The first quarter of this year has been filled with unforgettable milestones and joyous celebrations. It also included so many fantastic trips to new travel destinations.

One magical night was the 25th anniversary of Mega Magazine, one of our country’s best fashion magazines, last month. The silver celebration was held at the Grand Plaza Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza.

The Mega Silver Gala paid tribute to 25 remarkable years of the iconic publication. It was a glorious evening, with the brightest stars in the industry coming together. Guests were led into the Mega Gallery, a visual experience that chronicled notable moments in the magazine’s history through an exhibit of iconic covers alongside treasured artifacts.

Mega Magazine’s youngest cover personality in history, Ylona Garcia, opened the program, accompanied by Pinoy Dream Academy student Miguel Mendoza, much to the audience’s delight. Singer Morisette performed with her rendition of famous hits from three iconic women—Sharon Cuneta, Lea Salonga and Regine Velasquez.

Sofitel served an impressive seven-course dinner with wine pairings. As guests enjoyed the feast, the ongoing simultaneous program was a virtual trip down memory lane as it chronicled Mega’s 25-year history.

I arrived in time to enjoy the latter part of dinner, having come from Basement Salon where stylist Danny Katalbas created a skyscraper hair-do to match my stunning Rhett Eala gown.

Creative director Suki Salvador spoke about Mega’s impressive roster of international covers. Mega’s current editor in chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro presented a special video tribute to her predecessor, Mega founder Sari Yap.

 

 

Poignant moment

It was truly a poignant and emotional moment, punctuated with the unveiling of Mega Stories, its first coffee-table book chronicling 25 years of influence featuring 25 of the magazine’s Iconic Women. The book is a reflection of the encompassing character of Mega and how it speaks to women of every generation.

Lifestyle Asia, Mega’s sister publication, is also celebrating an important milestone as it turns 30 years old this year. Editor Anna Sobrepeña is already busy with preparations, which include its yearly support for the Red Charity Gala. We are eagerly awaiting the collection of our featured designer, Joey Samson.

The Lifestyle Asia April issue with cover girl Amanda Fernandez includes a feature where men name the most beautiful women they know. Although my husband Dennis didn’t choose me as his most beautiful, I’m happy he chose our youngest Athena.

This month’s Health, Beauty and Wellness edition features a healing place for the soul in the travel section, the latest laser treatments to tighten, lift and whiten skin, and what to wear for the summer months. Get your copy of Lifestyle Asia’s April Issue, now available in all leading bookstores and newsstands. Digital versions are downloadable on the App Store, Google Play and Magzter.

 

Meat-free food

Speaking of health and wellness, Quorn, the world leader in meat-free food, is now available in leading supermarkets in the country. Originating from the United Kingdom, Quorn is a range of deliciously meat-free protein products in ingredient-type or ready-to-eat options.

Its main ingredient is Mycoprotein, a naturally healthy protein that is high in fiber, low in saturated fat, and no cholesterol.

With its spot-on taste and texture that replicates that of real meat, Quorn has convinced even the likes of noted chef, restaurateur and hardcore carnivore Florabel Co-Yatco, who “couldn’t tell the difference” between Quorn’s crispy chicken nuggets and the real deal.

With chef Florabel being one of its earliest and biggest advocates, Quorn announced its much-awaited availability at a press event held at Florabel restaurant in Estancia Mall, Pasig. The event also featured one of Quorn’s newest advocates, chef JP Anglo of the widely successful Filipino restaurant Sarsa.

Guests were treated to a collaboration by the two top chefs as they served various Asian-inspired dishes such as Quorn Xiu Mai with Truffle, Quorn Crispy Parcels with Pickled Papaya & Garlic Vinegar, Quorn Satay and Inasal, and Sweet & Sour Quorn with Three-Grain Fried Rice. They were pleasantly surprised at how the product was able to replicate the taste and texture of meat, showing its versatility in the various dishes prepared.

Visit www.Quorn.ph, www.mycoprotein.org.

 

New eyewear

From that delicious Quorn launch, I headed straight to SM Aura to attend the launch of the latest Agnès b. eyewear collection at Ideal Vision Center. The collection plays with contrasting touches on metal and acetate
to catch the eyes in stylish, rounded and slender three-dimensional star inlets with the Agnès b. logo.

Embracing the brand’s free spirit, Agnès b. fashion is often rich in detail and never dull. Premium materials and delicate details echo the brand’s timeless sense of style.

Easy-going styles showcase the understated appeal of clean lines with subtle details. These demonstrate everyday wearability with keen attention to all-day comfort. Titanium nose pads and end tips with the iconic “b.” logo perfectly complement the double-bridged aviator styles that resonate with the brand’s classic vibe.

The wayfarers for men are made bold by classic metal studs on the frame’s front, with the signature Agnès b. logo and lizard inlets at the temple, representing the brand’s unique outlook on French fashion. Agnès b. is available at select Ideal Vision Centers.

Visit www.idealvisioncenter. com.ph.

 

Hip hotspot

The hippest and chicest hotspot these days for celebrating any occasion has been Manila House. Birthday girls Cristalle Belo-Pitt and Alice Eduardo jointly celebrated with an intimate dinner at the private club that now allows photos. It was wonderful to enjoy chatting and snapping photos with so many ladies who have supported the Red Charity Gala over the years.

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