A Night of Blooming at the Tala Awards 2023 - Featured Article

Together with the country’s top dermatologists and beauty and wellness experts, Merz Aesthetics® celebrates a night of excellence in dermatology and aesthetics 

The natural world has always been a source of inspiration for the human condition and perception of beauty, and nothing symbolizes this better than flowers. Much like a flower waiting for its time to bloom, every individual holds an innate beauty, waiting for the right time to flourish. On this affirmation, Merz Aesthetics® mirrors this symbol of blossoming to celebrate the Tala Awards 2023 under the theme “Confidence to Bloom.”

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Founded by Friedrich Merz in 1908, Merz Aesthetics® is a prominent figure in the world of aesthetics products, offering pioneering solutions including Ultherapy®, Merz Pure Anti-Wrinkle Treatment, Merz Regenerative Biostimulator, and Merz Easy Adapt Hyaluronic Acid Filler. This year’s Tala Awards—the biggest to date—was held at the Shangri-La at The Fort was a dazzling testament to the innovative spirit of the global aesthetics company. They sought to raise the curtain on top-tier dermatologists and aesthetic clinics across the country.

“This year, we felt a rapid acceptance of aesthetics procedures as more patients celebrate their confidence once again. The pandemic has brought about a lot of uncertainty, but this past year was a reclamation,” says Tetet Go, Sales and Marketing Director of Vanguard Aesthetics. The global aesthetic company also sees themselves as confidence champions by placing their patients’ needs in the forefront.

They add, “We come from a place of helping each individual achieve their most confident self and not force fitting beauty into a predefined mold.”

Issa Litton and Ellen Adarna chat on stage about being Ultherapy®'s brand ambassador
Issa Litton and Ellen Adarna had a quick chat about how she manifested being Ultherapy®’s brand ambassador

Guests were decked in their floral Filipiniana attire while Issa Litton hosted the elegant event. The attendees also enjoyed a series of performance segments as violinist Princess Ybañez and dance group Power Dance led power-packed performances as each awarding category was introduced.

Adding to everyone’s elation, the event served as a platform to introduce Ultherapy®’s newest ambassador, model-actress Ellen Adarna, who recounted her five years of trust in the brand as a patient.

Ellen Adarna in a teal interpretation of the Filipiniana
Ellen Adarna graces the 2023 Tala Awards with a segment on her Ultherapy®/No Bad Takes campaign

“I really manifested this,” Adarna revealed. “I really believe in [the product] as it’s a convenient form of self-care and beauty routine. I only do it once a year.” Embodying the theme of her campaign, “No Bad Takes,” Adarna resonates with her belief in feeling confident with or without makeup. 

Recognition then poured out as Merz Aesthetics®, together with Vanguard Aesthetics Philippines, handed out Authenticity Awards to more than a hundred clinics and beauty and wellness centers across the country, acknowledging their commitment to delivering exceptional service and providing authentic treatments and products.

Top dermatologists and beauty and wellness experts who received their Ultherapy® authenticity plaques
Ultherapy® Ambassador Ellen Adarna is flanked by representatives of certified authentic Ultherapy® centers, proudly showing their authenticity plaques

Awards were segmented into 3-Star, 4-Star, 5-Star, and 7-Star categories, each having subcategories for specific Merz Aesthetics® products. Raymond Ong, AVP Regional Commercial Asia Pacific, presented the 3-Star Overall Award Winner to HOO Dermatology and Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations. Creating a significant milestone, the 7-Star Overall Award Winner—a timeless testament to consistent excellence—was bestowed on The Aivee Clinic.

Top dermatologists and beauty and wellness experts who won the 3-Star Overall Category Award Winner
3-Star Overall Category Award Winner, House of Obagi (HOO).
(L-R) Merz Asia Pacific Regional Associate Vice President, Regional Commercial, Raymond Ong, HOO Head of R&D Dr. Julie Pineda, Medical Director Dr. Stephen Lacson, Dr. Emy Christine Onishi- Limchoa, Dr. Margarita Isabel Carlos-Tanchiong & Managing Director Dr. Paolo Santos
Top dermatologists and beauty and wellness experts who won the 3-Star Overall Category Award Winner
3-Star Overall Category Award Winner, Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations.
Merz Asia Pacific Regional Associate Vice President, Regional Commercial, Raymond Ong is joined by the Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations team and General Manger Aj Aguas, Finance Director Erwin Miranda, Dr. Cristine Joy Marasigan & Dr. Pauline Diño.

“Doctors we work with have a mutual goal as we do—ensure the safety treatments with quality products and training, provide the consultations that align with the patients’ needs and best of all, allow each patient to feel the confidence to bloom,” says Go.

Prior to the beginning of the program, guests were invited to participate in an opportunity to show their creativity through a photo challenge with Merz Aesthetics®-exclusive prizes up for grabs. “Best in Bloom” awarded a creative Instragram post by Dr. Sheena Joyce Bautista, while Dr. Jessi Joanne Caputero bagged the “No Bad Takes” award.

Not to miss the stylish Filipinana garb that night, the global aesthetics company also gave out awards for the best dressed of the night. Dr. Melvin Manalang and Dr. Feliza Nadela Ong were awarded the Bituin ng Gabi. The doctor duo, Dr. Henry John F. Claravall and Dr. Sheryll Ann C. Claravall were crowned Ginoo at Binibining Tala ng Gabi.

The 2023 Tala Awards 7-Star Overall Category Award Winner, The Aivee Clinic.
2023 Tala Awards 7-Star Overall Category Award Winner, The Aivee Clinic.
(L-R) Merz Asia Pacific Regional Associate Vice President, Regional Commercial, Raymond Ong, Yassi Pressman, Dr. Z Teo, Dr. Aivee Teo, Cat Arambulo-Antonio, Ferdie Salvador and Vanguard Aesthetics CEO Ryan Ng

The Tala Awards 2023 was not just about celebration but also a testament to Merz Aesthetics®’ commitment to being a beacon in the beauty and wellness industry. With this initiative, they aim to inspire individuals to fearlessly express their beauty, nurturing not just their outer radiance but also the confidence that truly allows them to bloom.

To view the complete list of accredited Ultherapy® clinics and learn more, you may visit ultherapy-asia.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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