2023 Tala Awards: The confidence to bloom

As one of the pioneers in the medical aesthetic industry, Merz Aesthetics continues to be a catalyst for change by recognizing top dermatologists, plastic surgeons, aestheticians, and beauty clinic owners in the country in one memorable night.

In partnership with Vanguard Aesthetics, Merz Aesthetics, the company behind Ultherapy® and its other brands, highlighted the best of the best in the local aesthetic medicine industry through the 2023 Tala Awards, held at the Shangri-La at The Fort in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig last Oct. 5.

With the theme “Confidence to Bloom,” which is inspired by the beauty of flowers, the 2023 Tala Awards placed the spotlight on how Merz Aesthetics’ local partners from the medical aesthetic industry worked hard in the past year not only for their own benefit, but for the interest of every one of their colleagues and patients. It is the biggest awards ceremony that Merz Aesthetics has hosted to date.

“Your success is our success. That’s what we want, for you to continue to flourish together, continue to grow. Standing here today, we celebrate together what we have all achieved in the past year, where we’ve grown and blossomed into confidence champions for our patients to look better, feel better, and be better,” Raymond Ong, Asia Pacific Regional Associate Vice President at Merz Aesthetics, told partners and attendees at the awards ceremony.

Continuing to make a name as a go-to treatment center for beauty and self-care services, The Aivee Clinic was given the most prestigious award of the night, the overall 7-Star award, as well as other major distinctions that solidified its status as one of the most trusted clinics in the country.

“This award represents the relentless pursuit of excellence, the effort, and unwavering commitment of not just one, but of the entire team that strives day in and day out to achieve a common goal and to remind us that consistency, perseverance, and a passion for what we do yield remarkable results,” said Dr. Aivee Aguilar Teo, President, Founder, and Medical Director of The Aivee Group.

A celebration of confidence

The night began with a discussion on Ultherapy® led by actress, model, and celebrity ambassador Ellen Adarna who talked about her journey from being a patient of the brand to representing it as an ambassador. Moreover, she discussed how her campaign No Bad Takes represents her outlook in life.

Ultherapy® is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes micro-focused ultrasound with real-time visualization (MFU-V) that lifts the neck, chin, and brow, and improves lines and wrinkles on the upper chest by going deeper to stimulate the production of the body’s own collagen through time-tested technology. The gold standard for non-surgical lifting, providers can see the layers of the skin they are treating, ensuring treatment is delivered to where it will be most beneficial.

“I feel that No Bad Takes really embodies my journey, not just with beauty and aesthetics, but it celebrates me—and it’s my goal to share this kind of confidence, this feeling of empowerment to everyone,” she said. “The No Bad Takes campaign is about achieving your best self without the need to change yourself, for that matter, even invasive treatments.”

Furthermore, Adarna talked about the value of Ultherapy® authenticity and how to spot clinics and machines that offer the real deal, while thanking all the members of the aesthetic medicine industry present in the audience for their dedication in making their patient live their most confident selves.

“I am so happy to meet and see them all today—all the fabulous doctors and centers who help us be our most confident self, so that we can be our own confidence champions ourselves,” she said.

Setting the standard

The first award of the evening was the Ultherapy® Authenticity Award which was presented to doctors and clinics who passed the criteria of giving authentic, excellent Ultherapy® treatments to their patients.

Afterwards, three to five star awards were given for the following categories: Ultherapy® Transducers, Ultherapy® Control Unit, Merz Pure Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Award, Merz Easy Adapt Hyaluronic Acid Filler, and Merz Versatile Regenerative Biostimulator.

For the night’s top awards, The Aivee Clinic received four major honors: the Overall 7-Star Award, 7-Star Ultherapy® Transducer Award, 7-Star Merz Pure Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Award, and the 7-Star Merz Easy Adapt Hyaluronic Acid Filler Award. It also won a 5-Star for Ultherapy® Control Unit Award and a 3-Star Merz Regenerative Biostimulator Award.

Accepting these awards were Dr. Aivee and Dr. Z Teo, along with their hardworking team at The Aivee Clinic and celebrity ambassadors Yassi Pressman, Cat Arambulo-Antonio, and Ferdie Salvador.

“This award also represents the ability to adapt, innovate, and stay consistent, demonstrate the willingness to embrace change and seek opportunities for growth, even in the face of challenges,” Dr. Aivee said in her acceptance speech of the Overall 7-Star Award.

Moreover, for Dr. Aivee, The Aivee Clinic’s awards represent how it places importance on collaboration and teamwork. They are the result of the team’s competence and shared goals, and a work culture that encourages everyone to excel in what they do.

“This recognition will not be possible without the support and dedication of every member of our organization—our hardworking doctors, nurses, managers, staff, and every member of our team. That is why I would like to share this recognition with the whole Aivee team,” she said.

“What really makes this recognition meaningful is the positive difference that we make in the industry—the value of trying to set standards, raising the bar, and trying to make a difference in inspiring others to strive for excellence,” she added.

Dr. Aivee then congratulated her colleagues, emphasizing that they will continue to work towards a common goal: to look after the best interests of their patients.

“Tonight, let’s just not celebrate these awards but also the values it represents—determination, innovation, teamwork, hard work, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Let us carry all these principles forward as we continue to make a difference and inspire others along the way,” she said.

Other big category winners for the night are Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations & HOO Dermatology, which both accepted the Overall 3-Star Award. Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations took home a total of five awards during the night. Aside from the Overall 3-Star Award, Luminisce Holistic Skin Innovations also took home the 7-Star Merz Easy Adapt Hyaluronic Acid Filler Award, 5-Star Merz Pure Anti-Wrinkle Treatment Award, 3-Star Merz Regenerative Biostimulator Award, and 3-Star Ultherapy® Transducer Award.

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To view the complete list of accredited Ultherapy® clinics and learn more about them, you may visit ultherapy-asia.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Know more about Vanguard Aesthetics on vga-asia.com. For the latest information, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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