Defining the Now: Inside the VMAN Vanguards Club: The State of Pop
At Uma Nota Manila, creatives, screen stars, and tastemakers came together to celebrate The Present Issue and the people defining modern pop culture
- Bringing together over 150 industry insiders, models, and performers to toast the vanguard actively driving modern culture across Southeast Asia.
- Spotlighting Philippine cover star Heath Jornales alongside key talent, signature cocktails, and a room full of regional energy.
Gathering the VMAN circle
One night, guests started trickling in under Uma Nota Manila’s warm purple lights. With more than 150 creatives, actors, and close friends of the title in attendance, the room quickly filled up with familiar faces ready to celebrate VMAN Southeast Asia Volume 06: The Present Issue.
Familiar faces like Lee Victor, Alex Payan, and Jeff Moses filled the floor, catching up and posing for quick flash photos, with physical copies of the new issue making their way across tables as peers toasted the talent shaping the region’s current cultural scene.
Guests mingled over pass-around bites like mushroom and passion fruit tarts alongside free-flowing signature drinks. The open setup kept the focus entirely on good company, shared laughs, and effortless conversation throughout the night.
The milestone moment
Midway through the evening, the focus turned toward the screens as VMAN Southeast Asia Chief of Editorial Content Patrick Ty took the mic. He gave a quick speech welcoming everyone and noting that culture never stays still, and that this issue focuses on the people who make modern pop culture what it is today.
Right after, the screens lit up for the fashionFashionThe art and industry of designing, producing, and styling clothing, footwear, accessories, and beauty trends. It reflects cultural influences, personal expression, and evolving styles across seasons and markets.Go to Fashion Glossary film celebrating the 12-day VMAN 100 campaign, its follow-up, VMAN Headliners, and the September covers. Cheers went up across the room as Philippine cover star Heath Jornales joined Patrick and the team on stage.
Holding his cover, Heath officially marked the milestone alongside Patrick Ty and the VMAN Southeast Asia team, sharing a toast with friends, peers, and collaborators as the room cheered the new issue.
Beats, drinks, and the late-night shift
With the official speeches wrapped, the room slipped right back into its upbeat energy. DJ Cian took over the decks, playing a set that had guests storming the floor.
Glasses were raised across every corner of the lounge as guests stayed well past midnight. New conversations sparked up, old friends caught up on life, and the mood stayed easygoing until the very end.
By the time the night finally wound down, the latest edition of VMAN Vanguards Club proved to be exactly what it set out to be: a great night out celebrating the talent defining Southeast Asia’s present culture.
Frequently asked questions
It was an exclusive party hosted by VMAN Southeast Asia to celebrate the latest issue, Volume 06: The Present Issue, and celebrate the personalities featured on the VMAN 100 list.
The event was held on September 28, 2026, at Uma Nota Manila in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig.
Actor and reality star Heath Jornales was honored as the headline Philippine cover star for Volume 06.
The program featured remarks from Patrick Ty, the premiere of the VMAN 100 fashion film, and an onstage photo opportunity celebrating cover star Heath Jornales and the editorial team.
Music for the night was provided by DJ Cian, who played an open-format set that carried the party late into the evening.
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