Mega to the nth level

Taking things to the next level, that is what the new game is all about.

Just when you thought that the new media mentality was to garner more “likes,” “follows” and “favorites,” Mega Publishing did the opposite. It went back to the drawing board, looked deep into itself and instead of playing the-more-the-merrier game, it consolidated its holdings and rebranded itself: One Mega Group.

It’s a conglomerate that is not just into publishing the country’s most respected homegrown titles, but also into television production and mounting events — things they used to do on the peripheral side of business, but have now merged with their main line. Media has become multimedia, and all the players have to renew their strategies. Changing the game determines whether you sink or swim. So swim, we all must.

This week was proof that One Mega Group has stepped up their game. Lifestyle Asia just had its “Black Swan Gala,” and a week after that, the Mega Pinoy Pride Ball, which has become an annual tradition for the Mega Group.

Mega Pinoy Pride Ball is now in its third year and I am proud to be one of the founders of this event, alongside One Mega president and CEO Sari Yap and Mega magazine associate editor and publisher Meryll Yan.

We started the event three years ago, when I was guest editor of their Pinoy Pride issue for June. Three years later, the Mega Pinoy Pride Ball has grown to more than an event — it is an advocacy.

Global Pinoys Honored

The Rizal Ballroom of the Shangri-La Makati played host to about 500 of the industry’s top movers and shakers, not to mention the night’s honorees, the 20 Global Pinoys. They are individuals who continue to push the envelope to pave way for more Pinoys to be recognized globally. We are not invisible anymore, and we need to know why, who, what is being done, and what we can do to be part of this endeavor.

All the guests came in Filipino designer wear. We have a most amazing industry of Filipino designers and they were all busy working to dress up the entire Mega Ball community. It was so beautiful to see everyone dressed in Pinoy finery. The event marked a community coming together, going to the next level, united as one.

After awarding the 20 Global Pinoys, Furne One, a Filipino designer who has wowed the world via dressing royalty and pop stars, did a homecoming show, “The Return of the Mata Hari,” which left everyone breathless, Jaws dropped and eyes were focused on his collection of pearls and spikes. Fashion is meant to outstand and astound. Furne One did just that, and more.

His masked mannequins sashayed around the ballroom with ease, and magically entranced the guests. I was the host with Issa Litton, and we were both speechless.

It seemed like all the elements flowed. From the staging of the show to the direction of the show by Robby Carmona, to the attendance of the A-list guests, the Mega Ball was a smashing success. And what a perfect date to hold the event — June 12, Philippine Independence Day.

It was a day to express freedom of speech, of style, of love for country. Congratulations to the One Mega Group in continuing to push the boundaries of what it is, in essence and action, to be a Filipino.  

Mabuhay ang Global Pinoy! 

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Mabuhay ka, follow me on twitter.com/officialTIMYAP and on Instagram — officialtimyap for more prizes and surprises!