With an enchanting fusion of fashion and art, MEGA brought together the most prominent names of the creative industry to craft this year’s ball
The artistic prowess of MEGA continues to soar with each passing year, surpassing its own wins and setting new standards in the industry. This year, we are dedicated to uncovering a beautiful fusion of fashion and art, all while celebrating renowned Filipino artists, from established masters to emerging talents. With a lifelong passion, we strive to shed light on the vibrant and diverse art scene in the Philippines, guaranteeing its well-deserved recognition in the limelight.
But just like a harmonious symphony, this event would not achieve its enchanting allure without the collective brilliance of people from the creative industry who meticulously refined the ball’s essence. From the guest list to the overall atmosphere, these people carefully crafted every aspect of this celebration to ensure an unforgettable night. Here are the names set to bring MEGA’s grand vision to life.
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Sheila Romero, Co-Chair
With a wealth of experience and achievements under her belt, Sheila Romero will be gracing the MEGA Ball as this year’s co-chair. As the Chair & CEO of Global City Mandaue, Nara Thai Philippines, G900/Globalport Terminals, and F & S Holdings (Phil Air Asia), it goes without saying that she has achieved great success in the corporate world. Through her philanthropic nature, she has even founded the I Want to Share Foundation, a charity organization that helps children with cancer.
However, it doesn’t stop there. Sheila has also developed a deep passion for the art of collecting. By cultivating genuine relationships with gallerists, collectors, and artists alike, she has been able to establish profound connections and foster meaningful friendships.
With her extensive network and keen eye for detail, Sheila has been instrumental in bringing the event’s theme to life by helping pinpoint the true creative geniuses who are worthy of being hailed as masters in their respective fields. Moreover, she has strongly promoted elevating the up-and-coming talents in the thriving art landscape of the Philippines. Sheila Romero is set to make it a grand celebration of artistic excellence, paying tribute to the established masters of Philippine art while also highlighting the promising talents of the rising stars in the field.
Paolo Valenciano, Event Director
Paolo Valenciano, the son of Angeli Pangilinan and Gary Valenciano, is a familiar face in the spotlight. However, this year, he’s not just attending as a mere guest. Rather, he’s taking on an exciting role as the event director, with the aim of creating a memorable night for all attendees.
Paolo’s exceptional talent has been honed through directing high-profile shows such as Regine Velasquez’s “Freedom” concert and “Joseph the Dreamer,” allowing him to establish his own distinctive approach and style. For this occasion, he plans to take MEGA in a fresh direction, moving away from the over-the-top and lively visuals of past MEGA Balls. With a focus on cultivating a relaxed and inviting ambiance, the director aims to let everyone immerse themselves in the beauty of the artworks on display.
Beyond the ambiance, Paolo will also be adding his own unique flair. He took charge of curating the setlist for all performers, guaranteeing that the dynamic and colorful Filipino music scene remains at the forefront of the evening’s festivities. With his extensive experience and artistic vision, Paolo is poised to infuse this year’s event with fresh and unforgettable energy.
Photos: PAOLO VALENCIANO (via Instagram)
Robert Blancaflor, Styling
With over 20 years of experience, 4,000 events under his belt, and serving as the Managing Director of a company with a team composed of a creative staff, floral stylists, graphic artists, and production managers, Robert Blancaflor is undoubtedly the perfect choice to spearhead the styling team for this year’s MEGA Ball.
For the Rigodon Ballroom, Robert’s vision is to create a captivating ambiance with a mysterious and alluring dark theme to provide a backdrop that accentuates the striking works of art, allowing them to command the spotlight. On the other hand, The Conservatory is set to take a different styling direction. He aims to achieve a sense of sophistication and elegance by incorporating a palette of rich gold and champagne hues. The idea is to craft a refined and polished atmosphere that perfectly complements the showcased masterpieces.
While Robert is known for his beautiful maximalist take on event styling, he is taking his artistry to the next level for this year’s MEGA Ball. Instead of employing his signature style, he has opted to emphasize cultivating a setting that highlights the brilliance of the artwork. With a fresh approach, he strives to put emphasis on the artistic creations and make them the centerpiece of the styling.
With Robert Blancaflor at the helm of the styling team, this year’s MEGA Ball is sure to be an impressive aesthetic showcase.
Gary-Ross Pastrana, Art Curation and Logistics
Known for his unique ability to blend concepts and objects together, Gary-Ross Pastrana is known for producing works of art that are imbued with deep meaning and raw emotion while maintaining a subtle and enchanting quality that draws the viewer in and leaves them spellbound. This year, Gary is bringing his creative touch to the ball, determined to transform the event into a true masterpiece.
Gary’s main goal for the event is to captivate the audience with a compelling narrative conveyed through a range of mediums, creating an immersive and liberating experience. To achieve this, he has taken charge of the layouts in the Rigodon Ballroom and The Conservatory, ensuring a seamless flow throughout the event. The Conservatory is set to feature an exquisite display of the masters of art, representing the trailblazers of the industry, who will be passing on their legacy to the next generation of emerging artists at the Rigodon Ballroom. This arrangement conveys a profound message about the unbroken lineage of art and its influence on the Philippine art scene.
Just like his artworks, the event will be infused with Gary’s poetic artistic style. With his unique creative vision, attendees are in for a treat as they witness the power of art to transcend boundaries and ignite the imagination.
