Embodying both beauty and brains, Shaira Luna proves that every woman has the right to write her own narrative.
Related: Girl Power: There’s No Stopping Mela Habijan From Fighting the Good Fight
At an early age, Shaira Luna’s life story was already written out for her: the ‘90s child genius who would make her mark in the world of academics. However, despite the public pressure to follow the path laid out for her, Shaira bravely chose differently and redefined herself as a woman of the arts. Instead of expressing herself through scientific data, she chose to connect to others through the language of images; in doing so, she carved a status as one of the most in-demand photographers in the country.
Like her images, Shaira is distinctly feminine, with a dreamy and ethereal glow about her. Soft-spoken and quick to smile, her delicate nature belies her steel-like strength. “I think power for me is quite a gentle force. I think it really makes me look inward. And I think if you’re confident with yourself, it’s easier to share it with the people around you,” she shares.
Shaira’s strength also lies in the pursuit of her many passions. From directing music videos to being a proud advocate of thrifted fashion, she sees herself and the women she is surrounded with as multi-faceted individuals, “I think the women of today have evolved in so many ways I won’t even attempt to describe. But I love that everyone is helping one another. And there are so many avenues for us to express ourselves,” she explains. “I think our advantage now is that it’s so easy to connect with people not just in our country, but people all over the world who we can ask for support from who we can share our experiences from, and I think that gives us such a great advantage as women.” And while her photos filter the memories of the past with a sense of beauty and hope, Shaira sees the future for females in the same light. “In the future of females, I see lots of happy faces and dreams fulfilled.”
This power woman list co-presented by Pantene will also appear on MEGA’s April 2022 issue. Stay tuned!
Photography DOOKIE DUCAY
Creative direction JANN PASCUA
Art Direction NICOLE ALMERO
Beauty Direction MIA CASTRO
Makeup ANGEL MANHILOT
Hair RICHARD VILLAREY
Stylist GEE JOCSON assisted by MIKE LESOY, JASON MAGO, and MARKO JEFFERSON MOYA
Photography Assistant MARK CATUNGA and ANTHONY LUMAGBAS
Shoot Coordination KZ FRANCISCO, MJ ALMERO, MAVIC VEDAÑA, AND LOUIS ESGUERRA
Shot on location UPPER DECK PH and ROCKEFELLER STUDIOS
