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MEGA Ball 2022: The Beginning of a New Era

Witness the return of MEGA’s Pinoy Pride ball honoring Filipino excellence and championing a new generation of industry icons.

It was a star-studded night as MEGA’s annual ball made its long-awaited return at the Marriott Grand Ballroom. With an annual party hosted every Independence Day, MEGA honors Filipino excellence and sets the course for the future of fashion. Moreover, it is a recognition of pride for the independence and democracy we have fought for. 

In celebration of 30 years of being the standard for Filipino media excellence, MEGA’s annual ball titled “The MEGA Ball: A New Era” came back bolder, brighter, and better than before recognizing Filipinos who are making an impact both on the local and global stage. Continuing to recognize extraordinary Filipino artistry and talent, this year’s MEGA Ball signaled the start of a new era for the ever-expanding fashion magazine.

Star-Studded Guest List

Dressed to the nines in their most fabulous looks following this year’s theme of “Glam Rock: A Performance of Style”, celebrities, society figures, and influencers from all over the country joined the night’s festivities and celebrated Pinoy independence with pride. The red carpet was rolled out to welcome personalities like Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, celebrities Maymay Entrata, Andrea Brillantes, Alden Richards, Nadine Lustre, and James Reid, local brands Artefino and Bioten, and influencers Janeena Chan and Mimiyuuuh, making the celebration truly one for the books.

Special performances dazzled the stage starting with the prestigious Ballet Philippines, premier dance company G-Force, and Mr. Pure Energy himself, Gary Valenciano. With a blast of confetti capping off the ball, guests took over the floor and danced the night away during the after-party.

The Night’s Awardees

Making a positive impact on our evolving and independent country, Pinoy Pride Awardees were given the spotlight of the night.

Taking the stage first to receive the highly coveted award was Ballet Philippines, the country’s premier ballet company celebrating 50 years of service to the country’s rich art and culture. Bringing global recognition to Filipino LGBTQIA+ creatives, Fifth Solomon took home the second MEGA Pride Award, breaking down more barriers for the community as the producer of the up and coming Drag Race Philippines.

This year’s awards were also a testament to the platform beauty queens and pageants are given to inspire others and fight for causes that truly matter. Using her influence to be a voice for minority groups and breaking the stigma about HIV, Miss Universe 2015, Pia Alonzo was the next awardee. Joining Pia was her fellow beauty queen, Shamcey Supsup who accepted the award on behalf of the Miss Universe Philippines Organization as their National Director. 

The MEGA Ball also recognized local brands who are advocates for their very own causes. An esteemed beauty brand, Bioten, was awarded for being an advocate for environmental issues, serving the true definition of beauty with a purpose. Also a proponent of sustainability, Artefino’s founder and organizers, Susan Quiros, Marites Pineda, and Mercedes Vargas accepted the award on behalf of their brand that celebrates Filipino craftsmanship and promotes livelihoods for communities. The last local brand to be the recipient of the MEGA Pinoy Pride award was Filip + Inna, a label that brought the traditional Filipino art of weaving into the limelight. 

The MEGA Ball pays tribute to Filipinos who make waves globally showing the world what the country is truly made of. Bringing pride and honor to the Philippines in the world of sports, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz was recognized as the next recipient. Also in the category of Filipinos who are taking the international stage by storm is Heart Evangelista Escudero, who has become an influential figure in the fashion industry regarded for her impeccable style. 

The influence of this year’s awardees also spans across the music industry. Making their mark as a group of Filipino creatives dedicated to embodying Filipino excellence through music, Paraisla took home the next award of the night. Under the leadership of Bret Jackson, the record label is set to innovate local musicians to a global stage. The final Pinoy Pride awardee of the night is a true veteran and icon in the music industry. Gary Valenciano took the stage to accept the award and showcased his unmatched energy that has set him apart as a performer.

This is truly the best time to be a Filipino with overflowing talent, diversity, and self-expression as witnessed by this year’s MEGA Pride awardees. With Filipino excellence on full display, the MEGA: New Era Ball was truly a night to remember.

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