuals who have emerged with professional narratives as compelling as they are varied, each forging a path of unwavering determination in the business arena. They share their thoughts on what makes an empowered woman, a MEGA woman to be exact. 

Anna Magkawas

Anna Magkawas, the Founder and CEO of the multi-million peso company Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, has built her success through influencer marketing, propelling her company to online selling success. The company hosts three flagship brands: Luxe Skin, Luxe Slim, and Luxe Cosmetics.

“An empowered woman is hindi lang siya doon sa mga na-aabot niya. It’s all about attitude: when you inspire a lot of people, when you help them na-maabot nila mga dreams nila, and at the end of the day, yung totoong ikaw. That’s what’s really important: when you touch their lives, off-camera and in front.”

– Anna Magkawas

Bambi Del Rosario Young

How do you expand a lifeline, and how do you do that with beauty? Rooted in inner wellness, Bambi Del Rosario Young’s Smarter Dose Collagen 5 introduces a health beverage that illuminates from within. This FDA-approved product, formulated and made in Korea, delivers a potent blend of marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, rice ceramide, prebiotics, and vitamin C powders.

“An empowered woman lives up to her best potential, whatever that may be. I believe that every person has their own gifts, their own strengths, and when they use that, it becomes empowerment.”

– Bambi Del Rosario Young

Betina Lagman

As her story goes, Betina Lagman was on the brink of engagement, yet faced the challenge of finding the perfect jeweler to craft the ring of her dreams. Hence, Brilyo Jewelry came into existence, founded on the principles of excellent jewelry craftsmanship. With state-of-the-art and world-class craftmanship as its foundation, the brand is dedicated to empowering individuals to create their dream jewelry pieces.

“An empowered woman is not afraid to shine. She achieves goals and works relentlessly to achieve those goals.”

– Betina Lagman

Mags Cue

Founded in 2014 by Mags Cue, the brand MAGS has flourished, boasting 24 branches nationwide. From its inception, Cue had a clear vision of her target demographic: the stylish and chic Filipina, encompassing women of all ages and sizes. MAGS Clothing line prioritizes unique, quality designs that are comfortable and affordable.

“An empowered woman is someone who can influence other women in a good way. She can encourage them to do good things to other people, how to improve their lives, and empower them in all aspects.”

– Mags Cue

Rosenda Casaje

Through her dedication to offering Korean-inspired skincare solutions, the entrepreneur provides high-quality products and fosters a community where women feel empowered to embrace their natural beauty and prioritize self-care.

“An empowered woman is a woman who pursues her passion without limits and acknowledges her weaknesses and her boundaries. An empowered woman is a woman who supports each and every woman para magsucceed sila”

– Rosenda Casaje

Empowered women empower women, especially in entrepreneurship. Anna Magkawas, Betina Lagman, Mags Cue, Bambi Del Rosario Young, and Rosenda Casaje further demonstrate how women can carve their paths to success while uplifting others along the way. Through their passion, perseverance, and commitment to empowerment, these entrepreneurs inspire us to embrace our potential and create positive change in our respective fields—it’s an active ideology that makes the MEGA Woman.

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup NIX SORIANO assisted by DANYCA KLOIE EVANGELISTA of NIX INSTITUTE BEAUTY (Anna and Rose), NIKI MEDINA (Betina), MAURI ESTRADA (Mags), and EDS GO (Bambi). Hair BHELLE ALBA assisted by JESSEY MIRANDA of NIX INSTITUTE BEAUTY (Anna and Rose), EMILIANO BELJOT (Betina), MISTY GABRIEL (Mags), and POTCHIE of STYLE O BOX (Bambi). Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and ISABELLA DARANG. Special thanks to GRAPEVINE RESTAURANT and JULIUS LAGMAN.

The post MEGA Women Takeover: Meet the Power Females Who are Taking Up Greater Space appeared first on MEGA.

There’s something about fashion and food. Coming together, they evoke a sensory delight—both in style and in taste. LV The Place Bangkok at Gaysorn Amarin serves up a delectable fusion of high fashion and culinary ingenuity, concocting an immersive experience that tantalizes the eyes and mouth. Nobody understands the synergy of fashion and food encapsulated over an ambitious concept better than Anne Curtis, who visits the delicious location by Louis Vuitton.

RELATED: Couture Cafés: When Fashion Houses Take on Coffee Culture

This avant-garde idea combines an immersive exhibition, an enticing café, a curated store, and a gourmet haven led by the renowned chef Gaggan Anand. Bringing a broader cultural experience into one venue, this all-encompassing concept at Gaysorn Amarin, Bangkok establishes a fresh blueprint for forthcoming Louis Vuitton destinations. It encompasses the Maison’s ambitious global lifestyle vision, promising innovative experiences that push the limits of luxury retail.

The ground floor presents an exhibition titled “Visionary Journeys”, marking its premiere at LV The Place Bangkok. Thematic rooms, designed by Shohei Shigematsu, Partner at architectural firm OMA, offer reinterpretations of historical and contemporary elements. This exhibit explores the core of Louis Vuitton—including its dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, travel, and creativity—providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the Maison’s perspective.

Reflecting on her experience within the exhibition, Curtis resonated most with the collaboration room. “Louis Vuitton has proven to be one of the leaders in the fashion industry when it comes to collaborating with the best of the best in the fashion and art industry,” she emphasizes. “Creating iconic collections that bring a sense of nostalgia when seeing them in real life again. I also got so giddy seeing some of the collections that I happen to own a piece from. The Yayoi Kusama collection is definitely a favorite of mine.”

For those seeking respite and culinary indulgence, Le Café Louis Vuitton offers a sensorial oasis where botanical design elements harmonize with iconic Maison accents. From the intricate Monogram parquet floor to the coveted Objets Nomades, patrons are invited to savor the flavors of Southeast Asia.

Curtis describes the atmosphere at Le Café Louis Vuitton as comforting and inviting. “Felt like a great place to catch up over a cup of coffee or tea whilst munching on the sweetest and not to mention cutest biscuits and cakes,” she shares.

However, the forte of LV The Place Bangkok is undoubtedly Gaggan at Louis Vuitton, a culinary haven produced by acclaimed Indian chef Gaggan Anand. With a special curated menu, the Maison’s first South Asian restaurant promises an unparalleled blend of flavors as it marries Indian cuisine with Louis Vuitton’s signature sophistication.

Toward her interaction at Gaggan at Louis Vuitton, Curtis expressed admiration for the eclectic menu offerings. “All dishes had their own unique quirk and taste,” she remarks. From a tantalizing yogurt explosion to the spicy traditional curry, each dish delighted her palate. “I will say, though, that I loved the presentation of the world map dish and the play on a dry Tom Yum Soup in one bite.”

Curtis expresses her excitement at the prospect of a local LV The Place in the Philippines. “It is a celebration of food, history, culture, and fashion,” she muses. “So it would be an absolute dream to have the whole LV The Place experience in the Philippines.”

RELATED: A Look Back on the Hair Evolution of Anne Curtis

Anne Curtis found the entire LV The Place Bangkok experience stunning, recommending it as a must-visit for enthusiasts of both fashion and fine dining. “I enjoyed the whole experience and highly recommended everyone to dine, view, learn, shop, and take a coffee break with Louis Vuitton,” she enthuses. LV The Place Bangkok represents a convergence of culture, cuisine, and creativity, illustrating the Maison’s ethos of pushing what can be possible. As the Louis Vuitton expands its cultural and hospitality footprint, this visionary concept sets the future of luxury lifestyle destinations.

To learn more about the Louis Vuitton The Place in Bangkok, Thailand, click here.

Photos by LOUIS VUITTON and LUIS RUIZ

The post Why LV The Place in Bangkok Should Be Your Next Travel and Shopping Destination appeared first on MEGA.

Bullying continues to demand attention and action as it undermines the well-being of individuals across various demographics and environments. In the universe, there is an individual who aims to put this pervasive issue in society in its place. She is Filipino-Kiwi actress Franki Russell, Miss Universe New Zealand 2024—the country’s first representative in five years. With her platform, Russell endeavors to confront this pervasive societal issue head-on, advocating for positive change and empowerment.

RELATED: The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Contenders to Watch

In an Instagram post, the actress says, “A new chapter. This really feels like a ten year journey in the making. I applied for Miss Universe New Zealand in 2014 – I was 19 at that time and really didn’t know who I was as a person. A lost girl just wanting to find her purpose and her place in this world. Now that I am 29, ten years older and with far more life experience, I realized that life definitely works in mysterious ways. As the saying goes: ‘everything happens for a reason’. and has lead me to this new role.”

Russell gained prominence after her stint on the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Otso. She has since appeared in the television show with Coco Martin, Ang Probinsyano. As a Vivamax artist, she worked on films like Phil Giordano’s Pabuya, and Yam Laranas’s Laruan. She also played a part in Darryl Yap’s Martyr or Murderer.

Before New Zealand, Russell represented the UAE in the Miss Universe 2021 competition, achieving a notable top 30 placement, as the supposed-inaugural competition was cancelled due to time constraints.

The actress’s fortunes took a turn when Filipino entrepreneur Josh Yugen assumed the role of the new national director and franchise owner of Miss Universe New Zealand. Yugen’s expansion of the Miss Universe franchise to Pakistan, Bahrain, and Egypt marks a significant milestone for his company, the Yugen Group, including further global diversity and inclusivity to the 72-year-old pageant.

During the sashing ceremony held at The Alpha Suites in Makati City, Russell articulated her advocacy against bullying. “Cyberbullying is one of the main problems that the youth in New Zealand has been facing in the last few years. This leads to depression and can spiral down to suicide. With the platform that I have made, I can talk so much about this phenomenon happening with our youth today,” she expressed. “We can inform and educate kids on how to deal with situations where they feel bullied, understand their emotions, and protect themselves from any harm this might cause them.”

With the Miss Universe 2024 coronation night scheduled for September in Mexico, the Philippines is still in search of its representative. Reigning Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios will pass on her crown to her successor at this highly anticipated event.

Photos and Featured Image: FRANKI RUSSELL (via Instagram)

The post Franki Russell is Miss Universe New Zealand 2024, the First Representative in 5 Years appeared first on MEGA.

In the competitive and fast-paced modern world, moments are fleeting, and memories are short-lived. Our generation of digital natives now lives to immortalize those momentary seconds of everyday life, from the mundane to the extraordinary. The vivo V30 Pro goes beyond capturing these moments. This progressive innovation empowers you to unleash your creativity one snap at a time. Going pro has never been easier. With these prominent camera features, vivo’s latest phone model has just propelled itself to the forefront of the camera phone game. 

Portraits Come to Life

The vivo V30 Pro boasts a 50MP Professional Portrait Camera that allows users to capture vivid and life-like images as though they are seeing them with their own eyes. Whereas similar phones distort the subject’s proportions, the V30 Pro’s 50mm focal length feature lends to more realistic portraits, closely aligning with the natural viewpoint. It also captures fine details, from hair strands to eyelashes, and even fine stitching in clothing. It is the perfect camera phone for capturing professional-looking fashion portraits and OOTDs.

Reliving Group Moments

In taking group photos, there is always a struggle to fit everyone in one image. With most phones, it is inevitable that someone will get a cut-off frame. However, with the V30 Pro’s 50MP AF Ultra Wide-Angle Camera, taking quality group pictures would never be a problem. It has over six times the pixel count of wide-angle cameras from competing brands. Its 119° field of view has versatile functions, allowing you to easily fit extensive landscapes to groups of up to 30 people in one frame! With this function, there is also no need for pro editing software! This camera phone uses an AI algorithm to enhance the facial details of everyone in your group photos, allowing you to relive every moment in each shot easily.

Brighter in the Lowlight

The average camera phone could only produce lifeless, grainy night images. However, the V30 Pro, with its 50MP VCS True Color Main Camera, uses a Sony IMX920 sensor that allows clear pictures to be taken—even at night. Its VCS technology further enhances the color accuracy of photographs by 7.7 percent, allowing you to vividly record nightlife adventures and stunning lowlight urban landscapes as if you’re using professional camera equipment.

Stylized Reality

The true standout function of the V30 Pro is its unique ZEISS Portrait Lens Styles, which are not present in other phones. With this, you can easily choose from a selection of 6 stylized effects to add visual interest to portraits without the need to change camera lenses. From bokeh to artistic flares, achieving professional aesthetics is one tap away.

Stunning Bokeh Effects

V30 Pro’s iconic portrait lens brings any image to life. Unlike the average camera phone that lends to dull outputs, the V30 Pro’S ZEISS Biostar Style Bokeh function offers three unique options that add visual interest to portraits. This includes the swirling bokeh effect, the olive-shaped flare, and the cat’s eye effect, which uses light and blurring methods to help frame the subject better. With this, you remain the standout in each photograph, no matter how busy the scene is.

Live as the Protagonist

With the V30 Pro, everyone gets a chance in the spotlight. Its unique ZEISS Cinematic Portrait mode simulates movie-like aesthetics fit for capturing cinematic ambiance. It uses light distortion to add visual interest to the backgrounds of images. By allowing you to produce outputs with an aspect ratio of 2.39:1, you can achieve the full Hollywood movie vibe—minus all the fancy camera accessories.

Life in Different Hues

The vivo color system offers three color effects that add richness to each snapshot, unlike anything from other devices. The ZEISS Natural Color effect perfectly replicates the natural hues seen by the human eye. Meanwhile, vivo Colored Texture creates rich, high-contrast images with a dramatic and emotional feel. In contrast, the vivo Vivid Color uses bright tones to convey positive memories into scenic portraits. With these color effects, you don’t just record the moment; you also translate every emotion into vivid images, showing life in all its exuberant colors.

More is Always Better

Taking groufies is the heart of every gathering, but most phones’ front cameras could barely fit two people into the frame.  Aside from having a high resolution, ultra wide-angle rear camera, V30 Pro’s industry-leading 50MP front camera prides itself on its 92° wide-angle lens that allows five people to jump into the frame, capturing over double the fun than other front cameras can.

Subtle Radiance

The V30 Pro has an Aura Light Portrait Mode that adjusts the brightness and temperature of photographs, ensuring you always look good regardless of lighting or distance from the camera. Whereas other phones use harsh camera flashes, the V30 Pro gently illuminates the skin, making you look like you came straight out of a magazine. 

To Endless Summers

Taking beach photos is always tricky, even with professional cameras, let alone an average mobile phone. The ever-changing outdoor lighting could easily lead to underexposed photographs. However, the V30 Pro has a beach portrait mode that allows you to document Instagram-worthy vacation sceneries, even under the glare of the blazing sun. Co-designed with travel vloggers, this feature uses algorithms to add style filters, making it seem like a pro captured each journey.

With all its unique features, the vivo V30 Pro has propelled itself to the top of the pact. It’s so much more than a phone. It’s a companion, empowering you to capture life through the lens of a pro. 

The vivo V30 Pro (12GB RAM, 512GB ROM) can be purchased for P34,999! For more inquiries about the V30 Pro, visit the website at vivoglobal.ph or take a look at their Shopee and Lazada stores.

The post 10 Superior Photography Features of the vivo V30 Pro that Set It Apart appeared first on MEGA.

Connections crescendo and diminuendo, each note a melody that orchestrates our experiences. Meanwhile, roots delve deep into the soil of our heritage, harmonizing with the cadence of our ancestry to forge a sturdy foundation for growth. For the Australian-Filipino theater actress Abigail Adriano, the harmony between her and her Filipino heritage is not just a passing refrain, but the steady rhythm that underpins her artistic composition. Influenced by her stirring performance as Kim in Miss Saigon, Adriano’s connection, particularly to her family, strikes a chord.

RELATED: Seann Miley Moore on Asian Queer Excellence in Miss Saigon

The Roots of Her Connections

Adriano’s connection to her Filipino roots reverberates profoundly within her theatrical pursuits, embedding her performances with a depth of cultural resonance. She candidly acknowledges her ongoing learning curve in theater, citing Miss Saigon as a significant chapter where her heritage intertwines with her craft. 

“Miss Saigon really represents my Filipino heritage and I think it ties in so well to the show. It tells the story of a mother and her love for her son, and fighting for a better life,” she muses. “It’s such a personal story, but it has universal themes.”

The theater actress draws parallels between her family’s story and the universal themes of love portrayed in Miss Saigon. “If that doesn’t speak to the mothers in our lives who have fought so hard for us today, then I don’t know what other show does,” she says.

Adriano’s portrayal of Kim is almost like a tribute to the strength and sacrifices of her lineage. This connection to her roots adds to her performance with authenticity, elevating it beyond mere acting to a personal expression of cultural pride. “If I didn’t have an appreciation for my family and what they went through, I feel like I wouldn’t be able to deliver the role I do today,” the musical star explains further.

Dreams Realized and Manifested

Some time ago at the Sydney Opera House, a young Abigail Adriano found herself in the presence of Lea Salonga. Clutching a program bearing Salonga’s radiant smile, Adriano couldn’t help but feel a surge of inspiration coursing through her veins. She reminisces, “I was 14 years old, and I told my mom, ‘Mommy, one day, I’m gonna perform here at the Opera House just like Lea.'” Little did she know, fate had already set its course. “And actually Miss Saigon is the first show I did at the Opera House five years later,” she shares. It was a moment of full circle, a manifestation of dreams and determination. 

Reflecting on Salonga’s influence, Adriano marvels at her idol’s theatrical prowess. “Watching her live is influential for me,” she says. Salonga’s impact on Adriano extends far beyond admiration. “But I always looked up to her: I think her skill in theater is incredible, like her vocal stamina, and what she can do at that age. So many girls look up to that. I’m still learning, and I look up to that because it’s incredible.”

Adriano is poised to follow in the footsteps of Salonga, formed from her boundless talent and the cultural resonance they both share, in addition to a voice that makes everybody stop in their tracks and listen. And if not Salonga’s footsteps, then Adriano is mighty fine to wear her own shoes. 

Abigail’s Kim

Adriano approaches her portrayal of Kim with a unique perspective, acknowledging the diverse interpretations that have gone through the character. Embracing her creative license, Adriano strives to infuse her own essence into the character, guided by the encouragement of producer Cameron Macintosh during rehearsals. “During rehearsals, Cam says to me, ‘I know you know the music. I know you can sing it.’ And then he held my face and said, “I just want to see Abby in your Kim.’” 

For Adriano, it’s about capturing the authenticity of her reactions to situations rather than mimicking others. “Once I realized that, it was so freeing,” she remarks. Drawing inspiration from the strength and fierceness she sees in her own mother, Adriano brings a distinct dignity to Kim. 

“I know a lot of other Kims have their own interpretation, but strength can be seen in different ways. One powerful thing that I learned from playing Kim is that strength can be heard even in the most silent moments. I love how Kim holds herself with such dignity even in her silence.”

Just as connections ebb and flow, Adriano’s path in theater speaks volumes about the lasting impact of Filipino talent in the worldwide spotlight. Through her performance, she not only pays homage to the sacrifices of those who came before her, but also forges new paths for future generations of artists. Abigail Adriano’s voice rings clear and true, rooted to the bloom of her connections. Silence can be powerful, but the strength of acknowledging one’s cultural identity can lead you anywhere—including theater. 

Miss Saigon runs from March 23 – May 12, 2024 at The Theatre At Solaire. To book tickets, click here.

Photography DOOKIE DUCAY. Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS. Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO. Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO. Styling ROKO ARCEO, assisted by GISELLE BARNACHEA. Sittings Editor MIA CASTRO. Makeup MILA GULFAN for ESTÉE LAUDER. Hair JAARON GO. Shoot Coordination JOANA FERNANDO and MELISSA TAN. Shot on Location at SOLAIRE RESORT ENTERTAINMENT CITY. Special thanks to GMG PRODUCTIONS

The post EXCLUSIVE: Abigail Adriano Connects with Her Filipino Heritage for Miss Saigon appeared first on MEGA.

In a resplendent return that’s been seven years in the making, Kathryn Bernardo graces the cover of our April 2024 issue, casting a glow on her inner self as she reflects on self-love, growth, and acceptance. After her unforgettable ventures with the Making MEGA series in captivating locales like Iceland and South Africa, the actress‘ latest cover shoot promises to be nothing short of mesmerizing—a stunning, sultry, and sunny reveal, unlike the public has seen before. What could the MEGA April 2024 cover look like?

RELATED: How Kathryn Bernardo Achieves Tight Abs and a Sound Mind

Location, Location, Location

Set against the backdrop of a lush, sun-kissed beach, the natural setting serves as the perfect look for Bernardo’s comeback. Picture-perfect palm trees sway gently in the breeze, while the crystalline waters glisten under the golden rays of the sun. But, where could this be? Could it be the pristine shores of Boracay, or perhaps the hidden gems of Palawan, where limestone cliffs meet emerald waters. Alternatively, could the cover be a backdrop of Hawaii’s lush landscapes or the exotic allure of Bali’s serene shores? 

A Fashionable Escapade 

As for fashion, could she channel the epitome of beach glamour, donning ensembles that exude both sophistication and seaside sensuality? Perhaps she’ll be clad in a flowing, couture gown that billows softly in the ocean breeze, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the sea. Alternatively, she might opt for chic swimwear paired with statement accessories, radiating confidence with every pose.

Strokes of Beauty

Beauty-wise, Bernardo already dazzles with her signature charm, whether she opts for a sultry, sun-kissed glow or embraces the au naturel aesthetic with a dewy, no-makeup look. On the other side of the spectrum, could she paint the 2024 maximalist trend? Will she don a new hairstyle? Her beauty look is sure to be a blend of bold hues and soft accents, accentuating her features with a touch of luminosity.

What’s Her Story?

But beyond the visuals lies a poignant story of growth. After all, the issue talks about self-love. In the wake of her highly publicized breakup with Daniel Padilla, Bernardo’s journey towards self-discovery has been one of profound introspection and empowerment. Could it be that she unveils profound revelations about acceptance, urging us to embrace our individuality and discover strength in vulnerability? Does she reveal any exciting projects she has on the horizon?

As the tide washes over past lives, Kathryn Bernardo emerges like a treasure washed ashore, her presence, new and profound, illuminates the beachscape like a guiding light with the shifting sands of introspection. Her cover shoot for the April 2024 issue of MEGA not only marks a welcoming return, but also heralds a new chapter of self-discovery, growth, and unabashed authenticity. One thing is for sure: this is Kathryn Bernardo like never seen before. 

Photos: KATHRYN BERNARDO (via Instagram)
Featured Image: MEGA ARCHIVES

The post The Ultimate Tease: What Could Kathryn Bernardo’s MEGA April Cover Look Like? appeared first on MEGA.

Capturing moments and memories has increasingly become deeply engraved in our everyday routine—after all, the evidence lies in every camera roll. But as trends and phases pass, comes the renewed curiosity on how to take post-worthy photos: What’s the best kind of lighting? What’s a good angle? What’s the most reliable tech in the market? Those who are keen to find answers are in luck as Anne Curtis unveiled her best-kept secrets behind her selfies. 

RELATED: Style in Focus: vivo V30 is Your New Favorite Fashion Accessory

Anne Curtis is undeniably among the stars who has mastered the art of photographing everyday moments. Think more of her ever-popular beauty shots, behind-the-scenes stories, and off-camera life—a peak in her feed showcases a balance of well-executed photos that still feels authentic. So what makes her capture-ready at any time? Her favorite phone of choice, the vivo v30 Pro. 

Her go-to partner

“The vivo V30 Series is truly exceptional,” Anne Curtis expressed in the recently concluded grand launch event at The Manila Hotel. The multi-hyphenate star, accompanied by her trusty vivo V30 Pro, made a grand entrance into the ballroom and captured the moment with a selfie alongside the vibrant audience. The night, of course, is as historical in the tech world as it sounds considering that it concludes the brand’s three-year hiatus. Even better, it is in collaboration with the optics leader, ZEISS. 

Heralded as a revolutionary advancement in mobile photography, the vivo V30 Series is set to snap every life moment with unmatched clarity and detail. “The capabilities are unmatched, allowing me to capture every detail and emotion effortlessly,” Anne Curtis said. 

On her best-kept selfie hacks 

“Natural lighting is everything,” Anne Curtis pointed out, detailing how the vivo V30 Series provides the same effect anytime and anywhere. Mastering the right angle is everything. As for her top recommendation? A top-down angle. “It creates an illusion of having a slimmer face! I always love taking a selfie from this angle.” 

On an expert’s point of view

Alongside Anne Curtis, the event also featured insights from industry experts including Marisa Weis, representing ZEISS, Keshav Chugh, vivo’s Image Cognition expert, and Art Samaniego, Senior Technology Officer at Manila Bulletin, shedding light on the innovative features of the vivo V30 Series. 

Chugh, for one, championed the Aura Light 3.0, a powerful light-filling tool exclusive to vivo. “You go to nightclubs, restaurants, and bars which have very challenging lights. Any camera will struggle in these challenging scenarios, so we try to solve this problem with the third generation of the Aura Light Portrait,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Weis praised the consumer market’s take on capturing moments. “The Philippines is such a vibrant emerging consumer market, and a market we firmly believe has great potential, especially in portrait photography,” she said. “The goal of our joint development is nothing less than enabling users to create pro-level portraits.“

For more inquiries about the V30 Series, visit the website at vivoglobal.ph or take a look at their Shopee and Lazada stores

Photos: vivo PHILIPPINES

The post This is How Anne Curtis Captures Her Post-Worthy Selfie  appeared first on MEGA.

Coffee consumption is evolving. Your little cup of black espresso is no longer solely about the caffeine kick we crave in the morning or at any point of the day we need a picker-upper. There’s something about inhaling its rich aroma that’s indulgently comforting. Aside from the amazing health benefits that coffee brings, it’s the moment of pause in our day when we slow down and make our cup of bliss that we value. Nespresso has made the coffee-drinking experience more enjoyable, especially for people who value individuality and personal taste. Nespresso has become a statement in the coffee corner of every home. 

It’s evident how coffee has the power to kick-start our day. Nespresso elevates the process of brewing your cup and transforms it into a simple, delightful, and personal experience. 

The coffee favored by A-list Celebrities

Beyond the physical beauty of its machines, Nespresso is known for its great-tasting black coffee and offering a variety of flavors that cater to all your coffee needs. Whether you prefer deep, robust tastes or want something lighter, there’s an option for everyone. 

Two stars of this generation join the ranks alongside George Clooney, the brand ambassador since 2006, in the new Nespresso video titled “The Bet.” Renowned Korean actress Kim Go-eun, celebrated for her performances in “A Muse,” “Goblin,” and “Cheese in the Trap,” shares the screen with the talented Julia Garner, known for her standout roles in “Inventing Anna” and “Ozark.”

We all have a preferred way of drinking coffee. Some, like George Clooney, choose a strong black espresso to awaken the senses. Others lean towards a creamier taste; Julia Garner loves hers with a splash of milk. For Kim Go-eun, nothing beats iced coffee. While their preferences may vary, they all go for the unforgettable taste of Nespresso.

Elevate Each Sip with Nespresso 

The Barista Creations range is inspired by the world’s top baristas and crafted to complement milk perfectly. Whether you’re craving an indulgent or milky drink, you can find a favorite among Nespresso’s milky and flavored blends, from the rich and nutty Vertuo Roasted Hazelnut to the creamy and chocolatey Rich Chocolate. 

Nespresso designed these flavors to be super easy and straightforward so everyone can delight in the beauty of making their own cup without leaving their homes. 

Shop Nespresso Barista Creations range, machines, and accessories online at nespresso.ph, in boutiques, or in pop-up stores. Follow nespresso.ph on Instagram and nespresso.phl on Facebook for more information.

The post Nespresso Coffee’s Unforgettable Taste Enjoyed Different Ways appeared first on MEGA.

RELATED: A Look Inside a Photo Studio That Caters to Limitless Creativity

Need a quick breather to rediscover your creative pursuits? Re Nou Space, short for “residence nouveau,” is a hidden gem sitting in a quiet corner of New Manila. The nostalgic—albeit, with a touch of modernity—ancestral home makes it the perfect spot for an artistic renewal. This is what newness feels like in an old, familiar place. 

Re Nou prides itself as a sanctuary in the center of the city, being right at the heart of it all while  maintaining a serene environment and homely vibe. Whether a big or small gathering, major or personal project, intimacy is ingrained in the details. Milestones become a totally different experience when you have the avenue and freedom to bring your own creative visions to life.

For larger parties, the location offers a fully functional kitchen available for social events and catering. For smaller groups, or in moments without much activity, the location may be home to select art pieces as a painting gallery. Re Nou finds a way to put a refreshing new look to a home away from home. Let spirit and passion welcome you at your first step. 

For rates & reservation inquiries, contact @renou.space on Instragram or via mobile +639178908818

Photo courtesy of RE NOU SPACE

The post This Ancestral Home is Open for Different Creatives to Pursue their Dreams appeared first on MEGA.

Smartphones have revolutionized our lives so much that they have become essential companions for nearly every activity, from work and leisure to everything in between. Through years of innovation and technological advancement, they’ve become indispensable tools that make our daily tasks more convenient—and, in the most futuristic way, an extension of ourselves. In the digital age, especially for style-conscious and selfie-obsessed people, smartphones are vital to their personal and social expression. Enter vivo V30, with its aesthetic appeal and camera quality, it raises the bar for both style and functionality in today’s market. 

Sleek Elegance

The vivo V30 is making its mark as today’s best fashion accessory, being extremely thin and light, with a long-lasting battery. It struts down the smartphone market runway with its 7.45mm slim body, making it “the thinnest 5000mAh phone in its price range.” Imagine having the thinnest and most chicly constructed phone in your hands. Its Cushioning Structure 3D Curved Screen design ensures durability, a comfortable hold and is nice to the touch. Not only is it slim even with a bigger and more powerful battery, but it is also light at 185g. 

Color is key in choosing a phone that matches your personality or style. The designers behind the V30 took inspiration from elements of nature and an exploration of “the unique aesthetic culture of Southeast Asia”—Petals White and Green Sea. 

Picture Perfect

The stunning exterior of the vivo V30 matches its inner operations, especially when it comes to its photography capabilities. Content creation is central in today’s cultural setting, connecting people, shaping trends, and influencing opinions. Snapping photos is a huge part of how we live our daily lives, and when consumers are shopping for new smartphones, their primary focus is on the device’s photography features. Let’s see what makes the vivo V30 unique among the others.

Aura Light Portrait 3.0, a technology exclusive to vivo, “provides optimal brightness and colors with only one tap, ensuring that you look radiant at any time, anywhere.” Its light output is 19x more extensive than a regular flash but 50x softer, resulting in a lit skin that is kept smooth and well-balanced. The new Aura Light Portrait 3.0 detects near and far lighting with “centimeter-level precision,” guaranteeing awesome photos no matter how far you are. And when you’re capturing a subject at a golden hour sunlight moment or a bustling street market with colorful overhead lights, they are “perfectly integrated into their surroundings” because of its improved color temperature adjustment range. 

“The first 50MP Ultra Wide-angle camera in its price range enables you to capture memorable moments.” The phone’s 119° field of view lets you take in more of the scene you’re capturing, whether it be breathtaking landscapes on your travels or fitting up to 30 people into one shot. For all your group selfies, this phone’s got a 92° wide-angle camera that lets you squeeze in more people in the shot. Plus, its auto-focus tracking keeps everyone looking sharp. These features outperform those of other brands currently available in the market.

Power Performance

A smartphone’s fantastic design is pleasing to the eyes and the sense of touch, yet it’s the hardware inside that enhances its functionality and performance. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is one of the most advanced chips, which “balances high performance and low power consumption.”

12GB + 12GB Extended RAM means you can store up to 50,000 HD photos or 8,000 lossless music. This “Storage Life Extension” makes the V30 run smoother and handles more tasks simultaneously, giving it a bigger workspace. Though it’s a challenge to pull off, 18 months of research and development allowed the vivo V30 to boost its battery power while providing a thin and sturdy casing. It also upgraded its power-saving technology, the “Super Battery Saver,” allowing worry-free usage even at 1%. 

The vivo V30 goes beyond aesthetic appeal and its imaging excellence. Owning a V30 means you value design and innovation. This smartphone isn’t just smart—it’s art in the visual and technological sense. It isn’t just a gadget—it’s an extension of how you express your creativity.

For more inquiries about the V30, visit the website at vivoglobal.ph or take a look at their Shopee and Lazada stores. The vivo V30 can be purchased for the following prices: V30 (12+512) Php 27,999 and V30 (12+256) Php 24,999

The post Style in Focus: vivo V30 is Your New Favorite Fashion Accessory appeared first on MEGA.

Time and again, when the clouded mind topples, art comes in as a source of direction, connection, and inspiration. In the translation of one’s works from the artist to the spectator, the pieces carry conversations that can say these words, “You are not alone. I am here for you.” That’s exactly what Le Ngok, through the craftsmanship of designer Carla Zhang, echoes in her pieces for the collection entitled There’s Nothing Wrong at the Bench Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2024.

Related: Let Le Ngok’s Carla Zhang Introduce You To The Fashion Concept of Mixed Media Wear

In an exclusive with MEGA, the designer addressed her intention for her creating the pieces right away. “I wanted to make a collection that tells a story. When I design, it’s either I want to find meaning or tell a story. With [There’s Nothing Wrong,] I want to tell my own story of how I started having anxiety, to know it, and be friends with it,” she says.

Matters of the mind

The exhibition began with a lone dancer donning a black and white ensemble that had mimicked an abstract inkblot design—familiar to those who knew psychotherapy. Running confused as if looking for answers, her presence would stay in every piece that would follow suit. 

As each model made their way to the audience, their unsettling presence came in designs that interpreted individual feelings of confusion, loneliness, and worry. Zhang did not describe her works on mere fabrics or techniques alone. She used her own scenarios of understanding anxiety. A bloated stomach, a loop of asking what’s wrong every day, and insomnia. 

Then came the addressing through consultations and medications. The two pieces inspired by this stage were more straightforward, with the usage of pills in transparent bubbles and Carla’s own test results printed on the fabric. This also included the headpiece, a recycled creation from the pills’ empty bottles. “When I was taking so much medicine at that time, I kept the bottles and I said, ‘One day, I will use you!’” she recalls.

Minding what matters

“I’m in a dark place right now”—These are the words that people usually use when they describe their state of being unwell. But the concept of darkness, for Carla, is not just about darker shades and harsh strokes. “I don’t think if you’re depressed, you’re totally in the dark. There is darkness, but there is also something colorful which gives me another feeling than depression. So if depression to other people is dark, maybe to me it’s dark—but mixed with other colors,” the designer expresses.

One could perceive this in Zhang’s designs that had a black base with embellishments of zippers and pins, as well as traces and streaks of color. Going into her technique, she demonstrated her technical skills as a designer in the variations of her stitches as well as the hemline finishes, the lettuce style appearing in a number of her pieces. 

Mind over matter

“I don’t know [where the end is],” the designer admits, referring to her anxiety. “Though I know I’m getting better, I also don’t know when it will go bad again. I’m much better now compared to two years ago, and what’s important is that I get the opportunity to present to everyone. That’s a huge achievement for myself [that I get to openly talk about it.]”

When Carla’s experiences reached her friends, she finally found out that she wasn’t alone in her journey to making sense of anxiety, depression, and mental health. “That’s also one of the reasons why I wanna design this collection, to tell that people have experienced it, or are experiencing it [that] they’re not alone,” she says.

Ending the interview with more than her designs as a reminder of support, Carla Zhang shares, “I think there’s an important step for people who are going through the anxiety disorder. It’s really to face it, and openly face it. Talk to people who care about you. Openly talking about it with people who care about you.”

Photography EXCEL PANLAQUE of KLIQ INC.

The post Carla Zhang Turns Anxiety Into a Spectrum of Colors in Her Newest Collection appeared first on MEGA.

Rajo Laurel is one of the most distinguished names in the Philippine fashion industry. He’s a renowned fashion designer, creative director, and entrepreneur, who has a distinct point of view, with a loud voice to match. He wouldn’t be a finalist for the first-ever MEGA Young Designers Competition if he didn’t. In a world where every person would deem and explore the creative side at some point in their life, it is imperative to stand out and have your voice heard—That may be why Laurel is prominent. In the new MEGA: The Next Move episode, here are five takeaways we learned from the designer. 

RELATED: Rajo Laurel’s Journey With the MEGA Young Designers Competition

A Theatrical Memory

It started with theater. The production was The King and I, and Laurel’s grandmother introduced him to the Repertory Philippines, where they needed children to play the princes and princesses of King Sian. He was five years old when he fell in love vividly with the power of costume; it was a transformative interaction for Laurel, the ability to be another person through clothes. “I realize there was something special there,” he says. “It began by having that fundamental thought of, ‘I think I want to be part of that transformative power.’ That gift of giving someone that opportunity to truly become who they are through clothing, or to become someone else.” 

Laurel’s Idols

“I’m a lola’s boy, and my grandmother was an ambassador’s wife,” he shares he remembers watching her dress up. It was this core memory of how he understands how a woman takes care of herself:  trying on dresses, putting on makeup, and even sliding the classic opera gloves. His grandmother’s best friend was designer, Ramon Valera. It was Valera—who made clothes for Laurel’s grandmother—who catapulted him to a world of gowns and muses. As Laurel grew older, his knowledge of fashion grew with him: his idols included Isaac Mizrahi, Rebecca Moses, and an all-time fave Geoffrey Beene.

A Stylish Woman

What makes a stylish woman? She’s always comfortable in her own skin. Laurel shares this nugget of wisdom: “When entering a room, do not let your outfit be the first thing they see. It should be you that they see.” For Laurel, there’s always this push and pull in design, to leave room for the woman herself to be noticed. 

Two Institutions, One Knowlege

Laurel attends both the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and Central Saint Martins in London. While long ago, he still carries with him what he learned during those days in the most prestigious schools you can go to for fashion. “When you’re young, you have this desire to conquer the world,” he reveals. More than the education, it was the experience: of living by youself, of being free, of being open to all inspirations. “What FIT taught me was structure,” he shares. “Basically creating order out of the chaotic mind.” On the other hand, Central Saint Martins taught him freedom: freedom to create without fear. “These institutions lead you and lend you certain knowledge about how you can craft your skill, how you can become the designer that you should be or you are.”

An Original MEGA Baby

Laurel started as an illustrator. “It’s almost serendipitous.” MEGA’s first fashion editor, Michael Salientes, heard of the future fashion designer and learned he drew quite well, then asked him to do some illustrations for an article. “You read the article, you draw, you submit the article,” he reveals, an action all too familiar for those who in media and publishing. They liked it so much that Salientes, along with MEGA founder Sari Yap, offered him to do more editorials. 

Rajo Laurel illustrates the profound impact of passion, resilience, and expression. Through the experiences and insights, he shares at the MEGA: The Next Move episode, we learn how he contributed to shaping modern Philippine fashion, how he empowers others to embrace their unique voices and forge their paths in the world of creativity, and how his grandmother’s influence instilled in him a deep appreciation for refinement, serving as a guiding light in his journey towards excellence.

Featured Image: Photography KIM SANTOS
Photos: Photography KIM SANTOS, MEGA ARCHIVES, and RAJO LAUREL (via Instagram)

The post 5 Tips, Secrets, and Insights on Becoming a Fashion Designer from Rajo Laurel on MEGA: The Next Move appeared first on MEGA.

In the searing heat of Manila, where even the most stoic of citizens melt quicker than ice cream on a scorching pavement, comes a sign of cool complexity: Cara Limjap’s first Halohalo store. It’s no ordinary ice cream parlor, but a true stylish oasis throughout the desert of urban monotony. As the city heats up and tempers flare, Limjap’s clever decision to open the first Halohalo actual store becomes the hottest fad on everyone’s radar. With threads as delicious as a scoop of leche flan over shaved ice and motifs as bright as an ounce of ube syrup, the lifestyle brand‘s debut is as timely as it is delicious; just come and check out its drinks, too.

RELATED: A Last-Minute Trendy Gift Guide to Wow Your Loved Ones

Founded in 2013 by siblings Limjap and Rocco Sumabat, Halohalo stands out as a creative light, tinged in culture and fortified by their tribute to a fierce determination to challenge norms and rewrite the rules of Filipino design. Bold, colorful, and unapologetically Filipino, their dream takes flight like a jeepney racing through the streets. Or as determined as jeepneys can be with the traffic jams. And, like traffic, it didn’t come quick nor easy.

Nostalgia Meets Novelty

It began with banig. And like the traditional Filipino mat, which intricately weaves together strands of grass to create a sturdy yet beautiful foundation, so too did Limjap weave together her vision, combining elements of tradition and innovation to craft something truly remarkable. This humble beginning led to the birth of Halohalohome, Halohalobags, and GoodTimes. Each brand within the Halohalo world offers a distinct collection of products, ranging from home decor to fashion essentials, all imbued with the spirit of Filipino craftsmanship.

Thus, we step into their store. Walking into Halohalo is like entering a time machine set in ‘Old Manila’ mode. You stroll through the streets of the city, but instead of vendors, you’re greeted by racks of stylish threads and shelves of chic home decor. Drawing inspiration from the delightful chaos of our diverse culture, Halohalo’s design aesthetic is a playful homage to the city’s eclectic mix of tradition and trendiness. From the ornate details of heritage buildings to the classic elements of Filipino design, every corner of the store pulsates with the vibrancy of modern Filipino living. 

Sipping Simple Times

At the corner of Halohalo lies a bar that serves up more than just drinks—it offers a trip down memory lane. From the beloved scramble to the signature halo-halo dessert-inspired concoction, each sip is a flashback to childhood delights. 

Partnering with PICKUP COFFEE, Halohalo has curated a menu that pays homage to classic Filipino flavors, categorized into “Pampalamig” for a refreshing cool dip in the ocean on a scorching summer day, “Pampainit” for a warm blanket wrapped around you on a chilly night, and “Pampatunaw” for a guilty pleasure that makes you feel like you’ve just won the jackpot. 

An Entrepreneurial Mix

However, beyond its products and beverages, Halohalo symbolizes a movement: one that consists and insists on a testament to the empowerment of women in the entrepreneurial landscape. Halohalo metamorphoses as a beacon of hope for aspiring female leaders, a space where dreams are nurtured and ambitions are realized. Cara Limjap and Rocco Sumabat’s Halohalo stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, passion, and a sprinkle of creativity.

As a Filipina entrepreneur, Limjap’s journey is one of resilience and triumph. From humble beginnings to the grand opening of her and brother’s first physical store, Limjap has defied expectations and shattered glass ceilings, proving that with hard work and perseverance, anything is always possible. Through Halohalo, Limjap not only offers stylish products and delicious beverages with Filipino flavors, but also serves as a role model for aspiring female entrepreneurs across the country.

Cara Limjap looks towards the future with a twinkle in her eye and a spring in her step as Halohalo continues to flourish into a world of its own, a unique flavor shared with every Filipino. And, like a perfectly concocted halo-halo, it’s a blend of creativity, innovation, and a sprinkle of magic that tantalizes the senses and leaves you craving for more. With each new day, Halohalo’s universe expands, offering a taste of the sweet possibilities that await.

Photography GRANT BABIA

The post How Halohalo Inspires Women to Pursue Entrepreneurial Dreams appeared first on MEGA.

Picture this: you’re setting off on a run, focused and determined. You want to make sure you’re healthy, energetic, and ready to take on whatever the day throws at you. Just like maintaining an active lifestyle is essential for physical well-being, fueling your productivity is crucial for personal growth and success.

RELATED: ASUS is Taking a Step for Sustainability with This Incredibly Slim Laptop

As a career-driven woman in the creative field, I understand the importance of striking a balance between work and personal life. When it comes to being productive, you need tools to ensure you get things done to achieve your goals. Since I used the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED (UX3405), I’ve noticed an uptick in the way it has streamlined my work-life setup, allowing me to fuel my passions and pursue my career bucket list in the comfort of my own home. 

Here are five easy tips that I’ve applied with the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED as my trusted companion:

1. Create your ideal workspace

Having a dedicated workspace is the first step towards maximizing productivity. When I started using the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED, its feather-light design, weighing only 1.2kg, and ultra-thin 14.9mm body allowed me to effortlessly carry it anywhere and create an ideal nook wherever I go.

2. It’s all about organizing and prioritizing

Plan your workday by creating a to-do list or schedule and prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency to ensure that you tackle the most critical work first and stay on track throughout the day.

Through tools and built-in apps, the Zenbook 14 OLED has lifetime access to popular Office and education software. One app I use often is Microsoft Copilot; I can seamlessly handle tasks as the laptop is AI-ready and equipped to scan through my emails and even summarize their content. All thanks to its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor that’s Intel Evo edition, complemented by its ultrafast 1 TB SSD storage and 16 GB RAM. This ASUS device is also engineered to be your personal assistant, as all Office apps have smart capabilities. 

Aside from its productivity apps, the laptop is also designed with an ultra-vivid 3K 120 Hz ASUS Lumina OLED display, Intel® Arc Graphics, and Windows 11, ensuring I see every crisp detail of the images and documents I view daily. At times, it can be too bright for my liking, but it’s also ideal for designing and experimenting with Illustrator or Photoshop.

3. Make sure you use the right tools

Identify and use technological tools that can streamline and enhance work. I’m subscribed to project management or collaboration platforms to keep me organized and manage tasks effectively.

On the settings of the Zenbook 14 OLED, I’ve configured its Focus Assist settings and customized them to make sure that I won’t be disturbed in the middle of a project or only get important notifications from teammates. The Zenbook 14 OLED’s suite of software, including MyASUS, GlideX, and ScreenXpert, is much suited for when I have to present decks or presentations to clients.

4. Limit distractions

Working from home or anywhere outside the office, I find that I can be easily distracted. To make sure that I can be laser-focused on big projects, I switch off or mute notifications, set specific work hours, and practice mindful techniques like closing unnecessary browser tabs or using noise-canceling headphones to block out noise. 

The ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED’s Quiet Keyboard technology eliminates intrusive typing noises, creating a calm and focused workspace for both me and those around me.

5. Wrap up the workday

Ever since I started working, I’ve always heard this life mantra: “Have a healthy work-life balance.” I take this to heart, especially on days I work from home. It’s vital to establish boundaries so that you avoid burning out. 

Once I’ve logged out of work, I whip up a movie or series on my queue or watch videos on YouTube. The ultraportable laptop’s Smart Amplifier and ASUS Audio Booster deliver crystal-clear audio and an aural dimension. I notice this more whenever I listen to my favorite podcasts such as How Did This Get Made? and Let’s Make a Horror, or find inspiration from film classics such as Wong Kar Wai’s visuals or new movie releases.

With up to 15 hours of battery life, the ASUS laptop is equipped with day-long stamina, providing me with the flexibility to work, create, and even unwind, untethered from the mains. USB-C Easy Charge ensures that when it’s time to recharge, you can do so quickly and conveniently. With a focus on sustainability throughout its life cycle, the Zenbook 14 OLED minimizes its environmental impact, providing peace of mind to its users.

Since I started using the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED, I feel empowered to be productive and create visually-pleasing content. Its vibrant display and clear audio, combined with its robust software suite and essential function ports, make it a great companion for any young professional. With the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED by your side, you can take on the world with confidence and style, achieving your goals while embracing a life of productivity and success.

When you buy an ASUS Zenbook laptop, you also get ASUS 4A Quality and Service, assuring the best after-sales warranty packages and customer support. You can buy the ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED from concept stores, authorized reseller stores, and online. Click the link for a complete list of retail outlets.

The post 5 Easy Tips to Increase Productivity While Working Wherever You Are appeared first on MEGA.

Dubbed as “Tiktok’s Conyo Girl”, digital entertainer Rain Matienzo has created another character so deeply embedded into Filipino culture—the kinds of moms you see lounging in Rockwell or Alabang. She plays this character so well in tone, voice, and expression, and it shows with the response she gets from her viewers. We’ve come to love this series so much, and here’s three reasons why Gen Zs want a piece of that ‘Alabang mom’ life.

RELATED: Rain Matienzo is Running on Burning Red Passion

1. She’s fashionable

In the skits, we see Rain donning designer bags, one-shoulder blouses with gold jewelry, maxi patterned dresses, and stylish sleeveless blouses—even when she’s only at ‘home’. Sometimes, we see her in sunglasses, cardigans, and blazers, but one thing is for certain: wherever she is, you’ll catch this Alabang mom always styled and put together, like she meticulously combed through her wardrobe before stepping out the door. 

2. She’s a ‘doing-her-best’ mom

It’s not easy being a stay-at-home mom, and Rain makes sure this is emphasized in her skits. This character, like other moms, manages the household and shapes the family—so salute to all the moms who make a house feel like a home while being a responsible parent. Iñigo’s (the fictional son) soccer practice, plays, card days, and Christmas parties? She’s ever so present, you can find her handing out gifts to Iñigo’s teachers and running the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) as the president. She’s a competitive school parent, supportive cheerleader on game days, and she’s heavily invested in her son’s life and friends.

3. She prioritizes work-life balance

Rain nails the kikay and kulit qualities of this character, and also adds in how more than her household and family, she also has other hobbies and a good grasp of balance with her other affairs. She makes sure to get brunch out with friends, hangs out in Alabang, schedules her gym and self-care appointments and follows through religiously. She even invests on new real estate development with her husband. Go, Mom!

With these skits, Rain is changing the meaning of Trophy Wife. Once you win her over, the ‘prize’, there’s a lot she brings to the table. She’s financially secure enough to work when she wants to but handles responsibilities just as any mom and wife does, she’s gorgeous and takes care of herself, she’s fiercely loyal and ‘girl-bossing’ in her own right—ambitious and successful because running the PTA or getting the groceries done is no easy feat. This character is fulfilled in her role as a woman, as a mother, and a wife, and there’s nothing wrong with that or wanting that for your future.

It’s then easy to see why her videos get so much reception from the Gen Z community. While Rain embodies this persona, sometimes it’s fun to imagine having the same qualities in the future for those who want to be moms.

Photos and Featured Image: RAIN MATIENZO

The post Why the ‘Alabang Mom’ is Gen Z’s Version of ‘Girl Boss’, As Seen in Rain Matienzo’s Skits appeared first on MEGA.