REMEMBERING THE ULTIMATE MEGAWOMAN: SARI YAP
Ihave spent a good 16 years of my life in MEGA, the company that Sari built from the ground up. Like the many others who have stayed and even those who have moved on, we were all witness to Sari’s journey into building an empire that remains as vibrant and relevant, and will surely stand the test of time. Sari was a visionary. She wanted a magazine that would cater to Filipino women through MEGA, to inspire them with fashion and style. She was also a staunch supporter of Filipino fashion and designers, launching MEGA Young Designer’s Competition, which produced some of Philippine fashion’s biggest names. She also launched MEGA FASHION CREW, a TV show that discovered the next big photographers, makeup and hair artists, and stylists. She later created other brands that would cater to each and every Filipino, forming One Mega Group.
She believed that Filipino talent is global, thus she also spearheaded the MEGA Pinoy Pride Ball along with the MEGA Pinoy Pride Awards. Her achievements and accomplishments are countless making her a true MEGAWoman.
As a fearless leader who constantly challenged, and questioned, but at the same time empowered all those she worked with. She always motivated us to be our best selves. Sari believed in the power of creating a multiplatform product that is true to its DNA and at the same time, adaptive to cultural shifts. That is why MEGA is stronger than ever. With her life and legacy, she was truly a force to be reckoned with.
The year 2014 was a life-changing time for me. We had just wrapped up production of MEGA’s ground-breaking, 420-page, #MakingMegainSouthAfrica issue. While closing the book, Sari nonchalantly told me, “please write the editor’s note this month.” I was shocked, speechless and was soon in tears. It was a passing of the baton moment, but in true Sari style, done so simply and straightforward. She was ready to hand over the magazine she has built for the last 28 years to me.
Overwhelmed, I told her, “thank you, but I can’t be you. You gave me such big shoes to fill.” To which she quickly replied, “but that’s the beauty of it all Peewee, you don’t have to be me. You have to be you! And design your own shoes to fill.”
Sari probably taught me the greatest lesson, and it wasn’t just about how to make a magazine and how to be a good editor. It was to believe in myself, because she had already done so.
Sari thank you for all the lessons.
Thank you for your guidance.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you for loving the Filipino talent.
Thank you for believing in so many of us.
We, at MEGA, and the rest will strive hard and fight hard to continue your legacy because like you, we believe.