Megan Young: Youth in revolt

Megan Young is serious about her burgers. Looking at these images, one would think she’s on some strict salad-only diet, but when the waiter arrived with her sliders and a plateful of fries for this interview, I could tell, much like the shift in her image as of late, this girl is full of surprises and could care less about what others think of her.

Contrary to what her surname suggests, Megan has certainly come of age, reflecting an independent state of mind — one on the verge of womanhood. In the last few months, Megan has stood out from the sea of beautiful faces we’ve encountered on the scene. Her natural, dusky beauty and innate sense of style has earned her a spot on the red carpet’s most watched list, while her fun-loving demeanor was crucial in hosting important fashion events, major company launches, and her stint as a VJ for a music channel. 

YOUNG STAR: Your coming-of-age shift in image has been apparent in the last few months. Care to dissect it for us?

MEGAN YOUNG: I guess it’s because for the longest time, I’ve been tagged as a teenybopper girl, that’s the image they wanted me to portray. I think, being 21, I just want others to see the real side of me — the side of me that my friends see. Yes, I go out and have fun but I’m also responsible.

V-woman: The Channel V VJ’s music is unexpected.

You’ve been everywhere recently, spotted in almost every major event and becoming some sort of fashion darling. How does it feel?

I’ve always loved fashion so it’s a good feeling! Ever since I was in high school, my dad would send me magazines from the States. That’s where it all started. It progressed when I started asking for subscriptions! As for hosting events, I didn’t even know that I could host! One day, I was given a script for a hosting trial and management said I host well. After hearing that, I wanted to develop it.

Being a newbie in the field, are you pressured whenever you’re assigned to host major product launches?

Sometimes I do feel the pressure because I feel like it’s my job to sell the product to the audience. I’m just thankful that they trust me. I’m really happy that I’ve been hosting because I think it’s a skill that could really open doors for me and it’s a job I enjoy doing.

You’re also a VJ. Any festivals or concerts you’re dying to go to?

Well, my sister Lauren and I have always wanted to go to Coachella. I was supposed to go this year but I couldn’t because of conflicts with my work schedule. Hopefully I could go in the coming years. A lot of people think I’m an R&B girl, but actually I listen to a lot of British bands and more independent music.

What’s on heavy rotation on your speakers?

 I’m currently listening to The Temper Trap, The XX and Phoenix.

You mentioned your sister Lauren — now that she’s also been given a big break, is there any rivalry going on between you two?

With Lauren and I, people would assume that we have sibling rivalry, but the truth is, we have nothing but love for each other. Also, we belong to different age groups so our target audience is also different.

I also have siblings in the industry so I understand when you’re pitted against each other. How do you guys show your support to one another?

We call each other regularly. She’s younger, so I always make sure that she’s okay. I’m like the head of household now; I’m like the mother because it’s only Lauren, our brother Victor and I who live together here in Manila. One time she called me crying because of the pressure. She’s doing a remake of a show originally (starring) Claudine Barretto so you can just imagine the expectations. I gave her words of encouragement, and I make sure that I’m always there to guide her.

Hot hippie: Megan plans to camp out by the beach this summer.

You’re also headlining your own show soon called Hiyas. How are you feeling about that?

It’s a different feeling. I’m excited because they’ve been asking me what role I want to portray and I told them I love playing character roles. I want to play someone with a strong personality. I don’t mind playing the role of a bitch (laughs), only because I feel like it’s so far from my own personality.

When you’re out at night, I’m sure guys must be staring. What do you look for in a guy?

In relationships, I love a guy that I could just chill with. Someone I could talk to about anything. Aside from being a boyfriend, someone who could be a friend. I think that’s an important foundation of a good relationship.

Summer is around the corner. Any plans?

The newest place we’ve been going to is Anawangin in Zambales. My friends and I love it because we get to camp out by the beach. We bring tents and everything! No room service whatsoever which is so refreshing.

What other interests do you have that people might be surprised to learn about?

I’m really into Lomography. I love the “shoot from the hip” concept where you just shoot and nothing looks contrived. It’s fun waiting for your film to develop and see what kind of shots you get.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Honestly, I’m just living in the now. But I want to invest in something because I know for a fact that this is not forever. My dad also told me that I should start early and now that I’m already 21, I should be responsible for everything I do.

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ERRATUM: Last week’s feature on Mikael Daez was shot in Mr. Ferdinand Ong’s residence. Special thanks to Living Innovations Corp. Showroom, 2/F Makati Shangri-La.