OMGI History
The Making of a Media Powerhouse
Defining the Vision
“The best things start small.” These words from Sari V. Yap—visionary founder of MEGA—set the tone for what would become a defining force in Philippine publishing. Inspired by the Spanish magazine Telva, she set out to create a title that spoke directly to the Filipino woman. In 1992, MEGA was born. What began beside a chicken farm evolved into the country’s foremost fashion and lifestyle magazine, driven by bold ambition and a singular vision: to become the Philippines’ best fashion magazine.
In 1992, Sari V. Yap launched MEGA, setting a new benchmark in Philippine fashion and lifestyle publishing. The original logo, rendered in a clean, timeless font, reflected the magazine’s bold yet refined vision from the very beginning.
In 2007, MEGA Publishing Group introduced a new brand logo—a red-encircled tree symbolizing growth, expansion, and strong publishing roots. Each branch represented a distinct title, capturing the brand’s transformation into a multi-title powerhouse. Building on the success of Meg, MyHome, BluPrint, and the acquisition of Lifestyle Asia, the portfolio expanded further with the launch of Appetite, Condo Living, Celebrity Living, and Inside Showbiz—marking MEGA’s growing influence across lifestyle, design, and entertainment media.
In 2010, MEGA Publishing Group marked its entry into television with the launch of Generation Mega, expanding its presence beyond print and into broadcast media. To reflect this shift, the signature red of the original tree logo was replaced with blue—signifying stability and a deepening of the brand’s foundation. New leaves appeared on the tree, a visual representation of continued growth and the company’s widening influence across platforms.
In 2012, One MEGA Group Inc. (OMGI) redefined its approach to media by expanding its signature titles across multiple platforms—extending their presence beyond print to include television, events, and digital. This shift reflected a move toward a more integrated brand ecosystem, prompting an update to its identity. The word “One” in the new name signified unity—a single, cohesive platform where all titles coexisted and thrived.
In 2021, OMGI unveiled a new logo—a dandelion in bloom, symbolizing clarity, resilience, and forward momentum. Encircled by a palette of soft pastels, the design reflects the brand’s continuous growth and its role as a trendsetter across generations. The new identity captures a spirit of optimism, signaling a refreshed vision for the future.
Expanding the Imprint
In the Beginning
Sari V. Yap introduced the glossy fashion magazine to the Filipino in 1992 with the founding of MEGA—a bold vision realized at a time when fashion publishing was virtually nonexistent in the country. Breaking new ground from the start, the maiden issue featured top Filipina model Gerone Olorocisimo, signaling a commitment to local talent and global sensibility. With its iconic bold masthead, MEGA quickly captured the attention of a new generation of style-conscious readers, setting the standard for fashion media in the Philippines.
Surviving Challenges
In 1998, amid the lingering effects of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, MEGA faced a rapidly shifting business landscape where the luxury sector contracted. To adapt, the company diversified its offerings and addressed the needs of a younger, more budget-conscious audience. That year, Meg was born—an energetic, youth-driven title that spoke to the everyday aspirations of stylish Filipinos, marking a strategic pivot that broadened the brand’s reach and resilience.
Expanding Horizons
The year 1999 saw a strategic shift as the company launched BluPrint, the Philippines’ first dedicated architecture and design sourcebook. Showcasing disciplines such as interior design, landscape architecture, urban planning, and furniture design, BluPrint reflected a deepening commitment to creative industries beyond fashion. This expansion continued with the introduction of MyHome and Condo Living, further establishing the company’s influence across the home and design categories.
A Strategic Acquisition
In a landmark year for the company, Lifestyle Asia—the Philippines’ oldest glossy magazine—was acquired, further cementing the group’s stature as a dominant force in premium publishing. The acquisition expanded the company’s influence beyond fashion into the realms of luxury living and society.
Titles such as Celebrity Living and Inside Showbiz also joined the roster, extending the brand’s reach into entertainment media. Inside Showbiz continued in print until 2016 before transitioning to digital, operating as a website until 2019.
Cultivating Homegrown Voices
In 2000, the company broadened its portfolio to meet the growing demand for niche lifestyle content. Appetite and MyHome emerged as standout titles—celebrating Filipino excellence in culinary and interior design. Appetite continued in print until 2016, shaping the local food media landscape, while MyHome remained in circulation until 2018, further anchoring the company’s presence in the home and design space.
Reaching New Heights
In 2007, OMGI continued its upward trajectory with the launch of Condo Living—a title dedicated to the sky-high lifestyle of modern urban dwellers. With a focus on stylish, space-savvy interiors, the magazine offered design solutions that brought comfort, personality, and sophistication to vertical living.
Tailoring to the Market
In 2008, recognizing the need to create content tailored to specific audiences, OMGI began producing cookbooks and calendars under Appetite, extending the brand’s presence beyond traditional magazine formats. This bespoke approach to publishing soon extended across the portfolio. Starting in 2010, milestone titles were commemorated through collectible coffee table books, including Lifestyle Asia (2013), MyHome (2016), MEGA Weddings (2018), and MEGA (2019). In 2014, the company further diversified its offerings with the release of Paano Ba ‘To?! (How to Survive Growing Up) by Bianca Gonzalez, marking a new direction in personality-led publishing.
Crossing into Broadcast
Moving beyond the printed page, OMGI entered the world of television with the launch of Generation MEGA, a fashion design competition that brought the brand’s creative vision to a wider audience. This debut into broadcast paved the way for a slate of original programs, including I Am Meg, MEGA Fashion Crew, MyHome TV, and Appetite Wars—all of which aired on both cable and free-to-air channels in the Philippines and abroad, expanding the brand’s reach across screens and borders.
Publishing Without Borders
From Print to Platform
In 2013, OMGI began its transition into a fully multi-platform media company, bringing its signature glossy titles beyond the page and into digital, broadcast, and experiential channels. This strategic shift enabled the brand to stay ahead of an increasingly connected and dynamic market. With MEGA leading the way, the group embraced digital publishing to reach a broader, younger, and more global audience—expanding its presence from the Philippines to the world, without compromising its editorial depth or visual excellence.
Her Legacy Lives On
Where Legacy Meets Leadership
One of the most poignant chapters in OMGI’s history came on September 9, 2019, with the passing of its founder, Sari V. Yap, after a courageous battle with cancer. A visionary in Philippine publishing, Yap left behind not just a media company, but a cultural legacy. “I feel that I have truly done what I was supposed to do, which was to make sure MEGA, my legacy, outlives me. And I think that’s the hallmark of a good founder.” she shared in Making MEGA in South Africa—a sentiment that echoed her enduring influence.
Before her passing, she entrusted the future of the company to Archie G. Carrasco, appointing him as the second President and CEO of OMGI. Under his leadership, the company’s multi-platform vision was refined and scaled—ushering in a new era of innovation while honoring the foundation laid by its trailblazing founder.
2019
One of the darkest times for the group. On September 9, 2019, its founder, Sari V. Yap, passed away after battling cancer. “I think of when I started, and what I’ve become, and how I’ve evolved with the magazine. Some people might feel sad about it, when they realize that their time or their job is done, but with me I don’t feel that way,” she once said in the Making MEGA in South Africa documentary. “It’s because I feel that I have truly done what I was supposed to do, which was to make sure MEGA, my legacy, outlives me. And I think that’s the hallmark of a good founder.”
Before her passing, Sari Yap appointed Archie Carrasco as the second President and CEO of OMGI. Through his guidance, the multi-platform business was reconsidered and recalibrated to even greater heights.
A New Chapter Begins
Recalibrating for a New Reality
As the world adapted to the new normal brought about by the global pandemic, OMGI responded to the rapid transformation of the media landscape. The company reassessed its portfolio, sunsetting legacy titles that no longer served the evolving needs of its audience. In their place, new media brands were envisioned—designed to foster deeper connection, relevance, and resilience in an increasingly digital and values-driven world.
This marked the beginning of OMGI’s comprehensive refresh of its media portfolio. In line with its forward-facing vision for Philippine media, the company once again broke new ground—bringing together industry experts, thought leaders, and editorial voices under one digital destination with the launch of ONEMEGA.com. Designed to inform, inspire, and engage, the platform signaled a bold step toward a more unified and dynamic media future.
ONEMEGA.com was the ultimate Filipino lifestyle portal, home to a distinguished roster of over 50 columnists spanning 15 editorial categories. With expert-driven content and a clear editorial vision anchored in its founding principle—the standard for Filipino media excellence—the platform served as a trusted compass for a discerning Filipino audience seeking insight, credibility, and cultural relevance.
With a renewed editorial focus—anchored in business, with a touch of lifestyle—ONEMEGA.com unveiled a new logo that reflected its sharpened vision: to deliver stories that were inspiring, informative, and grounded in authority. The redesigned identity placed emphasis on the word ONE, symbolizing leadership, clarity, and distinction. Bold and purposeful, the new logo captured the platform’s role as a commanding voice in modern Filipino media. This was the new ONEMEGA.com.
Three Decades of Style and Influence
Charting the Next Chapter
Thirty years on, as shifting times and new generations reshape how content is consumed, OMGI once again embraced transformation. The company began strengthening its ecosystem beyond traditional publishing, laying the foundation for a future-ready media landscape. Leading this evolution was Archie G. Carrasco, who transitioned the company from a legacy print brand into a multi-platform media conglomerate. Now Chairman and CEO of OMGI and AGC Power Holdings Corp.—a broader marketing ecosystem that includes MEGA Global Licensing Inc., DigistarPH, and 7640 Inc.—Carrasco continues to drive strategic growth. In April 2021, Suki Salvador was appointed President of OMGI, taking the lead on editorial and brand direction, while Carrasco remained CEO with a focused mandate on expansion through AGC PHC.
As the newly appointed President of OMGI, Suki Salvador ushered in a new chapter with the unveiling of a refreshed company symbol: the dandelion. Chosen for its lightness, beauty, and effortless rise, the dandelion signified renewal and growth—an emblem of the company’s role as a trendsetter and cultural influencer. More than a logo, it represented a brand that takes root and flourishes across audiences. Presented in calming pastel variations, the new visual identity also reflected the spirit of a new generation: youthful, dynamic, and engaged.
After a year, Salvador stepped down to take on a new role as President of Mega Global Licensing Inc., marking a strategic shift in leadership.
To continue delivering purposeful content to Filipinos, OMGI welcomed the return of Archie G. Carrasco—this time with a broader vision and a deeper mission. As former President and now Chairman and CEO, Carrasco returned to lead the company into a new chapter defined by growth, innovation, and cultural relevance.
30 Years of Defining Style
As it entered its third decade of influence across media, design, and publishing, OMGI looked ahead—honoring its legacy while embracing the momentum of the now. To mark this milestone, MEGA celebrated its 30th anniversary with a special three-cover issue and a nationwide virtual celebration, where iconic cover stars shared their personal MEGA Story—igniting a wave of engagement across social media.30 Years of Defining Style
The groundbreaking trio of covers saw MEGA underlining its commitment to uplift and empower the Filipino. It took on three of the biggest issues that were raging in the country: the devastation of our environment caused by natural and man-made disasters, the volatility of the upcoming presidential elections, and the plea for vaccines against the pandemic. While MEGA had always stood for something beyond beautiful fashion and images, this pioneering issue did this in the language of every relevant generation. If it wasn’t clear then, it was now: MEGA speaks to everyone.
Despite a global pandemic and widespread economic uncertainty marked by the challenges of fake news and political strife, it was clear that MEGA has retained its authority and its integrity.
Expanding the MEGA Universe
Alongside the celebration of three decades of Filipino media excellence, the MEGA brand expanded its universe with the launch of two bold new titles: MEGA Active and MEGA Drag. MEGA Active led the conversation in health, wellness, and fitness with a distinctly fashion-forward approach—where performance met personal style. From the latest workout trends to trusted well-being insights, it championed a lifestyle that balanced movement and aesthetics. Since its debut, it featured world-class Filipino athletes—including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and volleyball star Majoy Baron—highlighting the dynamic relationship between sport, style, and modern living.
Continuing its commitment to inclusivity, the brand introduced MEGA Drag, a platform dedicated to celebrating the art, beauty, and cultural power of drag. Created to empower the LGBTQIA+ community, MEGA Drag elevated fashion and self-expression while championing authenticity in all its forms. The debut issue featured Paolo Ballesteros, whose globally acclaimed makeup transformations embodied the platform’s spirit—demonstrating how the power of drag could inspire everyday confidence and creativity.
A New Arena for Storytelling
MEGA ventured into the world of sports for the first time in 30 years with the launch of The GAME. Offering a unique perspective on sports through the lens of lifestyle, The GAME redefined how stories were told—spotlighting athletes, coaches, team owners, and fans, and capturing the energy, style, and substance of the sporting world both on and off the field.
Its inaugural issue featured the historic victory of 17-year-old tennis prodigy Alex Eala, celebrating her championship win at the 2022 US Open Junior Girls’ Singles in Flushing Meadows, New York. By honoring her groundbreaking achievement, The GAME set the tone for its mission: to champion the talent, resilience, and cultural impact of Filipino athletes on the global stage.
Manual for Success
MEGA expanded into the business sphere with the launch of the country’s first online subscription-based business platform, The Business Manual. Positioned as an authority on both professional and personal achievement, the title carried a clear message: “Your Success Starts Here.”
Created for aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, and young professionals, The Business Manual offered more than practical advice—it built connection. Through expert-backed insights, in-depth features, and the success stories of the country’s most respected business leaders, the platform mirrored the value of real-world networking in a digital space.
Its maiden issue featured (now retired) Globe Telecom Inc. President and CEO Ernest Cu, signaling the beginning of a brand committed to shaping the next generation of business minds. With future plans that included networking events, business award ceremonies, and a national pitch competition, The Business Manual carried forward OMGI’s legacy of media prestige—one future success story at a time.
The New Face of MEGA
In 2024, MEGA introduced a redesigned masthead that departed from its bold, all-uppercase serif logo in favor of a more refined and contemporary look. The new masthead featured a sleek, minimalist sans-serif typeface—stripped of ornamentation yet rich in clarity—reflecting the brand’s shift toward modern sophistication while maintaining the strength and confidence that defined the original.
Expanding the Brandscape
In 2024, OMGI marked a significant milestone by launching VMAN Southeast Asia (VMAN SEA), the first international edition of the iconic men’s fashion magazine. This strategic partnership between OMGI and VMAN brought the acclaimed U.S. publication to Southeast Asia, aiming to cater to sophisticated and style-conscious men in this dynamic and growing market.
The launch of VMAN SEA prompted OMGI to formalize its operations into two distinct divisions: Fashion, encompassing MEGA and VMAN SEA, and Lifestyle, which includes Lifestyle Asia, BluPrint, Modern Parenting, The Business Manual, and The GAME. With MEGA and VMAN SEA leading the expansion into the Asian region, the Lifestyle division is also gearing up to extend its reach across Southeast Asia, reflecting OMGI’s commitment to delivering culturally resonant content to a broader audience.