Left to Right: MEGA's VP for Editorial & Production Lorraine V. Belmonte, Fashion Editor Patrick Ty, actress and model Angel Locsin and Associate Editor Lacar Casanova

I came across Angel a couple of weeks ago when she was shooting scenes for her new show, Only You, just outside the Mega Publishing Group headquarters in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Fashion Editor Patrick Ty and I were busy proofreading layouts for our upcoming June issue when VP for Editorial & Production Lorraine V. Belmonte excitedly came up to us and said that Angel was right outside the building. We hurriedly grabbed a copy of the May issue, dragged photographer Paolo Buendia along, then headed to the ground floor. Outside was a swarm of fans eagerly taking photos of Angel, who was dressed “very” casually (she was in costume for her role as Jillian). We squeezed through the crowd (I even overhead someone say, “Hey, here comes the Mega team”) and approached Angel. I said hello and re-introduced myself in case she forgot who I was. Angel, who was sitting down and waiting to shoot her scene, looked up and smiled instantly. Phew, she remembered me! Patrick said hi and we introduced Angel to Lorraine. We gave her a copy of the May issue and I could tell that Angel was impressed by the cover. And how could she not? She looks scintillating in that gray draped jersey dress by Santi Obcena. And the smoky eye makeup by Lala Flores and luscious wavy locks by hairstylist Nante Alingasa certainly added oomph to her sex appeal. Angel gratefully accepted the magazine and also thanked us for putting her on the cover. We thanked her as well for allowing us to feature her again. As we exchanged thank you’s, someone announced that they were about the shoot the scene and asked everyone to stand aside. But before Lorraine, Patrick and I left, we had to document the encounter, of course, and asked Paolo the photographer to take a photo of us with Angel holding her cover up. After taking photos, we said our goodbyes, gave our besos and headed back to the office.

What started out as an ordinary Wednesday afternoon turned into an exciting one! Inspired by Angel’s beauty, I returned to my desk with renewed gusto to work on our June issue. And yes, we have another hot actress on the cover for this upcoming issue. Wait for it!

– Lacar Casanova, associate editor

Wedding setup at Columbus Function Room, Discovery Suites

Having redefined the concept of first-class accommodations in the Philippines, Discovery Suites remains the preferred address of local and international travelers for successfully combining the warm and familiar comforts of home with the luxurious pampering of a five-star hotel. Discovery Suites not only prides itself with first-class amenities and services, but it can also be the perfect place to celebrate a once-in-a-lifetime wedding.

Romance is in full bloom at Discovery Suites. The hopelessly romantic can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ortigas skyline awash in colors painted by Manila’s famous sunset. Couples will also have a choice of eight elegantly-appointed venues and banquet halls for celebrations of any size, be it a small ceremony with the bride and groom’s intimate friends, or a gathering for 120 persons comprised of your soon-to-be mother-in-law’s “closest relatives”.

Take your pick from four seasons of love wedding menu packages at the Discovery Suites in Ortigas or at the elegant Discovery Country Suites in Tagaytay. Each menu is made more special with a sumptuous array of appetizers, salads, soup kettles, entrees, carving stations and sweet seasons table. Complete your wedding with an extravagant three-layer fondant cake, lavish floral arrangements, decorated cage with doves, and more. Extra special touches such as cake cutting ceremony and a bottle of sparking wine for the bridal toast are also available. And that’s not all. The package also includes an overnight accommodation for two in a one bedroom suite inclusive of buffet breakfast for two.

Celebrate the grandest event of your life only in Discovery Suites. For inquiries and reservations, please call their Events Team at (63 2) 683.8213, 683.8256, 683.8222 or e-mail events@discovery.com.ph.

Visit www.discoverysuites.com for more details.

A posh cocktail welcomed guests, including the A-list from society, entertainment, politics, fashion, and business. Garbed in local couture, the ballroom was filled with the who’s who, led by SOFA (School of Fashion and Arts) executive Amina Aranaz-Alunan, make-up artist Chechel Joson, to name a few. Also spotted were top model/endorser Tweetie de Leon-Gonzales, tv personalities and celebrities Bianca Gonzales and Mariel Rodriguez, Bb Gandanghari, Carla Humphrey, Dion Ignacio, beauty queen Priscilla Meirelles, and Diether Ocampo with girlfriend Rima Ostwani. Singer Karylle, MEGA magazine’s cover girl for April, was also spotted in a Louis Vuitton head-to-toe ensemble.

Also seen enjoying the evening, among others, were real estate heiress Divine Lee, husband-and-wife David and Mai Kaufman, RJ Ledesma and wife Vanessa, columnists Tim Yap and JR Isaac, Steph Zubiri, Chris and Katrina Feist, prominent designers like Randy Ortiz, Joji Lloren, Puey Quinones, Joel Escober, Vic Barba, and Frederick Peralta. GMA/QTV11 top executives Ida Henares and Gigi Lara also graced the event.

While there was an abundance of society’s crème de la crème, the night undeniably belonged to this year’s group of budding designers vying for the eighth YDC crown. Host Issa Litton opened the event with a retrospective AVP honoring various YDC notables, who have become movers in the industry, such as Furne One, Rajo Laurel, Oj Hofer (1994), Mario Rotersos, Michi Calica-Sotto (1995), Raul Ramirez, Patrice Ramos-Diaz (1997), Noni Diza, Edwin Ao, Hadji Godinez (2000), Alex Pigao, LZ Punzalan, Ivarluski Aserion, Mich Dulce (2002), Gian Romano, Ferdie Abuel (2004), Aries Lagat, Veejay Floresca (2006).

Laurel, Ramos-Diaz, Pigao, Aseron and Dulce— all YDC protégés — made up this year’s judges, with MEGA’s editor-in-chief Carla Sibal heading the panel.

The grand runway showdown of 40 towering and stunning models from Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) gave life to this year’s theme, “Cultural Transformation”, featuring the collections of the eight finalists.

The show, by seasoned director Jackie C. Aquino, opened with the creations of Kathleen Conde, whose designs were inspired by the barong, an indisputable symbol of Philippine history and culture. Aptly titled “Barong”, the pieces featured embellishments of images of well-known heroes who have helped shape the country’s social landscape.

Then, there was an interpretation of the union of high and low cultures– “Fashioning Out the Gap”— through deconstructed but wearable statement pieces by Brandy Parrenas.

The versatility of abaca was highlighted in JC Sasoy’s “Daku,” a collection accentuated with puffed sleeves and layers made of an elegant material, abaca silk.

Vanessa Ang, fresh from an internship in thriving fashion district New York City, debuted a collection that showcases “Transparency,” an attitude prevalent among many cultures, including the Philippines.

Taking inspiration from the works and cubist technique of renowned Filipino painter Vincent Manansala, Mique Yapching, a young talent from Cebu, executed his set “Spiral in Motion”, his masterpieces that blended art and fashion in fluid harmony.

Maria Clara finds contemporary fashion in Earl Gariando’s “The Assumption of Urban Maria,” a collection that drew inspiration from the trapezoidal structure of our forefathers’ panuelos.

Juan Karlo Vicente’s “Fasians,” a wardrobe was inspired by the circular/tubular shape of the malong and was derived from the concepts of migration and adaptation.

Last, but definitely not the least, was Maricar Dizon’s “Reviving the Art of Pabalat”, a modern take on the art of traditional paper-cutting technique commonly used in wrapping homemade Filipino sweets.

After the finalists’ turn, the MEGA YDC ramp paved way to a homecoming. Aries Lagat, 2006 YDC titleholder, lit up the stage to the excitement of the awe-struck crowd as he presented his 2009 collection exclusively made for the YDC audience. As in most competitions, Lagat, through his models Raya Mananquil, Faith Beliran, Ann Casas, Grace Tagle-Arigo, and Jasmine Maierhofer, sashayed on his last “walk”, as he passed on the title and the prestige to the next in line.

The energy inside the ballroom intensified when Vanessa Ang was proclaimed the grand winner of this year’s YDC. The crowd cheered as a stunned but jubilant Ang, the first lady winner of YDC, returned to the runway to receive prizes worth over half a million pesos. MEGA Publishing Group CEO and president Sari V. Yap and Carla Sibal presented Ang with a beautiful and elegant trophy, crafted by sculptor Mulawin Abueva, son of Philippine National Artist Napoleon Abueva. Ang also received a fashion feature in MEGA, a full SOFA scholarship, and a whopping P100,000!

“All of them, actually, are winners. The YDC, once again, opened for these budding artists the highway to success in the Philippine fashion scene. The opportunities out there are endless, but I say, these need to be coupled with determination, hard work, passion, and the right attitude. We, from MEGA Publishing Group, are elated and glad that we become part of the journey of Vanessa and of the rest,” enthused Yap.

Also winners, in their own right, were model Sarah Meier and beauty queen Miriam Quiambao, who were acclaimed as “L’Oreal Paris Lady of the Night” and “L’Oreal Professionel Lady of the Night” respectively. The two received special gifts, handed by L’Oreal brand managers Nina Solano and Leonard Tiongson.

The entire YDC was covered by TV partner GMA/QTV11, which will produce a documentary, in partnership with MEGA Publishing Group, about the country’s young designers and fashion notables, whose roots can be traced from MEGA’s Young Designers Competition.

Sponsors that helped mount the eighth edition of the YDC included Edsa Shangri-La, SOFA, L’Oreal Paris, L’Oreal Professionnel, Carolina’s, NEO Day Spa, Skin Food, Magnolia Fruit Drink, Magnolia Health Tea, Magnolia Pure Water.

Photos courtesy of MEGA Publishing Group’s Zac Moran, Ed Simon, Mark Jacob, Paolo Buendia, Paola Aseron and Jasper Enriquez

On March 24, 2009, Tuesday, 7pm, the Awards Night of the will take place at the grand Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. This year, eight budding talents will enjoy the limelight via a spectacular runway show directed by Jackie C. Aquino. Amplifying posh and elegance, the strictly-by-invitation event has adopted a black-and-white theme and urges guests to don local couture.

This year’s eight finalists- Mique Yapching, Vanessa Ang, Earl Gariando, JC Sasoy, Kathleen Conde, Brandy Parrenas, Karlo Vicente and Maricar Dizon – have been working day in and day out in order to turn their individual designs into runway-worthy attire that emulate this year’s theme, “Cultural Transformation”— an interpretation of cultural harmony approached with an urban point of view and an intellectual execution of clothing construction to produce a coordinated collection of modern multiplicity.

LIGHT, SILK FABRICS give form to Vanessa Ang’s collection “Transparency”

FLEXIBLE IN FORM and function, the malong fabric best illustrates Karlo Vicente’s vision of Cultural Transformation

LUSTROUS ABACA SILK helps bring to life JC Sasoy’s vision of eastern cultures united in fashion

HIGH AND LOW cultures come together in elegant but deconstructed pieces in Brandy Parrenas’ “Fashioning Out the Gap”

HISTORY PLAYS ITS part in Earl Gariando’s collection, which draws inspiration from a traditional garment known as the Panuelo

COLORFUL, LACE-LIKE CREATIONS is Maricar Dizon’s way of reviving the art of Pabalat and showcasing Filipino fine craftsmanship

BARONG BEARING ICONS of Philippine heroism dominates Kathleen Conde’s collection

ART BECOMES FASHION as Mique Yapching patterns his collection after the works of celebrated Filipino painter Vincent Manansala

While the competition has proven tough and heavy, there is a sense of real comradeship between the eight budding designers. During a recent pictorial at the MEGA Studio, they were able to sit back, relax, and loosen up for the camera. It was a time for learning as well, as past YDC winners Aries Lagat and Alex Pigao, and 2002 contender Ivarluski Aseron, dropped by to share some words of wisdom and amusing anecdotes. All three designers, now respected names in the industry, also offered encouragement and moral support. The pictorial was covered by GMA-QTV 11 as part of a special documentary that recognizes the YDC’s contributions to the world of Philippine fashion, most especially for supporting local designers and helping jumpstart their careers.

As with previous editions, the finalists will be judged by a panel comprised of the most distinguished fashion figures. For the very first YDC, held in 1994, fashion editors from Vogue Paris, Harper’s Bazaar, Details and Visionaire magazines were flown in to co-judge alongside prominent local designers. This year, the finalists will have to impress YDC alumni Rajo Laurel, Patrice Ramos-Diaz and Mich Dulce, along with Pigao and Aseron.

Pre-judging of the collections will be held on March 20. The panel will grade the creations based on Creativity and Design, Wearability, Resourcefulness and Craftsmanship, as well as an Interview during which each finalist will be asked to explain his collection. Pre-judging will comprise 90% of their overall score, with the remaining 10% allotted for the runway show.

YDC has lined up an impressive array of prizes for the grand winner, including a fashion spread in MEGA magazine and a jaw-dropping P100,000! The winner will also receive a trophy by sculptor Mulawin Abueva, son of renowned National Artist Napoleon Abueva.

Already, the biggest fashion event of 2009 is sporting a guest list filled with fashion and society elites. MEGA Publishing Group will be in full force, with MEGA Publishing Group President Sari Yap and the magazine’s editor-in-chief Carla Sibal among the noteworthy guests.

Sponsors this year include EDSA Shangri-La Manila, L’Oreal Paris, L’Oreal Professionnel, Skin Food, Carolina’s, Neo Day Spa and MEGA’s TV partner, GMA-QTV11. Log on to www.mega-magazine.com for more details.

Last February 2, the eight finalists headed to Carolina’s in Megamall to shop and look around for the best garments and accessories that they can use for their designs.

The finalists also had their first ever photoshoot last February 16 held at the Mega Publishing Group Studio. Past YDC winners and now notable fashion icons Aries Lagat, Ivarluski Aseron and Alex Pigao were also present to give advice to the finalists.

The black-and-white themed photoshoot was the buzz during that day, and each finalist had the chance to express his or her own individuality. This was one of the few instances that the finalists were given a chance to build camaraderie amidst the tough competition and just have pure fun.

All guards were down as the finalists, with great enjoyment, posed and showed off their personal styles. They also received inspiring (and useful) tips from Aries, who recently won the first local edition of Project Runway, and Alex.

Of course, the day did not end without getting to know the finalists and finding out how their YDC experience has been like so far.

Vanessa Ang, who attended the Parson’s School of Design in New York, said, “The YDC is a great opportunity to share ideas and, of course, meet new people. I’ve also learned design practices that are integral to making a truly great collection.”

Another finalist, Kathleen Conde, said she has “become more meticulous with her designs and executions. Being in the YDC has brought out the perfectionist in me.”

“The themes presented in this competition are of international level,” yet another finalist, Earl Gariando, shared. “There’s a call to create something unconventional yet wearable. Therein lies one of the challenges.”

Here some exclusive behind-the-scenes during the photoshoot.

Bulgari unveiled their new collection, Elisia Diamonds, in a stylish and creative affair held at The Rigodon ballroom of The Manila Peninsula. The launch was polished, perfect from start to finish. Guests arrived looking glamorous and were treated to champagne, wine and a caviar dinner. Bulgari is synonymous with elegance and this was evident as caviar topped off all the courses from appetizer to dessert. The menu was creative and unexpected, from the sorbet with champagne to the chocolate coins filled with blue cheese. The air was filled with anticipation as everyone eagerly anticipated the highlight of the night.

The fashion show started with models coming down the runway wearing the Elisia diamonds. It was a sight to behold, the diamonds caught the light perfectly and sparkled in the room. The gowns from Rustan’s complimented the jewellery well. The models then went to each table so that guests could get a closer look and try on the jewels. The guests were even more amazed upon closer scrutiny; each piece was encrusted in diamonds and had a unique and intricate creation, absolutely stunning. All the ladies were glowing as they got to wear the Bulgari pieces.
This new Elisia Diamond Collection is set apart with the use of diamonds as the first Elisia line is made of coloured stones. This new collection is a magnificent display of exceptionally fine, brilliant diamonds that takes the elliptical design as the inspiration. The elliptical shape, with no beginning and no end, is the most difficult of shapes to make. Bulgari executes it perfectly. Each piece is entirely pave set with diamonds and occasionally punctuated by larger stones. They compliment each other beautifully to create a collection that is both versatile and complete, ranging from necklaces to earrings, bracelets and rings that can be worn in a variety of combinations.

Bulgari’s grand launch was quite impressive. Guests were treated to champagne all through out the night as they marvelled about the remarkable Elisia Diamond collection. Another toast to Bulgari’s success for their dazzling Elisia Diamond Collection and for this unforgettable event.

Hi friends. We are very happy to announce that Maldita will be opening several stores this December.

Check out the new stores in Glorietta 5, Makati (NOW OPEN!)
Market! Market! on December 10.
Black Sheep North Edsa Annex on Dec 12

On its opening day, customers can avail of the Maldita Club Card (MCC) for only P5,000 worth of purchases, instead of the usual P10,000 accumulated purchases. The MCC will grant them 10% discount on cash and 5% discount on card purchases, as well as invites to exclusive events and promos.

For their regular promo, every P1000 worth of single receipt purchase of Black Sheep items will entitle the customers the Black Sheep discount dogtag card which will grant them 10% discount on cash and 5% discount on card purchases.

Take note that the MCC card will grant the same discount for Black Sheep merchandise but the Black Sheep dogtag card cannot be used to avail of discounts for Maldita items.

And that’s not all. Maldita now offers plus sizes available in all stores. Simply dubbed MALDITA+, our new plus sized collection celebrates and flaunts curves, for the MALDITA woman in all of us. They have new tops (blouses) and bottoms (pants) that are flattering for shapelier figures. Exciting, isn’t it?

Happy shopping in MALDITA!

MALDITA shines the spotlight on cervical cancer prevention as survivors of the disease modeled MALDITA’s new limited edition statement shirts during their recently held launch at the Mall of Asia.

Themed “B*tch Against Cervical Cancer”, the event celebrated the partnership between Maldita and Bravehearts, a multi-sectoral coalition dedicated to raising awareness on cervical cancer prevention.

The tees which have in-your-face statements such as “Detect Protect Respect”, “I Delight in Treating Myself Right” and “Has no one invented a Lousy Boyfriend Vaccine” were specially designed to reflect women empowerment, encouraging women to liberate themselves from this preventable disease.

Led by the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network (CECAP) and the Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF) with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Philippines and now joined by Maldita, Bravehearts is dedicated to spreading the word that cervical cancer can be prevented through a combination of proper screening and vaccination with its “X Out Cervical Cancer” campaign.

The event was attended by Bravehearts advocates, Atty. Gabby Concepcion, Suzie Entrata-Abrera and Camille Villar, daughter of Senator Manny Villar. The castaways from Survivor Philippines, beauty Queen Rochelle Barrameda and Maldita Endorser Ornussa Cadness were also present to support the cervical cancer survivors in their mission to spread the word against cervical cancer.

Guests were also invited to make their statement against cervical cancer by writing down messages of support on the signature wall at the MALDITA storefront, which will be up for the duration of the campaign. MALDITA displays will also include postcards with more information on cervical cancer prevention which their customers can take home.

“We want to invite everyone to be a true MALDITA – a woman of strength, empowerment, intelligence and action. She speaks her mind and stands up for what she believes in,” said Eric Teng. “Know the facts, take action, and help spread the word. Together, we can all do our part to protect ourselves and our loved ones, and to prevent the spread of cervical cancer.”

The limited edition tees will initially be available in select MALDITA stores: Ayala Glorietta, Ayala Trinoma, SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, SM Megamall, SM San Lazaro, SM The Block, Robinsons Ermita, Robinsons Galleria, and Shangri-La Plaza from Oct. 22 – Dec.31, 2008

Make a stand and show the world what it means to be a true M A L D I T A – show your support for cervical cancer prevention by grabbing these limited edition tees and get rewarded- get 10% off on cash, and 5% off on card purchases.

To learn more about the “X out Cervical Cancer” campaign, visit www.Xoutcervicalcancer.com.ph.

PMAP At 20
The only association of its kind in the country—the Professional Models Association of the Philippines—celebrates 20 significant years in the industry of Philippine style. Top fashion director Jackie Aquino—confidante to many of the country’s widely celebrated mannequins, recalls the Philippine modeling industry’s landmark moment

I clearly remember the night, 20 years ago, when a group of models met in the residence of JB Abesamis and decided once and for all to form some sort of union/model’s group. The goal was to ensure that everything—from bookings, to rehearsals, to fittings, to the actual show and the like—was a fair deal to all parties concerned. Perhaps it would be helpful to remember that this was a time when the modeling industry was young and still finding its bearings in the fashion wilderness. After much discussion, they came up with a brilliant idea: an association. In those uncertain times, it was a gamble that the original founders took. Twenty years hence, all their hard work has born an association that continues to uphold the principles they sought to establish. Today, the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) counts among its members several generations of the country’s most coveted models.

A year ago, current president Rissa Samson, together with the officers and past PMAP presidents Ronnie Asuncion, JB Abesamis, Tweetie de Leon-Gonzalez, Den Abesamis, Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, Grace Molina and Baba Parma started planning the biggest fashion event of the year. The 20 designers invited to present their collections included the country’s leading fashion innovators: Auggie Cordero, Ivarluski Aseron, Avel Bacudio, Vittorio, Mike dela Rosa, Patrice Ramos-Diaz, Rhett Eala, Lulu Tan-Gan, Antonio Garcia, Marden Iglesias, Gerry Katigbak, Rajo Laurel, Jesus Lloren, Dennis Lustico, Anthony Nocom, Randy Ortiz, Frederick Peralta, Renee Salud, Joey Samson and Inno Sotto.

When Samsung offered to present the event and The Peninsula Manila graciously agreed to host the party, all the elements began falling into place. Rustan’s Essences, Metrobank Femme Visa Card, Bench, Belo Medical Group, Absolut Vodka, Jim Beam, Yellow Tail and Fiamma joined the growing list of supporters.

After many months of planning, the final rehearsals before the day of the show proved to be a fun-filled reunion. All the past members came into the rehearsal venue pretty much as they have done during their modeling day—professionally prompt. More than 80 members, half of whom had cameras ready in hand, recorded the laughter and the celebrations that were just beginning. It was, for all intents and purposes, a family get-together. Everyone present could feel and taste the camaraderie that had held PMAP together for 20 years. Members flew in from New York, Miami, Singapore and Japan. As Bea Recto-Agnir said, “My husband encouraged me to come home as this will happen only once in my lifetime and the airfare was more than worth it.”

The stage rehearsal the next morning was yet another joyous affair. Modeling styles may have changed but that “X Factor” common to all PMAP members remains. Veteran models—the inspiration of today’s generation—awed active members as they strutted down the runway. Even in rehearsals, they made the catwalk their own, each model staking claim with feline grace. Today’s generation of models realized that their humanity translated into modeling terms was indeed their passport to success.

The carryings-on backstage, however, proved to be another story, as I have never seen so many camera flash bulbs go off at the same time. They all sought to capture the family shared by all. It was not a dressing room anymore—it was a big party. I literally had to force everyone to get into their first outfit as they just wanted to continue bonding.

When the show started, the air crackled with energy from the models and the audience’s approval of one year’s hard work. As each senior model came down the runway, the applause just got louder. Mellany Carlos, Leo Rabago, Nol Cueto, Apples Aberin-Sadhwani, Tweetie de Leon-Gozalez, Suyene Chi-Sia, Marina Benipayo, Desiree Verdadero-Abesamis, Ping Federis, Den Abesamis, Jack de Mesa, Joey Mead, to name a few, proved true that it is not just the walk that defines a supermodel. Instead, it is the total package. With the progression of the night, the entire event had transcended the limits of a fashion show making it became a major fashion celebration.

The 20th Anniversary Fashion Show of the Professional Models Association of the Philippines is over, but the celebrations continue and they grow grander with each year. Six generations of PMAP models now share ever-deepening bonds of friendship.