GQ Philippines Debuts With Maiden Issue Cover Stars

Last September 12, 2026, GQ Philippines officially launched at the Manila Marriott Hotel, marking a milestone that finally opened its doors to unique experiences, ambitions, and the evolving individuality of the contemporary Filipino man.

This landmark edition joins the growing GQ global network, bringing style, culture, entertainment, and modern design through a local perspective. This marks the third Condé Nast title published through MEGA Global Licensing, Inc. (MGLI), following Vogue Philippines and Allure Philippines.

Hosted by Matteo Guidicelli, the launch brought together prominent figures from the worlds of fashion, music, entertainment, corporate business, sports, and the creative industries. Among those in attendance were GQ Philippines inaugural cover stars Darren Criss and Erwan Heussaff, alongside celebrities Anne Curtis-Smith, Nadine Lustre, Richard Gutierrez, and Barbie Imperial, among others.

The evening kicked off with welcoming remarks from Archie G. Carrasco, Chairman and CEO of AGC Power Holdings Corp., followed by a speech from Amy Mangino, Condé Nast Executive Director, Strategic Content Initiatives.

Wrapping up the event was the reveal of the three maiden issue covers featuring Jordan Clarkson, Criss, and Heussaff. Clarkson wasn’t able to make it to the event due to his commitments with training for the 2026-27 NBA season.

“Today, men can be powerful and vulnerable. Ambitious and grounded. Global in perspective, while remaining deeply proud of where they come from. That is the world GQ Philippines intends to capture,” Carrasco shares.

“With this landmark debut, GQ Philippines initiates a compelling new chapter in the region’s media landscape. The publication carves out a dedicated arena for narratives that look past superficial trends, capturing not just how Filipino men dress, but how they think, create, lead, connect, love, and live,” says the official press release.

For more information, visit gqphilippines.com and follow GQ Philippines on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Ralph Regis

Lifestyle and Culture Writer

Ralph Regis is a Lifestyle and Culture Writer at Billboard Philippines, where he bridges the worlds of film, television, fashion, art, food, and cultural trends with both the local and international music scene.

He has written extensively about artist collaborations, brand partnerships, and pop culture moments that connect back to music. He also brings stories to life through in-depth interviews with musicians and personalities, drawing on their diverse perspectives, opinions, and reflections on the human condition.

In addition, Ralph also writes about music releases across a wide range of genres, including pop, hip-hop, P-pop, and rock, highlighting both rising and established artists. With a passion for storytelling that goes beyond trends, he explores how music is part of our daily lives in one form or another, connecting culture, experiences, and everything in between.

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