Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics gather the country’s leading aesthetic doctors and clinics for an evening celebrating innovation, artistry, and the people defining the future of P-Beauty.
Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics recently gathered the country’s leading aesthetic doctors and clinics for the Tala Awards 2026, held at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort Parañaque. Anchored on the theme Confidence Without Limits, the annual celebration honored the expertise, artistry, and commitment shaping the future of medical aesthetics and P-Beauty in the Philippines.
Bringing together nearly 500 guests, the evening celebrated achievement, innovation, partnership, and legacy. Guests embraced the “Limitless Heritage” dress theme, interpreting Filipino heritage through timeless black ensembles accented with gold, a fitting reflection of an industry that finds its soul in authenticity while looking confidently toward the future.
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Confidence Without Limits: Behind The Tala Awards 2026 By Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics
While the Tala Awards 2026 was an awards ceremony, it was also a celebration of the people behind the continued progress of medical aesthetics. Confidence Without Limits reflected Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics’ shared belief in recognizing the doctors and clinics who help patients discover and express confidence every day.
The evening opened with a countdown and special performance before host Jackie Go welcomed guests. Raymond Ong—Associate Vice President, Regional Commercial, Asia Pacific, Merz Aesthetics—officially opened the celebration, reflecting on the partnerships, innovation, and shared commitment driving the industry forward. One of the evening’s highlights was a special lecture by internationally renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Nabil Fakih, who introduced a hybrid approach of Belotero and Radiesse.
Kathryn Bernardo Named Ultherapy PRIME’s New Philippine Ambassador
The evening also marked a new chapter for Ultherapy PRIME with the official introduction of Kathryn Bernardo, Asia’s Superstar, as its new Philippine ambassador.
Following the unveiling of the brand’s hero film, Kathryn joined Jackie Go for a conversation on healthy aging, sharing her approach to consistency, thoughtful choices, and seeking guidance from qualified medical professionals. These values align with Ultherapy PRIME’s vision of helping people feel confident at every stage of life.
The moment was followed by the Ultherapy CU Tala Awards–Legacy and Prime, recognizing 22 awardees; and the Ultherapy TD Tala Awards, honoring nine.
The Overall Awards then recognized outstanding clinics across three achievement levels:
3 Stars Overall
- Avignon Clinic
- HOO Dermatology
- Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations
- One Nadela Medical Group
5 Stars Overall
- Belo Medical Group
7 Stars Overall
- Aivee Clinic
Aivee Clinic Takes Home The Royal TALA Award
The evening’s highest distinction, the Royal TALA Award—reserved for a clinic that achieves 7-Star recognition across all award categories—was presented to The Aivee Clinic, the sole recipient of the honor this year.
The Aivee Clinic received the award from Raymond Ong; Ryan Ng, CEO of Vanguard Aesthetics; and Dr. Nabil Fakih. For more than a decade, the clinic has remained at the forefront of Philippine aesthetics through clinical excellence, innovation, and patient trust.
“Thank you so much for this incredible recognition for Aivee Clinic—the 7-Star Royal Tala Award. It is truly an honor to be the only recipient of this distinction tonight, and we are deeply grateful for this recognition,” shared Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo as she accepted the recognition.
“What truly makes the difference are the doctors behind these technologies—the knowledge, the judgment, the experience, the hands, and ultimately, the ability to understand what each patient truly needs,” she added. “And I think that’s what makes tonight so meaningful. These awards are not simply a recognition of achievements, but a reminder of the passion and commitment we put into our craft every single day.”
Continuing The Ultherapy PRIME Journey
Innovation remained a central theme throughout the evening with the unveiling of the Ultherapy Mask, introduced as part of the evolving Ultherapy PRIME experience.
Dr. Christie Moey, Medical Director of Maple Clinic and a regional aesthetic physician and educator, led the presentation, highlighting how the mask complements the Ultherapy PRIME journey by enhancing the overall post-treatment experience.
The evening also recognized the importance of authenticity in aesthetic treatments. The Ultherapy PRIME Authenticity Awards honored 57 awardees, followed by the Ultherapy Legacy Authenticity Awards, which recognized 77 awardees for their enduring trust and commitment to the Ultherapy brand.
Recognizing The Educators Behind Aesthetic Medicine
The Vanguard ACES (Aesthetics Champions & Educators) were also recognized, honoring 25 doctors for their contributions to education, mentorship, and clinical leadership.
Presented by Dr. Stephen Claudio, Regional Medical Affairs Manager of Vanguard Aesthetics; and Dr. Kathlea Newland, Associate Director for Medical Affairs, Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific, the recognition celebrated doctors who continue to raise the standards of aesthetic medicine through knowledge-sharing and professional excellence.
As the evening came to a close, Raymond Ong reaffirmed Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics’ commitment to innovation, education, and partnership. “Our vision is a collective one—rooted in trust, innovation, and authenticity,” he stated. “With our partners, we will continue to fuel confidence and help Filipinos look better, feel better, and live better.”
Through Tala Awards 2026, the two organizations celebrated the people driving the future of aesthetic medicine, and in doing so, showcased how confidence knows no limits and that the excellence cultivated today becomes the legacy of tomorrow.
Photos courtesy of Vanguard Aesthetics and Merz Aesthetics
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tala Awards is an annual celebration by Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics honoring the Philippines’ leading aesthetic doctors and clinics. The 2026 edition, held at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort Parañaque, centered on the theme Confidence Without Limits and recognized excellence, innovation, partnership, and legacy in medical aesthetics and P-Beauty.
The Aivee Clinic received the Royal TALA Award 2026, the highest distinction of the Tala Awards. It was the sole recipient of the award this year, recognizing its 7-Star recognition across all award categories.
The 2026 Tala Awards recognized clinics across three Overall Award levels. Avignon Clinic, HOO Dermatology, Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations, and One Nadela Medical Group received 3 Stars Overall; Belo Medical Groupreceived 5 Stars Overall; and Aivee Clinic received 7 Stars Overall.
Kathryn Bernardo, Asia’s Superstar, was officially introduced as the new Philippine ambassador for Ultherapy PRIME during the 2026 Tala Awards. Her appointment reflects a shared commitment to confidence, authenticity, and informed self-care.
Beyond the Overall Awards and Royal TALA Award, the evening presented the Ultherapy CU Tala Awards – Legacy and Prime, recognizing 22 awardees, and the Ultherapy TD Tala Awards, honoring nine awardees. The Ultherapy PRIME Authenticity Awards recognized 57 awardees, while the Ultherapy Legacy Authenticity Awards honored 77. The event also recognized 25 doctors through the Vanguard ACES (Aesthetics Champions & Educators) for their contributions to education, mentorship, and clinical leadership.
