The highly specific playlists called “daylist” on Spotify are made for every version of you—dynamic and playful, it sets the mood for the tracks you might want to be listening to right now. It’s a more well-timed representation of your music tastes. Much like the daylist, your outfits and style are also ever-changing and a hyper-personalized extension of your preferences and mood. Of course, there’s debate around whether such prescriptive trends are necessary, but fashion is all about experimenting with your look and inhabiting different versions of you. With that, here’s a style guide according to 5 specific Spotify daylist titles.

RELATED: 3 Easy Ways You Can Practice Sustainable Fashion

Cowgirl Time Travel Friday

Just in time for Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter and the viral Austin song by Dasha, the cowboycore trend is saddling up in Filipino and global fashion. Inspired by the rugged west, this style is seeing lots of fringe, denim on denim, buckles with vintage hardware, cowboy boots, and wide-brimmed hats. It’s a hoedown of old-school vibes plus your own unique design treatment.

Hot Chocolate Cottagecore Evening

This style is as titular as it gets—the aesthetic of cottagecore is not unfamiliar. It’s an idealized lifestyle that romanticizes rural country living—cultivating a farm, gardening, practicing traditional forms of craft such as crocheting and baking. Think elderflower cordials, homemade jams, and sourdough bread. Indeed the picture of someone who celebrates simple living and is harmonious with nature, this style veers toward natural fabrics and comfortable silhouettes—apron dresses that have all the practicalities of overalls but with the easy-breezy summer sensibility, gingham and embroidery that are the heart of the aesthetic and the image of your local county fair, and milkmaid tops with dainty puff sleeves and perfect for layering under your favorite renaissance faire corset or for wearing on its own. 

Autumn Pumpkin Spice Friday Evening

While fall is still months away, some style themselves effortlessly based on the cozy season. Lean into the snuggly autumn vibe by playing up cozy tones and textures—cardigans, cashmere, corduroy, chunky knits in caramel, camel, mocha, and toffee tones. Cable-knit stockings, soft flannels, and teddy bear jackets are all in the wardrobe, and knitwear is the go-to—whether in the form of a cardigan, pullover, or vest, they’re the cuddly heroes of the autumnal closet. Think denim overalls, midi skirts, and cozy pants. Some accessories include scarves, blazers, fuzzy bags, and tall boots.

Chai Latte Writing Monday Morning

All about the aesthetic of higher education, the arts, calligraphy, museums, writing or reading, and classic Greek and Gothic architecture, the dark academia style of this daylist is the prep school fashion with a darker, perhaps gothic, twist. Palettes of black, dark brown, forest green, and burgundy, contrasted with cream, gold, and orange in the classics of the college look such as Oxford shirts, blazers, tweed trousers, trench coats, duffles and knitted waistcoats. Turtlenecks, vests, plaid skirts, and slacks are the staples, jumpers worn loosely around the shoulders and effortlessly tied at the front, with loafers, Chelsea boots, or Dr. Martens are the shoes of choice. Accessorize with brooches, glasses, ties, and knee-high socks.

Delulu Hopeless Romantic Wednesday Morning

We gear on to the popular coquette style for this daylist. The hyper-feminine take on an Old English style sets itself past societal pressures to reject soft and pink, and embraces pastels, bows, puffy shoulders, and delicate patterns such as lace and silk. The hopeless romantic includes staples such as ballet flats with tights or cute socks, corsets, tops with small yet impactful details such as ruffles, and pleated and short or long and silky skirts. Your accessories include ribbons, scrunchies, bows, sheer tights, and gold jewelry.

Photos and Featured Image: JORDAN DANIELS, LENA HOSCHEK, SARAH CHRISTINE, SARAH WITPEERD, SARAH MANTELIN, MADDIE SHORTCAKE, EMILY JANE (Via Instagram)

The post 5 Style Guides According to Specific Spotify Daylists appeared first on MEGA.

Tropes communicate something figurative to the audience—while they could be considered the building blocks of a script, they could also be used just as elements to further the story. At their best, these familiar motifs provide screenwriters a rich creative toolkit, so if you’re having trouble scrolling through a broad selection of Filipino media for your next streaming party, here are five films that make use of cinematic metaphors that shape the movie’s narrative.

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It Takes a Man and a Woman

This Filipino romantic-comedy has all the mixings of the true high-wire act of the romance genre—second chance. It follows a relationship that dissolved at some point in the past, and new circumstances and a fast-forward setting in the timeline is an opportunity for that love to blossom once more. If that’s not enough, this is also a workplace romance which also entails forced proximity—the characters have nowhere to go but into a situation where interaction is inevitable. In this Cathy Garcia-Molina film, Laida (Sarah Geronimo) and Miggy (John Lloyd Cruz) are forced to work together in a professional capacity while neither of them are completely over their past. This film has a true sense of past love and a tension so gripping—can the romance work the second time around? 

I’m Drunk, I Love You

The notions of unrequited love between two best friends aren’t lost in our society today. The theme “I have feelings for you, but I don’t want to risk our friendship” is seen in both media and in reality, and I’m Drunk, I Love You presents that in such a way that tugs the heartstrings. Most romance films are a colorful adventure, but JP Habac portrays the painful truth about love and friendship, and how the two are sometimes better off mutually exclusive, in Dio (Paulo Avelino) and Carson’s (Maja Salvador) story.

Rookie

The 2023 film by Samantha Lee is a beautiful, wholesome movie about teenager love in the realm of volleyball. This sapphic story is careful, playful, and smart, and explores a coming-of-age teenage kilig that puts its hands around your heart. For a comfort film that imbues positive emotions and a sense of reality in the all-girls school setting, consider hitting play on Rookie for an unforgettable sports romance.

That Thing Called Tadhana

The “where do broken hearts go” trope may be common, but when executed into a story woven with the thrill of the first spark, the youthful vernacular language, and an escapism into another person, it becomes a heartwarming watch. Meeting at the airport baggage counter is not exactly a meet-cute, but the distinct Pinoy flavor to Antoinette Jadaone’s pen at work makes this film so genuinely true-to-life, charming, and earnest with performances by Angelica Panganiban and JM De Guzman. 

Never Not Love You

James Reid and Nadine Lustre go through a painful yet realistic take on love and career—the reality bites and the slice of life in this movie ask the tension-filled question, “Will their love survive out of the comforts of home and despite the different directions of their careers?” This romantic drama intricately puts into play the realistic “things change, and people change, and our love might change” theme—it’s a classic example of a simplicity and intelligent writing that leaves viewers with a heavy or a light heart—depending on how you see the ending.

The post Tropes in Comfort Filipino Movies to Add to Your Summer Watchlist appeared first on MEGA.

The fashion industry’s entire cycle—production, consumption, and waste disposal—results in environmental destruction. It contributes to about 10% of humanity’s carbon emissions, and when scrutinized, this is a devastating number. But not all hope is lost—shifting from fast to slow fashion, prioritizing secondhand and thrifted pieces, supporting local brands, and making the most of what you already have all minimize your carbon footprint. There is much fun to explore in the creative journey, and armed with wider resources from the internet, we have access to and are surrounded by fashion magazines, stylists, influencers, designers who can advise you on what to wear—including ourselves. However, not all fashion tools are created equal and no one knows our sartorial preferences better than ourselves, so we’ve narrowed down three ways to incorporate more sustainable practices into our fashion.

RELATED: 5 Best Spots to Thrift in Manila this Summer

Digitize Your Closet

With a push of a few buttons, curate your wardrobes in seconds and build your digital closets to catalog outfits. Shuffle them with a Clueless-inspired creator for a range of pairings and combinations you may not have considered and make the most out of your inventory. Additionally, stack all of your looks in one place and plan them in advance, make lookbooks to categorize your pieces, and save yourself the stress and time of deciding what to wear. Apps like Capsule, Whering, and Vestai all put your wardrobe at your fingertips—and help you keep track of your fashion footprint.

Donate to Stores Like H&M

When it comes to sustainability, nothing is more important than donating what you were about to throw in the trash because they don’t fit anymore, or they simply don’t suit your new preferences. So set aside an afternoon to recycle and make your clothes last longer and bring any unwanted pieces or textiles, by any brand and in any condition, to a store like H&M, and receive a thank-you voucher in return. 

Buy Stylish Pieces Made with Repurposed Material

Discover unique pieces from local brands and support local artisans—they take the phrase ‘other people’s wardrobe decluttering is another fashion citizen’s treasure’ seriously. Nin & Yang makes clothes completely made of unwanted scraps and excess or discarded fabrics, and repurpose these into a wide range of ‘retaso’ clothing you can add to your closets. And Again Clothing’s materials are made from flour sacks that even celebrity Kathryn Bernardo was spotted wearing an upcycled flour sack polo and kimono in 2022. Rags2Riches or R2R uses deadstock and upcycled fabric for items that you can mix and match in different ways, and even better, is partnered with different artisan communities that empower Filipino excellence and art.

Photos and Featured Image: WHERING, CAPSULE, NIN AND YANG (Via Instagram), AND AGAIN CLOTHING (Via website)

The post 3 Easy Ways You Can Practice Sustainable Fashion appeared first on MEGA.

In the fashion scene today, a slew of emerging designers keeps us interested, inspired, and constantly guessing. These bold and strong new voices often are still beginning their fashion journey, releasing and putting out unconventional and captivating designs meant to upend the industry. There’s no doubt they’re worth keeping an eye on, especially when Heart Evangelista, a global fashion icon, approves of said designs. Reese Collins Latonio, a student designer, has begun to embrace and take up space in the local fashion scene—a sentiment embodied by the Bow Bag.

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The designer

Collins is a junior from the University of Philippines Diliman taking up BS Clothing Technology. Hailing from a science high school, he shares that taking a step into the fashion industry was like navigating uncharted waters. Unfamiliar, yet explorative.  “I moved away from the formulaic and empirical aspect of science to what is often considered its diametric opposition in art, and began to understand the importance behind creative freedom and self-expression. The last three years have just really been about discovering myself and the impact I want to make in the fashion industry,” he says. Coming into the program from the province, the young designer also reveals he barely knew how to draw and sew—but the desire to learn and continuously take another step out of his shell keeps him going.

At fifteen, fashion was already on the vision board for Collins—garments are physical components touched by the most visionary of minds, but nothing compares to the feeling that the creation evokes. As a transmasculine designer who grew up in Leyte, the young designer shares that fashion has been an integral part of his character. “Being transmasculine, I recognized how it shaped the way someone looked at themselves, their self-worth or dare I say how they live life. Fashion is a choice that people make everyday, and I want to help people make that choice to feel good about themselves. Also, I think having a personal love for and connection to what you do makes the world a much brighter and more colorful place.”

Like all creative pursuits, what’s most rewarding for Collins is seeing an idea come into fruition by his own hand—even when it fails. Being surrounded by peers and mentors who emanate the same passion, sureness of self and skill, and love for a craft also keeps his fire alive. “The humanity of it is captivating, where there’s this recognition of being more than your worst piece of work—that everything, so as it is touched by your hand, is magical and loved,” he says.

The antithesis of it, however, makes that intense fire to produce something so erratic at times. Thinking and inventing are two different things, two different processes, and when there are people involved who don’t see the same vision as you do, that’s when the ridges start to show. “I take a break, then I’m back at it again,” he tells MEGA Style. “And usually I still end up loving it. I consider myself very lucky to have a flame that has yet to burn out, something I wish won’t ever happen, but I believe it’s a must in this industry to know when to take breaks and stick up for yourself.”

The design philosophy

There’s a certain beauty attached to the ebb and flow of design—no creation is alike. Each design incorporates not only the professional expertise or skill level of a designer, but also an essential part of his personality and character. Their philosophy serves as the primary driving force, the foundation of any successful endeavor, and the anchoring point for every setback. For Collins, it’s this: “Fashion is more than just the clothes you put on your body. It’s a story, a tale—in my classes, I get to learn the various subcultures that exist in fashion and the resonance it finds in the people who choose to participate in it. You can see it sometimes in the conceptualization of my work, where I have a track record of using concept ideas to express in my personal collections.”

To become conscious about yourself as a creative means taking responsibility for the act of your own creation. “I tend to gravitate to designers and collections whose theatrics carry the show like Thom Browne or John Galliano, who view fashion as a medium for storytelling and a canvas for ideas,” he tells MEGA Style. “There’s so much skill needed to sum up worlds of history and folklore into a draped garment or a tailored suit, a talent I wish to work on until I possess. To me, a collection that showcases technical skill is good, but a story is what makes it great.”

Collins also touches on how fashion is a tangible safe space that grounds a person; that it’s intimate, personal, and contains multitudes. This particular form of expression has allowed him to become more comfortable in his transmasculinity, to break the glass of who people expected him to be and find that out for himself. “It’s a language that speaks to everyone who is as fluent as they make themselves. It transcends boundaries. That’s the way I’ll always view fashion, because that’s how I fell in love with it.”

The Bow Bag

Born from leftover leatherette scraps, Collins put together his first commercial baby—the Bow Bag that Heart Evangelista personally loved. A simple and quick project, but the motivation for the design makes it all the more special: “As a transmasculine person, I wanted to try and gain confidence to reconnect with my femininity. Around the same time, I even made myself my first ever skirt to help further that objective.” Consequently, in contrast to the femininity of the bag, the leather is Collins’s logo, the first piece of fashion he ever tried on that made him feel like a man. The statement of the bow itself? The designer tells MEGA Style that the femininity of the coquette aesthetic is a safe space for him to discover that. The mixture of the leather material and the bow birthed this project.

The original Bow Bag is red, and closet staples cream and black became a standard for pre-orders. Collins also shares that a limited edition lime green is underway and he’s currently looking into a brown, as those are his personal color preferences as well. “The pink version of the bag actually went viral too with 100k views and I thought that was a lot already so imagine how shocked I was over 1.3M views with Heart and the love she showed my bag,” he shares.

When asked about his reaction to Heart’s interest and enthusiasm in his creation, Collins admits he was scared and almost cried. When the star came to discuss her influence and expertise in the luxury fashion industry to Collins’s class, he thought it was the perfect opportunity to “gift her a bag I created myself to show appreciation for sharing her insight on a world I quite frankly know barely anything about. I was absolutely in shock with how sweet she was about it,” he quotes.

Collins shares how overwhelming the whole experience was, calling it a ‘pinch me’ moment and a rush of adrenaline. “She was extremely nice about it, and even offered compliments while showing it to the team, to the class and to the camera. I tried to keep it for her so that she could bring it with her when she left, but she just truly wanted to wear it. That’s what struck me the most, I think—that she really was joyful seeing the gift because she was looking at my own personal maroon bag. Knowing she had already set her sights on my Bow Bag before I even gave her one of her own was just a testament to her earnest appreciation of fashion, and I feel very lucky to have been that recipient,” he shares.

Right now, Collins has expanded his production team to take on the pre-orders for the Bow Bag—an opportunity he makes certain he has a good grasp of. He reveals to MEGA Style that he had his assumptions at first that the Bow Bag was going to gain some traction due to the handcraft, excitement, and heart that just seeps in his work, but not to this extent. His first post generated 20,000 views, and he made a decision to take a few commissions. Then: “My next video got 120,000, and I was shocked that people really wanted this. So imagine my thoughts now at 1.3M views thanks to Heart Evangelista,” he states.

The designer further shares that he’s been in contact with Heart a few times, stating that the fashionista knows how grateful Collins is to her. “We’ve exchanged a few messages—most of which have been me thanking her, and she’s given me a lot of tips to help me prosper as I still am admittedly trying to find myself in the very chaotic world of running a business at 20,” Collins admits. “It’s just the beginning after all, so I’m very much open to growing pains. But hey, when Heart Evangelista throws you a life buoy, you swim to catch it.”

What’s next for Collins

Young and still experimenting with his creations, Collins says that a graduation collection he’s proud of is the next goal—hopeful that it will be “produced with so much love that it bolsters me further into the fashion industry the same way my Bow Bag did.”

On the vision board however, he dreams of going to Central Saint Martins one day and each of the major fashion weeks to catch a whiff of the star talent circulating those cities. “I’d also love to make a name for myself as a transmasculine fashion designer—maybe even the first Trans Filipino designer at any of the international Fashion Weeks,” Collins shares. “I mentioned the intimacy I have with fashion and that desire to find meaning beyond clothing is my creative ethos. I want to be so proud of my work that it translates into my creation, to the point that I can elevate myself into a position where other trans people, other budding designers can look at me and go: ‘If he could do it, I could too.’”

Meanwhile, as for his own brand in the fashion scene, Collins imagines his name to be the balance of “fashion-as-self-expression and fashion-as-storytelling, the go-to fashion house when people think of creative theatrics and sartorial storytelling,” he says. “I want to dress key players in the industry who share my sentiments about fashion, and usher in this idea of fashion being both an art in its concept but science in its technical skill. I want to be able to fulfill the reason I came into it in the first place: help people make the choice to feel good about themselves through fashion—and become financially stable doing what I love.”

Photos and Featured Image: REESE COLLINS LATONIO (Via Instagram)

The post This Student Designer Created a Heart Evangelista-Approved Bag appeared first on MEGA.

Like any creative pursuit, dance is a language in its own right. Our bodies are made to move and to touch, and our souls are made to connect—whether with people, with an audience, with the music, or just with our own physical forms. More than just a form of entertainment, dance is a combination of different activities such as listening, moving, balancing—that not only nourishes our creative spirits, but also helps us get in touch with our feelings and emotions. Some would even say that dancing is an elixir for the body, mind, and heart. Dancer and choreographer Trisha Martin gives us three reasons why to sign up for that class you’ve been eyeing.

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It’s a way of having fun and being active at the same time

“Coming from the pandemic wherein we were all sedentary and focused on our phones and laptops, entering the dance scene can be a good start for a workout to everyone,” Trisha tells MEGA Style. “Intermediate, basic, or advance—the skill level does not matter. It allows us to move freely and express our feelings into an art form.”

Dance classes are indeed a way to promote physical fitness; it improves cardiovascular function, builds core strength and balance, stretches the limbs of your body and makes it more flexible, kills calories, and maintains bone density. There’s an endless supply of dance moves and combinations you can do, so the exercise is never repetitive or boring. Coming in the studio fresh, you won’t be coming back out without sweat—and a smile. “People that I meet are usually first-timers in a class,” Trisha shares. “And then it doesn’t become their last because they actually enjoy and are staying active at the same time.”

TOP TIP:

Trisha generally recommends eating at least an hour or thirty minutes before your class! Pre-dance nutrition is essential to secure the energy, focus, and strength required from your body during the dancing. “But this also depends on each person—how fast their metabolism is,” she says. “Just listen to your body.” 

Get a confidence boost

While dancing solidifies your body-soul connection, it also boosts your confidence and brain functioning. This is a break from everyday stressors and a way to reduce mental tension as you are releasing happy endorphins in your brain. You don’t have time to ruminate while you dance and engage in negative self-talk and negative introspection, but rather, your focus is shifted to memory improvement because dancing forces you to recall steps, patterns, and elaborate routines. While it’s a mental workout, you’re also gaining more trust and belief in yourself to move the way you want to. Trisha tells MEGA, “It’s you allowing yourself to accept any movement. It boils down to loving your body and accepting your body, which really, at its core, builds your confidence in and out of the studio. I love dance because I love inspiring other people to love their bodies, too.” Plus, again, the body is naturally wired to move. Even those who claim to have ‘no ear for music’ or ‘two left feet’ have a desire for self-expression, just waiting in the wings for a chance to jump out.

TOP TIP:

Wear something loose and breathable to avoid wardrobe malfunctions and to move freely! For Trisha’s classes, here’s her recommendation: “If the dance has flooring, wear knee pads or pants to protect your knees. But ultimately, I want my students to wear anything that makes them comfortable and confident. Anything that makes them feel beautiful!”

Dancing is a social activity

As first-timers, joining the dance community can be daunting, but that’s exactly why it’s a community—you’re not alone! You could be standing next to a first-timer, too, or learning from someone who has years of training under their belt, but the bottom line is that there’s no requirement to join—everyone is welcome. Trisha shares, “Having a good environment or a set of friends come in with you to the studio can be a way to lessen your anxiety. It’s the Filipino culture anyway: if you go, I go. I’ve had a lot of students who are friends come in—some people stay, some people leave as time goes by, but it’s a good support system especially for beginners. If not, that’s okay. You still have people dancing with you and enjoying the music and the moves regardless. It’s the culture.”

As a professional dancer and choreographer herself, Trisha tells MEGA Style that the part she loves the most about dancing is the relationships she creates with her students and co-teachers. “I think it’s precious that dancing doesn’t stop,” she says. “It’s continuous—the flow and art of it. There are people who became my best friends and my mentors because of dance, because it’s always been there. I’m grateful for it and I will be forever.”

TOP TIP:

Trisha says that a good preparation before the class is to prepare mentally. “Allow yourselves to be ready for the new pieces of information you will learn,” she says. As for warming up and exercises, don’t worry about it: “We do the warm-up and stretching in the class before we teach the actual choreography or drills. So just bring yourselves!,” she explains further. 

Her final advice is this—it’s hard to take the first step. So with that, start with the easiest way to take that first step. “You can dance a TikTok dance alone in your room first,” Trisha suggests. “Or play your music and move, or be inspired by just watching several dance videos. Take it one at a time until you can step into the studio.”

Photos and Featured Image: TRISHA MARTIN (Via Instagram)

The post Why Sign Up for a Dance Class Even with No Experience, as Told by Trisha Martin appeared first on MEGA.

For The Trio’s avid readers and now audience, the trifecta is complete—Laureen Uy is now married to her “ex-boyfriend” and “now-husband” Miggy Cruz. Tying the knot at Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan, the couple gathered their dearest family and friends to celebrate their relationship’s new milestone. From celebrities to creatives and personalities, here are the names that graced the occasion dressed to the nines. 

Related: All The Designers Laureen Uy Wore On The MEGAStyle Cover

Anne Curtis, Erwan, and Dahlia Heussaff

First on the list is the family of three in complete attendance, sporting bright colors for the occasion. The mother and daughter tandem wore blue ensembles, while Erwan went for a printed button down. 

Kruz Uy and Slater Young

Another friend couple of the two, Scottie and Sevi’s parents flew to Palawan to celebrate with their friends. Sporting prints on prints with their individual looks, Kryz and Slater always make parenthood look like a breeze. Netizens were especially happy to see the engineer donning his usual black top with some patterns on it. 

Verniece Enciso

Another original blogger-turned-vlogger, the one-half of V and V brought her feminine style in a custom dress by Julianne Syjuco by the beach. From the halter and sweetheart neckline combination to the cut just below the waist, Verniece’s look screamed feminine maturity in the most delicate way. 

Nicole Andersson

Known in the industry for her hosting skills, Nicole attended the occasion this time around as a guest. Wearing a bowed top with a floral silhouette paired with an orange wrapped skirt, Laureen’s Blogger Bestie would definitely not miss her big day for the world. 

Lissa Kahayon

The fellow Blogger Bestie-turned-vlogger’s presence also added more color to the nuptials of Laureen and Miggy. Making a statement with her style, Lissa donned stained glass-like skirt and petal-like earrings at the occasion. 

David Guison and Angelique Manto

Always fashion-forward with their looks, the couple chose yellow outfits to go with the sunset scene of Laureen and Miggy’s welcome dinner.

Chi and Gabs Gibbs

Color is indeed the best friend of the two besides each other, and at their attendance to the wedding, they wore opposite colors of each other—red and blue. 

Jaz Reyes

As part of the groom’s squad, the creative content creator went for a tie-dyed, two-piece set in shades of blue and green for a cool summer effect. 

BJ Pascual

The photographer joined Anne Curtis and stylist Daryl Chang for a stylish selfie in his embroidered button down with a deep neckline. 

Aivee and Z Teo

A big part of a bride’s wedding preparation is definitely her pamper sessions. Dr. Aivee took care of Laureen’s bridal needs for her special day courtesy of the clinic’s treatments. Always supportive in her league’s special moments, she and Dr. Z also flew to Palawan to celebrate with them.

Camille Co and Joni Koro

Of course, Laureen and Miggy’s constant double dates wouldn’t miss the occasion for the world. At the welcome dinner, Camille and Joni channeled their usual polished looks. Matching her husband’s button down in multiprint and multicolor, Laureen’s blogger and real-life bestie donned a sheer lavender dress and her own multicolor Louis Vuitton purse. 

Featured Image: LISSA KAHAYON (via Instagram)

The post Laureen Uy and Miggy Cruz’s Wedding Celeb Guests and Personalities Go Maximalist in Style appeared first on MEGA.

While the metro is a business hub, a thriving community of art spaces and creativity centers awaits the creative soul—or just someone looking for a pastime or a place to explore with friends and loved ones. This summer, nourish your inventive spirit and carve out time to express yourself in different art forms:

RELATED: 5 Best Spots to Thrift in Manila this Summer

Sip & Gogh

Even the shyest person is persuaded to unleash their inner artist at this cozy paint and sip studio. Choose to paint whatever you want with the colors that you choose, and have a grand time at it with crackers, cheese, grapes, wine, tea, and coffee. Come with friends and or by yourself, it’s worth it to set aside hours in the day for. Welcome a whole new creative side with the artwork you produce and take your masterpiece home!

Laro Ceramics

It’s a wonder what your own hands can do with just a bit of instruction, clay, a machine, and focus. At Laro Ceramics, a pottery store just nestled in Quezon City, a safe space is waiting for you to try mug-making, wheel-throwing, and wheel and paint (for two!). Cover the fundamental basics at Laro Ceramics’ beginner-friendly workshops and set free your artistic spirit.

Craft MNL

This makerspace in Makati offers new workshops every month for you to try and immerse yourself into. This April, there are many options for your creative side to focus on—Craft MNL is opening its doors to jewelry-making, basic pottery, scented candle-making, pabalat pastillas papercutting, screen printing, and basic sewing. As one of the mainstays in the local crafting community, the studio is a creative haven for you and your friends to discover a world of art under one roof. This month gives you a headstart into what you can do, so learn, create, share, and celebrate your handiwork, so set a date and head out to Makati.

Metals & Gems

White Plains, Quezon City houses a studio where you can learn and create your own jewelry—a vibrant addition to your jewelry collection where you can take pride in making it with your own hands. Twisted bangles, bar pendants, textured rings, hook earrings, and even wedding bands have all been produced on the jewelers’ tables. Learn to make personalized pieces that reflect your personality and style and discover the art of metalsmithing at Metals & Gems.

I Did It Myself DIY Bakery PH

Baking has never been more of a piece of cake at this interactive DIY studio in SM Megamall, SM North Edsa, or Ayala Malls Manila Bay. Make baking fun and rewarding by visiting this studio filled with frostings, sugar, and sprinkles, and all the mixings you need to fix yourself a sweet treat you can decorate and eat to your heart’s desire. Regardless of your baking level, skills, and age, you’ll find that this DIY bakery is all about the fun and joy of creation for the sweet tooth—and otherwise.

Photos and Featured Image: SIP & GOGH, LARO CERAMICS, CRAFT MNL, METALS & GEMS, I DID IT MYSELF DIY BAKERY PH (Via Instagram), TRAVELBERRIES.COM

The post 5 Spots in Manila Where Your Inner Artist Can Shine appeared first on MEGA.

Before, it was random play and speed dance challenges in variety shows. Today, it’s TikTok challenges for idols. In fifteen seconds or less, our favorite performers can make our day with a fancam, an edit, or an unexpected upload. And if there’s anyone who has been a lot of fans happy with her charisma and videos, it’s definitely Shin Ryujin from ITZY. 

Related: Here’s Why Filipinos Go Loco Over ITZY

The group’s center and main rapper has been a crowd favorite for her commanding stage presence, ace material performance level, and fun interactions with Midzys. Truly exuding her positions’ power, she is unstoppable when it comes to pulling the audience in, including on TikTok. If you’re wondering how she was able to do the Filipino TikTok challenges, it’s thanks to one Midzy who made it all possible. 

Ryujin’s fangirl

Meet RJ, the 24-year-old business owner who had been in video calls with the ITZY member for a number of times now. Even before the member’s debut to the JYP girl group, she became the fan’s favorite during her trainee years as a reality show contestant. 

“In celebrating their journey, I find not only inspiration  but also a shared sense of empowerment and self-love,” RJ shares, talking about ITZY. “Their title tracks usually portray these messages which fueled my unwavering dedication and admiration for the group.”

@solacesrj vc throughout the years! she definitely owns my heart &lt3 #itzy #있지 #류진 #ryujin #kpop #fyp #fansignvideocall #kpopfancall ♬ 오리지널 사운드 – ITZY

The debut of ITZY came at the perfect time when the fourth generation of K-Pop was still defining the era. Embodying their introductory phrase, “All in us,” the group always shares one message—self-empowerment.

@solacesrj we tried @BINI PH #bini #bini_pantropiko #bini_pantropikodc #itzy #ryujin #kpop #fansignvideocall #fancall #fyp #류진 #pantropiko ♬ original sound – rj

For the fan, each member’s individuality made it more possible for the group concept to thrive. “Each member brought something unique, yet together they formed a cohesive group that resonated deeply with me,” she shares. “It wasn’t just about their talent or success, but rather the genuine connections they fostered with their fans. Supporting them felt like cheering on a friend, knowing that their journey was filled with both triumphs and challenges, but ultimately rooted in a sincere passion for their craft.”

@solacesrj pinoy pride, ryujin domingo is baaack! #marikitsadilim #itzy #있지 #류진 #ryujin #kpop #fyp ♬ Marikit sa Dilim – Carl & Angela

Being on call

“[I’ve] had 21 video calls with Ryujin since the first one on July 20, 2022,” RJ recalls, looking back on how far she’s come as a fangirl. “I was so nervous as I waited for the call to connect. When I finally saw her on screen and got to interact with her directly, I almost cried. It was an experience I’ll cherish forever,” she states.

@solacesrj never beating the filipino allegations! ryujin domingo! ryugeng geng 키키키 #itzy #ryujin #kpop #fansignvideocall #fancall #fyp #류진 ♬ original sound – jayjoseph.j2x

With quite the experience that she has as a Midzy, the fan herself offered some advice on those who would like to take the chance of meeting their idols like ITZY and Ryujin through video call. First rule? Familiarizing oneself with the guidelines by event organizers. “Come prepared with questions or subjects to discuss. Brief and honest queries get the finest responses,” she adds. “Seize the moment to connect truly. Don’t be scared to be yourself. Finally, express genuine respect and appreciation to form a significant bond with them.”

Featured Image: ITZY (via Instagram)

The post ITZY’s Ryujin Dominates Filipino TikTok Videos Thanks to This Fangirl appeared first on MEGA.

Getting the trip out of the group chat is always an achievement—because the planning takes forever. No one wants to do the planning, so here are some tips to make the process easier. Head into the summer stress-free and ready to soak under the sun.

RELATED: Boho Fashion is the Summer Trend Approved by MEGA and Kathryn Bernardo

The Location:

The Philippines is blessed with powdery, white sand beaches and a diverse landscape. If the squad is still undecided, here are some must-see destinations this summer:

Malcapuya Island

This white-sand paradise is two hours away from Coron, Palawan, and it’s worth it. The long coastline boasts a private little beach, clear waters you can’t help but want to dip in, and tucked-away coves. If you and your friends are looking to get away from the perils of everyday life, the appeal of this island is really in its untouched natural surrounds, unspoiled nature, and total peace.

Paradise Beach

White powder on your feet, gently sloping sandbeds, and a coastline where you can set up a picnic? Head to Bantayan Island in Cebu and get your fill of this tranquil escape. Snorkeling enthusiasts and first-timers will also have something to do—explore the diverse marine life and colorful coral reefs under the sea. Pack your own snorkeling gear and also bring your picnic setu, then enjoy the sunset and the stunning view of the horizon. 

Sibang Cove

A pristine destination on Calayan Island, enjoy a picturesque beachscape, unlimited seafood, fresh coconut juice and native kawa-kawayan salad. Whether you want to take a refreshing dip or simply float on the gentle waves, the inviting and clear waters of Sibang Cove are a treat. You can also make use of your snorkeling gear as the island is known for its rich marine life. For the adventurer, this destination has a hilly terrain perfect for hiking and trekking, offering panoramic views of the cove and surrounding landscapes. 

Tambobong Beach, Pangasinan

Get on the road for a five to seven-hour drive from Manila and head to the upscale getaway of Tambobong Beach. This hidden gem is considered the “Boracay of the North” for its fine sand and turquoise waters. Enjoy beach bumming, kayaking, snorkeling, and camping at this recreational site.

Magra Beach Resort and Nature Park

If you don’t want to make the four-hour journey to La Union simply to surf, there are other options nearby. Real Quezon, greatly overlooked, is just three hours away from Manila. Its Magra Beach Resort and Nature Park is a great substitute for the more well-known La Union, with many hidden gems and beautiful sceneries to explore and activities to enjoy more than swimming. The coastal municipality provides large waves and swells that are perfect for surfers.

The Expert Tips:

1. Seat sales!

Even if the trip is months away, book those seats as far ahead as you can if you’re traveling by air to catch seat sales. Your flights are the best buys when they’re not last-minute, so save yourselves the worry about expenses later. Another tip before booking during a sale? Clear the cache and browse history of your devices to allow faster page loading.

2. Plan a budget and stick to it

Believe it or not, there are barkadas who allot a Google Sheet just to keep track of individual and group expenses during a trip. If you think it’s going to work for your squad, do it! Some people also write down options for hotel accommodations, activities, and destinations with their corresponding prices before everyone decides. It’s efficient and a visual way of seeing where your money goes.

3. Consult the travel experts aka Klook and KKDay

These websites or apps are the go-to for access to many experiences, attractions, and tour packages at a significantly cheaper price. Get better deals here rather than the supplier’s site directly and enjoy convenience and stress-free reservations. You also don’t need to carry around a printed voucher and worry about losing them because you can access QR codes any time through the app on your mobile devices.

4. Make the most out of your trip in an AirBNB or Hostel

For the flexible and adventurous travel consumers, rent a vacation space in an AirBNB or book a room in a Hostel—while it’s cheaper, it also represents tremendous value for you and your friends. For large groups, the principle of AirBNB is this: more space, less price. They’re also typically located in local neighborhoods rather than the tourist areas, where most hotels would be, so they are more authentically fun and rich. Meanwhile Hostels are the go-to option for solo or budget travellers since you’re essentially paying per bed. While there’s technically less private space in a hostel room, who needs it when you’re spending most of the day outside. Plus, the best part about it is the community and friends that are easy to make when staying in one.

Photos: KLOOK, VISITCAGAYAN, THEOUTCASTJOURNEY

The post 5 Tips on Planning Your First Out-of-Town Barkada Trip This Summer appeared first on MEGA.

This summer, dive into a book and lose yourself in the pages of carefully crafted worlds. Whether you’re looking to lounge on a beach chair with a lush romance or tuck yourself into a me-time corner for thought-provoking nonfiction, here are some recommendations based on what your MBTI personality type would enjoy. While the personality test is fluid, ambiguous, and broad, this beginner guide can help if you’re looking to start reading as a hobby this summer.

RELATED: 5 Ways to Recover From Your Reading Slump

INTJ – The Architect

In deriving energy from solitary thought and the power of the mind, INTJs are logical, imaginative, strategic, and self-sufficient. This recommendation will surely bring reflections, insights and fun to these individuals. 

Book Reco: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

The 1887 detective novel which marked the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson has all the mystery and diverse plotlines to satisfy the INTJ mind. It follows their first thrilling investigation into a mysterious murder in 19th century London.

INTP – The Logician

Likely to consume stories that have a variety of themes and twists, INTPs typically veer towards fantasy, science fiction, or nonfiction more. As innovative inventors, these individuals are always on the lookout for something that can challenge conventional thinking.

Book Reco: Ghost Empire by Richard Fidler

A father-son adventure nonfiction takes you to the rich history of the Byzantine Empire, mainly centered around the legendary Constantinople—now-called Istanbul. For individuals with a thirst for knowledge such as the INTP, there is much to learn from this book about inventions, the clash of civilizations, the rise of Christianity, and more.

ENTJ – The Commander

Known for their leadership skills, determination, and strategic thinking, this personality type floats to the top with their ambitious actions. As people who like to be in charge, this might interest you.

Book Reco: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

ENTJs are drawn to the noble character of Edmond Dantes, a young sailor about to become captain of a ship as well as to be married to the lovely Mercédès. However, when four jealous men conspire to throw him in prison, Edmond withers away in the Chateau d’lf. That is, until he befriends another prisoner who tells him about the treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo. His unbeatable ambition to escape and the story of vengeance might hook readers and non-readers of this personality type.

ENTP – The Debater

Individuals with quick wit and even quicker tongues, ENTPs enjoy airtight arguments, compelling ideas, and a good challenge of unique takes for the workings of their mind. They dislike rules and limitations.

Book Reo: 1984 by George Orwell

A seminal work of dystopian fiction, this novel follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling party, who harbors revolutionary dreams. In a story that focuses on a totalitarian society where freedom is distant, and independent thinking and individualism are viewed as capital crimes, ENTPs are likely to enjoy a masterpiece about rebellion and imprisonment.

INFJ – The Advocate

INFJs are tireless idealists, visionaries, and are the very picture of empathy with an intuitive understanding of the human feelings.

Book Reco: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

This dystopian novel takes the reader into the life of Lauren Oya Olamina, a woman with ‘hyperempathy,’ allowing her to feel the pain and pleasure of others. Despite living in a hostile environment, Lauren also dreams of a better future and a more resilient community. Delving deeply into the human condition, and societal structures, the INFJ’s intellectual curiosity and need for meaningful engagement will surely be satisfied.

INFP – The Mediator

The Mediators are deeply sensitive, private, and internally aware individuals. Their easygoing disposition runs a passion and loyalty for the people they care for and the causes they believe in. They place value on harmony and balance—even when letting their heart and emotion drive them.

Book Reco: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

This coming-of-age story follows the life experiences of Esperanza, a young Mexican American girl in Chicago, within the Latin neighborhood of Mango Street. Told by a series of vignettes, however, this story not only revolves around Esperanza, but also the people who reside in the neighborhood. This book is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration that INFPs will find stimulating and fulfilling—full of deep ideas and multifaceted people.

ENFJ – The Protagonist

ENFJs are known to be full of empathy, social skills, and a relentless desire to help or make a difference. They care for harmony, personal growth, and making a lasting impact on people’s lives. 

Book Reco: Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney

This book is a wonderful portrayal of people’s everyday lives, their innermost thoughts, and sensibilities. The human vulnerability in an overwhelming, imperfect world shines as a main theme in this book, and is sure to be both challenging and rewarding for the ENFJ’s literary journey.

ENFP – The Campaigner

Often purpose-driven individuals, ENFPs appreciate a creative and unpredictable world, where their free spirit can roam free.

Book Reco: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente

ENFPs can indulge in a delightful, whimsical book about a young girl named September who is spirited away to Fairyland on a quest. Colorful, bright, vivid, and theatrical, this playful and sweet story offers both entertainment and introspection for the ENFP.

ISTJ – The Logistician

Characterized by their practicality, attention to detail, and organized nature, these individuals are fact-minded and reliable with a deep sense of integrity.

Book Reco: Atonement by Ian McEwan

A story that relies on a single person’s tale that ultimately leads to terrible consequences? This book is for the individual who cares about the truth and the importance of the truth—because otherwise, the world might fall into shambles. Case in point: these characters suffer the repercussions through the chaos and carnage of World War II.

ISFJ – The Defender

The ISFJs are warm-hearted and kind individuals who have an innate desire to provide for others. Conventional and grounded, an ISFJ is steady and committed, conscientious and methodical, with a deep sense of responsibility.

Book Reco: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards

A brilliantly crafted novel that articulates the insidious nature of keeping a secret—and how that changes your life forever. A moving and poignant novel about grief and love, this story follows the consequences of Dr. David Henry—who discovers that his newborn daughter has Down’s Syndrome. Believing he is acting on love for his wife, he asks the attending nurse, Caroline, to take the child to an institution and never reveal this secret. Caroline takes Phoebe—but cannot leave her alone. She disappears and raises the child as her own. 

ESTJ – The Executive

ESTJs value leadership through practicality and order. They have logical and detail-oriented minds, and so would appreciate a thought-provoking novel that can engage them.

Book Reco: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

The murder mystery of the four members of the Clutter family will spark the ESTJ’s curiosity and their strategic acumen to work through an investigation with the main character. This page-turner thriller will give ESTJs an immersive reading experience and put them on the edge of their seat, all the while turning the gears in their heads.

ESFJ – The Consul

The Consul type is often practical, supportive, social, and willing to respond to the needs of others. They have a sense of loyalty and duty, but do it with a more expressive heart than the other Sentinels.

Book Reco: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

If you’re an ESFJ, you appreciate a story full of heart. That’s the sensational The Last Song. Feel all the feelings in this emotionally-charged story with human connections that run deep—whether it be in the family or in new relationships.

ISTP – The Virtuoso

ISTPs are bold and practical, masters at thinking on their feet, and wizards at using tools. They are the most independent of the personality types, and above all—the most realistic.

Book Reco: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This popular YA (Young Adult) series grips the ISTP’s need for problem-solving—learning to survive in the ultimate game of survival using intelligence and resourcefulness. The story’s themes of survival, revolt against repression, and the moral choices the characters make will speak to the ISTP’s spirit of independence and their need for a fulfilling adventure. 

ISFP – The Adventurer

Always ready to explore and experience something new, the ISFP is drawn to the innovative or unusual.

Book Reco: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

The classic fairytale about The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up is a fantasy adventure children’s book that is spontaneous and filled with fantastic imagination. Brimming with vivid characters, battles, pirates, fairies, and more, Peter Pan captures the spirit of childhood and will take the ISFP to an adventure even just in the pages. The decisions the author and the story make reflect the ISFP’s desire for exploration, freedom, and individuality.

ESTP – The Entrepreneur

Action-oriented, ambitious, and risk-takers, the entrepreneur thrives on excitement and action.

Book Reco: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

In a virtual utopia called OASIS, teenager Wade Watts devotes his life to the digital confines—that is, until players start to kill for a fortune. Nothing but a pulse-pounding thrill ride, the book’s relentless pace and the brutal game of survival presented in the story will resonate with the ESTP’s action-oriented, imaginative, and strategic side, finding themselves engrossed in the suspense.

ESFP – The Entertainer

Known as the social butterflies, the entertainer is the life of the party, drawn to fascinating people and experiences and are often stimulated by spontaneity.

Book Reco: Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch

A romantic and whimsical coming-of-age story, Love & Olives is about Liv’s desire for romance and her journey in reconnecting with her absent father. ESFPs revel in books sparking fun humor with characters that have free-spirited energy, so this sweet summer narrative is perfect for the personality type—and a bonus is that the setting makes you feel like you’re escaping reality…even just for a bit.

The post 16 Book Recommendations Based on Your MBTI Personality Type appeared first on MEGA.

In the metro where trends evolve in a blink of an eye, a community of thrift stores is a bustling feast for the customer looking to make their wardrobe a canvas or just someone looking for more of their style. Bridging sustainable fashion and upcycling with the wave of trends, get your next big find and cop curated pieces in these shops across the city and begin your fashion journey.

RELATED: Discovering Personality and Sustainability: A Guide to Thrifting and Garment Care

Season Pass

This place in Maginhawa street is a haven for vintage, streetwear, archive, and reworked pieces—find contemporary wardrobe staples timeless through the seasons or go back in time to other fashion eras and get grails at unbeatable prices. With their broad selection of buildable pieces, there’s something for everyone—especially streetwear aficionados.

It’s Vintage

An ode to one’s individuality, It’s Vintage in Makati is a world where fashion and artistic expression collide. From racing jackets to boy-scout polos and eclectic vintage corset tops, this story has everything you need to get in touch with your free spirit and artistic soul.

Vintage Vault

Fine-tuned from the makings of treasured and sought-after brands, this store in Maginhawa has racks and racks of pieces that await new owners—get value and treasure and new finds for your closet. All curated with an eye for taste of style, score undiscovered grails for your wardrobe.

The Archives Vintage

This flea market is opening in Taft this April 5-7, so make your weekend plans and head over to a treasure trove of pop-ups and curated merchants where you can get unique finds at every rack. Have a magical exploration of handpicked essentials from Wayback Vintage, graphic tees and leather jackets from Sumo Swag PH, curated 90s and Y2K pieces from The Weeknd Studios, and more.

South Trading Post

This whimsical avenue in Alabang features everything from designer steals to undiscovered gems that are hand-picked for the fashion treasure hunters. For curated-vintage apparel, footwear, and accessories to suit all your thrifting needs, we might have to wait for this month’s market. Meanwhile, they’re opening a weekend pop-up this April 13 to 14 showcasing Filipino homegrown brands at the Nook Coworking Studio in Alabang.

Photos and Featured Image: SEASON PASS, IT’S VINTAGE, VINTAGE VAULT, THE ARCHIVES VINTAGE, SOUTH TRADING POST (Via Instagram)

The post 5 Best Spots to Thrift in Manila this Summer appeared first on MEGA.

RELATED: Wearing Vs. Styling: How to Elevate Everyday Outfits with Content Creator Cess Tan

If you’ve seen her signature red nails on your For You page on TikTok, you know that Lash Omadto connects with her followers in an authentic way that makes you feel like you’re talking to her on a video call for chika as she does her makeup. With her daily grind in school and as a creator, you wonder how she stays fresh all day. Even as a creator, Lash admits to MEGA she’s not really experimental with her beauty choices—once something works, she sticks to it. So here are her tried and tested beauty and scent picks that might work for you too.

Chuchu Beauty Heart Blush Duo

This local beauty brand delivers budget-friendly must-haves without compromising quality and creativity. Chuchu Beauty gives you a touch of playfulness to your everyday routine with the Heart Blush Duo in a cute, heart-shaped compact case with a mirror. Lash tells MEGA Style that if there’s one product she swears by, whether for a casual or a glam look, it’s this powder blush. The curated color duo from soft pinks to sultry nudes is a playground for beauty enthusiasts, allowing you to experiment with different looks. What’s even better is that the blush remains intact throughout the day with its silky and buildable formula.

Detail Cosmetics Power Lip in Rose Latte

Lock down a matte lip like no other. This rich, smooth lipstick deposits a long-wearing and transfer-resistant color that is comfortable and weightless. The full-coverage formula maximizes the color intensity and won’t dry, fade, or feather up during your carefree or busy hours. Lash specifically recommends the rose latte shade.

Laneige Lip Mask

To keep her lips smooth, it’s no surprise that this is Lash’s personal favorit. This thick, nutrient-rich balm goes to work while you’re asleep (although you can wear it all day) to form a barrier over your lips and lock in moisture. In the depths of summer, this balm keeps your lips soft without leaving any sticky residue. Also get a taste of your preference in different flavors—apple lime, grapefruit, vanilla, and original berry.

Issy Active Concealer

“I’m not really into matte foundation,” Lash tells MEGA Style. “So what I repurchase are the concealers of Issy.” Lash gets a natural coverage with this hydrating, oil-free concealer that lasts all day and seamlessly blends into the skin. Through a blend of humectants and antioxidants it conceals, corrects, highlights, and brightens the complexion. Do less but get more with their buildable shades.

Jo Malone 

When asked about her scent, Lash’s go-to is Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka and the Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt. The former is a sophisticated, warm, and classy fragrance that has deep, sweet notes. The myrrh scent may not be for everyone, but for Lash, it’s a high-quality and attention-grabbing fragrance with a lavender twist. As for the latter, the scent is perfect for sunny days with its notes of driftwood and sea air.

Featured Image: LASH OMADTO (Via Instagram)

The post Here are Lash Omadto’s Top Beauty and Scent Picks appeared first on MEGA.

Summer just got extra hot with Asia’s Superstar Kathryn Bernardo on the cover of MEGA’s April cover. The country was all praises for the graceful show of Kathryn’s sun-soaked golden skin and the evocation of her confidence on the shores of El Nido. In searing modern boho fashion, Kathryn is the picture of power, class, and self-love. Here are the best reactions from the nation about the cover.

RELATED: Boho Fashion is the Summer Trend Approved by MEGA and Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn’s style for this cover perfectly captures an adventurous summer—encapsulated by bohemian fashion, shipwreck chic, and all-around goddess beauty looks.

The award-winning actress is used to portraying different roles on camera, but on the MEGA cover, she gives the world a never-before-seen side that evokes elegant sophistication, reminiscent of wanderlust on a summer’s day and long walks on the seaside. Netizens don’t overlook this and shower Asia’s Superstar with praises.

Her name in entertainment shines as multi-hyphenated and award-winning, stunning the cover with an adventurous style in the comeback of bohemian fashion—and Kathryn continues to prove again and again what it is to be hailed as the morena all-Filipina grace, and what it is to be a woman choosing and empowering herself.

Aside from the changes in weather brought about by Kathryn’s photos, celebrities also flocked to the comments section to celebrate her comeback to MEGA’s pages after seven years. Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee, who was MEGA’s March 2024 cover star, commented, “April is here!” with fire emojis. TV host and actress Bianca Gonzales also took to support the actress, penning, “You are on fire!” Young actress and model Kira Balinger, meanwhile, commented, “ICONIC.”

To learn more about the revival of the bohemian trend, check out MEGA’s April 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.

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 The Best Reactions to Kathryn Bernardo’s MEGA April 2024 Cover appeared first on MEGA.

This is an excerpt from MEGA’s April 2024 One To Watch

Born out of a passion for cycling and movement, young designer Micah Alyanna Gomez created her brand Club Tara (tara, a Filipino term that means “come” or “let’s go”) for the niche community of women cyclists.

“When you think of cycling, it’s sporty, male-centered, or ‘copy-pasted’ on a female’s body,” she says. “I didn’t want to name my brand after me because I wanted the focus to be on the people. In this case, something that would answer the need in cycling.” 

When the pandemic brought what cyclists call the “bike boom,” Gomez started biking with her father and brother around the city. It was a general rule in their family that they cannot drive unless they know how to bike on the road.

With this, her creative vision extended to the advocacy of being kind to bikers and pedestrians. Although she struggled at first with clothing construction and detail, what propelled her forward is knowing that there is a problem to solve—and so she did.

“For my thesis, I actually did a survey with a cycling community,” says Gomez, who recently presented her graduate collection at the De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde’s annual fashion show, Sinulid. “I was surprised that I had over a hundred respondents. In a nutshell, I asked if they needed cycling clothes that can also be used everyday—how they want it to look and the common struggles they deal with when biking. I kept designing until the mistakes were found, and until they were fixed.”

Gomez made sure that the length of the shorts and pants are right, the skirt is appropriate for biking, and there are pockets for things that bikers usually carry. The pieces are transformable; everything is modular and buildable. Her design was driven not just by beauty but also purpose.

For the designer, self-love is an everyday commitment. In her case, it was a constant battle of reassuring herself that the concept she was making is good. As much as it mattered to her what people think, she realized that she also has to love what she does—if it gives her happiness, confidence, and contentment.

Get to know emerging designer Micah Alyanna Gomez and her passion for all things movement and sustainable in MEGA’s April 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.

Photographed by KIM SANTOS of KLIQ.INC. Creative Direction BRIE VENTURA. Makeup PAMM MERRERA. Hair PATTY CRISTOBAL. Production by MARIAN SAN PEDRO. Styling BITHIA REYES. Editorial Assistant JONNIE NGO. Sittings Editor JONES PALTENG. Model KEN TIANGCO of MERCATOR. Special thanks to MIKI MICLAT of MERCATOR.

The post Attention Women Cyclists: Club Tara Has Got Your Fashion Needs Covered appeared first on MEGA.

This is an excerpt from MEGA’s April 2024 Stylephile

In the spirit of all things genuine, Andree Camille Bonifacio, or simply AC, defines self-love as prioritizing herself in everything—and this is something she learned just last year.

It’s an intimate process of starting to make self-love part of herself. Ever since she kept this mindset, it put a lot of pressure off her shoulders. She felt genuinely happier and more relaxed. Aside from work, one of the ways she puts herself on the top of her list is resting while also making time for her friends and loved ones.

The actress-dancer recently made her debut on the theater stage in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, where she played the role of Marcy Park. This proves that her versatility as a total performer goes beyond the screen and her influence goes beyond in the digital world.

STYLE TALKS

Can you tell us about the exact moment you first fell in love with fashion?

I think I fell in love with fashion when I got into middle school (Grade 5). I believe it was because every school day, my mom would decide my outfits. She finally gave me the freedom to pick once I got into middle school. I would look forward to picking my outfits every night, and for my birthday, I’d always choose to go shopping for clothes. I’m not going to say my outfits were nice at all but it was a small step to being independent. Until this day, I still do the same. I stress over outfits and absolutely love shopping for them. 

Who is your style inspiration and how did that person influence your current style? How would you describe your own style now? 

My current style inspirations are Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. They are what my Pinterest search is full of. I’ve fallen in love with the “off-duty model” look, where it’s very fashionable and also comfortable. That’s what I aim for in every look I do. 

What was your most memorable fashion moment? How about your least favorite?

My most memorable fashion moment is any outfit created with my stylist Ica Villanueva. We’ve worked together for quite a while now and she really knows me (sometimes more than I know myself) in terms of fashion. I absolutely love every outfit she styles me in. My least favorite fashion moment is probably none. I do genuinely love all my outfits—even if they looked bad—because they led me to how I dress now.

If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be and why? What’s your ultimate closet staple?

Super baggy, low-waist jeans and a baby tee. It’s super comfortable—looks like you tried, but also looks like you didn’t. It has nice proportions; and I can dance in it. My ultimate closet staple is baggy jeans in every shade.

Unlock AC Bonifacio’s style secrets in MEGA’s April 2024 issue, now available on Readly, Magzter, Press Reader and Zinio.

Photographed by JOSH TOLENTINO. Creative Direction and Production by BITHIA REYES. Fashion Direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Art Direction JONES PALTENG. Makeup ANGELINE DELA CRUZ. Hair JA FELICIANO. Editorial Assistant JONNIE NGO. Shot on location ROLLER FEVER, MANILA BAY. Special thanks to MARGARITA ORANTE and DENPER PLAZA of ROLLER FEVER, MANILA BAY.

The post A Guide To Artist AC Bonifacio’s Groovy Style Secrets appeared first on MEGA.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Miss Saigon Cast on Coming Home and Why Filipinos Will Always Relate to the Musical

When Filipino artistry takes the stage, riveting performances, striking sets, and captivating stories enthrall even the least of fans—but leave the theater wanting more. After the success of Hamilton and Ang Huling El Bimbo’s Manila legs, here are some others—local and international—starring Filipino cast members that capture the dynamic quality of this form of entertainment and are the lifeblood of Manila’s thriving theater scene.

1. Rent

Get ready for the seasons of love. Local theater company 9 Works Theatrical takes the reins for the rock musical Rent by Jonathan Larson. This award-winning show follows a group of friends struggling to survive in Manhattan under the shadows of poverty, love, the AIDS epidemic, and—well—rent. This musical gets a whole touch of Filipino blood featuring theater artists such as Anthony Rosaldo, Molly Langley, Thea Astley, Ian Pangilinan, Reb Atadero, Justine Peña, and Jasmine Fitzgerald among others.

Rent will run from April 20 to May 24 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, Makati. Tickets are still available through Ticket2Me.

2. Pingkian: Isang Musikal

After running since March 1, Pingkian: Isang Musikal announced two more final shows this April 12 at the GSIS Theater. Tickets are available through Ticketworld or through the Google Forms for the 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM show. Watch the full-length musical depicting the life of one of the most revered katipuneros, Emilio Jacinto. Written for the stage by acclaimed playwrite Juan Ekis, the musical spotlights Vic Robinson as Emilio Jacinto and Gab Pangilinan as Catalina de Jesus. Other cast members include Bituin Escalante, Kakki Teodoro, Paw Castillo, among others.

3. Miss Saigon

The heat from Saigon brings itself to Manila under the direction of Cameron Mackintosh. The critically acclaimed musical that tells the timeless story of Kim and the war-torn city of then-Saigon, that launched Lea Salonga to international stardom is now in the Philippines, continuing until May 5. The musical stars Filipino-Australians Abigail Adriano, Seann Miley-Moore, and Filipina P-Pop star Kiara Dario. Some tickets are still available at Ticketworld.

4. Bar Boys: A New Musical

A film-to-stage adaptation from Barefoot Theatre Collaborative brings you Kip Oebanda’s Bar Boys, set to take the stage this May 2024. Bar Boys revolves around four friends in their journey to become defenders of justice—what it takes and how far are they willing to get there. Pat Valera will be directing alongside Mikko Angeles; Myke Solomon will be debuting his original music. Leading the cast as the titular bar boys are Alex Diaz as Chris, Benedix Ramos as Erik, Jerom Canlas as Torran, and Omar Uddin as Josh. The musical will be staged for three weeks only from May 3 to 19 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight Blackbox Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets may be purchased through Ticket2Me.

5. Othello

Coming to you in October, included in CAST PH’s lineup is Nelsito Gomez breathing new life into William Shakespeare’s Othello. Gomez sets the tone of the renowned tragedy and brings it to the Philippine stage with his own touch on the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and manipulation. The show stars Tarek El Tayech as Othello, Gab Pangilinan as Desdemona, Maronne Cruz as Emilia, and Reb Atadero as Iago. Some other cast members include Davy Narciso, Rafael Jimenez, and Dippy Arceo. Show dates and other details are yet to be announced.

Photos and Featured Image: 9 WORKS THEATRICAL, TANGHALANG PILIPINO, MISS SAIGON INTERNATIONAL TOUR, BAREFOOT THEATRE COLLABORATIVE, CAST PH (Via Instagram)

The post 5 Upcoming Musicals or Plays You Should Watch Starring Filipino Talents appeared first on MEGA.

Beauty lovers, mark your calendars from March 20-23, 2024, for the beauty event you’ve been waiting for! The fantastic shopping fest will be held at the SMX Convention Center Halls 1 and 2 with over 100 participating beauty and personal care brands. And guess what? If you’re a Watsons Club, SMAC, or Look At Me member, you get in absolutely free! Beauty shoppers can expect a lot of special discounts, offers, and freebies exclusive for these four days. 

Find some new favorites or grab your go-to essentials from all the categories like cosmetics, fragrances, skincare, haircare, body care, and more! Filipino beauty brands like Issy Cosmetics, GRWM Cosmetics, Colourette Cosmetics, Absidy Beauty, BLK Cosmetics, Happy Skin Cosmetics, and Vice Cosmetics will be present. Explore trending Asian cult favorites like Hada Labo, Laneige, Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Jart+, Tsubaki, Round Lab, Rom&nd, and more. 

If you’re all about luxury and high-end vibes, you’re in for a real treat. Get excited because brands like Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, Viktor & Rolf, and Armani will showcase their products. For those who can’t get enough international favorites, brands like Shiseido, Laura Mercier, Huda Beauty, Kiehl’s, and Lancôme are set to fill your ultimate shopping list. 

Expect brands like Neutrogena, Celeteque, Dove, Biorderma, Nivea, Ponds, and Olay to showcase their latest technologies and innovations. Don’t forget to visit SkinSmart for new faves like Kora Organics, First Aid Beauty, Supergoop, and more!

Beauty tools, such as Kiss NY, Real Techniques, JML, W Elite, Euroo, and Wet Brush, are also present, among many others. You will also enjoy having Watsons’ own brands, like Naturals by Watsons, Watsons Baby, Dermaction Plus by Watsons, and Collagen by Watsons.

For hair care and styling, stop by Kerastase, Manic Panic, and Liese. Men’s body care and grooming staples will also be around: Gilette, Old Spice, and Rexona Men, to name a few.

Besides the fantastic partner brands, A-list celebrities, the hottest KOLs, and beauty icons are popping in for surprise visits over the four days. Keep an eye on Watsons, SM Beauty, and LOOK At Me’s social media pages to stay updated.

Official accounts: @watsonsph @smbeautyph @lookatme_ph

The post Journey Into Beauty: An Event that Celebrates All Things Beautiful appeared first on MEGA.

Tagged often as the “Queen of Memes,” Maris isn’t afraid to show her fun and quirky side on the internet. The ‘millennial Twitter queen’ is a natural charmer on her platforms, and her humor speaks to all kinds of Filipino audiences. While admiring her trademark acting and amazing chemistry with Anthony Jennings’ Snoop on Can’t Buy Me Love and waiting for her lead role as Sunshine in Gymnast, we’re also laughing at her funniest tweets and posts from irenetube, her Instagram broadcast channel. There’s no question as to why Maris Racal is so well-loved by the nation as her generation’s brightest stars.

RELATED: 3 Reasons Why the SnoRene Ship Has Stolen Our Hearts

The Bayonetta Glasses

The Y2K resurgence this year includes the famous Bayonetta glasses. Whether or not you need to wear them for vision purposes or just enjoy accessorizing with faux lenses, they’re the must-have style everyone has in their rotation this year—including Maris. However, in one tweet, she said she achieved ‘school registrar-core’ instead, and then she interacted with BINI’s Maloi in the other as a reference to the group’s new lead single, Salamin, Salamin. (Even Maris streams BINI. Stream BINI.)

Maris’s ‘Studious’ Era

Her viral pictures of acting ‘studious’ as she writes in her 2024 journal circulated around X with almost 9 million views. Scrolling through the quotes is a humor feast with the netizens adding their own twist to the meme.

Irenetube as her diary…when she doesn’t forget about it or her password

We see Maris keyboard smashing on her Instagram broadcast channel as she fangirled because she was right next to Sandara Park, photos with her nephew wrapped up…unusually and titled ‘A mother’s story’ (in reference also to Irene and Snoop panicking about possibly being pregnant), and also monitoring her titles and saying goodbye to her ‘Asia’s Songbird’ goal.

Proud and relatable TikTok moments

Maris also isn’t afraid to unravel comedic roles on TikTok. Although she has already proven her caliber as an actress and singer-songwriter, her videos on TikTok allow her to freely show off a humorous and fun side that isn’t often seen. 

HENNYYYY!

‘Henny’ is now the new slang word for friends calling friends. Don’t worry, Maris. You weren’t alone!

Photos and Featured Image: MARIS RACAL (Via X)

The post 5 Times Maris Racal Proved She’s One of the Funniest Celebrities Online appeared first on MEGA.

As the first generation born in the digital age, there’s an archive set up for us from the moment we stepped out in the world. With a digital record so easily accessible, it prompts an unending stream of memories—and this generation is hardwired for that kind of nostalgia. In navigating the world of technology and the disillusioned setback of the pandemic, it’s almost impossible for Gen Z to believe that 2017 was seven years ago when it feels just three. So can you believe these pop culture moments are this old?

RELATED: A Compilation of Girlhood Moments That Make Us Love Being a Girl

16 years ago: The world was divided by Team Edward and Team Jacob

The phenomenon of Twilight left an imprint on society and culture in the vampire-werewolf-fanatic world of pre-teens, teens, and young adults almost 16 years ago, and people are still talking about it (and gasping at that Breaking Dawn Part 2 plot twist. If you know, you know.) The Twilight saga, no matter how much you hate it, has influenced the direction of fan culture and romantic fantasy. (And it’s Team Edward, by the way.)

14 years ago: Hoedown Throwdown was the dance choreography

Miley Cyrus’ Hannah Montana movie was also a cultural reset—with songs like The Climb and Crazier by Taylor Swift hitting the charts. But memorizing the dance was crucial for every teenager.

14 years ago: Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream came out

Signing about our made-up The One That Got Away just felt so freeing at the time. The imaginary guy with the Mustang and the tattoos? Yeah. That.

11 years ago: Dystopian fims were peak cinema

The masterpieces of The Hunger Games, Maze Runner, Divergent were the peak of the cinematic genre back then, which is why when A Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and Percy Jackson’s remake surged into the media, the fandoms were revived. Though these movies aren’t clogging theaters, they were a full-blown film fad about a decade ago: in 2012, The Hunger Games frontlined Jennifer Lawrence, ushering in three Divergent movies starring Shailene Woodley, and The Maze Runner series starring Dylan O’Brien.

10 years ago: One Direction broke up

For all my fellow die-hard Directioners, raise your hand if you’re also still waiting for the reunion that might never come. As one of the biggest boy bands of all time, One Direction became a cultural phenomenon after five studio albums and four world tours—their name on perfumes, beddings, jewelry, jackets, and more. However, at the end of 2015, One Direction eventually announced a ‘hiatus’ following Zayn Malik’s departure from the band in 2013. Now, the boys are doing their own thing, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne have kids, Niall Horan was a judge on The Voice, Louis Tomlinson and Harry Styles are experimenting with their music, and we’re still crossing our fingers for that reunion. But growing up with them makes this a little nostalgic, don’t you think?

10 years ago: Taylor Swift’s Blank Space lyrics was on every Twitter bio

When Blank Space came out 10 years ago, we were in high school and all our Twitter bio’s said the same thing: ‘’Cause darling, I’m a nightmare dressed like a daydream.’ It was such a good paradox, we thought we were doing something life-changing putting that in our biographies.

7 years ago: Snapchat filters were cool

The power of the Snapchat filters saw its time back in 2016—especially the perky-eared long-tongued dog and the flower crown filters or ‘lenses’. It was meaningless, silly, and so much fun. There wasn’t a celebrity or a friend that hasn’t posted a story to those filters.

9 years ago: Everyone joined the Ice Bucket Challenge

The summer of 2014 saw the internet quite literally getting drenched with ice-cold water—the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was the largest social media movement in medical history. This viral sensation raised $115 million in six weeks and boosted critical awareness for a fatal disease. 

9 years ago: The Fault In Our Stars made a whole generation bawl in the cinema

Author John Green saw his characters come to life on the big screen also in 2014 with an adaptation starring Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. This set the precedent for a new era of romantic realistic fiction—the rise of the ‘sick teens can still fall in love’ plot. Plus, the famous Okay? Okay. were that era’s best expression of love. 

Bonus: Justin Bieber is 30 years old

Gen Z: We grew up with this kid. We grew up with his smash hits Baby, I Just Need Somebody to Love, One Less Lonely Girl, and so much more. Recently, Beliebers even expressed their shock that the artist reached the milestone age of 30 last March 1, having broken onto the pop scene so young. 

The post Throwback Moments: This is How Old Gen Z Pop Culture References Are appeared first on MEGA.

In the era of the grand resurgence of Taylor Swift, Barbie—where Dua Lipa is a mermaid and Issa Rae is president, and Liza Soberano is taking over Hollywood, we’ve all heard the phrases, “Peak girlhood” and “This is girlhood.” It means—not all girls this, not all girls that. Not all girls are, these girls aren’t, these girls are, these girls do not, these girls do. Yes to pink and flowers, but also yes to rock bands and photocard collections. We’re not one action or one word, we’re complex and challenging, simple and laid bare, we co-exist and share space—not a subspace nor a second, but a space. We’re not the other, but an other—and we thrive in this spectrum altogether.

RELATED: The Funniest Tweets From Blooms, K-Pop Fans, and International Netizens about BINI

Girls as working adults trying to schedule a day-out that never pushes through

Finding a day that works with everyone is a harder task than people think, especially when all the girls are busy getting that bread. Seeing each other might prove to be more than a miracle.

Gossip is a human right

As long as we’re not stepping on anyone, it’s important we know the tea! They broke up?! When? Who did what to who?! NO WAY.

I’m a celebrity on a talk show at 3 AM

It’s so fun talking to an imaginary person when you’re bored and you share complex pieces of lore about yourself. Or talk about an imaginary ‘record’ or ‘movie’ you just so happened to release or star in recently.

Girl hears ‘Dancing Queen’ and immediately dances like Julia Barretto

A pop culture moment that will never be forgotten. The trajectory of girls’ lives were changed with that dance.

Rewatching my Instagram story over and over again…because I’m so hot

Self-love is important, girls.

“Why am I still single?” wonders girl who doesn’t know the difference between roasting and flirting

Sometimes though, a mix of that plus a healthy conversation? Sign us up.

The night out: getting ready in one place with makeup strewn everywhere, holding hands in crowded places so no one gets lost, going to the bathroom together and complimenting a random stranger, the debriefing afterwards

This is, unfortunately, something men will never understand.

I graduated. Now what?

There’s a gap after the ceremonies in which you realize you don’t know what you’re going to do next—and that’s fine. Reality has no prescribed timeline. The world will wait for you to conquer it.

Fighting with Mom one second and then shopping with her the next

We don’t know how this is a universal experience, but our moms are really our besties. In times of crisis, we turn to her: not fight, not flight, but a secret third option (call my mom about it).

Outfit planning in our heads works…sometimes

“I’m busy,” says girl who will be busy crying over books and people that don’t exist

Woman loves reading men’s astrological birth chart but cannot seem to read the red flags

Girls, repeat after me: red is not our favorite color.

Girl wants to be in love but also, YIKES

Girl falls in love when asked about how her day went then proceeds to ghost you. If you want to date her, beat her six overwhelming attempts to push you away…then give her attention.

“We received your payment,” girl reads while crying

Sometimes, we close our eyes when we’re checking out and try to reason with ourselves: “I need this. This will make me happy.” And they do!

Girl gets made fun of for having interests

…Then no one bats an eye when men partake in fantasy football or collect sneakers for fun, but as soon as a 27-year-old teenage girl obsesses over a band or a pop star, it’s the peak of comedy and confusion. Let us enjoy stuff! As long as we’re not hurting anyone, don’t step on girls who are just doing everything to enjoy life and make it a little better.

“I don’t care anymore,” says girl who continues to try very hard

Alexa, play this is me trying by Taylor Swift.

Girl who gets mad when she leaves the house forgetting her jewelry and perfume

Batting an eye at every minor inconvenience…sounds familiar?

Girl thinks applying a confusing skincare routine and curating Spotify playlists suited for every mood is equivalent to getting her life in order

It is therapeutic, though.

This doesn’t even cover half of it, but if you find yourself in this list, know you have a girl with you! There’s so much more to discuss, but everything boils down to there is no unique representation of what girlhood is. Long live girlhood.

The post A Compilation of Girlhood Moments That Make Us Love Being a Girl appeared first on MEGA.

Illustrious celebrities and up-and-coming artists were all cordially invited to a celebration of romance and royalty at one of the most anticipated evenings of the year, the Star Magical Prom 2024. Whimsical and enchanting, the ivory carpet was a true fashion spectacle in all of its grandiose and fable-inspired evening glamor. Here’s MEGA’s list of all the standout princes and princesses at the prom.

RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Belle Mariano Reigns as Modern Belle at Star Magical Prom 2024

Anthony Jennings

The one-half of the well-loved SnoRene ship was dressed as a prince in midnight blue to match Maris’s blue Cinderella tone. Anthony turned heads in ivory-carpet finery, his tux adorned with simple silver embellishments and with strings of crystals falling elegantly down his shoulders and arms.

Belle Mariano

Belle arrived at the prom in incomparable splendor in a shimmery yellow gown featuring a sequined detail at the neckline and straps. The gown hugged Belle’s shape and showed off her curves, and the high slit added a touch of sultriness. Belle was a beauty from the classic Beauty and the Beast, sprinkling magic and overall fairytale vibes to the ivory carpet.

Donny Pangilinan

Donny is the star who knows how to put on a show—and not just on the big screen.  In true prince fashion, he matches with Belle’s Beauty as he holds The Enchanted Rose, the couple looking like a page straight out of the fairytale. 

Francine Diaz

This standout star walked the ivory carpet in a powder blue gown that is equal-part elegant and bold. It was one of the less-embellished looks on the runway, but no doubt makes no less of a statement. Francine is a modern-day princess in this dress, a daring show of skin at the back and a full, tulle skirt following her figure. The star opts for a statement jewelry and sweeps her hair up in a simple knot that frames her face.

Seth Fedelin

Seth Fedelin harked back to the golden age of all-white suite, even down to the shoes, and looked handsome doing it with his hair swept up in curls. White suits can be risky business, but Seth is all ivory-carpet refinery with a plunging undershirt of silver silk, adding a dramatic contrast to the simple and luxurious aura of the color.

Vivoree

Vivoree wore a pink gown with crystal embellishments and a cape made of mesh falling softly from the sleeves and following her silhouette, the perfect image of the modern-day Princess Aurora. For Vivoree, the subtle and pastel shade of pink and the nice shine of the crystals under the light made her a sight to behold.

Anji Salvacion

Anji stepped out to the prom in a regal white Swarovski-adorned dress. This princess-inspired fit made sense with the rest of her ethereal look for her glam and hair. In true Ryan Uson fashion, the dress was beautiful, romantic, and seemed plucked out of some fantastical wonderland where the magic is real. No wonder she’s crowned the Prom Princess.

Kaori Oinuma

Kaori arrived at the prom as a vision in bold red; matching her sequined strapless dress with red lips and classic ruby necklace. The skirt was a flurry of layered drapes at the back, creating a sweep train that works as an accent to the fit, and the off-shoulder lantern sleeves add a dramatic flair to her ivory-carpet ensemble. 

Criza Taa

Criza Taa stepped out from the pages of an enchanted storybook in a Mak Tumang shimmering ball gown in muted white, characterized by a long skirt and a plunging halter neckline. The crystals and the feather details decorating this dress make for a very princess-like moment for this generation’s darling.

Jana Agoncillo

This prom is a romance with a definite edge—and Jana Agoncilla has embraced that juxtaposition on the ivory carpet. In a fairytale off-the-shoulder ball gown in white with a statement bow and a strapless corset for her bustier, this former child star and Star Magic freshie knows how to make the cameras fall in love with her.

Photography by BELLE DINGLASA

The post MEGA Style’s Best Dressed List at the Star Magical Prom 2024 appeared first on MEGA.

The Bellevue Manila underwent a significant transformation to transport young stars and emerging talents to a land of fantasy. Awakening the magic of fairytales in the dreamiest way possible, the ivory carpet witnessed pastel-colored looks and whimsical, enchanting ensembles from the storybooks of The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, and more—all reincarnated on our modern-day young celebrities at the Star Magical Prom.

RELATED: 2024 Star Magical Prom’s Top Pairings: KDLex, FranSeth, DonBelle, and More

Maris Racal

The Can’t Buy Me Love star was a vision of ethereal beauty, clad in a beguiling blue gown by designer Russell May Cordero. Straight out of Cinderella, the two-piece dress was made more mod with the addition of bows, white gloves, and a blushed beauty look. “I’m a deconstructed Cinderella,” Maris shares during her interview at the ivory carpet. “A modern twist to the fairytale and my hair is actually inspired by Audrey Hepburn.”

Dalia Verde

With stunning hair and modern makeup, the starlet’s look was bold; a statement of a pop of red amidst the pastels of the theme. But it was the illusion of a drape falling seamlessly over Dahlia’s bodice that finished the serve, the slit an elegant touch. The overall effect was otherworldly, an image of Elena of Avalor or Snow White.

Xyriel Manabat

This standout young celebrity was a true princess, deviating joyfully from the modern everyday life to enter the fantasies of fables and mystical dreams in a shimmering halter-cut, semi-backless gown in shimmering blues, pinks, and golds. The dip hem dress Xyriel wore offered the glamor of the long gown and the comfort of a short dress, and the trail followed her figure elegantly as she walked the ivory carpet. Xyriel embodied an ethereal fairy reminiscent of those in Sleeping Beauty.

Vivoree

Vivoree was modern-day Princess Aurora in a pink dress that sported crystal embellishments—giving her look a nice shine under the lights. The dress continues on with crystals flowing down to the waist, but the scene-stealer of her look was definitely the draped cape from the disattached sleeves falling gracefully on her shoulders. It was a nice touch of extravagance and gave a nice dramatic contrast to the real-life Sleeping Beauty.

Krystal Brimmer

At the ivory carpet, this young star exhibited her interpretation of the classic The Little Mermaid in a blue off-the-shoulder dress with sequins adorned at the bustier, and with petals of water decorating the skirt. Krystal elevated her dress with a tiara and a big blue bow at the waist around the back that encapsulated a modern princess feel.

Photography by BELLE DINGLASA

The post The Exact Princesses That Inspired These Celebrities’ Looks at Star Magical Prom appeared first on MEGA.

Often, it’s the most subtle changes that can make the biggest difference—whether it’s a color combination or just a particular way to wear a belt. The excitement of putting an outfit together isn’t necessarily in wearing brand new clothes, but in experimenting with distinctive touches that give the illusion of something completely new and fresh. So if you’re looking to give your wardrobe a fresh injection of energy, MEGA talks to content creator and fashionista Cess Tan for a crash course on styling 101.

RELATED: Tips on Creating Your Own Unique Look From Your Favorite P-Pop Girl Group Members

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in fashion—films, models, mannequins…they were all a visual feast for me,” Cess shares with MEGA. “However, I also knew that I lacked creativity for making my own designs. So luckily, I came across the term fashion styling and was drawn to it, since I love dressing up and trying out different styles.”

This full-time content creator pursued her interest with an internship, freelance styling for celebrities, and a short-course at School of Fashion & the Arts (SoFa). Personally, Cess ventures into different styles from time to time, but sticks mostly to the classic and clean look. “I’m very into interesting basics, pieces without prints but have a unique silhouette, fit, and/or cut,” she says. “This [style] just kind of clicked with me, and was strongly influenced by my need to dress a bit more mature and professional when I was working in college. At that time, the Y2K and coquette aesthetic wasn’t really ‘in’ yet.”

For Cess, styling is a source of happiness and confidence. “It’s what makes me want to go out and socialize, and helps me manifest the kind of person that I want to be growing up,” she states.

Not necessarily new

With this, the content creator has defined her own fashion identity and built her own wardrobe on creative choices that don’t really ride the wave. “It doesn’t really matter to me if it’s a trend or not; I’m drawn to classic pieces I can wear again and again,” Cess says. “Actually, one of my hobbies is to declutter, especially my closet, and I guess that’s also why I just stick to what I truly like and best represents me.”

A tip from Cess: never underestimate the power of lifting the wardrobe that you already own; a good outfit isn’t necessarily new. By making a few simple adjustments to the way you wear your outfits and shop for certain items, you can take fashion by the hand and make it your own.

The devil’s in the details

While yes, there’s creativity in making your own designs, there’s also imagination and your own touch of artistry infused in creating your own memorable and unique look. For the content creator, theme and location come first. “I believe that a true fashionista can adjust to whatever scenario or theme is given to her,” Cess tells MEGA. “So besides ensuring that I or my client looks good in the outfit, I consider the temperature of the location and the vibe of the whole event or shoot. This way, we’re comfortable the whole duration and make sure that the overall look and vibe truly fits the occasion. From there, that’s when I make adjustments to make the look stand out more, or in a way that people can blurt out, ‘I love her outfit.’”

When it comes to techniques, Cess shares that she’s very nitpicky with styling. Her eye for fashion discernment and detail has perfected her formula for staying ahead of the curve. “I tend to be really honest with myself when something is off with the outfit, no matter how big or small. Whether it’s clashing fabrics, colors, tones, or designs, I change it until I’m truly satisfied.”

A tip from Cess: be open-minded and detail-oriented—not just with your outfits but with the pieces you already own. “I’d recommend only buying and wearing the pieces that they’re truly drawn to and represent them. Then over time, they’ll be able to quickly come up with better outfits that fit their preferences and body types too.”

Photos and Featured Image: CESS TAN

The post Wearing Vs. Styling: How to Elevate Everyday Outfits with Content Creator Cess Tan appeared first on MEGA.

The Star Magical Prom saw a number of young celebrities who created their own kind of magic, all dressed to the nines. In bespoke and impactful creations, the nation’s young and most stylish individuals stepped out in true fairytale fashion, and one actress stunned in shining crystals. In an exclusive interview, MEGA talks with Anji Salvacion’s stylist, Drew Lacia, about how she stepped out as a real-life modern princess at the gala.

RELATED: Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano Prove That They Deserve Their Star Status

“Originally, we were going for an island princess vibe, but we changed direction and opted for an elegant and sultry look,” Drew tells MEGA. “Last ball, she wore black, and for this prom, we wanted to experiment with a lighter and cleaner look.”

Anji brings a whole new elegance to a royal look. She breathed new life and fable-esque glamor into the dress, hitting the right spot between classy and extravagant. The picture of Filipina grace, the starlet walked the ivory carpet in the white, number with a bustier that accentuated her torso and a delicate mesh side-cut that married the sexy and regal.

According to Drew, the dress was a creative collaboration between Anji, himself, and visionary designer Ryan Ablaza Uson for a month. “We brainstormed for this look from numerous pegs,” Drew shares. “Of course, we still instilled his unique trademark and aesthetic as a designer.”

Ryan’s mastery of tailoring, coupled with his distinctive precision, has cast him as a luminary in the fashion scene. The light and clean note is there, but that leaves the spotlight free for the center stage elements. Case in point: the over-the-top, brilliant, intricate Swarovski crystal embellishments, and the beautifully draped skirt trailing down her legs into smooth, pleated lengths. 

“The best part is always the excitement on how this will look on her,” Drew tells MEGA. “I’ve been styling Anji for years, and everything she tries on, lagi niyang nadadala.”

Anji does, indeed, carry the aura of grandeur and magnificence; the strapless dress boasts a unique, pointed curved neckline that exposes the elegant line of her shoulders and collarbone. As she walked down the ivory carpet, the dress followed her effortlessly, perfecting the flamboyance the Star Magical Prom is exhibiting. This fairytale turn dress by Anji and her team amplified the allure of her enchanting ensemble.

As per Drew, his fashion philosophy is this: “Just enjoy how you feel about your look. Fashion can be overwhelming, so don’t pressure yourself. Keep it simple and elegant.”

Photography by BELLE DINGLASA
Behind-the-scenes photos by DREW LACIA

The post EXCLUSIVE: All the Details Behind Anji Salvacion’s Regal White Gown at the Star Magical Prom appeared first on MEGA.

Since the start of her career, Taylor Swift’s music has always been authentic and daring, experimental and open, emotional and sincere. What she puts out is a culmination of feelings and ideas translated into careful intent and thought. And what makes her a literary and lyrical genius? The personality, emotion, and rumination imbued in sound and lyric; a page out of her own diary, open for millions to read. For a figure as big as Taylor Swift, speaking candidly on universal emotions is as comforting as a cozy sweater or a warm hug. 

RELATED: This is the Go-To Filipina Designer For a Taylor Swift Eras Tour Outfit

All Too Well

Few artists could deliver a 10-minute record, much less keep it engrossing throughout its whole duration, but the goddess of music makes it work splendidly. This sorrowful romantic ballad is rich in its details—a scarf, a refrigerator light—these give the track building power. She sets the scene up so beautifully with these lyrics, and gives an image of grieving a love affair that mattered more to you than the other party, and how this grief is the price of young vulnerability.

Lover

Despite the simplicity of these lines, they capture the fun, laughter, and beauty of domestic bliss quite well. The title track from Lover is tailor-made for a first-dance song and quite the popular choice for a dedication to a special someone—loved-up and gushing until the end. These simple yet profound lines close the bridge, which closely reference wedding vows, and Taylor forms a seamless litany of both proclamation and promise with these lyrics: I have a permanent place next to you, and you have one next to me.

champagne problems

She could’ve said, “You opened the door for me.” She could’ve said, “I was cold and you gave me your jacket.” But in true Taylor fashion, every song is a story; these lines are far more expressive, so referential to the once-love she sings about in this track. Taylor never fails to weave together a meaningful, rare, yet resonant writing style for listeners.

tolerate it

While this track is a melancholic reflection on a relationship’s imbalance, Taylor Swift also crafts a story about acknowledgement, longing, and the quiet despair of I have all this love, why can’t I pour it onto you? This chorus is not only a plea for honesty, a desperate cry for please tell me this isn’t how you feel and it’s just me overthinking and overanalyzing, but also a heartbreaking confession of self-doubt. 

These lyrics get a lot of praise and rightly so. How could you write the testament to the magnanimity of love so magnetically, so poignantly? It’s not only the simple emotion now, it’s worship, a sanctified and transcendent force, devotion. Yet the second line brings that all down to the feeling of waning significance and the realization that you are no longer more than a footnote, a measly, irrelevant text after the important words, an afterthought, in the saga of someone you held in such high regard.

my tears ricochet

The haunting reality of this track presents a scorned ghost and their tormentor showing up at the funeral. These lines add weight to the heaviness of loss and betrayal, the lingering feeling of the pain inflicted on someone else. Taylor perfected the craft of self-presentation and the quietness and magnitude of rage. These lyrics express: yes, you’ve done this to me, but in your bones, down to the marrow, to the extent of what makes you solid, what holds you up above the ground, what carries you through your days—you will miss what you’ve killed.

marjorie

This record is a heart-wrenching and soulful ode; Taylor recounts living with the death of her grandmother as she grows older, coming to understand more about her life and learn from what she remembers, and the regret of losing her so young. Taylor takes to songwriting to describe the should’ves and how they can only stay should’ves now, and how grief doesn’t shrink over time, but that you learn to grow around grief. It’s self-presentation, but it’s also a mirror—for everyone who’s experienced loss, the songstress does a wonderful job of capturing the emotion so clearly you begin to grieve with her…and with yourself.

Photos and Featured Image: CHRISTOPHER POLK, KEVIN MAZUR (Via Instagram)

The post A Breakdown of the Best Lyrics from the Eras Tour Setlist appeared first on MEGA.

The nation’s girl group is all over our feeds and everyone on X is loving it. It’s only really up from here as the girls are internationally recognized for their vocal prowess, synchronized choreography, humble and funny personalities, and visuals. From the Blooms, K-Pop fans, and international netizens—here are all the tweets that made us smile and laugh.

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why BINI is Called the Filipino Nation’s Girl Group

This almost-7 million tweet on BINI’s ending fairy segment began yet again another internet stir after Pantropiko‘s worldwide takeover. Of course, BINI is known not just for their visuals, and their Filipino songs deserve to be and are getting a broader audience globally. This is what it means to be the nation’s girl group, and they never fail to prove how they earned that title.

The Blooms are really proud of the group, but what’s funnier is how they adapt the group’s humor. Blooms and BINI have a special bond; there’s no doubt they’re supporting the right group as the girls’ professionalism (the 360° choreography and blocking so that the whole arena can enjoy their performance at the CEU sports fest? Enough said), stage charisma, and love for craft really shines through.

BINI’s comeback EP Talaarawan with title track Salamin, Salamin is out now on all digital streaming platforms.

Featured Image: STAR MUSIC PH (via X)

The post The Funniest Tweets From Blooms, K-Pop Fans, and International Netizens about BINI appeared first on MEGA.

As intersectional as it is influential, P-Pop incorporates dance, music, and art in all its forms. While the genre is beginning to gain a broader audience globally, local talents shine with catchy music and sharp choreography. But not only do these two need to come together, but also should the group’s identity and style. As public figures, these artists are tastemakers for the image they put out as a P-Pop girl group member and as a fashion enthusiast. MEGA talks to AJ from G22, Alexa from KAIA, and Denise from Daydream—the fashion darlings from the rising P-Pop girl group scene. 

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why BINI is Called the Filipino Nation’s Girl Group

AJ from G22: Glam Rock Realness

Dubbed the “Female Alphas of Philippine Pop,” G22 is ‘Takin’ Over’ the music scene with their vocal prowess and magnetic performances. AJ, main rapper, leads the group with extreme swag and a style that hits the delicious spot right between masculine and feminine. 

“This is how we introduce ourselves—our image,” the artist tells MEGA. “What we wear is an open book—it’s very important for us in this industry.”

Like other groups, fashion choices are thematic and usually in line with the recent album or song. For their first single, BANG!, AJ shares most of their ensembles had a post-apocalytpic vibe. For their most recent release, Loka, part of the soundtrack for the film Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme, it’s all about punk rock. Whatever the music, for G22, it’s vital they still keep their ‘alpha essence’: “This strong and forward image is what makes G22, G22,” AJ shares.

Yet the uniformity of the members does not stand in the way of individualism and authenticity—fundamental traits behind any successful group. Jaz is more on the elegant side, and Alfea’s is more animated, and AJ is all about street-look grunge.

“Back when we were trainees, we didn’t have these ‘individual characters,’” AJ admits. “We just naturally showed them to people. But when the team was discussing style, it was a no-brainer. It was us already, anyway.”

So, for this girl group, their image is not so far-fetched from their own personal styles when they’re not dominating the stage. In fact, her personal sartorial preferences came first. “There’s an old soul within me,” AJ says. “It’s like I want to dress not too trendy, but there’s pieces of trendy. I like the old style, I’m very experimental, and I usually base on my environment. Hindi siya plakado or calculated. I like mixing stuff and jumping to different kinds of themes, and right now, my personal style is the grungy look.”

This experimental styling not only applies to AJ when she’s off-cam, but also when she’s with the other members of G22 and the team working with them. It’s a creative collaboration and process. “We always have a say,” the leader states. “And even though we need to build character for each of the members, it needs to be cohesive—show that we are a strong force together. We take colors fit for the song, and comfort and safety to avoid wardrobe malfunctions, and personal opinions into play.”

The artist also shares that the girls even go shopping with their stylists sometimes—which can be both a fun and challenging activity, albeit necessary as a girl group. “The people, the fans look at us—the clothes and styling,” she says. “As girls who are also really interested in fashion, we like to experiment and we give this as equal importance as our music. It’s in our training and we’re also challenging ourselves to be more ‘next-level’ fashion-wise.”

G22 is fast-moving towards taking the ‘girl crush’ concept—the portrayal of strong, powerful, and independent women, the mash-up of a cool and powerful vibe with a hard-hitting sound. It’s important for the group to identify themselves differently from others in the P-Pop scene, but fashion sense also means something personal for AJ. “It’s a representation of myself. When I try something on, something new or unusual like long-shorts, it’s me,” she states. “I feel like whenever I wear clothes that are very androgynous, I’m representing the girls who want to dress the same way I do—not stuck in one box, but an endless spectrum of possibilities.”

ALEXA from KAIA: Biker Babe

The five-member girl group ushers in as a P-Pop act that is fresh, unabashedly fun, and feminine with jams and shows that spotlight the Filipina young blood and talent. MEGA talks to lead rapper Alexa about the group’s style as something less cosmetic, and more ‘next-level’, and how this takes her into a different direction for her own sartorial holy grail.

On stage or in music videos, KAIA has made hot pants, cropped tops, and chains and glitters their style calling cards. With an image of ‘teen crush’, the group alternates between wide-leg pants and mini-skirts and various pops of colors reminiscent of the early K-Pop with Girl’s Generation. Like G22, KAIA makes the styling a creative and collaborative process with the team and the stylists. “They already know my style and preferences,” Alexa tells MEGA. “They sometimes say, ‘I got this fit for you because this is Alexa-core and because I knew you’d look perfect in this.’ It’s just great that they associate this kind of fashion sense with my identity—even though I’m in a group.”

It’s quite impressive how the line blurs a little for Alexa when it comes to her group and personal style, because it’s a little different. “I usually go for the edgy biker or street style, mixing fringe and leather, playing with layers and textures,” the artist says. “This is my aesthetic because it gives me the freedom to be bold with my wardrobe choices and reflects me as a person. But even though it’s a bit far from KAIA’s image, we always find ways to incorporate our personal preferences to fit the group or the songs.”

That’s the best thing about fashion—it’s also an art form. It’s an ever-changing canvas for creative and personal expression. Accessorizing, mixing and matching different pieces, and playing with colors and textures are all a thrilling and imaginative process. It’s the same for KAIA, where they start as a schoolgirl-next-door look, they’re constantly evolving with light and fun concepts and colors for Dalawa, or go dark and sultry for Kaya, or just organized and aesthetic chaos for Turn Up.

For KAIA, it’s clear that the girls can express themselves when it comes to their public image, which is not so often appreciated in an industry where group appearance comes first. However, Alexa shares their fashion sense isn’t really just about the outward persona or the fabrics put on for the camera: “Fashion goes with the story you’re telling,” she says. “We get to wear different choices and different styles, and it’s fun. But I also take into consideration my feelings when I wear the clothes. Do I still feel like myself? Can I show who I am while wearing these?”

For the artist, while it’s crucial her image as a KAIA member is perceived as 1/5th of the group, her authenticity and desire to experiment needs to shine through as well. “People usually look to trends, but they don’t always work,” Alexa says. “They come and go. For me, if I always imitate what I see online, I lose my identity. So I use trends, interpret them, and make it an inspiration to find a way to make it my own.”  

DENISE from DAYDREAM: Femme & Fierce

All-girl trio Daydream is sustaining the wave of P-Pop by bringing bop after bop and performances that boast powerful vocals and synchronized dance moves. These girls pack a punch with their music and artistry, but other than that, they also showcase style that is never one-dimensional and one-size-fits-all—according to rapper and vocalist Denise.

Outside of Daydream, Denise’s sartorial wardrobe isn’t specific—there’s a lot of experimentation but also leans towards the essentials and layers. “I like to play with colors a lot,” she shares. “I make sure that the pieces I try on go well together, and I base my outfits on where I’m going or where I’m going to be. I’m someone who’s just really personally interested in fashion, so it’s a fun process.”

But on-stage: “They’re more ‘leveled-up’; very thematic. More colors, extra elements and accessories, boots…they’re not outfits I would wear on a casual day out here in the Philippines,” Denise says.

It’s clear that Daydream’s fashion also evolves alongside their songs or eras—Fallin’ for You saw a ‘dreamy’ vibe fit to the lovelorn song, and Stay Stuck is a more polished grunge look, complete with lace and corsets, and more recently delved into the Y2K concept with Make Me Better. The group is always down to play with color, yet embrace each member’s individuality as well.

“When it comes to style, different people have different approaches,” Denise tells MEGA. “As public figures, we really want to let our personalities shine through our different outfits. We’re not conservative, we wear a lot of shorts and tights, but we make sure these are safe and comfortable for each of the girls.”

The artist goes on to expound that each of the members have their own characters incorporated into their public image. Kiara is all cute and girly, Pau ventures into the sexier side, and Denise is all about the glam and glitz. But like KAIA and G22, Daydream also makes sure the looks go together depending on their music or event—cohesive, but still unique. “We’ve never talked about how we each have our personal styles, we’re just very different even when we try to match for group activities—which works really well aesthetic-wise,” Denise shares.

What’s even more impressive is that the girls style themselves. The artist tells MEGA that that the trio is making it a point to choose their pieces and fits to make them in line with their personal choices. In this way, the artists exercise not only their individuality, but also their creative freedom; for P-Pop girl groups, it’s a method for expression and a way to continuously renew their uniqueness. “We make sure we look good regardless of standing alone or standing together,” Denise says. “That’s why we talk about color palettes and elements we think would go well combined. Sometimes, we go shopping together or even borrow from each others’ closets. People tend to recognize our styling, they ask who our stylists are, and I’m very proud to say that it’s all just us.”

It’s fair to say that Daydream is garnering their following and contributing to the rise of P-Pop when you can resonate with them—not just to bop to their catchy tunes, but also to make them your inspiration for creative expression.

Photos and Featured Image: CORNERSTONE ENTERTAINMENT, DENISE SILVA, KAIA OFFICIAl (Via Instagram)

The post Tips on Creating Your Own Unique Look From Your Favorite P-Pop Girl Group Members appeared first on MEGA.

At the heart of Quezon City and Bacoor, there sits a café serving customers their perfect brew, built from a young mind that took a chance on herself. Mika Leetong is a 20-year-old pre-med student that began an online venture in syrups and sauces until it grew slowly into a coffee franchise. MEGA talks to this Gen Z Café Owner about her great idea and the perfect blend needed to make it happen.

RELATED: How to Move Out Alone at 20 Years Old in Metro Manila, As Told by Ashley Garcia

From online to mobile cart to…?

It’s a well-known fact Filipinos are big on coffee, and we’re always in pursuit of that one beverage to fuel our hectic mornings and busy work or school schedules ahead. So in the onslaught of the pandemic, Mika saw an opportunity to learn and recreate her favorite coffee shop at home. “I started with syrups and sauces,” she tells MEGA. “I was teaching people online how to create their own coffee with these syrups and sauces.”

Initially, it was just that, but then Mika took to her first bazaar and began interacting with customers real-time. What’s ironic is that her selling point is the complete opposite of what she’s doing today: “If you like coffee, you’ll like our syrups.” 

However, when the young entrepreneur saw a change in how the customers responded to her recipes, she built her mobile cart and brought her coffee to the consumers.

“I did not have the budget for a store,” Mika tells MEGA. “Nor did I imagine I would be a café owner. So we started with a table and tablecloths and went around schools—Benilde, Taft, Enderun, we even went to Pampanga and Clark. We sold over 1,000 coffees.”

To Brew&Co MNL

In four months, Brew&Co MNL already has two physical store branches in Quezon City and Bacoor and other franchises in Mandaluyong, Batangas, and Cavite. Not only is she serving your perfect morning beverage, but Mika is also very firm with her advocacy in eliminating plastic waste—her enterprise serves their takeout coffees in mason jars. “Using plastic cups would be so much easier,” Mika shares. “But I don’t trade my mason jars for anything else—even if they’re hard to pack and hard to transport to our branches and franchises because of their fragility. The profit, of course, is also smaller with jars, but at the end of the day, it’s something I will never regret for the business. The difference we’re making gets bigger and bigger the more we open additional  branches and more plastic waste is being eliminated.”

I’m a young entrepreneur, of course—

Of course no one believed in her. Everyone told Mika she was too young to do this, and she really only had the trust in herself and her passion to continue. “Working with suppliers was hard,” Mika admits. “They’d change the price or tell me it wasn’t available, but I feel like I just got used to it. I really wanted to share my recipes more than the profit. And I doubted myself, honestly. I didn’t know where I was going. It was pure heart.”

Everything created with love and good intentions is bound to swim against the tides. People began taking her and her business seriously when Brew&Co MNL flourished. When asked what kept her going, Mika credits that to her supporters online. “I post a lot of it [the journey] on the internet,” the CEO shares. “And whenever I see comments like, ‘You are so inspiring!’ and ‘I want to open up my own café,’ I realize that I can inspire other people and motivate them to take that leap. I’m a pre-med student with no business background and I never envisioned myself in the business world. But I set an example that age doesn’t matter. Where you come from doesn’t matter.”

Mika applies this as well to her own employees and staff, who she personally trains with day to day operations. She tells MEGA that what is important to her is not age, or barista training certification, or a degree, but the willingness to learn. “It really doesn’t matter. I can always teach you,” Mika says.

Hit the ground runnin and keep running

There are coffee shops everywhere, so what makes Brew&Co MNL different? “Staying relevant is hard,” the CEO admits. “In this day and age, being relevant today doesn’t mean you’re relevant tomorrow. Our generation has a short attention span, so I try to innovate, keep up with trends, and always solve a problem.”

In Mika’s café, aside from the mason jars you get, the drinks are also fully customizable. Tell them what you want and voila, here’s your caffeine fix for your busy and productive day ahead. This is perfect for the generation that has very acquired tastes and preferences. “You can tell us exactly what you want, what types of syrups and sauces you like, because that’s what we are and where we started—a unique experience,” Mika says.

For someone like Mika who is still growing her business, seizing every opportunity doesn’t mean the fear of failing is lost, but that the courage taken, even with uncertainties involved, can open new doors. Now, when asked what her favorite part about being a café owner is, she answers, “When the dream turns to reality. The visions I had were only in my own head, but seeing it now, it’s a whole different feeling. I only spoke with my customers online before, but when I see them lining up and waiting for their drink, it’s different. It’s scary and so fun at the same time.”

If you were looking for a sign to take that leap, no matter how young you are, Mika’s advice? Just do it. 

So if you’re ever having doubts, take a page out of Mika’s guide for newbies in business: do it, anyway. The road might take you to a thriving café with multiple franchises.

Photos and Featured Image: BREWANDCO.MNL, IAMMSLEETONG (Via Instagram)

The post How to Start Your Own Business at 18 Years Old, As Told By This Gen Z Café Owner appeared first on MEGA.

Adjusting to a new, empty abode can be both a challenge or a welcoming experience. The circumstances take a little getting used to but the transition is definitely worthwhile. If you’re looking to cultivate more independence and freedom, Filipina beauty and lifestyle content creator Ashley Garcia gets real about having her space and taking on added responsibilities in managing her own household. 

RELATED: How to Move to New York on Your Own, According to Filipina Content Creator Bianca Gan

Ashley moved out when she was just a first year college student who was already financially independent. “I would go to class with my clothes for my afternoon VTR commercial audition in my bag,” she says. “Then when I came home, I’d pack orders for my online shop and do my homework.” Earning at a young age definitely shaped Ashley’s discipline in handling her finances and her mindset in achieving her goals. When her content creation skyrocketed, Ashley moved out to live her dreams on her own in her own space, moving to a condominium unit near her university.

The good stuff

There’s nothing better than having complete autonomy in creating a living environment tailored to your preferences. Ashley says that this freedom has provided her immense growth and independence. “Besides enjoying the blessing of sustaining a lifestyle I once dreamed about, I’ve also learned valuable lessons about responsibility and practicality,” the content creator shares. There’s no doubt that living alone can be an ideal situation for life skill development and self-reliance when it comes to managing your own household. “In terms of freedom, living without parents and rules…it’s all fun, yet I still find solace in spending my Friday nights cozily tucked in bed, indulging in my favorite series or movie. I suppose you could say I’m a bit of a homebody,” Ashley shares.

Ashley definitely has found comfort in enjoying her own company where she’s no longer just confined to a bedroom for privacy and storage. When you live alone, the place is your personal bubble.

The not-so-glamorous reality

However, like most things, there’s a downside to this bubble. While there’s the exciting image of living by your own rules, here’s a reality from Ashley’s playbook: “Taking care of yourself when you’re sick; I’ve brought myself to the emergency room twice already in my five years living alone,” she shares. “Having to clean and maintain your own space, taking out the trash because nobody will do it for you. Being too lazy to cook a decent meal when I was in college.”

The content creator also gets real about the loneliness living alone entails—even if it gives you self-independence and autonomy of your schedule and life choices. “I was raised in a household where we ate together during meal times,” Ashley states. “Until this day, there are times when loneliness still hits me when I eat alone.”

How to live well…alone

Don’t let this deter you—these struggles are a part of this significant life change. Now, at 25 years old, Ashley still takes every day with a newfound appreciation for her unconstrained and self-made routine. There’s no adjusting your schedule to anyone else’s, and you can do things in your own time. This is beneficial if you are the kind of person who needs structure or has a flexible work schedule like Ashley. This is the self-care of your now daily life—and it’s one of the sweetest parts of your journey.

Ashley’s routine looks like this: “I woke up at seven AM, did my daily devotion, did the laundry, and cleaned up my space the whole morning. I opted to have lunch outside considering I had a shoot lined up for the entire afternoon. For tonight, I’ll have food delivered as a reward while I watch Gossip Girl. Then I’ll squeeze in some work for content before I shower and do my skincare routine. I usually go to bed around eleven or twelve after I scroll mindlessly on my socials.”

The content creator has the space and time to do what she needs to grow and develop as a person and to just enjoy life at her own pace and her own company.

Moving out?

If you’re planning to live solo soon find where you can build your solitude. Ashley’s tip is to list down all your needs and consider convenience and location. “Since condos and apartments require post-dated checks, I also recommend securing six month’s worth of rent before moving in,” she states. All this is adult stuff, but the most exciting part? “Decorating your own space! Turn it into something you’d love to come home to, no matter how simple or extra that may be.”

Ashley’s general advice? 

“Just remember you are destined for great things regardless of the environment you choose to cultivate for yourself—as long as you have the grit and right mindset to achieve your goals. This could be at your parents’ home or even in your own space. Be prepared mentally, emotionally, and financially when you take the big leap. Stay safe and secure that pepper spray!”

Photos and Featured Image: ASHLEY GARCIA

The post How to Move Out Alone at 20 Years Old in Metro Manila, As Told by Ashley Garcia appeared first on MEGA.

The series Can’t Buy Me Love highlights the power of women in many forms. While some are scheming their way to their desires, others bank on being supportive and sweet towards their company. But if there are three ladies that definitely turn heads in the series, it would be the Tiu sisters—Caroline, Bettina, and Irene. Want to know who you are or who you could be based on your favorite Tiu sister? MEGAStyle has got you covered. 

RELATED: This is the Gen Z Way of Diva Dressing As Seen on Irene Tiu

rare photo of caroline, bettina, and irene tiu getting along#CantBuyMeLove #BelleMariano | #DonBelle pic.twitter.com/9Ds1dEo9Uu

— ari (@belindoll) November 3, 2023

Bettina: Polished to perfection

If Bettina has caught your eye in the series, chances are you may be the eldest daughter of the family. That, or you can resonate with the pressure to meet, and even exceed, the expectations of your parents. If the Achi of the Tiu family is your favorite, you may also have the tendency to strive hard for what you really want, sometimes to a fault. Although your true, fun self can at times be overshadowed by your consistent race to perfection, you just want to be loved as yourself and not just for what you can offer at the end of the day. 

Click pause from your worries and doubts and look at yourself in the mirror. Just like her current look in Can’t Buy Me Love, is it time for a new haircut to start fresh? If it’s in your goal to feel better and loosen up, play with your style through cut out dresses and varying necklines for your blouses. These are definitely Bettina-approved silhouettes for your next outfit.

Irene: Charming your way through life

Don’t call her black sheep, but rather, the life of the party! Opinionated and outspoken, that’s Irene. She’s the type to not hold back when it comes to two things—speaking her thoughts and dragging you to have fun. But be careful, though! Anything too much can be dangerous. 

Behind her fun exterior as seen on her color blocking coordinates lies a maturing lady who wants to step up in life. Like Irene, are you sometimes torn between enjoying your young adult days and fulfilling your responsibilities? Are you also triggered to excel when a “healthy competition” comes around that pushes you to succeed? 

Your fun side should never go away! Instead, channel your quirkiness by aligning your antics to your goals of succeeding. Having a dependable and conscientious friend like Snoop should be helpful in your journey to keeping your life in balance. 

Caroline: A hidden side within

Cold, commanding, and detached. That’s how Caroline Tiu is, or at least that’s how she used to be. Losing an important figure in your life can affect you in many ways, especially in your decisions. Whether it’s your choice of grieving through black clothes or keeping a respectable distance from those who would like to know and love you, there really are a number of ways to grieve for and cope from your great loss. 

But as much as people can let you grieve, it is also your responsibility to hold it, feel it, and let it make you live better. The guilt of finding yourself smiling and laughing is normal, but it is also your right to be happy. You deserve the good things coming in your life, whether it’s a reliable friend like Jersey, a found family with Mamang and Papi, or a special someone like Bingo. And while the all-black clothing agenda is a classic style, maybe it’s time to switch up your fashion like Caroline and make your way through color this time. 

Featured Image: KAILA ESTRADA, BELLE MARIANO, and MARIS RACAL (via Instagram)

The post Your Female Personality Trait According to Caroline, Bettina, and Irene Tiu From Can’t Buy Me Love appeared first on MEGA.