The festivities for MEGA magazine’s silver anniversary began at noon when social media was flooded with anecdotes and well-wishes by the fashion industry’s biggest names. Designers, noted models, cover girls, editors and style lovers all shared their #MegaStories online, recounting special experiences they have had with the magazine in the last 25 years. It all culminated to an exclusive gala held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza that evening. Women in floor length gowns and men in black tie attire walked the red carpet where a sea of photographers waited to capture interesting outfits through their lenses. At the foyer, the flicker of camera lights still did not stop as old and new friends paused to take selfies while enjoying overflowing cocktails from one of the three bars.
The reception continued inside the ballroom where images of iconic MEGA covers were installed on the walls. An eight-course sensory dinner was served during the program that involved friends and longtime collaborators delivering nostalgic speeches to honor “The Philippines’ Best Fashion Magazine”. One Mega Group Chairman Jerry Tiu reminisced on the humble beginnings of MEGA, which was part of Founder and President Sari Yap’s college thesis written in Spanish. When she was called onto the stage, Sari was greeted with a standing ovation for her contributions as a pioneer in the Philippine publishing industry. The night also marked the launch of the Mega Stories coffee table book, which chronicles the magazine’s colorful history. 25 successful ladies deemed as the Iconic Mega Women graces 25 different covers for the book. They were present at the event and took center stage for a photo opportunity.
Throughout the evening, guests whispered about a rumored after party to be held at a secret location. By dessert, the crowd was ready to party. In a theatrical moment, it was announced that the venue for the post-celebration had been under everybody’s noses the entire time. The black curtains that lined the ballroom were raised, revealing a tunnel that led to the original reception area converted into a nightclub while everybody ate. DJ Callum David played classic beats from the 80s and 90s, putting everybody into a nostalgic mood. Glasses were never empty and celebratory toasts were frequent. The crowd’s energy and enthusiasm lasted till the wee hours of the morning. It was clear that they were ready for the next 25 years of MEGA.
One Mega Group Founder and President Sari Yap
Rosenthal Tee
Nix Alañon and Rajo Laurel
Anna Sobrepeña
Florence Ko
Lifestyle Asia’s Editor-In-Chief Anna and Chito Sobrepena
Rima Ostwani
Mark Nicdao
Mark Nicdao
NJ Torres, MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Issa Litton, One Mega Group Creative Director and Vice President for Print Business Suki Salvador
Charo Santos-Concio
Pia Wurtzbach
Pia Wurtzbach and Marlon Stockinger
Pia Wurtzbach and Marlon Stockinger
Pia Wurtzbach and Marlon Stockinger
Sitti Navarro
Julie Boschi, Salome Uy, Jun-Jun Ablaza
Salome Uy
One Mega Group CEO Jerry Tiu
Jun-Jun Ablaza, Julie Boschi
Jun-Jun Ablaza, Linda Ley
Jun-Jun Ablaza
Lianne and Clarisse Tiu, Lifestyle Asia Editor-in-Chief Anna Sobrepeña, Chris Tiu
Saffron Vegetable Soup, Crispy Italian Pancetta, Brie Quenelle and Dried Almond Puff Pastry
Sea Bass Carpaccio
Pan-seared Salmon with Cauliflower Purée
Herb-crusted Rack of Lamb with Red Wine Jus
Greek Yoghurt Mousse with Fresh Raspberry, Mango, and Strawberry
Rajo Laurel
Liza Ilarde
Pia Wurtzbach
One Mega Group Creative Director and Vice President for Print Business Suki Salvador
Tim Yap
Marlon Stockinger
Sofitel’s General Manager Adam Laker,
MEGA Editor-In-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro
One Mega Group Founder and President Sari Yap
One Mega Group Vice President Archie Carrasco, MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Charo Santos-Concio, Anne Curtis, One Mega Group Founder Sari Yap, Pia Wurtzbach, Angel Locsin, Erich Gonzales, One Mega Group One Mega Group Creative Director and Vice President for Print Business Suki Salvador
MEGA Iconic Women Charo Santos-Concio, Anne Curtis, Pia Wurtzbach, Angel Locsin, Erich Gonzales
Marlon Stockinger, Pia Wurtzbach, Charo Santos-Concio
Marlon Stockinger, Pia Wurtzbach, Charo Santos-Concio
Marlon Stockinger, Pia Wurtzbach, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Tim Yap
Marlon Stockinger, Pia Wurtzbach, Tessa Prieto Valdes, Tim Yap
Javi Martinez, Tessa Prieto Valdez, Anne Curtis
Tessa Prieto-Valdes
Tim Yap, Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez, Javi Martinez
Cary Santiago, Aivee Teo, Charo Santos-Concio, Erich Gonzales, Z Teo
Bianca Gonzales
Linda Ley
Cheska Garcia Kramer
Tessa Prieto Valdes
Tweetie De Leon-Gonzalez
Rajo Laurel, Liza Ilarde, Nix Alañon
Cheryl Tiu, One Mega Group CEO Jerry and Lianne Tiu