June 12 is Philippine Independence Day. For 16 years, MEGA has marked the occasion with the MEGA Ball, an annual celebration of fashion, beauty, art, culture, and entertainment. It brings together established icons and rising stars from their respective industries to honor Filipino creativity and excellence. Since 2023, that celebration has evolved into highlighting different industries and the impact and influence of their respective figures with the MEGA Ball: Fashion+ series.
Starting with Art in 2023, Food in 2024, and Dance in 2025, the journey continues as the focus turns to cinema with MEGA Ball: Fashion+Film. In a post-pandemic era, movies, both as a medium and a form of entertainment, have shifted. But even with all these changes, film remains influential as a force that doesn’t just entertain but also inspires, educates, and enlightens audiences for the better.
The art of cinema still has its place in society, and MEGA Ball 2026 honored that fact with an evening dedicated to the spirit of storytelling and the women who have helped make local cinema the industry that it is. This intersection of film and fashion showcases how genuine vision, dedication, and passion will always meet the moment.
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Act 1: A Prologue Into a Night of Movie Magic
A grand celebration of cinema requires a grand venue, and for MEGA Ball: Fashion+Film, that was the Rizal Ballroom of The Makati Shangri-La, a venue that holds great meaning and memories in the history of the MEGA Ball. Alluding to the night’s theme of movies, the venue was adorned with giant film strips and a panoramic LED film wall strip inside the ballroom, evoking the feeling of entering a cinema and experiencing all the stories that are about to be told.
The dress code was black and white as interpreted by Filipino designers. Classic colors met Filipino craftsmanship and creativity for looks, outfits, and ensembles that turned heads for all the right reasons. It made for the most stylish movie premiere in the Metro as guests socialized in the foyer while enjoying drinks courtesy of Nyctophile Mixology and Bar Hosting and The Black Box Mobile Cocktail Bar. From reunions, catch-ups, and new connections, memories were made. Speaking of memories, those were captured as attendees struck a pose at MEGA’s booth vignettes designed by Jagger Studios.
MEGA Ball 2026’s sponsor and partner booths added to the glamour as they offered guests several photo opportunities and activations to enjoy before heading into the Rizal Ballroom. The Sunsilk booth had guests doing their best poses with a glambot and an iridescent backdrop. At the RPS Aesthetics photo booth, refined beauty was at the top of the call sheet. Dove celebrated the confidence and strength that come with an inspiring hair journey in their booth.
The Bingo Plus booth channeled the entertainment inherent in a night out in the movies and interviewed select attendees. Purse Maison reminded us that a trip to the cinema isn’t complete without a good purse. Meanwhile, IQOS and ZYN brought the movie theater experience with their immersive activations, complete with a bar, popcorn, and seats to enjoy the show.
Act 2: Sit Back and Relax, the Show Is Starting
Once attendees settled into their seats, the program began with Yanah Laurel, Sheena Lee Palad, Angia Laurel, David Ezra, and CJ Navato taking the stage to deliver a moving performance of Ryan Cayabyab’s O Bayan Ko, a staple segment of the MEGA Ball for years, and the Philippine National Anthem in celebration of Filipino pride and Independence Day.
Afterwards, Archie Carrasco, Chairman and CEO of AGC PHC, delivered his opening remarks in Tagalog as he shared the essence of the MEGA Ball and its place as a celebration championing the Filipino.
Gen Z actress Cassy Legaspi served as the evening’s host as she welcomed guests to MEGA Ball: Fashion+Film and invited the audience to look forward to a night of movie magic.
The first award of the night was presented by Dove. Five Filipinas, all from different walks of life but united in their efforts to be of service to their communities through their professions, were honored with the Real Repair Heroes Award. With Dove Peptide Bond, these inspiring ladies are the definition of everyday changemakers.
MEGA’s Editor-in-Chief Peewee Reyes‑Isidro then delivered her speech and introduced the theme and why fashion and film make for an influential combination. “Tonight’s theme recognizes the natural connections between fashion and film,” she shared. “Two creative forces that shape culture, influence, perception, and tell stories that endure across generations. This evening, we honor a visionary whose contributions in storytelling have shaped generations of Filipino audiences and continue to elevate Philippine cinema and television. Her legacy reminds us that meaningful stories create lasting impact.”
“Tonight’s theme recognizes the natural connections between fashion and film. Two creative forces that shape culture, influence, perception, and tell stories that endure across generations.”
— Peewee Reyes-Isidro, Editor-in-Chief of MEGA
Next, in a moment that highlighted the MEGA Ball’s commitment to honoring Filipino creativity and culture, past MEGA Ball Fashion+ co-chairs and MEGA Ball 2026’s co-chair went on stage for a special photo opportunity as Sheila Romero, Fashion+Art’s co-chair, Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, Fashion+Food’s co-chair, Georcelle Dapat-Sy, Fashion+Dance’s co-chair, and Iza Calzado, Fashion+Film’s co-chair were on stage side by side.
For MEGA Ball: Fashion+Film, MEGA collaborated with Michelin-recognized Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana Makati for the evening’s dinner. The menu was composed of some of Tadhana’s best dishes, but also spoke to Chef Frances’ own story as a Filipina chef making waves in the international culinary scene, who holds her Filipino roots close to her heart and cooking.
In keeping with the night’s theme, dinner was presented as a supper through scenes. More than just a meal, it was a multi-sensory experience where each course was introduced by scenes from classic Filipino feature films and memorable soundtracks playing in the background.
The cinematic moment began with the starters: Balayan Caesar, which is a Filipino interpretation of Caesar salad, and Ginataan Custard using Guimaras blue crabs. Next were the mains: Sinigang Sa Bayabas, a modern take on sinigang using dry-aged Maya-Maya as its main protein, and Inihaw, a classic Filipino comfort dish elevated with tender Iberico Pork. Last came the dessert with a contemporary Maja Blanca using sweet corn, coconut, and latik.
Act 3: Honoring a Storyteller Unlike Any Other
Once dinner service was over, MEGA Ball 2026’s co-chair Iza Calzado took to the stage to deliver her speech. The award-winning actress and President of AKTOR stood in front of the crowd, both humbled by her position as co-chair but also resolute in championing what is close to her heart. “It’s truly an honor to be the co-chair of this year’s MEGA Ball because for the first time, three of my greatest passions intersect in one night: film, fashion, and advocating for women,” she expressed.
Her speech emphasized the evening’s purpose. While acknowledging how cinema has changed over the past five years, Calzado also shared with the audience that the realities of the industry shouldn’t stop them from using their platform to champion Filipino films and Filipina creatives in front of and behind the camera.
Meaningful stories and storytellers will always matter, and the evening’s recipient of the Icon Award with IQOS is the living embodiment of that ethos. Charo Santos-Concio is an undeniable pioneer in local entertainment whose long-spanning career has taken her from actress, producer, and groundbreaking network executive, among others. Her enduring legacy and contributions to Philippine film and television across decades continue to inspire many.
Receiving a specially-designed trophy by Mateo Cacnio that is inspired by the trailblazing spirit of Philippine cinema’s leading ladies, Santos-Concio commemorated the moment by sharing how stories and storytelling have not only changed her life, but also the lives of others. “To all the women in cinema, in fashion, in whatever industry you’re in, continue telling your stories,” she said at the end of her speech. “Stories that empower, stories that preserve our values, and stories that will make a difference in the lives of the Filipinos.”
Act 4 and Epilogue: Post-Credits After Party
Closing the evening, MEGA gave a sneak peek of the sequel’s theme, Fashion+Music, with a special performance by the cast of Bongga Ka, Day: The Annie Batungbakal Musical, which is set to begin its run at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Newport World Resorts this September. KD Estrada, Jeff Moses, and Anthony Rosaldo brought the energy and stage presence as they previewed a few songs from the upcoming musical.
The performance served as a great way to start the after party as the main event came to a close. Guests continued the celebration into the night with dancing, laughter, memories, drinks, and DJ sets courtesy of IQOS. Guests looking for a quick break before heading back into the action had the option of going to the IQOS smoking area on the third floor.
Following a night at the movies, attendees were treated to curated gift bags as they left the venue. Each gift bag was filled with a selection of goodies from Clear Men, Sunsilk, IQOS, Dove, Bingo Plus, RPS Aesthetics, as well as the June 2026 print issue of MEGA Asia, making for a post-movie treat to enjoy long after the credits have rolled.
As the local cinema landscape continues to shift, MEGA Ball: Fashion+Film reminded many that movies will always have a place in culture and the women who help make them have the talent, skill, and influence to make and shape narratives, champion representation, and turn fictional stories and characters into real-life voices for change. Whether it be a sequel, prequel, or original idea, Filipino films have stories to tell worth listening to.
Special thanks to: Makati Shangri-La, Sunsilk, Dove, Purse Maison, Iqos, Zyn, BingoPlus, Jhaena Jewels, RPS Aesthetics, Clear Men, Awesam Smile Dental Clinic, Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, Tadhana and Taglish Seafood Steakhouse, Nyctophile Mixology and Bar Hosting, The Black Box Mobile Cocktail Bar, The Glam Hall Decor, Illo’s Group Inc., Glambot PH, and Mateo Cacnio
Photos by KIM ANGELA SANTOS, EXCEL PANLAQUE, and ED SIMON of KLIQ INC., KIM MONTES, MAGIC LIWANAG,and MIKE GELLA
Frequently Asked Questions
The MEGA Ball is MEGA’s annual gala held on June 12, Philippine Independence Day, celebrating Filipino creativity across fashion, beauty, art, culture, and entertainment. Now in its 16th year, it has evolved into the MEGA Ball: Fashion+ series since 2023.
MEGA Ball 2026 carried the theme Fashion+Film, honoring Philippine cinema and the Filipinas shaping it. It follows Fashion+Art (2023), Fashion+Food (2024), and Fashion+Dance (2025) in the ongoing MEGA Ball: Fashion+ series.
Charo Santos-Concio received the Icon Award, presented with IQOS. A pioneering actress, producer, and network executive, Santos-Concio’s decades of contributions to Philippine film and television were recognized with a trophy designed by Mateo Cacnio.
Gen Z actress Cassy Legaspi served as host, while actress and AKTOR President Iza Calzado co-chaired the evening, championing the intersection of Philippine cinema, fashion, and advocacy for Filipina creatives.
The event was held at the Rizal Ballroom of The Makati Shangri-La, decorated with film strips and a panoramic LED film wall to evoke a cinema atmosphere. Dinner was curated by Michelin-recognized Chef Frances Tariga of Tadhana Makati.
