By: Naiia Lajoie   With concert goers lining-up at the Crypto.com Arena to see Sabrina Carpenter, visitors waiting outside of the Los Angeles Convention Center to enter the LA Auto Show, and tourists in-town pre-Thanksgiving rush congregating at L.A. LIVE to skate the seasonal LA Kings Holiday Ice rink, there was no shortage of happenings on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025. Driving through the typical downtown traffic was precarious as usual, but the festive décor donning the Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown was well worth the heavy drive time. Given there were so many simultaneous activities going on that evening, we the Manila Up! staff were even more honored to have guests grace our 10th Anniversary Gala. Sonia Bermejo, founder, owner, and publisher of Manila Up! Magazine and its subsequent sister publications returned to Hotel Indigo to host the festivities given its receptive staff, quaint yet spacious facilities, and warm holiday decorations. The hall that received guests was clad in black and white Christmas bows and ornaments, echoing the night’s exclusive black and white attire dress code. Posters of people-of-interest who have previously graced the front cover of the magazine lined the hallway: President of Capital Holdings, Inc. Jet Sison, Commissioner of the Los Angeles County Commission for Women Jannelle So, and California State Assemblymember Jessica Caloza – who also gave the event’s opening remarks. Behind the scenes, models were getting ready to hit the runway; conference offices served as backstage dressing rooms to accommodate hair, makeup, and garment racks. A table showcasing the recently released commemorative Manila Up! Magazine 10th Anniversary Coffee Table Book was on display, where guests could purchase the beautifully assembled book (which is still available for purchase! Order via the website or contact Sonia for more information). Before taking their seats...... Read more on Full Issue!