High society’s well-dressed ladies were all aglow at the Mega Mystique Masquerade Ball to celebrate the magazine’s 21st anniversary. Garbed by the country’s best designers, I could hardly take my pick as to who would be the belle of the ball, what with the younger set looking more stylish than ever. Happily, I realized that vampy, streetwalker styles are out and classic elegance is definitely in.
It was de rigueur to wear a mask as we entered Makati Shangri-La’s Rizal ballroom. So, when friends greeted one another, it was quite a feat to figure out who was who until they spoke or unmasked to identify themselves briefly. Mystery was definitely a fun game that evening and the whole ballroom smelled like a perfumer’s shop with Downy’s Mystique wafting in the air.
The evening started with Robert Sena, followed by Cara Manglapus, singing top hits that put guests in the mood. The talented young lady turned out to be the granddaughter of Raul Manglapus who was a World War II hero, a martial law freedom fighter, and eventually the Secretary of Foreign Affairs under the Cory administration. It culminated in a fashion show by Mega fashion editor Patrick Galang. Meanwhile, Lady Mystique Iza Calzado, with Nicole Villarojo, Downy’s brand manager, shared how the product was inspired by a magical Parisian evening.
Mega founder and CEO Sari Yap said that when she first put up the fledging fashion magazine more than two decades ago, she had a vision of what she wanted. With perseverance and drive, she succeeded.
“The Mega brand is now bigger than I am, and that is what every founder wants. To create a company and instill corporate culture that will survive the founder’s life. At 21, I am happy and thankful that Mega is strong, independent, and in every way an adult!â€
As the magazine’s deputy editor Meryll Yan explained, “This August’s issue was inspired by how a Filipina exudes beauty through the sense of mystery she radiates around her. The best kind of woman captivates without trying to. She is beautiful not just because of how she looks but because she carries herself with an air of quiet confidence.â€
I couldn’t agree more.
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