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This Year’s MEGA Ball Helps Pave the Way for Our Future Artists

by Gretchen Gatan Fragada
June 13, 2023

The MEGA Ball’s theme this year highlights the intersection of art and fashion. And it serves as an inspiration to many young artists.

For over ten years now, MEGA Magazine has honored extraordinary homegrown talents on the Philippines’ Independence Day — by putting together the annual MEGA Ball. This tradition continues to uplift our rich cultural landscape. And this year is no different as MEGA delved deeper into the roots of our nation. From revolutionary strokes and images to innovative patterns and silhouettes, MEGA Ball 2023 put the spotlight on Filipino artists who persistently redefine the art scene.

Modern Parenting’s May Spotlight cover, Sheila Romero, was the Co-Chairperson this year. During her opening speech, she talked about bringing together the most talented minds in the realms of art and fashion and the intersection between the two. “For ages, fashion and art — two distinct but interconnected fields — have often overlapped in various ways. They both involve creativity, self-expression, and aesthetic. Both are used as a form of expression of a designer and an artist.”

Sheila poses with her husband Cong. Mikee Romero and wears a Mark Bumgarner gown hand painted by one of the awardees, Chelsea Theosossis.

A rich cultural heritage

Within this realm of art, the country has definitely experienced growth and recognition in recent years. The boundless creativity of many Filipino artists has truly helped elevate the local art scene. And the MEGA Ball celebrated the convergence of established and emerging artists — all for a bigger purpose to ensure the perpetuation of our country’s rich cultural heritage. “We give tribute to our established artists who have paved the way and continue to serve as inspiration to our emerging talents,” says Sheila.

MEGA Ball 2023 Awardees — MEGA Ball Awardees

The importance of supporting and nurturing young artists

As parents, we’re one of the first to witness our children showing a knack for the arts. Not to mention — we’re also the first ones to empower and cultivate it. We enroll them in classes that can help hone their talents and skills. Moreover, some of us even build mini art studios at home or bring our children to museums — both local and abroad — to expose them to different works.

This is why this year’s MEGA Ball, which awarded a number of emerging artists, is significant for us. Sheila Romero was able to capture it well in her speech, too. “As a mature collector, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to support and nurture our young artists. It is crucial that we provide them with the necessary resources, platforms, and opportunities to showcase their talents.”

“Initiatives such as mentorship programs, scholarships, and grants can empower them to pursue their artistic dreams and develop their skills further.”

Making art accessible to everyone

In her speech, Sheila emphasized making art inclusive as well. “Art has the power to inspire, heal, and ignite change. It should not be limited to gallery walls or confined to a few. By embracing technology, leveraging digital platforms, and creating community art spaces, we can democratize art — making them inclusive and available to all.”

And the MEGA Ball stands as a testament to this. “Let us remember the importance of supporting young artists and making art accessible to everyone. By doing so, we ensure that art continues to serve as a conduit for self-expression, inspiration, and cultural exchange.”