All the Highlights from the MEGA Ball 2024: Fashion + Food

All the Highlights from the MEGA Ball 2024: Fashion + Food

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For its 14th year, the annual MEGA Ball blends the realms of Filipino fashion and gourmet indulgence

Fashion and food are both expressions of one’s craftsmanship, innovation, passion, and cultural heritage. At the same time, they are two of mankind’s basic needs to live. With the country’s culture deeply rooted in sartorial stories and gastronomic experiences, it is only right that we honor how these disciplines intertwine in the name of Filipino pride. Hence, the celebration of the 2024 MEGA Ball: Fashion + Food.

MEGA Ball 2024 Main Stage

MEGA Ball 2024 Main Stage

MEGA Ball 2024 Indoor Oasis

MEGA Ball 2024 Indoor Oasis

MEGABALL HIGLIGHTS ADDITIONAL INART_WATERMARK9

MEGABALL HIGLIGHTS ADDITIONAL INART_WATERMARK9

MEGA Ball 2024 Dinner Set-Up

MEGA Ball 2024 Dinner Set-Up

RELATED: Power Pairings Who Served at the MEGA Ball 2024

This year’s edition of the MEGA Ball was a feast for the senses. Not only did it satisfy sartorial tastes, but also transcended gastronomic expectations. The grand affair, coinciding with Philippine Independence Day on June 12, paid homage to the exemplary culinary visionaries who shaped the food and beverage industry in the country. 

This year’s Pinoy Pride Award is given to the tastemakers of the Manila food scene

The Grand Welcome

G22 Alfea Jaz AJ MEGA Ball 2024
Rising P-pop group G22 performs “Pinoy Ako” to start the evening

Co-presented by Acer Philippines, Jaz, Alfea, and AJ, known collectively as G22, welcomed the guests with their rendition of “Pinoy Ako,” originally sung by OPM band Orange & Lemons.

For their looks, leader and main rapper AJ, stayed true to her androgynous fashion by sporting an all-white Anthony Ramirez pantsuit and fedora hat. Meanwhile, main vocalist Jaz, known for her princess style, wore a white two-piece AJ Javier number with a voluminous peplum skirt and black sheer gloves. Completing the trio was Alfea, the visual, whose edgy and feminine style manifested through the Lauren Vito slitted ball skirt accentuating the black embellished dress. As ambassadors of Avignon Clinic, their skin also looked lit-from-within on and off stage.

Peewee Reyes-Isidro dons a Joey Samson creation for the 2024 MEGA Ball

MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro officially opened the program and spoke on bridging the concepts of fashion and food together. “Both fashion and culinary art are steeped in culture, history, and tradition, reflecting the rich tapestry of human experience and heritage,” she said. “We hope that tonight’s experience not only satisfies our appetites, but also feeds our minds, fuels our hearts, and nourishes our souls.”

MEGA Ball 2024 Co-chair Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo

MEGA Ball co-chair and CEO of Wildflour Hospitality Group Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo followed to give her welcoming remarks. “The industry is coming together to influence the way we prepare and consume food and in return pushing the boundaries of what Filipinos are and can be,” she said.

The Showcase of Filipino Culinary Excellence

The Pinoy Pride Awardees with OMGI Head of Publishing and Marketing Janine Recto, MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro, and OMGI Chief Operating Officer Ramon Galicia

This year, MEGA awarded nine honorees whose culinary craftsmanship brought Filipino talent to the international scene—Lee Watson, Walter Manzke, Chele Gonzalez, Stephen Duhesme, Josh Boutwood, Miko Calo, Margarita Forés, Margie Lorenzana Manzke, and Joris Rycken.

A lights show was used to signify a new course

From the star-studded guest list to the unique full course dining experience of this year’s Pinoy Pride awardees, here are the moments from the annual gala of the country’s best fashion magazine. 

A Gastronomic Journey

The Tablescape

The Tablescape

Ulang at Tinigib

Ulang at Tinigib

R'Bonney Gabriel and Gabbi Garcia

R’Bonney Gabriel and Gabbi Garcia

The evening’s main event was a gustatory celebration of the Filipino culture with a menu especially created for the MEGA Ball by the evening’s Pinoy Pride awardees: Pandan and Tinapay by Wildflour’s Chef Walter Manzke; Pintos by Chefs Walter and Chele Gonzalez; Ulang at Tinigib by Chefs Margarita Fores and Miko Calo; Adobong Itik sa Gata by Chefs Josh Boutwood and Stephan Duhesme; Kalderetang Buntot ng Baka by Chef Joris Ryken; and Mangga at Tsokolate for dessert by Chef Margarita Lorenzana Manzke. The meal was bookended by two cocktails by Lee Watson referencing Filipino traditional wear: Terno for aperitif and Barong for digestif.

BREAD AND BUTTER

BREAD AND BUTTER

1ST COURSE

1ST COURSE

2ND COURSE

2ND COURSE

3RD COURSE

3RD COURSE

PALATE CLEANSER

PALATE CLEANSER

4TH COURSE

4TH COURSE

DESSERT

DESSERT

DIGESTIF

DIGESTIF

Event designer Robert Blancaflor and Il Fiore’s Bhem Meijer curated the tables with candlesticks as well as pearl white roses and anthuriums, maintaining a luscious design without overpowering the event’s main highlight—the food to be served. The dinner was accompanied by live piano music played by famed musical director and composer Rony Fortich.

Rony Fortich

Rony Fortich

Dinner Tablescape

Dinner Tablescape

Michelle Marquez-Dee

Michelle Marquez-Dee

Bread and Butter

Bread and Butter

Archie Carrasco

Archie Carrasco

Wines by Sommelier Selection

Wines by Sommelier Selection

Francis Liberian

Francis Liberian

Archie Carassco, Gabbi Garcia, Joy Marcelo, Martin Javier, Bianca Umali, and Cristalle Belo-Pitt

Archie Carassco, Gabbi Garcia, Joy Marcelo, Martin Javier, Bianca Umali, and Cristalle Belo-Pitt

Mario Katigbak, Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Chelsea Manalo and Tarrah Austria

Mario Katigbak, Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Chelsea Manalo and Tarrah Austria

Senator Mark Villar, Em Aglipay-Villar, Heart Evangelista-Escudero, and Chiz Escudero

Senator Mark Villar, Em Aglipay-Villar, Heart Evangelista-Escudero, and Chiz Escudero

Mai Mai Lechestein, Alice Eduardo, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, Mia Borromeo, Fely Atienza, and Lindy Castillo

Mai Mai Lechestein, Alice Eduardo, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, Mia Borromeo, Fely Atienza, and Lindy Castillo

MEGA Creative Chief Patrick Ty, MEGA Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes-Isidro and Kyline Alcantara
Christi McGarry, Chelsea Manalo, and Stacey Gabriel

The Anthem of Pinoy Pride

SB19 wore modern renditions of the Barong tagalog by JOR-EL ESPINA and styled by TEAM RAIN x EM

Completing the sensory experience of Filipino pride, P-Pop royalty and this month’s cover stars SB19 continued the MEGA Ball tradition of the annual singing of Ryan Cayabyab’s “O Bayan Ko.”

It was clear that each member of the quintet was ready to shine on stage with their skin in its best shape, all thanks to Avignon Clinic, and their Jor-El Espina barong-inspired ensembles that was styled by Team Rain x Em.

OMGI Chief Operating Officer Ramon Carlo Galicia

To introduce the performance, Chief Operating Officer of One MEGA Group Inc. Ramon Carlo Galicia highlighted the core of the celebration. “The Pinoy Pride Ball, or MEGA Ball as we know it today, is a testament that pride in our identity is easily found whether through fashion, arts, culture, or this year’s theme, gastronomy. On this day 126 years ago, the Philippine flag was first raised in Kawit, Cavite. And each year since, we have striven to uphold and strengthen our democracy and society through expressions of our distinct culture and history,” he said.

To conclude the evening, guests stood up to sing the national anthem

With a version especially arranged for the quintet, Pablo, Stell, Josh, Justin, and Ken gave a soul-stirring performance of the song, accompanied by the Los Cantantes, Kammerchor Manila, and The Philippines Mesitersingers.

SB19 performs "O Bayan Ko"

SB19 performs “O Bayan Ko”

SB19 closes the program

SB19 closes the program

A Taste of Opulence

Nadine Lustre and Rajo Laurel

Nadine Lustre and Rajo Laurel

Vallerie Hing

Vallerie Hing

The occasion that unified fashion and food was held at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La The Fort, known for their exceptional culinary offerings that bring guests around the world with their diverse and global-concept restaurant and bars. The Filipino spirit of hospitality was alive that night, with guests taking part in the charcuterie and drinks courtesy of Glendfiddich.

Michelle Dee and Sarah Lahbati

Michelle Dee and Sarah Lahbati

Gabbi Garcia and Bianca Umali

Gabbi Garcia and Bianca Umali

Nadine Lustre and Heart Evangelista

Nadine Lustre and Heart Evangelista

Chelsea Manalo and Stacey Gabriel

Chelsea Manalo and Stacey Gabriel

There were several booth vignettes at the venue wherein guests were invited to take and pose for photos. The largest and most lavish set was designed by Justine Arcega-Bumanlag—a dinner table set with a spread of Filipino delicacies and was photographed by Belg Belgica.

Heart Evangelista
Nadine Lustre fashion food choices environment vegan lifestyle MEGA Ball 2024
Nadine Lustre

A Serving of Fashion and Beauty

Stacey Gabriel BYS Cosmetics
Stacey Gabriel turned heads with a glowing look by BYS Cosmetics

MEGA’s partners were on hand that evening to help complete the “Fashion” part of the “Fashion + Food” theme of the night. BYS cosmetics and their artists glammed up the beauty queens and personalities Stacey Gabriel, Kayla Carter, Maureen Montagne, and Patricia Henson for the gala. Before the main event, guests also had the time to peruse booths of brands like Sunglass Haven with their curated display of chic luxury eyewear and glambot, Y.O.U Beauty’s floral haven, and Metrobank’s Lounge.

Kyline Alcantara tried on a pair from Sunglass Haven’s curated display of chic luxury eyewear
Andrea Dy Buncio and Tiffany Jane Copok enjoyed their cocktails and posed for a photo at Metrobank’s Lounge
Rhian Rampos was spotted at Y.O.U. Beauty’s sakura tree-filled garden, which provided an ideal backdrop for her glowing skin

The Festive Nightcap of the After Party

The after party was held at Uma Nota

As the curtains fell in the ballroom, the festivities of the ball had only just begun. The anticipated after-party commenced at Uma Nota where the fun and drinks overflowed all thanks to Hendrick’s Gin and Jinro. It was a fitting finale to the full course of a night, leaving guests satiated in culinary delights and heartfelt appreciation for local talent.

DJ Christi McGarry spinned for the after-party at Uma Nota
Chris Nick
Maureen Montagne
 Akio Barreiro and Saint Yves
Angelina Hartshorne and Renee Hartshorne
Jinro

Jinro

Hendrick's Gin

Hendrick’s Gin

Brent Manalo and Onie De Guzman
Jao from ALAMAT

Guests didn’t leave the ball empty-handed. They were able to take home a copy of the MEGA June 2024 issue with Liza Soberano on the cover, sweets from Auro Chocolate, a coaster from Casa Juan, and products from Barenbliss, Dear Face, and Luxe Beauty.

MEGA June 2024 issue featuring Liza Soberano
MEGA Ball 2024 Giveaway

Truly, the MEGA Ball 2024 was a testament to the groundbreaking possibilities when fashion and food are combined. The occasion not only exuded elegance and sophistication, but also elevated our cultural pride for our very own remarkable designers and chefs.


Photos by BELG BELGICA, PAUI GUEVARRA, MIKE GELLA and ED SIMON, EXCEL PANLAQUE, KIERAN PUNAY and KIM SANTOS of KLIQ INC.

Special thanks to the following:
Co-Presentors METROBANK – MASTERCARD, SUNGLASS HAVEN, GLENFIDDICH, and HENDRICK’S GIN
Major Sponsors SUBARU, BYS, AVIGNON CLINIC, GRAB, ACER, HEAD & SHOULDERS, OLAY, PANTENE, Y.O.U. BEAUTY, and LUXE BEAUTY AND WELLNESS GROUP
Minor Sponsors BARENBLISS, JINRO, DEAR FACE, ELYSE AESTHETICS, ROYAL AESTHETICS and JAMILA AESTHETICS

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