Preview Hall of Fame 2026 Spotlight: Combing Through Jing Monis’ Legacy

Like many creatives, Jing began exploring the world of hair and makeup artistry with a simple intention: to have fun. “I was still in college when I worked on a shoot for fun,” he recounted. “I started getting good feedback; a lot of people were complimenting my work.”

Recognizing its potential as a career, he honed his skills and deepened his knowledge by studying abroad. He then received offers to work with magazines, both international and local, including Preview.

“We wanted it to be different from the other local magazines then,” shared Myrza Sison, Summit Media’s Editor-at-Large and Preview’s founding Fashion Editor. Together with then-EIC Leah Puyat and then-Creative Director Raymond Lontok, she envisioned Preview as “fresh, young, more modern, more international.” She highlights, “I knew Jing would understand that right away. I knew there was no other hair and makeup artist who could do justice to our cover but him.”

Jing tags the experience as “a game-changer” that opened doors not only for him but also for the Philippines’ beauty and fashion industries. It was 1995 when the maiden issue of Preview was launched. Model Tweetie de Leon was dressed in Armani and flashed a beautiful smile, sporting a natural look for her hair and makeup.

The challenge for Jing was to create a hair and makeup look that was effortless and undetectable. Myrza details, “The prevalent look here was still heavy and overdone—bold, garish makeup and big, coiffed hair in magazines, in fashion shows, and in advertising. When Jing created that natural look for Tweetie, it stood out right away.”

“Jing focused on enhancing what was already beautiful—skin looked like skin, hair moved naturally, and the overall effect felt fresh and believable,” explains Myrza. Jing shares that he also treated it as “a test on whether the fashion industry will embrace the new look that we're trying to create.” Undeniably, the landmark editorial redefined how beauty was presented in the media, and we continue to see its effect today.

It’s safe to say that Preview and Jing flourished with their hands interlocked. While Preview coined the term “it girls” for Liz Uy, Bea Soriano, Anne Curtis, Solenn Heussaff, and Georgina Wilson, Jing sustained it and was the first to gather them for the billboard of his salon, which has evolved into an upscale empire that crowns many of the most stylish personalities in the country.

During Lea Salonga's prime in Miss Saigon, Preview featured her on the cover, and Jing created space to shine a light on who she was offstage. Jing considers that as one of his most memorable works with the publication.

More than a colleague, Myrza considers Jing a friend—the kind that will advocate for what’s best for you, even when you don’t understand it at first. “We started in the fashion industry together, and it was he who gave me a radical short, gamine haircut that initially made me cry—but also made me stand out and succeed in the Hong Kong and Singapore modeling scenes,” Myrza tells Preview. This characteristic also reflects in his works.

He brings out a more polished and more confident version of a person without overshadowing their authenticity, proving that beauty is a gift that keeps on giving.

Contrary to what it may seem on the surface, working in creative industries—more so in the Philippines—is a feat that’s not always fabulous. Living this truth shaped Jing to become a master of his craft. “During our time, there were no photo retouches, so what you see is what you get,” he shared. “You have to be detailed in terms of hair and makeup. If one strand of hair goes the wrong way, you have to reshoot the entire thing.”

The industry has evolved in many ways, but Jing’s approach to work has remained firm. “Every project that you do is always a challenge, regardless of how small the job or how big the project is.” He faces each assignment equipped with knowledge and understanding, and his mindset remains, “My work has to be better than what I researched.”

This has always been the case, according to Myrza. “He treats every job seriously. He shows up prepared, stays focused, and delivers quality work every time. That discipline, combined with his ability to adapt and stay relevant, is what has allowed him to stand out in a very competitive industry.”

Jing was always true to his individuality, but he has also been an ideal team player. The team for the first edition of Preview consisted of only four people—Leah, Raymond, Myrza, and Jing. “Besides being talented, very professional and so collaborative, Jing always brought creative, enthusiastic energy to the set—without an ego.” Myrza recalls, “He kept things light and enjoyable for everyone. I still remember the energy of those times.” From figuring out how to solve problems to celebrating with excitement when everything came together, Jing was there. “He played a big role in creating that sense of teamwork and trust that made the work better for all of us.”

Myrza adds, “People trust him because they know he will deliver every time, and in a fast-moving industry, that kind of dependability is what sustains a long career.” Jing is the type to listen to his collaborators respectfully, but he also advocates for the direction he believes will improve outcomes. “That confidence comes from experience and from really knowing his craft.”

Even after decades in the industry, Jing barely lets his hair down. He has always carried the willingness to push boundaries in the name of dedication and improvement. Myrza tells Preview, “He never stops learning and evolving, and whether working on a set or cutting and styling his clients’ hair in one of the many branches of his nationwide salon empire, he’s always looking ahead and thinking about what’s next.”

If you’re a young creative hoping to make it into the industry, just like how Jing was, he concludes with a word of advice:

“Enjoy it. Be a perfectionist. Don't be content with what you know at this moment. Always think outside the box, and don't work for the money—work for your passion. Money will come after when you're happy with what you're doing.”

There are many reasons Jing deserves to be honored as a Preview Hall of Fame awardee, and one that stands out is his generosity. Apart from his work and craftsmanship, Jing expresses, “I also hope to be remembered through the people I trained in the industry.” Shining through his legacy is his pure heart as a Filipino creative—one that lives to share his gifts and talents, pouring his passion from a seemingly bottomless cup.

The sky was never the limit for Jing. It was always just his starting point.