Let’s talk about influence, shall we? Like, really talk about it.

In the age of Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and even the more premium dot com has thrust unlikely superstars to the forefront, ones that aren’t necessarily worlds away from who we already are. Over the course of the recent years, the connotation of the word influence has mellowed out to something that people actually set action to, and not just to merely aspire for. At least that’s what the OGs are doing—and doing it really good. So much so, that we have come to start to listen to them when they communicate in whatever platform. Because let’s come off it, they have something to say.

With by-the-minute updates, curated timelines and creatively produced content at the helm, the digital influence has cut across different planes of society such as fashion, fitness and lifestyle. Barrelling through are David Guison, Alex Diaz and LA Aguinaldo, who all to their best capacity show us how to get the message across effectively in this day and age.

Following suit, we have dedicated our fashion, grooming and naturally, technology pages to cater to an online mindset. Think: A commentary on an obsession for reality and voyeurism, a study of products that do more work than we think and finally, innovations that capture the best memory. Pictures or it didn’t happen, right? Well, it’s all happening right now and it’s happening very fast. And we are all but willing to take on this ride.

In the persistent pursuit of the lives of the rich and famous, we mere mortals are often at that peering point of the outside looking in. With their lives lived in veritable fishbowls, we wonder what it must be like to submit to the power of the people, pressing their faces and tapping the glass for even just a speck of attention. What we do not know is that from the other side, the world is weighing on them, too. And in this process trails anxiety, self-doubt, and maybe even depression. The easier-said-than-done solution? Self-love.  “‘Yun ‘yung New Year’s resolution ko actually, na this year, mas mamahalin ko sarili ko. Of course, masarap mag-work, masarap kumita, pero kailangan mo muna isipin ‘yung sarili mo, lalo na ang health mo,” shares Ruru Marid, this month’s cover star. “Kailangan mong isipin na mas kailangan natin ‘yung katawan natin kaysa sa mas kailangan tayo ng katawan natin—and it’s not just physical, but also mental. We need to also think about what will make our minds at ease and at peace.” All it takes is one, and with this grasp of the self, even greater, more powerful things can spring forth from within, just you watch.

In the Theory of Evolution as penned by Charles Darwin, he defends that in the natural scheme of selection, it isn’t the strongest that survive, but rather the ones most agile and adept to change. Tracking our steps to the exploratory expanse of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, we figure out individual modes of survival, as exhibited by James Reid and Bret Jackson. Not even remotely complicit to any expected competition, the brothers, bound by circumstance and music, come together to endure and exist, proving that while now less calculated and perhaps well, careless, their truth is all that matters.

The turn of the new year usually signifies a severe shift. Whether it be of temperament, point-of-view, or physical change, this curious pivot in the calendar allows a point of introspection and realization that hopefully trickles throughout the rest of the year. Most opportune as it is, there is only a swelling surge of hope that things get better than what has gone by. 

A fitting first first into the new year, this first issue of the decade is no procedural reminder that rotates on change, resolution, and clean slates. What this stands to be is a consciousness to make things matter and count, just as Kit Thompson has since navigated his return to the mainstream. Yes, there will always be something to prove, something to say, and most importantly, something to do. While that still persists with enough aggression to spring us forward, there now exists an understanding that you don’t have to go hard or else you’ll go home. Any efforts will stack up to an end that is nothing but right and deserving of and by you. Welcome to the new year, a new age, and fittingly, a new you.

Following the rhythm that rules the inner workings of our actualized self, we make a move towards  heightened sense of self for our much-awaited fashion issue. There are no razzle, dazzle productions, pounding beats, and persisting buzz that commands the landscape of music today. Instead, we hear the subtle synths and thoughtful orchestrations that elevate the definition of what it takes to be a man today.

Emerging from the dug-out of his life, recalibrated and refreshed, cager and collaborator Kobe Paras stands taller, making it known why is out there set to win. Proving that there is more to his play and game, the explosive cager reveals his turn to fashion with a partnership with H&M that is a style slam dunk you should be taking notice of.

Further this month, we explore the tenets of menswear and thresh out whether the trends that fashion churns out becomes a moment missed. Whatever it reveals to be eventually, the earnest goal here is to make you understand yourself even more in fashion and style, hopefully giving you a more defined sense of self and perhaps a willful purpose pacing forward.

MEGAMAN gets straight to the point: Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the pack as a game changer and a model sports hero. PBA Legends regal us with their larger-than-life stories and the most cutting edge fashion makeover men’s style.

What is your truth? 
While our counterparts at MEGA talk about the beauty standard as qualified by the skin, we dive deep into a different kind of uncovering—one that aims to reveal the necessary truth that makes each and every one of us unique. Yes, there will still be lashes of skin here and there, but this time, we are going beyond just the surface level. 
Navigating through the complexities of fame and phenomenon, Alden Richards resurfaces to the forefront with many things on hand: a new film, a new confidence, and well, a new-ish disposition. Much more certain and deliberate in his footing, the actor makes it clear why he hasn’t really gone anywhere, just making himself better for us to be inspired by.

Never one to shy away from any challenge, the man will always come back, ready to take it head on with a recalibrated sense of self. This is the same thread that seams through this issue, where we wade through wade through the waters of all things hype and make sense of it.

A man of many hats, Matteo Guidicelli emerges with a new pursuit to append to his already glowing list of accomplishments. With a creative collaboration on a denim line with designer, Avel Bacudio, the actor, athlete and restaurateur reveals a side to him that is intriguing on many levels.

Whether it's a sprightly re-imagination of urban staples or searing scents to make an impression, we explore the uncharted and atypical to prove that things are just more than the hype attached to it. The results are surprising, proving that despite all things fleeting, there remains a penchant for the meaningful and memorable—in many more ways than one, obviously.

If we were you, we would put down that forkful of cake or that slice of pizza. Sure, the coming of the summer means an indulgence and a break from the rigors of your day-today, but it also means baring your body to an appropriate minimum. While all shapes and sizes are worth celebrating, it doesn’t hurt to at the very least extend more self-care. Not only is that body of yours a temple, it is also the only one you got. (Sorry, there is no proper word on the merits of cryogenic innovations—yet.) So, as always, we are encouraging you to be at your most comfortable and best this season. 
Naturally, this wouldn’t be an issue about the sun and the best of your body without an assemblage of the finest forms. A partnership with Euphoria Maxx, this year’s Best Bodies features seven men who swear by consistent hard work and undeterred discipline. Flanked together in a massive undertaking, Gab Lagman, Marco Gumabao, Jak Roberto, Kiko Estrada, Derrick Monasterio, David Licauco and Enzo Pineda stood their ground on their own physical and internal merits. 
This isn’t just a surface serving of body. More than anything, it is a ringing reminder that if you want something, you get up, you put in the work and then you keep on doing it even if you’ve already gotten the results you wanted.

Maybe they've just about had it or they're out to prove themselves against a ruling perception, but this month, the young'uns are stepping right up. Inching towards the front of the lines, it is high time we listen to what the youth has to say.

Marco Gallo is living out an adventure of a lifetime. Barely breaking on the cusp many great possibilities, he jets to Cuomo and Verona in his home country of Italy where he not only shows us a part of what he once was, but also fittingly serves as a glorious backdrop for his future. 

Nestled within the magazine are stories that reminds you of your own youth, in this case, a retro throwback in purple or a re-imagining of the 80s dad archetype. On the other end we also show you how to keep fresh with grooming innovations, as well as forward fashion to keep you up with the times.

So what if they're young? It becomes evident that the raring and ready will make a future that we all will benefit from. No one shouldn't count them out, because clearly, the kids are barely getting started.

Who says men can’t have their own stab at a fairy tale? While princesses and heroines take front and center in the narrative, as rightfully deserved, there is more to the prince charming than just being the one that stirs their hearts and sets their daydreams in motion. Barely even the surface of the story, these characters have their own stories to tell and this month, we are giving them their time in the sun.
 
Dapper, well-mannered and with an impression of possibilities ahead of him, Edward Barber is a textbook definition of a prince charming. But more than just his good looks, the young man is bubbling with passion and drive to make something of himself even this early on. Looking after his own trajectory, as well as that of his princess, the enthralling Maymay Entrata, Edward displays the makings of someone who is meant for greater things. And even more impressive, he is ready to get the work done, thus marking the beginning of his coming-of-age.
 
The dreaming and believing doesn’t stop with the idyllic stop at Heidelberg, Germany. We take our sometimes crazy fantasies and run with it to impossible heights. Whether it is an homage to our namesake video game, a not-so-scary day at the dentist to a nostalgic trip down a romantic memory lane, there is a lot to take in. If that doesn’t invite you in, maybe a coffee trail can waken your senses or perhaps a good shakedown on our constant pursuit of happiness.
If anything, we implore you to write your own fairy tale. With everything at your disposal, you can now start cracking at the narrative and make things happen. Whatever it may include, daring swordfights or not, we will be waiting to read them, too.

With renewed spirits and vigor, most of us are probably deep in thought on how what to learn and unlearn for the year that is to come. Whether or not you subscribe to resolutions doesn't matter. After all, isn't just an indulgent list we forget a few months in? Whatever the case may be, one must exercise a resolve to be more than what you already are now.

Playing the game of his life, up-and-coming baller and golden child of Philippine sports, Kobe Paras displays that even at a young age, one needs discipline and sacrifice to prevail above talent and passion. Inching closer to his dreams, he could very well be the inspiration that we need now.

Resolutions will come and go, but even though it is fleeting, it should remind us is that for the next 365 days we are to chart, we must pummel through harder, stronger and better than before. This is our big leagues and every move counts.

And just like that, the year is about to come to a close. But before it bows out completely, we are throwing a party for everything that has been in the past 365 days. Whether it left you winded or riding an awesome swell of a wave, it sure was something, right?

Speaking of having quite the year, Coco Martin proves why he is a legend in his own right. Striking harder than before, the actor, producer and now, director, shows us how a focused vision, tenacity and of course, talent, can take you far and wide.

We've also got you covered for all your Christmas-time needs. From a nostalgic turn at a deserted theme park, classic and technical menswear to effective grooming staples that are anything but last-minute, your holiday dilemma is a clear thing of the past.

From big strides, bold moves and most of all, memorable milestones, it was (or still is) a year to remember. But as with any effort, we aren't stopping here. Great and grand things are hovering over the horizon and trust that we will be making that the next destination. Care to join us for the rest of the ride? 


Photography Mark Nicdao
Art Direction Jann Pascua
Text Monique Buensalido
Styling and Sittings Editor Angelo Ramirez de Cartagena
Grooming Denise Ochoa
Shoot Coordination Justine Nido

We are writing new rules and this time, we mean it.

In an exposition of more than 100 pages, MEGA Man skids past its usual supplement template and takes on a full blown account of everything the man must see, read and know now. From the latest addition to your grooming and fitness routine, beer and booze pairing, and an dissection of the new leading man in cinema, this is the magazine we hoped and imagined it to be.

There was no other singular man in mind to front this special issue than the man, the myth and legend, John Lloyd Cruz. Plucked away to sunny and warm Portugal, we walk the streets of Lisbon where he lets us in on his state of mind right now. Wisened by time and circumstance, we begin to understand the inner workings of a genius' mind. Trust us, you will want to read this.


We cut to the feeling of age—urging the man to live an authentic life, whether he is young at heart or an old soul trapped in a rabid Millenial’s body. From the latest fragrances that charm to a walk down through the streets of Paris in age-appropriate outerwear, and even a round up of fitness inspirations with the best bodies, we got it all handled. 

Finally, we have a steely young man who is all but raring to break the mold laid out for him. Seemingly built by the gods, Tanner Mata is out to prove that he is more than just his fine, physical form. 

They say a man has no regard for age, perhaps shrugging off telling signs such as graying hair, sagging skin and slowed down metabolism as part and parcel of maturation. This doesn’t seem to hold true as of late as the modern gent has slowly come to terms with the hounding of numbers as the years go by. Today, fitness is at its prime and grooming concerns are of the essence. You know what, it’s about time. 


Tanner Mata
Photography ERWIN CANLAS
Art direction JANN PASCUA 
Styling ANGELO RAMIREZ DE CARTAGENA
Grooming RAYMOND ISAIS
Shoot coordination JUSTINE NIDO
Special thanks to IM AGENCY


Constantly on the pursuit of being the best man possible, MEGA Man sets off on more trails, this time taking on the rugged expanse of Cappadocia, Turkey. And boy was the view breathtaking.
Scaling new heights himself, McCoy de Leon is ready and raring for a turn at the spotlight. Inching closer toward the prime and contested spot, the up-and-coming young actor proves that with dreams and perhaps even a little bit of dance is all you need to catapult one to superstardom. 
With the geographical formations and natural, UNESCO-protected wonders as our playground, the stories within are not just grand, they are quite the revelation. 


When the talks of weddings come floating around our guards are suddenly raised way up, signalling a red alert to the deepest core of our systems. We understand the concern, it is a daunting thought to mull and an even more overwhelming chapter to delve into. And this one is a serious commitment. We are talking ‘til-death-do-you-part, a promise that shouldn’t be taken lightly. So, while the thought settles, we are here to help you become your own best man—you at your prime and your very best for yourself and for your partner in life. 

Hitting a confident stride in his life, Gerald Anderson unravels the irony of the long haul. Learning to walk and sprint at a pace before barrelling on through in the literal and figurative race of his life, the actor-athlete proves why he is meant to be in this industry. Stressing the importance of health and a strong immunity, Gerald has guarded himself with life’s experiences, as well as a helping of supplements much like Cosmo Cee.

Also in this issue, we help you ready yourself for that next crucial step by making sure you get engagement ring right. This way, the moment you get down on your knees and stutter through your speech, you know in your heart she will say, yes.

Where do you want to go in life? As hard-hitting, existential and stop-in-your-tracks as this question may be, it begs to be answered. Or well, appended by an easier one: Have you done enough to get there? 

Facing his challenges head on—literally and figuratively—Mond Gutierrez does a complete 180 as he went on a journey of transformation. With a very public No Excuses campaign with Century Tuna, the newly minted #fitspiration stuns in a remarkable weight loss that has everyone wondering: How did he do it? 

Take a trip down the pages of the travel-inspired issue where we take you from a menacing introspection in black and silver to covering your bases in the latest innovations in travel gear. 

We've got you decked and ready to. So, what's stopping you?

What is the good pride? A proponent of the deadly sins, it can easily turn from something so pure into primal, one that corrodes at the edges of the human soul. In the course of history it isn't unheard of, however as stalwarts of maintaining the good in the balance of life, we engage this month in the pursuit of upholding pride in the sense we should all aspire to.

A man who has grown into his own, there was no one else we had in mind to front this issue than Alden Richards. Counting on pride of the self and of the work he does, he displays a fine realization that belies his age. Never one to rest on just enoigh, he clues us in on what keeps him constantly reaching for the stars.

Pride takes form in many stories this month: From the latest collabs and collections from local retail standouts to a cut-and-paste collage of what makes us distinctly Filipino, we have got you covered from all ends.

Too much of a good thing can prove to be dangerous, as is the case with pride. Whether it is a pride that's malicious, that hurts or that uplifts, it is important to keep things in check. The task here is to funnel pride and make it matter, because in the end that is what will inspire and propel us forward than ever before.

Sure, there is much talk about the whole Netflix and Chill scenario and how ridiculously inviting it is, especially during the summer time. But for whatever the lure it offers, we'll do you a solid and nudge and push you to answer the call of that beating rhythm within you. 

Smashing and shattering any preconceived notions about men, modeling and mathematics, Pietro Boselli takes the charge this month of movement as we sit down for an exclusive with the world's hottest math teacher. Also included is an visual narrative that takes inspiration from the dictionary definition of falling.

Finally, we catch up with James Reid, the  millennial multi-hyphenate. Making a mad dash for a future uncertain but rife with possibilities.

This month we dare you: Get up, it's time you make a move.

Now more than ever, it seems that a considerable majority of the male populace spends a good most of the year slaving at the gym (or whatever fitness derivative) to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and let's admit it, to achieve that Herculean-body we all dream of. This month, we immerse ourselves in all things that relate to fitness and the body. And well, yes, it just so happens that the summer calls for it. 
For starters, we set off on an escape to La Union where an unlikely bond of brotherhood was formed with strikingly chiseled cover stars Joseph Marco, Dominic Roque and Ivan Dorschner. With different paths and trajectories, they come together and realize that hey, they are more alike than not.
Also in this month's issue, we round up alternative fitness regimens, get the low-down on the bare essentials and trek to the majestic Tangadan Falls of San Gabriel, La Union. 
This isn't just some surface level body talk. Seeping slowly into the male psyche, we cover all our bases in all things relating to an eventual peeling off the seasonal layers. After all, doesn't the summer call for an eventual state of undress?

Does the quest for the fountain of youth ring any bell? Interestingly enough, the expedition for the mythical spring was said to be led by a man (bless your persistent heart, Juan Ponce de Leon) in the 16th century. These days, it isn’t any different. While women lead the chase for youth a lot more proactively, men have since followed suit, albeit a little bit more low key.

We navigate through the water of youth this month with stories that take on youth in different facets—ƒrom brand new thriving fashion collectives, irreverent style personas and anti-aging grooming must-haves.

Giving a voice to this pervading generation is the rising superstars of BoybandPH. From unknowns to reality show by-products, the boys have since been fine-tuning their cumulative sound and setting sights on being the music industry’s next great act.

While youth is an arbitrary, sometimes subjective concept, it will always end up to be just the number it bears. What shouldn’t be lost, however, is the sense of wonder that the young bring. With that, all will be well and good.

Whatever the degree of daring you subscribe to, the fact still remains—we, as men, like to live on the edge. This month, things aren't any different as we prove (without mathematics) that the limit doesn't exist.

Taking us around the world and over in just a swipe, flick and double tap on our smartphones, modern day frontier man Jeremy Jauncey urges us to make that first step and take on an adventure unparalleled. 

Charting the many facets of the man in this issue include making a cannonball splash with Samsung, a one-on-one with Mark Bustos in Bench Barbers and finally, an after disco slowdown with the coolest 80s-inspired looks.

They say the world is ours for the taking and that well, adventure is out there. The only logical thing to do is to get out there,  seize it and tick off those boxes off your bucket list.

Boy, this year was something else. While it may have left us dizzied or in a frenzy, it did bring with it a lot of realizations and lessons learned. With roughly a month left to the calendar, we are taking a shot at making the year worth it. After all, we are all as accountable for its outcome as the next person.

Proving that great things happen in its right time and pace, actor JC Santos looks back at his breakout year. Unexpected but well-earned, he proves that with sweat, blood, tears and a dash of luck, dreams can be a reality.

Crossing over from the holidays and into the new year, we explore different facets of the man in "grandpa" fashion, shed light on body imaging and decode sensibilites through scents.

Trying as it may have been, there is more than enough time to make things right. We wouldn't be wasting any more time now. Just do it—whatever it is.

Hitting a more confident and grown up stride, Daniel Padilla champions this landmark issue with nothing less than Iceland’s glorious landscape behind him. Decked out in the season’s favored shade of green in cool, current cuts, the young adult reveals himself unlike ever before, further staking his claim as his generation’s supreme.
This month, we unveil our annual list of Men Of Style, an inimitable crew of future greats blazing their respective impassioned paths in a style that is impeccable, covetable but most importantly, comfortable. Leaf through our guide of strengthened grooming essentials and must-try fall trends.
Set your compasses up north, gents. This is going to be an adventure of a lifetime—and you better be in it for the long haul with us.

One year after the noontime phenomenon shattered the comfortable status quo of television, breaking the internet and soaring to unprecedented new heights, we find ourselves face-to-face with Alden Richards once more. In an adventure set 12,524 kilometers away from Philippine soil, we trudge through the busy and beaten terracotta paths of Casablanca and Marrakesh with the wide-eyed marvel, slowly discovering the wonders behind the mystique of Morocco, a parallel to figuring out why he was destined for this sort of greatness—even before he could personally believe it.

Tucked in between the pages of this month’s issue are stories that will take your retro-vintage sensibilities to a sepia-toned middle of nowhere, a modem punk re-imagination of Singin’ In The Rain with Converse, as well as an exclusive with fashion’s golden boy, Lucky Blue Smith.

April - May 2020

March 2020

February 2020

January 2020

December 2019

November 2019

October 2019

September 2019

August 2019

July 2019

July 2018

May 2018

April 2018

March 2018

February 2018

January 2018

MEGA Man  is the total guide to fashion, grooming, and culture for the modern man.

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MEGA Man - May 2018

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