For centuries, the world has treated a woman like an either/or—a temptress or saint, nurturer or powerhouse, beauty or brains. Whether laced into corsets of bone or limited by the glass ceilings throughout history, she has been measured and molded to fit prettily within carefully drawn lines. But there is no single way to be a woman. MEGA presents A Woman Is—a tribute to the women who defy definition, set the standard, and own their power.
RELATED: All the Highlights from MEGA Woman 100 Gala
To culminate Women’s Month, MEGA selected 28 women who embody modern empowerment in all its forms. They are power dressed in a thousand ways—some in suits, some in gowns, others in aprons, or even barefoot if they please. Spanning fashion to advocacy, sports to the arts, these 28 women are proof that in any industry, at any moment, power is hers to claim, shape, and own.
Miko Calo
A French culinary school graduate and Robuchon protégé, Chef Miko Calo is the first chef to hold a residency at a luxury Philippine hotel. Her accolades include Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016 and Italy’s Ordine della Stella d’Italia in 2018.
Abi Marquez
With a knack for turning Filipino comfort food into viral sensations, Abi Marquez has become a social media star. The ‘Lumpia Queen’ was among the nominees in the prestigious James Beard 2024 Media Awards and is the first Filipino to win a Webby Award in 2024.
Chelsea Theodossis
Young painter Chelsea Theodossis blends identity and culture into compelling, intricate works of art that challenge our perception of the world. Her work has graced exhibitions in London, Singapore, and the Philippines.
Ayka Go
Young painter Ayka Go turns paper into playful and profound art. Known for her colorful, 3D paper foldings, her work evokes your inner child. Exhibited globally, Go’s art invites you to see paper in a new light.
Anya Lagman
Composer, conductor, songwriter, and all-around music force, Anya Lagman is a woman of talent. Her compositions have been performed by renowned orchestras in prestigious venues and events across the United States and the Philippines.
Angia Laurel
Angia Laurel moves between music and makeup like it’s second nature. One moment she’s serving her next bold look, the next mixing melodies. A singer, songwriter, and beauty enthusiast, she turns every look and lyric into a statement.
Janica Cleto
Janica Cleto builds worlds—some with steel and stone, others with pigment and powder. An architect and makeup artist, she designs spaces and faces with the kind of artistry and precision that always leaves people wanting more.
Thazzia Falek
It’s not often you find a creative who ticks every box—vision, skill, beauty, and contagious energy—but Thazzia Falek does it all. A makeup artist whose work has graced billboards, editorials, and commercials, she makes beauty and the arts synonymous.
Gee Jocson
Fashion demands storytelling, and Gee Jocson is the hand behind some of the most striking narratives. The Filipina fashion stylist has a sharp eye for detail and drama, making even trends follow her lead.
Nina Amoncio
Fearless in both vision and execution, Nina Amoncio is the force behind the namesake brand ANTONINA. Her designs dress those who live unapologetically, every cut and detail disrupting the ordinary.
Andrea Tetangco
Andrea Tetangco turns even the simplest fabric into fairy tales, crafting bridal and event wear that celebrates every shade of femininity. With themes of womanhood stitched in her design philosophy, the designer makes her clients fall in love with being a woman.
Lulu Tan Gan
Designer Lulu Tan Gan reigns as the Queen of Knitwear, threading tradition with sustainability and innovation. With decades of design expertise up her sleeve, she cleverly dresses the confident and ever-evolving woman.
Chynna Mamawal
Every piece by young designer Chynna Mamawal is built to flatter, empower, and leave a lasting impression. Merging her strong business acumen with a strong eye for what her expansive clientele truly want, she makes them feel unstoppable.
Agatha Wong
Agatha Wong moves with precision—both in the arena and in life. A wushu champion and multi-medalist, she’s brought glory to the Philippines while balancing the intense grid of medical school.
Dia Mate
Dia Maté reigns in more ways than one—on stage, in the studio, and as the newly-crowned Reina Hispanoamericana 2025. The Caviteña beauty queen and singer-songwriter turns elegance into an art form.
Maria Isabela Galeria
Model and beauty queen Maria Isabela Galeria left a mark as a Binibining Pilipinas 2016 Top 15 finalist, but that was just the prelude. The probinsyana has landed numerous campaigns and runway shows and was on the cover of the MEGA September 2024 issue featuring 50 models of the moment.
Bella Racelis
Content creator Bella Racelis makes style feel personal and influence look effortless. With an innate knack for connecting with her young female audience, she’s quickly become every stylish girl’s digital best friend.
Chloe Sanguyo
Young trendsetter Chloe Sanguyo dresses with a daring kind of whimsy. Fashion is her highest mode of self-expression, and she inspires women to dress for their own gaze—not anyone else’s.
Marj Maroket-Winter
Beauty content creator Marj Maroket-Winter is the beauty big sister everyone needs—honest, knowledgeable, and refreshingly no-nonsense. From expert tips to candid reviews, she cuts through the digital clutter and makes beauty feel effortless.
Anna Magkawas
Anna Magkawas is in both the business of beauty and confidence. As the founder and CEO of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Group, she creates beauty solutions that go beyond skin deep, powered by an infectious kind of confidence.
Lierge Perey
Content creator Lierge Perey is more than just a pretty face. With her candid charm and irresistible storytelling, she leads the new era of beauty and fashion digital content—unfiltered and magnetic.
Steph Naval
Steph Naval is on a mission to make mental healthcare a right, not a luxury. She leads Empath, a mental health consultation service in the Philippines, bridging the gap between her own advocacy and accessible care at large.
Billie Dumaliang
Co-founder and Advocacy Director of Masungi Georeserve Billie Dumaliang is rewriting the future of conservation. In her fight for the land, she earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for Social Impact and led her team to win the United Nations SDG Inspire Award.
Tasha Tanjutco
Tasha Tanjutco turns creativity into a catalyst for change. A National Geographic Young Explorer and co-founder of youth empowerment and charity organization TAYO Philippines, she reimagines solutions for culture, climate, and children’s rights.
Lucille Dizon
Lucille Dizon does more than design jewelry; she shapes heirlooms that transcend generations. As a designer at Jul B. Dizon, she makes pieces that tell a story as precious as the gems she works with.
Suzette Ayson
JMA Jewelry founder and designer Suzette Ayson took her family’s jewelry legacy and gave it a new shine. With an impeccable eye for brilliance—both in gems and in design—she proves true luxury is always a cut above.
Roxanne Ang Farillas
Roxanne Ann Farillas knows that fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s a vision, a business, and a way of life. As the co-founder and creative force behind brands like Plains & Prints and RAF Manila, she continues to turn style into an empire.
Nicole Whisenhunt
Is jewelry just an adornment or a statement? For Nicole Whisenhunt, it’s both and more. The jeweler and jewelry designer masterfully reimagines traditional pieces with elaborate designs and unexpected twists.
Celebrate Women’s Month with these inspiring Filipinas on March 26. Subscribe to MEGA’s 6-issue package to get your invitation by clicking here.
Photography by JHARWIN CASTANEDA and EXCEL PANLAQUE. Videography by OMAR VILLANUEVA, assisted by VON DARWYN PORTUGAL and KIM SANTOS. Multimedia Artist GJ FAJILAN, assisted by JONES PALTENG and TROY NONATO. Styling by GEE JOCSON, assisted by GIO MANLANGIT, SASA ABDUL, and KASSANDRA GANDIONCO. Makeup by ANDREA LOIS and WARTHON REYES of TEAM RAFFY FRANCISCO. Digital Editor MIA CASTRO. Ad&Promo Supervisor TYRA SANCHEZ, Creative Direction GALLAHAN EAST, Content production by GABIE TANJUATCO, assisted by JILL BONIFACIO.
