Mega Magazine May 2022

JUSTINE OCAMPO With a natural intuition that hairstyling was his calling, Justine Ocampo was determined to enter the beauty and grooming industry. This led him to personally message industry experts if he could learn from them first-hand. “I knew that I had to step out of my comfort zone and learn from people who specialize in hairstyling,” he shares. This courageous act allowed him to learn under veteran celebrity hairstylist Mark Anthony Rosales: “He guided me on how the whole industry works, which I think is one of the most important things as a newbie in this field.” A testament to his professionalism is that when you’re on set with Ocampo, you’ll find him attentive. He has a very hands-on approach to work, always standing behind the camera with tools in hand, ready to fix any strand that’s out of place. Soon enough, with this work ethic, his clientele list that was once only composed of his cousins and classmates in school now includes social media stars that have millions of followers. If you’ve ever admired a hair look on influencers Ry Velasco and Rei German, chances are it was Ocampo behind the brush. In a single phrase, his signature style is best described as classic with a twist. “I’m a Gen Z hairstylist who always keeps up with the trends, but I make sure that it looks clean and timeless,” he describes his work. From the polished hair part to long sleek hair, Ocampo elevates the natural beauty of his muses so they can step in front of the camera, ready and confident. “I’ve always wanted to do these kinds of hairstyles because I feel like beautiful hair brings joy to people. I feel satisfied when my clients are happy and confident because of the looks I’ve created for them.” MANE ATTRACTION Influencer Ry Velasco can walk into any room with her head raised high because she has Justine Ocampo by her side MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 49

ARTIST CONFIDENTIAL CARLO ROBLICO Carlo Roblico’s first encounter with hairstyling is just as unique as the looks he creates now. Originally a computer technology student in college, his first tool of the trade was a broken soldering iron in their school lab. “Unfortunately, I didn’t love what I was doing in school, I wasn’t interested in a single lesson. Thankfully, there was broken soldering iron in our school lab that I would use on my girl classmates to curl their hair. That’s all we would do in that lab whenever the teacher was absent,” he amusingly recounts. From there on, it became obvious to him and even his classmates that he had a secret talent for hairstyling. He then went on to learn more about the craft by assisting other creatives and building his network by leaving them with lasting impressions through his work.  His hard work paid off because nowadays, with his jam-packed schedule, you’re lucky if you get to book him. With a portfolio of ever-changing hairstyles that stun on camera and even on the wedding aisle, he’s one of the in- demand young hairstylists that can turn your hair into art. Roblico has also remained humble about his remarkable skills and carries youthful energy that makes it a real treat to watch him braid, brush, and sculpt someone’s mane into something that’s a league of its own. “My style centers around out-of-the-box ideas and has an eccentric perspective,” he says. Whether it’s an architectural braid or molding the hair with intricate waves, he thrives in discovering new ways to wear one’s hair: “I like doing looks that transform the person wearing it.” 50 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

DESTINY CALLS The burning passion that Carlo Roblico found in hairstyling exudes in every one of his works

ARTIST CONFIDENTIAL

RUNWAY READY Dale Mallari has a knack for creating glamorous hairstyles both beauty queens and top models love DALE MALLARI Newcomer to the industry, Dale Mallari is quickly making his name known with his capability to create high-fashion hair looks and full-volume blowouts. With his versatile skill set, a surprising fact about the artist is that it was only in the year 2020–after trying to change career paths from teaching to hospitality and tourism–when he finally pursued his interest in hairstyling. “Since I was not doing anything, my makeup artist friends were asking me to assist them with their gigs, and they would invite me to their test shoots even if I only knew how to use a curling iron,” he shares. Despite having a fast-paced rise in his career, he admits that the beginning of his journey was a slow but steady process. “Little by little, I fell in love with the art of doing someone’s hair.”  Knowing that to be the best, he also had to learn from the best, he sought help from the top names in the industry, like Aries Manal and Mycke Arcano, and he’s currently under the mentorship of master hairstylist Jan Edrosolan. “As a neophyte in the industry, what I learned from my mentors is to never stop learning new techniques and to not be afraid of trying new things,” he says. Today, his unique touch comes from prioritizing not only how the hair visually appears, but he also makes sure that it feels healthy. “Instead of observing the intricate clothing of the models when I watch fashion shows, their hair catches my attention more than whatever hits the runway,” he explains the inspiration behind his creative process. So with Mallari, what you can expect is that no matter what hairstyle you ask him to create, it will look and feel good from the root to the ends.  MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 53

ARTIST CONFIDENTIAL BETAAULTKYS How did you overcome the initial challenges Can you share with us your go-to products of entering the industry?  and vital tricks to make hair look beautiful? 16! 6UL VM [OL JOHSSLUNLZ [OH[ 0 MHJLK ^OLU 0 ÄYZ[ LU[LYLK [OL 16!(SSVMT`JSPLU[ZRUV^[OH[0\\ZLH[VV[OIY\\ZO[VRLLW[OLOHPY industry is people not believing in my capabilities just because clean and to tame all of the baby hairs. For products, I can’t do I’m new and just starting my career. To overcome this, I just continued doing what I love and growing as a hairstylist to prove OHPY^P[OV\\[[OL3P]PUN7YVVMOHPYZWYH`0[»ZUV[JY\\UJO`P[ZTLSSZ [V[OLT[OH[0HTTVYL[OHU^OH[[OL`[OPUR0HT NVVK HUK P[ ^PSS THRL [OL OHPYZ[`SL SHZ[ 0 HSZV SV]L [OL IYHUKZ )\\TISLHUK)\\TISL6SHWSL_HUK6\\HP *9! 0»T H ]LY` ZO` WLYZVU 0»T UV[ T\\JO VM H [HSRLY LZWLJPHSS` DL: Using heat from a blower and iron is part of the preparatory when I’m in a crowd of strangers. So, I had to overcome my WYVJLZZVMHU`SVVRI\\[P[JHUILKHTHNPUN[V[OLOHPY:VK\\YPUN HU_PL[`ZV0JHU^VYRHUKJVTT\\UPJH[L^P[OH[LHTVMJYLH[P]LZ the preparation process, I always use a good heat protectant and [VTHRL[OLSVVR[OLILZ[P[JV\\SKIL0HSZVZ\\YYV\\UKT`ZLSM^P[O HSLH]LPUJVUKP[PVULY people that I vibe with and that helps me a lot in expressing my artistic style. What is your most crucial piece of advice to other aspiring hairstylists? +4! 3HJR VM L_WLYPLUJL THKL TL [OPUR [^PJL PM 0 ZOV\\SK Z[PSS pursue hairstyling. Good thing there are a lot of tutorials available 16! 4` HK]PJL [V [OLT PZ [V RLLW KVPUN ^OH[ [OL` SV]L HUK [V VUSPUL[OH[OLSWLKTLPTWYV]LT`^VYR0HSZVSLHYULKÄYZ[OHUK RLLW [OL WHZZPVU HS^H`Z I\\YUPUN :RPSSZ JHU IL SLHYULK I\\[ [OL from experienced hairstylists. KLKPJH[PVU[OH[P[[HRLZMVY[OPZJYHM[PZOHYK Thaeilrl sutysleyoyuoru fwavoourlidtelilkoeotkoadnodfoisr tahespreecainfiyc CR: Stay grounded, protect your energy, and vibrate higher. muse in the future? +4! (ZPKL MYVT [HSLU[ 0 ILSPL]L [OH[ ^VYR L[OPJ PZ [OL TVZ[ JO: The most memorable ones are Rei Germar’s performance Z P N U P Ä J H U[W H Y [VMI L P U NHJ YL H[P ]L; O YL L[O P U N Z[O H[0H S ^H` ZRL L W SVVR PU @V\\;\\IL -HU -LZ[ HUK T` MH]VYP[L TPKKSL WHY[ OPNO in my mind are to respect your mentors, build a good relationship I \\ U [O H[ 0»]L K V U L [V 9 ` =L S H Z J V H U K 9 L P . L Y T H Y MV Y [O L P Y 3V \\ P Z ^ P [O[O LW L V W S LP U[O LP U K \\ Z [Y `H U KRL L W`V \\ Y Z L S MN YV \\ U K L K =\\P[[VUZOVV[ 0M NP]LU [OL JOHUJL 0 ^HU[ [V ^VYR ^P[O (UUL *\\Y[PZ VY 4 H Y P H U9 P ]L Y HP U[O LM \\ [\\ YL0ML L SS P RLT`Z [ ` S LZ \\ P [Z[O L T]L Y `^L S S *9!6\\Y[LHT^HZVUJL[HZRLK[VZOV^JHZLV\\YPU[LYWYL[H[PVUVM 05 / 2022 - P S P W P U VMV S R S V YLP UH]L Y `O P N O M H Z O P V UH U KT V K L Y UZ [ ` S L 4`KYLHTJLSLIYP[`[OH[0OVWL[V^VYR^P[OPZ)LSSH7VHYJO because I love her personality and her unconventional style. DM: Our editorial feature for the 30th Anniversary issue of MEGA Magazine where I transformed a mullet haircut into a ’70s shaggy tight curls is one of my favorites. If given the chance to do Winnie Harlow’s hair, I will be the OHWWPLZ[ OHPYZ[`SPZ[ L]LY 0 PTHNPUL KVPUN H ISV^UV\\[ IPNOHPY SVVR[OH[^PSSIV\\UJLZVM[S`^OLUZOLKVLZOLYJH[^HSR What about the beauty industry do you like the best and are there any beauty movements that you would like to see more of?  1 6!0H S ^H` ZS V]LO V^[O LP U K \\ Z [Y `J O H S S L U N L ZT L[VJ YL H[LS V V RZ [OH[OH]LUL]LYILLUZLLUHUK[OH[0NL[[V^VYR^P[OWLVWSL^P[O [O LZ H T LS L]L SVMW H Z Z P V U0H TH S Z VS V V R P U NMV Y ^H YK[VZ L L P U N[O L beauty industry be more diverse and people embracing more of their natural beauty. CR: I hope that the industry will give more chances to young artists so that we can continue expressing our artistry. DM: I am currently happy with what I am witnessing now. Seeing photos and videos that promote gender sensitivity, body positivity, and inclusivity. 05 / 2022 54 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

SUIT UP In the highly creative and demanding world of hairstyling, Carlo Roblico, Justine Ocampo and Dale Mallari are ready to make their mark MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 55

TRIED & TESTED Beauty choices for you and the environment Pure Intentions

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RULEBOOK White The ’60s white Hot eyeliner makes a fresh comeback in sharp strokes By MIA CASTRO Photography JAN MAYO

Art Direction NICOLE ALMERO. Makeup JANICA CLETO. Hair CARLO ROBLICO. Model SELINA WOO BHANG (IM AGENCY). Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO QUIET EDGE If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to your trusty black eyeliner, you can always combine it with other colors. Contrast a white liner on the lid by adding black eyeliner on the lower lash line to create a sultry and sixties look

RULEBOOK LOOKING UP Amp up your regular feline flick with double wings. Create a thick cat eye, followed by a thinner line drawn on the lower lashes to make your eyes appear bigger and awake 60 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

SUBTLE IMPACT White is synonymous with looking clean, so when used in graphic eye looks, keep your base light and translucent, that way your eyes become the fresh punctuation point of your face Orange vest top by NEIL ANTHONIE

FEELING CHEEKY Every woman should have red blush in her arsenal. Both vibrant and mimics blushing from within, the shade works whether you wear it as a soft tint or as an element of a high-contrast look

Text MIA CASTRO. Hair JA FELICIANO. Model JESSICA YANG ARLE WOMAN Embody unapologetic sophistication with beauty’s most daring color Makeup KATCHIE MEJIAS-BALOALOA Photography MELSON BOLONGAITA MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 63

FRENCH KISS If you aren’t ready to commit to a full pout, apply a lip stain directly on the inner part of the lips and fade it out using your fingers for a just-bitten look



LOVE LUST Putting on a red lip or a red dress is one way to a person’s heart, so why not extend the hue’s mesmerizing effect to your eye makeup? Here, a striking red liner is balanced out with silky skin to keep the attention on the eyes 66 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

FEVER PITCH Not in the mood for a full beat? You can go neutral with your lip color, bronzer, or pretty much everything else, as long as you have bold brows to bring structure to the face

Text MARIAN SAN PEDRO. Photography DOOKIE DUCAY

UPTSUHREGE Fas 05/22ow does one become a hThis May, we rise above the sea of iCgihveeestuahs onfearless, and sublime.H Which way do you go? modern trailblazer? You have two choices: be swept by the current or follow your own map. trends and look at the horizon of endless possibilities. Life’s a grandiose party, and aRniveexrcaluesmivbeopdeieeks just that as she at her Spring/ Summer 2022 line. With new hope flourishing, take a step into the season of blooms in Mryeoduaih’rnueFessatisinhlliMonnao, iatnnpdBeeeramsuubtayrda.ecde the power of if And to boldly chase your own fate, actress, model, and beauty queen Maureen Wroblewitz will inspire you to be at the new frontier—a space that is adaptable, MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 69

Creative direction NICOLE ALMERO. Fashion direction RYUJI SHIOMITSU. Beauty direction MIA CASTRO. Styling MIGUEL QUILANG, BEA GUERRERO and JOAQUIN RODRIGO (NEW COLLECTIVE STYLE). Makeup GERY PENASO. Hair JA FELICIANO. Production design ROCKET DESIGN STUDIO. 3D design and animation GARRY CORTEZ. Nails EXTRAORDINAIL. Shoot coordination KZ FRACNISCO and MJ ALMERO. Shot on location SIREN STUDIOS.

Inside the tireless mind of the quiet Maureen Wroblewitz By BAM V. ABELLON Photography DOOKIE DUCAY

There are hints of that as she walks inside a Makati City PRINCESS TO QUEEN studio one Wednesday morning: purposeful and calm in her walk, yet awkward and shy in demeanor—an When she was a child, Maureen wanted to become indistinct enigma. a Disney actress and follow the footsteps of her idols, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato She later admits during our interview that those contradictions are a product of years of concealing Gold hand-painted pleated and ruffled dress by and ignoring her life’s demons and baggage, and ROEL ROSAL, Earrings and rings by FEEL GOLD finally, facing them head-on during a recent spiritual awakening. Inside her, there are always forces that push TO BE A DISNEY PRINCESS and pull at the same time, especially when it comes to The spotlight was never something Maureen living life under the spotlight. wanted on her, even as a young girl grinning at the sight of Disney stars, Selena Gomez and Demi As we engage with the model-actress-beauty Lovato, and dreaming of acting in front of a camera. queen, she reinforces our belief that we found in her the “They were inspirations to me,” Maureen says, her ideal muse, who could represent the ideas we want to voice palpably still excited about the memory. “I portray is this month’s cover: the idea of the unknown, wanted to be a Disney star, but I was extremely shy of the hard-to-define, of going against conventions, of growing up. I thought, ‘How am I supposed to do the new, and of the future. interviews? How am I supposed to talk to people?’ It was all very scary to me.” When she was about 12 years old, living in Germany, she came across a TV show called Germany’s Next Top Model, the German edition of the reality TV series, America’s Next Top Model. As she continued watching, she realized she wanted to do all the traveling the models were doing, and she 72 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM



74 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM Quilted Top and Corset by JET RIVERO, Earrings by FEEL GOLD

FUEL TO HER FIRE wouldn’t have to talk so much. “I wanted to do photo shoots all over the world,” she says. “I thought Maureen has always been afraid of the that was pretty cool, and I didn’t think I would have to spotlight, but she has learned to use that do these interviews because as a model you would just face the camera and not talk. Talking was very scary fear to fuel her passions for me.” Molded leather bodice, draped lamé skirt, In the course of our interview, “scary” was a and leather gloves by VLRQ by VILRIQUE recurring word, and we immediately find out how this fear has been her fuel all along. Knowing what she wanted, but uncertain of how to achieve it, Maureen, in her early teens, hesitantly sent her portfolio to modeling agencies. In the months that followed, she found herself frustrated and disappointed. No one reached out. In retrospect, she believes at the time, the modeling world wasn’t as inclusive as it is now. For instance, they ignored “shorter” people (Maureen is now 5’6”). She adds, laughing, “To be honest, I did not look like a model.” Setting that dream aside, she turned to a fairly new app then, Instagram (IG) to express her creativity. In that space, she was free to play with poses, and, most importantly, shout out her pride in her Filipino heritage through hashtags. By fate, these hashtags allowed her current manager to find her. “My manager asked if I wanted to try modeling in the Philippines,” Maureen recalls. She said yes. She was 15 years old at the time. Unfortunately, her father wanted her to graduate from high school first before embarking on a job. It would take another three years, when she turned 18, before the half-German, half- Filipina packed her bags and moved to her mother’s hometown, the Philippines. THE FEAR The third of four siblings, Maureen, who is turning 24 years old in June, knew at an early age that the Philippines was her home. She understood Tagalog a little bit, and knew about the culture from her late mother. Despite this, the thought of being on a new journey felt overwhelming. Barely settling in the country, Maureen was asked by her manager if she wanted to join a reality competition called Asia’s Next Model 5, another edition of the reality show she used to binge-watch when she was 12. The competition was to be held in Singapore in 2017. A self-confessed overthinker, Maureen had doubts about walking into a world where people would be watching her every move. Her father persuaded her to join by saying, “There’s nothing to lose, and things MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 75

LOREM IPSUM HIGH-CONCEPT Maureen went from one high-concept dress to the next— including the imagined ones— with ease Blooming Meta Dress by XTENDED iDENTiTY 76 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

SILVER LINING The actress-model-beauty queen sees challenges as the universe’s way of making her stronger Silver No. 925 Meta Dress by XTENDED iDENTiTY MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 77

I’ve noticed now after doing a lot of things that scare me, that the fear is actually a good thing because it means you’re getting out of your comfort zone “Being part of a reality show in a competition was frightening because I had to find my voice,” she recalls. “I had to be able to bring out that confidence in front of the photographer, and a whole crew. You were required to represent your country. I really had to get out of my comfort zone. There is no time to feel fear, no time to overthink.” Through the TV show, Maureen found her competitive side, and the courage to overcome her insecurities. “I’ve noticed now after doing a lot of things that scare me, that the fear is actually a good thing because it means you’re getting out of your comfort zone,” she says firmly. “You getting out of your comfort zone means you’re growing. When you’re too comfortable, it’s a bad sign, because you don’t get to learn anything. The reason we are scared is the fear of the unknown. What could happen? But the thing is, you have not experienced it yet. Experience it. If you didn’t like it, then you can move on to something else.” Maureen won that competition, and became the first Filipina to ever do so. As her fire blazed more intensely, she kept chasing the new things, trying to find her purpose and passions. That big new thing came in 2021, when she succumbed to the clamor of her fans and supporters to join the Miss Universe Philippines pageant. While, again, the fear was there, she knew she’d regret it if she declined. At the time, she was already focused on finally pursuing her acting career, and was attending acting workshops. And she was given only two months to prepare. But, her supporters, including one of her workshop buddies, told her that with her modeling experience, she was already halfway there. “After that, I just stopped thinking about it, and went for it,” she tells us. “I felt so different, like the universe was telling me it was fine.” 78 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

FOLLOW THE SIGNS Maureen likes to go with the flow, taking every opportunity that comes her way Gold sequin pailettes tube gown by DARYL MAAT; earrings, necklaces, and rings all by FEEL GOLD

LOREM IPSUM FIGHTER One of Maureen’s goals in life is to further increase breast cancer awareness Silver No. 925 Meta Dress by XTENDED iDENTiTY 80 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

HER DARK DAYS Maureen went through difficult times, and struggled with her mental health for years, but the queen persevered Gold No.24 Meta Meta by XTENDED iDENTiTY MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 81

FLOWERS OF MAY Maureen embodies the modern woman: unafraid to show her delicate side, yet but fearless when it comes to chasing her dreams Pistachio dress by JAZMIN MEGAN, Nude pant boots by DAQUILANG ATELIER, Earrings by EDIT.

FINDING HER VOICE While modeling catapulted her into international fame, it was through pageantry where this German-Filipina found her voice Silver sequin paillettes overcoat, skirt and black sheer blouse by DARYL MAAT, Earrings by JACATEL Maureen ended up becoming the Miss Universe fundraising for important causes by simply sharing and Philippines 2021 first runner-up. It was not the ending she selling digital art.” wanted, she admits, but through the pageant, she found something more fulfilling. While her new discoveries make her feel alive, today, nothing rouses her more than a long-awaited “Pageantry is where I really found my voice,” she dream: bringing a character to life through acting. says, turning pensive as she looks back to those learning Lighting up on the mention of the topic, Maureen says moments. “I was always afraid to share my thoughts, and acting is where she feels again the passion. “I don’t have here I needed to learn how to do that. I said to myself, ‘Oh, it [the passion] as much when I do modeling or hosting,” this is my gift: being able to touch people with my voice, she reveals. “But I feel it when I do acting. Being able to being able to inspire young people, everyone, being able to bring a character to life is an artistry.” share what I believe in.’ It was another step that I had to take. I learned so much about myself, and I’m so grateful.” She had recently worked on an international film, called Take Me to Banaue, directed by Filipino-American In the pageant, Maureen was lauded for talking about Danny Aguilar. The movie, a romantic comedy, brings and helping raise breast cancer awareness, a topic close to two cultures together as an American man named Hank her heart as her mother died of complications due to breast (played by Brandon Melo) and a Filipina named Grace cancer. Now, she continues to spread her voice and her (played by Maureen) fall in love. The movie is slated to advocacies through her digital space (her Instagram handle, come out at the end of the year. Before that, Maureen had @maurob currently has 1.4 million followers). also shot another film that has yet to come out. Maureen treats the digital space as a loudhailer: “I Acting has become personal to the beauty queen: like having a digital space, like the metaverse, for artists “Sometimes, you need to relate the character to something to explore new ideas, visions, and to have another creative that happened in your life. What I like about acting is that outlet. Living in a digital world, where a lot of people have you get to learn to heal from your own trauma.” access to the internet, you can easily create art online and make a decent profit from it. I also like the idea of having On the other end of this genre, Maureen’s another platform where you can raise awareness and start cinematic dream is to star in an action film. “I wanna be a badass!” she laughs. MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 83

AN AWAKENED SPIRITUALITY which, she says, turned into body dysmorphia (a “I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it,” Maureen mental health condition where one incessantly finds answers when we ask about being in the public flaws in his or her body). “It was very weird to me,” eye. She describes herself as an ambivert, who she pauses, as if pondering deeply about what to say gets extroverted mostly when she’s in front of next. “I guess now, also, having expectations, being the camera. “Sometimes it’s fine, other times, in the spotlight, a lot of eyes on you, being judged it’s harder.” for weight gain, weight loss. People will notice. And it has definitely affected my self-esteem and the way When the pandemic happened she was left that I see my body.” with her thoughts, and her mind went into an overdrive. Who was she? What did she really When she was 11, her mother passed away. A want? There was so much unknown. It was then year later, the family had to move from Riyadh, that she realized, all the emotions and thoughts Saudi Arabia, to Germany, where she never felt like that she swept under the rug— because life she fit in. Eventually, her father remarried. “It was happened so fast—were beginning to resurface. just not having the right people, and then, there were a lot of thoughts when it came to my mental health,” Like she had the room to herself, she began she says. “I didn’t want to live anymore.” to set free her memories: “I felt so depressed. And I didn’t know what to do. All this baggage, I was As she grew up, she tried to pursue her taking them with me, and I didn’t know how to dreams, thinking that if they came true, her pain release them. I guess I didn’t have enough time to would simply disappear. “They don’t vanish,” heal. And with every new obstacle that came in, I she shares, hoping people would learn from her just stacked them on each other. I was in a very, very journey. “You need to heal from everything, deal difficult situation in my life.” with your baggage, face them. You can’t keep ignoring them. And so, that’s what I learned, to Her ordeal, she tells us, started at a young age, be grateful for them, to heal from them.” when she began exhibiting signs of an eating disorder, UNDER THE SHELL The self-confessed ambivert gets to show her extrovert side when she’s front of the camera Silver sequin paillettes overcoat, skirt and black sheer blouse by DARYL MAAT, Earrings by JACATEL 84 MAY 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 85 Molded leather bodice, draped lamé skirt, and leather gloves by VLRQ by VILRIQUE



When you give power to those demons, to those negative thoughts, you let them win. This time, I took the power. While she still experiences feeling insecure about her body, she has slowly learned how to look in the mirror and remember that her body “is a temple.” She says, “Be grateful for what your body does to you. It’s not the way you look, but the way you feel.” In those dark days, Maureen sought professional help, and is now on the quest to empower people to speak about their mental health struggles, if they could. “I feel so free now,” she exclaims. “I learned that everything that happened in my life has just shaped me into the person that I am today. Those baggage made me stronger than I thought I was capable of.” She adds, “That thought is so empowering because it’s like when you give power to those demons, to those negative thoughts, you let them win. This time, I took the power.” With her newfound strength and discernment, Maureen is ready for the next, new big thing, however scary and unchartered the road leading to that may be. After we wrapped up the interview, Maureen graciously expresses her gratitude and stands up, ready to face her reality—this time it’s transforming into the different and fittingly transcendental characters of today’s shoot. Throughout this more-than-eight- hour work day, she never complained nor faltered. It’s fascinating to watch someone, who spoke so openly about her fears and vulnerability, wield enormous control and power in front of the lens. Truthfully, she doesn’t need a role to show her strength; she just needs to be herself, and we’d gladly christen her as a badass. FREEDOM “Those baggage made me stronger than I thought I was capable of,” Maureen says of her mental struggles, adding that talking about them makes her feel free Gold hand-painted pleated and ruffled dress by ROEL ROSAL, Earrings and rings by FEEL GOLD MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | MAY 2022 87

Art Direction MIGUEL QUILANG. Styled by BEA GUERRERO and JOAQUIN RODRIGO of NEW COLLECTIVE STYLE. Makeup JANICA CLETO. Hair JUSTINE OCAMPO Models JACH MANERE and BREA UMALI of LUMINARY MANILA. Shot on location THE CREO STUDIOS. Special Thanks to CHARLES RENDELL, JOHN HERRERA and DARYL MAAT LE ECHAPPÉE BELLE On our MEGA DESIGNER EXCLUSIVE first look at Cheetah Rivera’s Spring Summer 2022 collection, we take a peek into the Filipina designer’s psyche that showcases a balance of surrealism, escapism, and a great gift for wondrous couture. By RYUJI SHIOMITSU Photography DOOKIE DUCAY F eeling the onslaught of prolonged lockdowns Known for her designs that have a distinct female and restrictions dampening her creativity, energy, Rivera’s aesthetic purposely pulsates vibrant Cheetah Rivera dove head-on into a two- yet edgy, classic yet lustrous sensuality fit for her year outburst of limitless passion, producing muses, namely Regine Velasquez, Heart Evangelista, a collection of individually independent, and Marie Lozano, who she acknowledges as her artisanal ensembles with sustainability in mind. stronghold. Nothing short of inspirational, Rivera states that “this collection is a testament to creativity In true creative fashion, her collection, aptly called during trying times. This is my way of letting everyone “Pizza Party,” started as an idea born over pizzas and know that we can rise above our current situation and movies, during a staycation with her closest friends. inspire everyone that there is beauty in hardship.” A moment of introspection and appreciation inspired her to take the leap of faith and make use of available Truly, fashion without passion is as dreary as a deadstock fabrics, trimmings, and materials left dry desert. But fashion made with intention and a lot from previous collections in her atelier, and create a of heart will not only leave a mark but will also create fantastical world wherein couture reigns supreme. elegance that can’t be easily replicated. 88 APRIL 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM



90 APRIL 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES Ensuring the classic ball gown style to continue and reach new heights—or, more accurately new, bigger volume—Cheetah Rivera unabashedly employed meters upon meters of filmy tulle to achieve dramatic, bygone-era royalty, old Hollywood effect MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | APRIL 2022 91

TWISTED CLASSIC Transcend your usual wedding style game and knock it out of the park with an unexpected and totally unorthodox accessory pairings: leather opera gloves on gowns and white lace up booties on suit dresses

+ BEAUTY NOTE: An intense graphic eye is one way to embody a sultry, rebellious edge. To keep the focus on the eyes, makeup artist Janica Cleto added just a touch of glow and gloss on a totally nude base. - Mia Castro MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | APRIL 2022 93

BELLE OF THE BALL Decidedly retro but still effortlessly modern. The polka dot remains a seasonal wardrobe essential today. With its retro vibe, it is the charming asset of an elegant, feminine look, perfect not just for sunny days but also for classic nights 94 APRIL 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM

SHEER GENIUS We are in for a new daring fashion attitude this season in sheer, barely there, ‘naked’ dresses that leave nothing for the beholder—just pure unadulterated confidence to bare +



DAY AND NIGHT Shift focus on normative formal wear by way of tweed and ruffles for that party appropriate, and shall we say unexpectedly fun and flirty, ensemble MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM | APRIL 2022 97

Creative Direction SEVEN BARRETTO of STUDIO 7 MANILA. Photography team DARIEL MIRAFLOR and CLAUDE VILLAHERMOSA. Art Direction & Set Design ERWIN BOTIN. Styling PARIS ROXAS. Makeup CARISSA CIELO MEDVED. Hair JONAS LUCAS. Model HANNAH ARNOLD. Special thanks to BINIBINING PILIPINAS ORGANIZATION & MISS INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION SUPER NATURAL iming is ever y thing. When it’s the right time, the right energy, and the right people, things can come together in a very powerful way By RYUJI SHIOMITSU Photography SEVEN BARRETTO H annah Arnold, our reigning Miss International Philippines 2021, looks ready for a whimsical carnation- inspired spring fashion. In front of the lens of  Seven Barretto, the Filipina beauty stars in a cherry-blossom- inspired fashion spread. Hannah looks absolutely stunning in colorful blooms and effervescent makeup looks by Carissa Cielo Medved. Styled by  Paris Roxas, Hannah wears the designs of Francis Libiran, Jan Garcia, Rian Fernandez, among others. 98 APRIL 2022 | MEGA.ONEMEGA.COM