Author: Eliza Santos

A Brave New World: MEGA Magazine Celebrates 32 Years With A New Creative Direction
1 February 2024
Philippines’ Best Fashion Magazine enters another year with a renewed sense of style — from a new logo to a new masthead and a new creative direction.
In the illustrious 32-year journey of MEGA Magazine, a myriad of changes have unfolded, driven by its dedication to the needs and aspirations of its readers. Today, MEGA is shifting into its biggest transformation yet.
Venturing Into Creative Innovation
MEGA unveils a brand new look — a bolder logo on an expanded magazine size, establishing MEGA as the biggest Philippine fashion magazine on newsstands today. This evolution goes beyond mere design modifications; it signifies a profound alignment with the grandeur and elegance that defines the very signature of MEGA.
A fresh masthead also graces the editorial lineup, with the esteemed Patrick Ty stepping into the role of Creative Chief, leading the way alongside the seasoned Editor-in-Chief, Peewee Reeyes-Isidro, who holds the title of the longest-serving in the magazine’s history. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and creativity to guide MEGA into its next era of unparalleled excellence.
Heart Evangelista On The Cover
The perfect embodiment of the new MEGA is reflected in its anniversary issue, with Heart Evangelista on the cover. In this edition, the style icon offers an intimate look into her narrative of embracing change, letting go, and building a legacy, mirroring the journey of a modern MEGA woman.
Heart shares profound insights into her approach to life’s transitions, encapsulating the very spirit of the magazine’s evolution. Her perspective on embracing change as a series of beginnings rather than endings resonates deeply, serving as a poignant metaphor for MEGA’s own transformative journey. “Even if it’s the end of a friendship, I don’t think of it as the end. I always think of it as the beginning of something. Beginnings are sweet. I don’t like the word ‘ending.’ I feel like there’s only one time for things to end and that’s when, well, it’s all supposed to end. But everything in life is like a beginning for me,” Heart says.
As MEGA embarks on a new chapter, it not only celebrates a milestone but also sets the stage for a narrative that transcends its pages. With more stories to unfold, MEGA Magazine invites readers to join in the celebration of a new beginning in the brave new world.

Cecile Ngo Appointed Chief Finance and Investment Officer at AGC Power Holdings Corp.
29 January 2024
AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC), dedicated to fostering innovation and enhancing lives, proudly announces the promotion of Cecile Ngo to the position of Chief Finance and Investment Officer.
Cecile Ngo’s appointment is a significant milestone in AGC Power Holdings Corp.’s journey, as the company expands its global footprint and diversifies into various industries. Under the visionary leadership of Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco, AGC Power Holdings Corp. stands as the parent company of multiple pioneering multimedia firms in the Philippines, each contributing significantly to shaping the media landscape.
Integrity, Innovation, and Excellence form the bedrock of AGC Power Holdings Corp.’s corporate values, guiding every strategic decision and enterprise within its purview. The company’s commitment extends beyond its properties to encompass the growth and success of individuals and brands nurtured within its diverse portfolio.
“I am honored to continue my journey with AGC Power Holdings Corp.,” says Cecile Ngo. “Guided by the visionary leadership of our Chairman and CEO, our company is reshaping the landscape of Philippine media. Together, we shall champion innovation, foster talent, and continue to enhance the lives of Filipinos through purposeful endeavors.”
Cecile Ngo, with her extensive financial expertise and a keen strategic outlook, is ideally positioned to make substantial contributions to AGC Power Holdings Corp.’s mission in her new role as Chief Finance and Investment Officer. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a strong track record during her tenure as Head of Finance and Chief Operating Officer.
“AGC Power Holdings Corp. is steadfast in its mission to redefine success and forge new pathways to achievement,” says Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco. “Cecile Ngo’s promotion to Chief Finance and Investment Officer reaffirms our unwavering commitment to this mission. Her leadership will play an instrumental role as we navigate our global expansion and diversification endeavors.”
Cecile Ngo’s promotion heralds a new era in AGC Power Holdings Corp.’s extraordinary journey. Supported by a formidable team, fortified industry relationships, and a visionary founder at the helm, the company is poised to redefine success and provide unwavering support to the next generation of trailblazers.

Innovative Leadership And Strategic Growth: Ramon Galicia Takes Charge As COO Of One MEGA Group Inc.
11 January 2024
New leadership for the new year — One MEGA Group Inc. (OMGI) welcomes a compassionate leader to take the helm.
In a decisive move signaling a promising year ahead, One MEGA Group Inc. (OMGI), a key subsidiary of AGC Power Holdings Corp (AGC PHC), has announced the appointment of Ramon Galicia as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). This significant development represents a notable milestone in the company’s leadership evolution.
A Fusion of Experience and Leadership
With his corporate planning background at AGC PHC that immersed him to the operations which includes business growth and expansion, market research and product innovation, and under the mentorship of Chairman and CEO Archie Carrasco, Galicia is primed to infuse a dynamic and seasoned perspective into OMGI. His tenure as AVP for Corporate Planning at AGC PHC involved him in diverse business units, contributing significantly to strategic planning and the successful acquisition of multiple international media licenses, which will be launched in the coming months — thus strengthening AGC PHC’s global influence.
“Galicia’s appointment is a deliberate choice, showcasing his exceptional capacity to turn ambitious plans into tangible outcomes. His remarkable skill in implementing visionary strategies is crucial for propelling OMGI’s progress and maintaining its pioneering position in the industry,” says Archie Carrasco, Chairman and CEO.
The Outlook for 2024: Innovation and Achievement
OMGI, celebrated for its innovative spirit within the AGC PHC ecosystem, commences this new chapter with assurance. Galicia’s leadership approach focuses on surpassing stakeholder expectations through relentless innovation and commitment to excellence. “We are gearing up for a groundbreaking year at OMGI,” Galicia declares, underscoring his dedication to achieving lofty goals with comprehensive planning, resolute vision, and effective execution.
Characterized by ‘high humanness’ and ‘high courage,’ Galicia’s leadership style promotes a culture of growth where learning from errors is encouraged, highlighting the importance of accountability, empathy, and compassion. This approach aligns seamlessly with OMGI’s core values and mission, ensuring that the company’s objectives are met with clarity and moral integrity.
Under the guidance of Galicia, OMGI is poised for a year rich in creative innovation and strategic progress. With numerous exciting projects and launches on the horizon, OMGI is ideally positioned for ongoing success and landmark accomplishments in 2024.
Head on over to https://mega-onemega.com/ for more One MEGA Group news and updates.

Patrick Ty’s New Visionary Leadership Revitalizes Filipino Fashion at MEGA Magazine
10 January 2024
He’s taking over fashion and taking over legacy. Fourteen years after, MEGA Magazine welcomes back a prominent figure in the industry.
After a remarkable journey spanning over a decade in the realms of fashion, merchandising, and consultancy, Patrick Ty rejoins MEGA Magazine as its new Creative Chief. Ty, a former Fashion Editor at MEGA in 2006, reflects on his return, “Fourteen years later bring us to this moment. I always knew I would work in publishing, particularly fashion magazines. This has been a lifelong passion and love affair. My journey to becoming MEGA’s Creative Chief can be best described as a homecoming.” Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro comments on Ty’s return, “His deep understanding of fashion storytelling has allowed him to create and produce some of the title’s most iconic and unforgettable images. More importantly, his knowledge of MEGA’s history and DNA along with his creative vision will mark a new era for the title.”
Revolutionizing Fashion Storytelling
Ty’s goal is to enhance the magazine’s creative dialogue, a tradition since its inception in 1992. Focusing on Filipino creativity, he plans to infuse the pages with dynamic interactions among the Philippine fashion community. “I am fascinated with the idea of a creative exchange. Every page of MEGA should be a reflection of the best of Philippine fashion: a chronicle of industry triumphs, but more importantly, as the Filipino creative’s platform to show what else can be pushed, what else is possible, what else they are capable of,” he explains.
Ty attributes MEGA’s distinctiveness to its rich 32-year history, relationships, and achievements in the fashion world. “Many titles have come and gone, but MEGA is still here. The difference lies in the clarity of our purpose, he asserts.
Blending Tradition with Innovation: The Future of MEGA
Emphasizing the blend of historical knowledge with contemporary insights, Ty aims to steer MEGA towards a future that honors its legacy while embracing new creative vistas. “Working with a team of young creatives, I would encourage them to equip themselves with a wealth of knowledge of fashion history and merge this with their contemporary points of view: listen to the pulse of what is current and what is relevant.”
With Patrick Ty at the helm, MEGA Magazine is poised to embark on a journey that celebrates the rich tapestry of Filipino fashion, from its illustrious past to its promising future. Ty’s vision and leadership promise to redefine Filipino fashion storytelling, making MEGA a beacon of innovation and excellence in the industry.
Head on over to https://mega-onemega.com/ for more fashion news and updates.

The latest stories of MEGA Magazine, Vogue Philippines, Lifestyle Asia, Billboard Philippines, Modern Parenting, and Nylon Manila are now made more accessible.
SariSari.Shopping expands to the northern and southern parts of Metro Manila with two newly-opened kiosks at Eastwood Mall, Quezon City, and Festival Mall, Alabang. After establishing its inaugural stall early in 2023 at Estancia Mall, Pasig City, readers now have more access to the exceptional reads of the prestige media titles of AGC Powerholdings Corp. (AGC PHC).
Aside from its successful online platform, SariSari.Shopping makes its physical copies just within reach, with more exclusive deals and bundles offered only in-store. Readers can now conveniently get a copy of MEGA Magazine, Vogue Philippines, Lifestyle Asia, Billboard Philippines, Modern Parenting, Nylon Manila, and more soon-to-launch brands in the coming year.
AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC) continues its mission to revive print magazines, especially in a generation where digital is at the forefront. CEO of AGC PHC, Archie Carrasco says, “Print provides meaningful and thoughtfully curated content, crafted by experts in the field. I firmly believe that the key to preserving the vitality of print magazines lies in enhancing their accessibility.”
Carrasco also explains that there is a growing demand among digital natives who find themselves enamored with nostalgia. There is a resurgence of old trends — from vinyl records to film photography, and in no time, print magazines will take back the spotlight. “Readers are increasingly seeking experiences that offer a respite from their digital routines, and print media can uniquely fulfill this desire,” Carrasco states.
With three physical newsstands now introduced, SariSari.Shopping marks this as only the beginning — 2024 will push for print’s return even more.
Visit SariSari.Shopping at Estancia Mall, Pasig, Eastwood Mall, Quezon City, and Festival Mall, Alabang.

Meet Bianca, Ray, Marga, Third, Cess, Clyde, and Kaira — different individuals and different personalities who will represent today’s generation. This is the MEGAStyle Circle.
The search is over. Seven names have secured their spots as ambassadors of the MEGAStyle Circle, ready to take content creation to the next level. After a month of digital and on-ground tests that took their fashion lens and creative wits to the challenge, the final bets proved to redefine beauty and style like no other.
From a pool of twelve potentials, seven names were announced last December 1 during the MEGA BeautyCon. “Identifying the best group of people to represent MEGAStyle was definitely not easy since each finalist had their own edge, which is simply why we are officially welcoming a total of seven ambassadors instead of five, all because of the determination, passion, and potential that we saw,” an excerpt from MEGAStyle quotes.
Aside from invitations to events and heading digital executions on TikTok, they will also be a contracted talent under the marketing and influencer agency of AGC Power Holdings Corp. (AGC PHC), DigistarPH.
Get to know the MEGAStyle Circle:
Marga Nicolas

Falling under the niche of beauty, the 22-year-old got our attention with her relaxed aura backed up with her candor. On top of that, she dabbles into fashion and lifestyle, which she handles in a very chill manner.
Cess Tan

This content creator is very much versed in the local beauty scene ever since she started to make content during the pandemic, and that is why she secured her spot in the circle. One thing to note also is that the 24-year-old also launched her career as a stylist, and gives the credit to her love for content creation.
Bianca Ferro

When we said get creative, there is no doubt that Bianca Ferro went above and beyond with her audition tape. Because of that, we got a sense of her creativity outside the world of fashion and beauty. While she still showcases her impressive range of style, she elevates her personality even further because of her creative direction in filming content.
Kaira Mack

If we want someone for energy, Kaira Mack is the girl for that. The 18-year-old embraces the Gen Z character with her bubbly nature and we see it manifest directly in her edgy fashion and her bold makeup looks.
Third

You probably came across his video a couple of times since his content is mainly about fashion, including tutorials on how you can style certain pieces. While his looks are mostly laid-back, it’s his dauntless attitude to try out edgier ensembles that secured his spot in the top seven.
Clyde Amadeo

If we’re talking about bold fashion, then you can look at Clyde and his expertise in styling menswear looks with a chic twist. It’s his versatile flair on vintage and avant-garde outfits that makes him an ideal MEGAStyle ambassador.
Ray Managuelod

A trait that makes one a true Gen Z is their all-around attitude, and Ray Managuelod is an example of that. The aspiring architect juggles his side hustles like content creation and modeling while entertaining other hobbies like photography and fashion—an all-around creative that got him into the exclusive circle.
Head on over to https://mega-onemega.com/ for more stories about the MEGAStyle Circle.

Celebrating the opportunity to dream and the power of new talent, MEGA’s DNA resonates with the pursuit of discovery. In its November issue, three new generation game-changers are at the forefront, bringing in the future.
Angelina Cruz, Lorin Gutierrez Bektas, and Hannah Pangilinan are no strangers to the spotlight. Coming from families in show business, their lives have unfolded in the watchful eyes of cameras. After years of sharing some parts of their life with their different audiences, along the way, these young influencers have realized that they have been offered a bigger task: to send a message or to bring awareness to issues that matter. Fortunately, they didn’t squander the opportunity.

Angelina Cruz launched her career through the power of digital. “Social media jump-started my career, and it plays a very vital role in what I do,” Angelina says in an exclusive MEGA Magazine interview. With her huge following and relatable content, the biggest brands have already tapped her influence for countless collaborations, all while balancing her degree in Marketing Management, proving how important education is to her.

Lorin Guiterrez may be an international Marketing and Communications student in California, but her impact reaches the Philippines and beyond. “I have an understanding of how to engage consumers, how to engage an online audience, how to build that,” she narrates, “My goal really is to make an influence in as many fields as possible. And I hope to one day start my own business and expand my presence.” Lorin has also been vocal about her support for organizations that fight violence against women. One day, she tells MEGA Magazine that she’ll start a foundation focusing on an advocacy she shares with her mother.

Hannah Pangilinan creates her own path in the arts with a platform that fuels her creative fire — film. Soon, a movie she co-wrote and produced will be released, called “GG”, starring her mother and brother Donny. While she has the widest social media reach so far, Hannah wants to make sure that it all comes with purpose, especially as an advocate for issues such as anti-human trafficking policies, like her father. “I really hope to grow not just in skill but in-depth,” she says to MEGA Magazine.
Three emerging names, three different stories of influence. Read more of their story at https://mega-onemega.com/.

The granddaughter of Audrey Hepburn holds the torch of legacy, inspiring a new generation to embrace their own family history while paving her own path to make a difference in the world.
First on the cover of Lifestyle Asia is Emma Hepburn Ferrer, a woman carrying the legacy of Hollywood film and fashion star, Audrey Hepburn. As the granddaughter of an icon, she shares a memoir of beautiful artistry by bringing the “Intimate Audrey” exhibit from Brussels, Belgium to Manila, Philippines. Together with her father, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, they spent days hanging photos and arranging curated memorabilia. An excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s cover story writes, “After all, it’s not every day Audrey comes to Manila. And though it’s a posthumous visit, the profound affection Filipinos hold for Emma’s grandmother is undeniable. Its weight and resonance, Emma admits, still eludes her grasp to this day.”

Through Emma, Lifestyle Asia digs deep into the life of Audrey Hepburn. While she didn’t get to meet her grandmother herself, who died just a year before she was born, she feels like she spent time with her because of how the world remembers her up until this day. As a young girl, she would see her grandmother’s face on handbags and in people’s homes – even her friends’ kitchens. It gave her an idea of how well-loved Audrey was. “As I’ve gotten a little older, it’s now more of trying to understand what she represented to different people on an individual level and what she meant for them and why they looked up to her. It’s different for everyone, but that’s what makes it special,” Emma says in the cover story.


Now making her own path, Emma discovers her own transformative journey with her one-month visit to the Philippines. During her stay, she explored local customs, traditions, the vibrant art scene, cuisine, and more. She wore pieces exclusively made by Filipino fashion designers in her Lifestyle Asia cover shoot, finding herself captivated by the culture that the country brings. Of course, at the heart of it all, she sees why the legacy of Audrey Hepburn is still alive through the eyes of Filipinos. Beyond the glitz and glamour she is famous for, Audrey Hepburn grew up in a war-torn land and became a refugee of war. For Emma, this shared history, the profound impact of war and suffering, resonates deeply with Filipinos, whose own history has been marked by similar challenges.
Following the footsteps of Audrey Hepburn who spent the last few years of her life on humanitarian work, this legacy was passed on to Sean and now Emma who are both active in advocating for the rights of children. She says through Lifestyle Asia, “I think it’s important for younger generations, including my own generation, not to become detached from this history, even though today many of us live in peaceful territories and countries… We mustn’t forget where we come from, and the sacrifices that were made by our ancestors to get where we are. We must honor those stories and keep telling them to our children.”
Head on over to https://lifestyleasia-onemega.com/emma-hepburn-ferrers-refreshing-cultural-sojourn-in-the-philippines/ for the full story.

After a year of elevating fashion, Vogue Philippines traces the Filipino roots for a story of kinship, heritage, and creativity.
A big LED screen flashing a countdown timer leaves audiences in excitement during the Vogue Gala 2023 at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort, BGC. Led by Editor-in-Chief Bea Valdes, hundreds of guests and the most iconic fashion personalities stood, waiting for the reveal of the title’s anniversary issue. After the last second drops, all eyes led to the stunning September issue.
This time, three important muses that represent artists and artisans, makers and muses, took the spotlight: Jo Ann Bitagcol, a veteran of the fashion industry, photographer, and creative director of her own clothing label; Rina Fukushi, a Japanese-Filipino model gracing the catwalks of Bottega Veneta, Chloe, and Miu Miu; and Lukresia, a queer model and designer from Cebu, scouted to walk for Mugler after serving couture in the internet made out of scrap fabric and plastic wrap.

The three, photographed by Sharif Hamza, posed against the breathtaking view of the northernmost province of the Philippines, Batanes. “In Batanes, we saw something of ourselves that we lost—our deep connection to nature, our spiritual kinship with one another, or perhaps all of the above: a way of living that gives to the world as much as it takes from it,” Vogue Philippines Features Editor Audrey Carpio writes.
Donning sustainable high fashion in the highlands celebrates the craftsmanship of Filipinos. In the cover story, Carpio explains, “We’re at a moment when the type of ingenuity that Filipinos have always possessed is being celebrated because it aligns with current values of circularity and sustainability. At the same time, the Philippines also claims an age-old heritage of weaving and traditional craft, using the raw materials of nature like abaca, rattan, and pineapple, even those that are considered invasive, like the water hyacinth. This, too, is part of our DNA.”



The anniversary issue assembles several Filipino designers with upcycling in their core. Featured in its pages and inside the Grand Ballroom itself as part of the exhibit are the works of Patricia Perez Eustaquio, who fabricated an outfit made of jute sacks inspired by the people of the Cordilleras; Jerome Lorico, whose twisted knit dress is weaved with local Ivatan utilitarian products; Leby Le Moria, with her handwoven basahan ensemble inspired from her family’s rag business; and Neric Beltran, who uses recycled water bottles and black phalaenopsis orchids strings.
For Vogue Philippines, these are just some of the stories behind the craftwork that fills these pages—each designer and collaborator has their own tale to tell. As they start on a strong note for another year, the fashion bible gears for another 365 days to provoke global conversations through the stories of fashion.
Head on over to https://vogue.ph/magazine/origins-batanes-september-2023-cover/ for the full September cover story.

Five women who are known to inspire a whole nation now inspire the whole world as they take the limelight of Vogue’s front pages, showing a new standard of beauty with a life well-crafted.
“Vogue Philippines has done it again,” readers pour their praises on the newest release of Vogue Philippines with 91-year-old National Scientist Dr. Dolores Ramirez on the cover and other iconic women featured. These national treasures anchored themselves on the stage and have achieved tremendous milestones with over 250 years combined. Meet the ladies who reinvented the craft issue of Vogue, crafting themselves a life well lived in the fields of Science, Arts, and Culture.

National Scientist, Dr. Dolorez Ramirez
The geneticist stands surrounded by the Gumamela Hybrid and Mussaenda Hybrid, flowers named after her — just one of the many accolades she has garnered in her lifetime. Before being named National Scientist for the Philippines, Ramirez had been the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Professorial Chair for Genetics, a recipient of the Gregorio Y. Zara award in basic research, and the Rizal Pro Patria award for outstanding achievement in science. She also received the UP Professorial Achievement Award in agriculture.

Author and Historian, Marian Pastor Roces
Wearing several hats as an author, historian, curator, critical thinker, and policy analyst, she has shaped Philippine culture. Over the last half-century, Marian’s accomplishments span the entire nation to beyond our shores. She curated and often created, museums from the ground up, such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Museo ng Kaalamáng Katutubò; the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the College of St. Benilde; and the University of the Philippines Manila’s Museum.

Chef and Restaurateur, Glenda Baretto
A celebrated chef, restaurateur, and author, she continues to create menus after over 50 years in the Philippine food industry. As the founder of one of the Philippines’ most beloved dining institutions, Via Mare, she is a much admired pillar of Filipino cuisine. With decades of experience, Barretto has remained on top of the food chain, so to speak. Her abilities inside the kitchen have inspired thousands.

Heritage Advocate and Culinary Historian, Felice Prudente Sta. Maria
After 40 years, the author, heritage advocate, and culinary historian finds there’s more to learn and teach. She began her career as a column writer in the 80’s and turned it into a book called, A Cultural Worker’s First Manual. 15 years later, she started giving out lectures, inspiring budding young leaders in their local and national areas. Next thing she knew, she started writing, co-writing, and co-editing books about heritage and food history.

Dancer and National Artist, Alice Reyes
Her talent for dance just goes on and on. She studied ballet at a young age and joined the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company, founded Ballet Philippines, and created the Alice Reyes Dance Company. This woman has been dancing for over half a century and has rightfully earned a national recognition by transforming lives through the art of dance.
In thoroughly exploring their passions, honing their skills, and continuing to be beacons, these individuals redefined what it means to be a woman. Heroines in their own right, they educators, scholars, writers, and artists – finally on the cover of the world’s fashion bible. The Philippine editorial team shows the world “true beauty with substance”, as audiences say.
Read the full stories of the five ladies who launch at https://vogue.ph/lifestyle/people/dr-dolores-ramirez-continues-to-plant-the-seeds-of-tomorrow/