Designer Hunt

Fashion is more fun in the Philippines, with local establishments sponsoring searches for new fashion designers. Currently shown on ETC every Saturday 7 pm, with replays on Sundays at 10 am, the MEGA Young Designers Competition (YDC) is one show that fully supports the local fashion industry.

The most recent episode challenged the remaining 13 aspiring designers to produce an outfit that can be worn for both the dry and wet season of our tropical country. Kirby Cruz bested the group with a one-piece tube romper in a combination of cornflower blue, orange, and beige—an outfit we definitely think is well-suited for our weather.

Crowd favorites like Oz Go and Renan Pacson have yet to be a part of the top three. Their over-the-top creations showcased refreshing designs that are potential show stoppers.

Over a decade old, this competition has produced very talented fashion creatives such as Furne One, Rajo Laurel, Oj Hofer, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Raul Ramirez, LZ Punzalan, Ivarluski Aseron, Mich Dulce, Ferdie Abuel, and Veejay Floresca to name a few.

For more information on the MEGA Young Designers Competition 2012, visit www.megastyle.ph.

The Terno—A Modern Romance

June was truly a celebration of our Pinoy pride at its finest, with the commemoration of our National Hero Jose Rizal’s 150th birthday as the highlight. Our fashion industry celebrated this momentous month in its own stylish way, as Mega magazine hosted the Mega Pinoy Pride Terno Ball at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-la hotel.


Celebrities and media personalities, as well as key names from the business and political sectors, were greeted with an exhibit of terno creations by fashion designers such as:

Eric de los Santos

Sen. Pia Cayetano by Paul Cabral

Veejay Floresca

Russell Villafuerte

another one by Russell Villafuerte

Kaye Tinga by Pepito Albert 

Kristel Yulo

Audrey Tan Zubiri by Rajo Laurel

Audrey Tan Zubiri (again) by Inno Sotto

Further down the walkway, Pinay supermodels wearing Frederick Peralta’s ternos and accessories by Jewelmer welcomed the invited guests as they made their way to their tables set with centerpieces done by Robert Blancaflor.  They were presented again during the program proper:

The five-course meal was especially made by chef Gene del Prado, inspired by the rich Filipino heritage—a mélange of flavors from kesong puti, kangkong, lapulapu and various vegetables and fruits. Mango pudding, ube macaroon and cashew sans rival made great desserts for a fabulous sit-down dinner. Complementing the night were Musikito String Orchestra, which played OPM songs, and JM Rodriguez, who sang for the attendees.

It was definitely a night packed with Pinoy pride, thanks to the host. “We started Mega Pinoy Pride last year, and from then on, we decided to make it an annual event,” says Sari Yap, Mega Publishing Group’s president and CEO and editor-in-chief of Mega magazine.  “More than anything, Mega Publishing Group prides itself with the talent of Filipinos, which explains why all our 10 titles are homegrown and not franchises,” she continues. 

Mega Pinoy Pride Terno Ball 2011 was mounted by Mega Publishing Group’s events arm, Events 100.

Mega Major!

Last Wednesday night didn't end at the Chalk party at Encore.  

Mega magazine also had a party in the area at Members' Only:

Bumped into model/stylist/makeup artist and now FASH host (in Lifestyle channel) Bianca Valero.  

She's a stunner, isn't she? :)

Went in to say hi to one of my very good friends, Suki Salvador, who used to be part of photographer Raymund Isaac's team.  

He's now with Mega Publishing as its Creative Director. So proud of him :)

On my way from the Chalk party to Mega's, I heard a lady call out my name. It was fashion blogger Kookie B. of deathbyplatforms.

She saw my shoes, and realized it was me. We've never met, so it was really nice to finally meet and have a photo op :) Plus, we're wearing the same pair, by the designer Nicole Puentavella who also has a blog called soulephenomenon. She has more designs up her sleeve, will share the deets when she's ready ;)

We were surrounded with so many stylish people, with very distinct styles. I admire their individuality and the confidence they exude.

Karl Leuterio of inkarlcerating

Jan with Nica

Stylist Angela Alarcon who's now with Mega

Sarah in Forever 21 leggings

Grab a copy of Mega Magazine's September issue to jump start your way to cool weather fashion ;)