2025 Tala Awards: Confidence in your prime

Vanguard Aesthetics and Merz Aesthetics® proudly celebrated the Tala Awards 2025 with the theme “Confidence in your PRIME” — a night honoring the artistry, innovation, and dedication of the Philippines’ leading dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aesthetic physicians, and beauty clinic partners.

Held on Aug. 28, at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Vertis North, the awards night welcomed over 400 distinguished partners, dressed in vibrant jewel tones of Filipiniana ensembles. The setting reflected the night’s theme, shining a light on excellence and authenticity at the very peak of confidence.

Confidence in your PRIME

The theme, “Confidence in your PRIME,” highlighted a celebration of milestones and authenticity—recognizing that confidence transcends age and is found in every stage of life. It highlights the unwavering commitment of doctors and clinics to transform and inspire Filipinos to embrace their beauty with pride.

As guests entered the venue, they were welcomed by a visually stunning gallery featuring the Ultherapy PRIME campaign led by ambassador Heart Evangelista and Belotero® Revive ambassador Barbie Imperial. Alongside this, curated displays showcased the full portfolio of Merz Aesthetics® brands: the gold standard for skin lifting and tightening Ultherapy PRIME, the regenerative biostimulator Radiesse®, the newest Belotero® Revive, Belotero®, and the trusted Merz Pure Anti-Wrinkle Injection.

The evening began with a striking countdown that chronicled the history of Merz Aesthetics® and its global impact in aesthetics. Host Issa Litton then introduced Raymond Ong, associate vice president for Regional Commercial, Merz Asia Pacific, who opened the night with heartfelt remarks.

“You, our partners, are at the very heart of this journey. The artistry in your hands, the planning and care behind every treatment, and the confidence you help patients discover—it all reflects the passion and excellence that define this industry. Confidence in your prime is about celebrating that passion and authenticity, and tonight, we celebrate you,” Ong shared.

Beautiful skin starts with revive

In its very first year at the Tala Awards is Belotero® Revive’s HA+Glycerol Skin Booster. Presenting the awards was the striking Barbie Imperial, who graced the stage with her natural and flawless beauty. Top winners of 7-Stars for Belotero® Revive are The Aivee Clinic and VW Dermatology.

The evening also featured scientific highlights from distinguished experts, showcasing the latest innovations in regenerative aesthetics.

Ultherapy PRIME: Foundation for measurable and synergistic rejuvenation

Dr. Jonathan Yu, board-certified dermatologist and advisory board member for Merz Aesthetics® APAC, presented compelling clinical evidence of Ultherapy PRIME’s ability to deliver measurable and natural lifting results, validated by 3D quantitative imaging technology. His findings showed significant improvements in jawline contour and submental lift—all achieved without fillers or volume loss.

He introduced a layered treatment journey, which combines Ultherapy PRIME to target the SMAS and platysma for deep structural lift, hyperdiluted Radiesse® to stimulate collagen and elastin for enhanced texture and radiance, and Belotero® Revive to restore hydration and glow, completing the transformation.

Dr. Yu emphasized that Ultherapy PRIME is both scientifically validated and patient-approved, providing a natural lift and defined contour within 90 days. This, he explained, is measurable, structural rejuvenation.

Vanguard ACES: Recognizing educators and leaders

A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Vanguard ACES (Aesthetics Champions & Educators)—a distinguished group of doctors who have been instrumental in elevating patient outcomes, sharing expertise, and advancing the aesthetics industry.

Presented by Dr. Stephen Claudio, Regional Medical Affairs manager of Vanguard Aesthetics, and Dr. Kathlea Newland, associate director for Medical Affairs of Merz Aesthetics® Asia Pacific, the ACES awardees were recognized for their key contributions in education, training, and clinical leadership.

“Your mission of helping Filipinos look better, feel better, and live better will only continue to grow. You are the best part of this journey,” Dr. Claudio affirmed.

The Ultherapy PRIME confidence moment

Ultherapy®, the gold standard* in non-invasive skin lifting and tightening, took center stage in a powerful showcase of its newest campaign for “See My Skin, Lift My Way: Love My PRIME.”

An In My PRIME manifesto was shared: “What does it mean to be in your prime? Empowerment. Authenticity. Embracing who you are and what you can be. In my prime, who I am has become clearer than ever. I discover new strengths and reach new peaks. I shine with confidence, own every moment, by being unapologetically me. Loving my prime at every stage—both inside and out. My journey. My confidence. My Ultherapy PRIME.”

This manifesto resonates with the regional campaign led by South Korean actors Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun, embracing a new era that reflects Ultherapy PRIME’s pursuit of empowering confidence and a commitment to pursuing continuous evolution.

“PRIME confidence isn’t defined by age—it’s about embracing who you are in every stage of life. It’s about owning your story, your strength, and finding beauty in your authenticity.”

Over 100 representatives of Ultherapy PRIME and Ultherapy® centers nationwide were called onstage to receive their certificates of authenticity. With more centers offering the treatment, this underscores the campaign’s empowering call for every Filipino to embrace confidence in their prime.

The Stellar winners of 2025

The night recognized the most outstanding performers across the country, shining the spotlight on excellence in aesthetic practice.

Overall 3-star awardees 

• House of Obagi (HOO)
• Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations
• OroDERM

Overall 7-star awardee

• The Aivee Clinic
• Belo Medical Group

The Royal TALA Award: A symbol of legacy and leadership

The Royal TALA Award stands as the highest distinction of the evening—an honor for the partner clinics who has achieved a 7-Star Award across all Merz Aesthetics® consumable brands: Ultherapy® transducers, the regenerative biostimulator Radiesse®, the newest Belotero® Revive, the Belotero® HA fillers, and the trusted Merz Pure Anti-Wrinkle Injection.

Royal Tala Awardee 2025: The Aivee Clinic

For over a decade, The Aivee Clinic has been recognized as a leader in Philippine aesthetics, consistently setting benchmarks in treatment excellence and patient trust. By combining clinical expertise with innovation, the clinic has become a symbol of authenticity, consistency, and transformative care.

The award was presented by Raymond Ong, associate vice president, Regional Commercial, Merz Asia Pacific; Vanguard Aesthetics CEO Ryan Ng; and General Manager Tetet Go.

Accepting the recognition, Dr. Aivee Aguilar-Teo expressed: “To receive the Royal TALA Award is a great honor. It represents not only our clinic’s journey, but also the trust of our patients, the dedication of our team, and our shared mission with Vanguard and Merz Aesthetics®—to inspire Filipinos to embrace confidence in every stage of life.”

Together with Dr. Z Teo, she dedicated the award to their staff and patients, reaffirming their commitment to excellence and leadership in the industry.

Looking ahead

The Tala Awards 2025 reaffirmed the shared commitment of Merz Aesthetics® and Vanguard Aesthetics: to drive innovation, provide robust support and education, and elevate the practice of aesthetics in the Philippines.

“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,” Ong concluded.

For more information on Ultherapy®, Ultherapy PRIME, and a complete list of accredited clinics, visit ultherapy-asia.com or follow @UltherapyPH on Facebook and Instagram.

To know more about Vanguard Aesthetics & Merz Aesthetics® products, visit vanguard-ph.com and follow @VanguardAestheticsPH on Facebook and Instagram. The Ultherapy®, Radiesse®, Belotero®, and Merz Aesthetics® logos are registered trademarks of the Merz group of companies.

Vanguard Aesthetics OPC is located at Unit 808 One Corporate Center, Julia Vargas Avenue corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

(Note from Vanguard Aesthetics: We do not recommend self-medication. We encourage patients to seek further information from their doctor and consult their qualified healthcare provider.)

*Gold Standard Reference:

Fabi, Sabrina G. et al. “Optimizing Patient Outcomes by Customizing Treatment With Microfocused Ultrasound With Visualization: Gold Standard Consensus Guidelines from an Expert Panel.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology vol. 18,5 (2019): 426-432.

Park, Je-Young et al. “Customized Treatment Using Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualization for Optimized Patient Outcomes: A Review of Skin-tightening Energy Technologies and a Pan-Asian Adaptation of the Expert Panel’s Gold Standard Consensus.” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology vol. 14,5 (2021): E70-E79.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by  Vanguard Aesthetics Philippines.