MEGA Ball 2023: Celebrating Art In All Its Forms

This year’s MEGA Ball honored the creative Filipino spirit through thrilling performances, art exhibits, and a memorable culinary experience .

This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s July 2023 Issue.

For the past 13 years, homegrown media brand MEGA has been hosting its annual ball: a grand event that serves as a culmination of the publication’s values and accomplishments throughout its 30-year evolution. This year’s ball was no different with its call to celebrate art in all its splendid forms.

Teresa Herrera-Anthony was the MEGA Ball 2023 host

Entitled “MEGA Ball: Art and Fashion,” the event was held at The Peninsula Manila with some of the country’s biggest names in attendance. Philippine society gathered to honor talented artists, explore a beautiful art exhibition, and enjoy live performances paired with sumptuous food, all in one night.

STUNNING MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

With a program hosted by model and actress Teresa Herrera-Anthony, attendees were not only treated to The Peninsula’s mouth-watering meals, but also enjoyed a live instrumental performance from the Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Members of the Manila Symphony Orchestra provided beautiful instrumental tunes over dinner

Guests were treated to The Peninsula's sumptuous dishes — Guests were treated to The Peninsula’s sumptuous dishes

This was followed by a spectacular show from the cast of Ang Huling El Bimbo, who graced the stage with Eraserhead classics from the hit musical.

Cast members from the hit musical, "Ang Huling El Bimbo," performed their beloved hits during the ball — Cast members from the hit musical, “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” performed their beloved hits during the ball

HONORING THE MASTERS AND EMERGING TALENTS

The work of both master artists and up-and-coming talents were highlighted in this year’s ball through an award ceremony and special exhibition. The roster of art veterans included Daniel Dela Cruz, Elmer Borlongan, Geraldine Javier, John Santos, Manny Garibay, Mark Justiniani, and Rodel Tapaya. Renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina was named the year’s Icon Awardee for his unique work and dedication to his craft.

Glass sculptor Ramon Orlina was the year's Icon Awardee — Glass sculptor Ramon Orlina was the year’s Icon Awardee

The local art scene cannot continue to flourish without a new generation of skilled artists.That’s why this year’s MEGA Ball also recognized talents who are poised to accomplish great things in their respective fields. These included Ayka Go, Chelsea Theodossis, Demi Padua, Jinggoy Buensuceso, Lilianna Manahan, Marc Aran Reyes, Nice Buenaventura, Winna Go, and Yeo Kaa. All artists had selected pieces from their oeuvre displayed in The Peninsula’s Rigodon Ballroom and Conservatory.

Read more by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia July 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.

Photos by Kim Santos, Daniel Tan, Ed Simon, and Kieran Punay.

Banner photo by Kim Santos.