VIA GRAPHIC PLUS | MANILA, Philippines—Merz Aesthetics, the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics business, honored the Philippines’ leading aesthetic doctors and clinics at the Tala Awards 2026, held at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort Parañaque.
Anchored on the theme “Confidence Without Limits,” the annual celebration recognized the visionaries whose expertise, artistry, and commitment continue to shape the future of medical aesthetics and P-Beauty in the Philippines.
Bringing together nearly 500 distinguished guests, the event celebrated achievement, innovation, partnership, and legacy. Guests embraced the “Limitless Heritage” dress theme, showcasing Filipino heritage through timeless black ensembles accented with gold—symbolizing an industry rooted in authenticity while confidently looking toward the future.
Confidence Without Limits
More than an awards ceremony, Tala Awards 2026 celebrated the people behind the progress of medical aesthetics. The theme, Confidence Without Limits, reflected Merz Aesthetics’ and Vanguard Aesthetics’ shared belief in honoring the doctors and clinics who help patients discover and express that confidence every day.
The evening opened with a countdown and a special performance before host Jackie Go welcomed guests. Raymond Ong, Associate Vice President, Regional Commercial, Asia Pacific, Merz Aesthetics, officially opened the celebration by reflecting on the partnerships, innovation, and shared commitment that continue to shape the growth and future of medical aesthetics in the Philippines.
A highlight of the evening was a special lecture by internationally renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Nabil Fakih, who introduced a breakthrough hybrid approach of Belotero and Radiesse that combines the instant hydration and seamless integration of hyaluronic acid with the long-term collagen stimulation of calcium hydroxyapatite. The Belotero + Radiesse hybrid approach is a customizable combination that delivers hydration and volume with Belotero, and collagen stimulation and structural support with Radiesse, with results that can last up to 2 years.
A New Chapter for Ultherapy PRIME
One of the evening’s defining moments was the official introduction of Kathryn Bernardo – Asia’s Superstar as the new Philippine ambassador for Ultherapy PRIME. Unveiled following the brand’s hero film, Kathryn’s appointment marks a new chapter for Ultherapy PRIME, reflecting a shared commitment to confidence, authenticity, and informed self-care. In a conversation with host Jackie Go, she spoke about embracing healthy aging through consistency, making thoughtful choices, and seeking guidance from qualified medical professionals—values that naturally align with Ultherapy PRIME’s vision of helping people feel confident at every stage of life. The moment reinforced the brand’s position as the gold standard1,2 in non-invasive skin lifting and tightening.
The celebration continued with the Ultherapy CU Tala Awards – Legacy and Prime, recognizing 22 awardees, followed by the Ultherapy TD Tala Awards, honoring nine awardees.
The Overall Awards recognized outstanding clinics across multiple achievement levels.
3 Stars Overall
- Avignon Clinic
- HOO Dermatology
- Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations
- One Nadela Medical Group
5 Stars Overall
- Belo Medical Group
7 Stars Overall
- Aivee Clinic
Honoring the Leaders Behind P-Beauty
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Royal TALA Award, the highest distinction of the Tala Awards 2026. Reserved for a clinic that achieved 7-Star recognition across all award categories—including Ultherapy® transducers, Radiesse®, Belotero® Revive, the Belotero® HA filler portfolio, and the Merz Anti-Wrinkle Injection—the award symbolizes exceptional leadership and commitment to excellence.
Royal TALA Awardee 2026: The Aivee Clinic
This year’s Royal TALA Award was presented to The Aivee Clinic by Raymond Ong, Ryan Ng, CEO of Vanguard Aesthetics, and Dr. Nabil Fakih. For over a decade, the clinic has remained at the forefront of Philippine aesthetics through clinical excellence, innovation, and patient trust.
Accepting the honor, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo said,
“Thank you so much for this incredible recognition for Aivee Clinic—the 7-Star Royal Tala Award. It is truly an honor to be the only recipient of this distinction tonight, and we are deeply grateful for this recognition. What truly makes the difference are the doctors behind these technologies—the knowledge, the judgment, the experience, the hands, and ultimately, the ability to understand what each patient truly needs.
And I think that’s what makes tonight so meaningful. These awards are not simply a recognition of achievements, but a reminder of the passion and commitment we put into our craft every single day.”
Completing the Ultherapy PRIME Experience
Another innovation unveiled during the evening was the Ultherapy Mask, introduced as part of the evolving Ultherapy PRIME experience. Dr. Christie Moey, Medical Director of Maple Clinic and a respected regional aesthetic physician and educator, led the presentation and highlighted how the mask complements the Ultherapy PRIME journey by enhancing the overall post-treatment experience. The presentation underscored the brand’s continued commitment to innovation and patient confidence.
As Ultherapy PRIME continues to evolve, authenticity remains essential to the treatment experience. Patients are encouraged to ensure that their treatment is performed by a certified Ultherapy PRIME provider who has undergone rigorous training and is supported by Merz Aesthetics or an authorized distributor.
The awards continued with the Ultherapy PRIME Authenticity Awards, recognizing 57 awardees, followed by the Ultherapy Legacy Authenticity Awards, honoring 77 awardees for their enduring trust and commitment to the Ultherapy brand.
Vanguard ACES: Recognizing Educators & Leaders
The evening also recognized the Vanguard ACES (Aesthetics Champions & Educators)—a distinguished group of 25 doctors honored for their contributions to education, mentorship, and clinical leadership.
Presented by Dr. Stephen Claudio, Regional Medical Affairs Manager of Vanguard Aesthetics, and Dr. Kathlea Newland, Associate Director for Medical Affairs, Merz Aesthetics Asia Pacific, the recognition celebrated leaders who continue to raise standards in aesthetic medicine through knowledge-sharing and professional excellence.
Closing the celebration, Ong reaffirmed Merz Aesthetics’ and Vanguard Aesthetics’ shared commitment to innovation, education, and partnership.
“Our vision is a collective one—rooted in trust, innovation, and authenticity. With our partners, we will continue to fuel confidence and help Filipinos look better, feel better, and live better,” he said.
Through Tala Awards 2026, Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics once again celebrated the people driving the future of aesthetic medicine—recognizing that confidence knows no limits, and that excellence today creates the legacy of tomorrow.
