The belles and the boys
Celebs rocked Star Magic Ball 2017 with some wows and whoas here and there
Celebs rocked Star Magic Ball 2017 with some wows and whoas here and there
The star-studded and highlyanticipated Star Magic Ball never fails to give surprises every year. Last Saturday evening at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel was filled with glitz and glamour, celebrity show-stoppers in their gorgeous gowns and suits, stars who have gone solo, reel and real-life couples on dates, as well as the most awaited arrival of John Lloyd Cruz.
As excited as the celebrities were, the fans looked forward to seeing their favorite artists and love teams on the red carpet. Many love teams and real-life couples added sweetness to the event, while some who went solo slayed the red carpet with their stunning presence.
Couples and love teams
Love teams who came in pairs were “La Luna Sangre” stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, who have been attending the event together consistently for years, the always stunning love team Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano, sweet “Love You To The Stars And Back” stars Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto, special friends Kim Chiu and Xian Lim, and rumored couple Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona.
The younger and newer love teams, as well as those who are rumored to be dating, came together. Among those who came in pairs were Elisse Joson and McCoy de Leon, Diego Loyzaga and Sofia Andres, Iñigo Pascual and Maris Racal, Bailey May and Ylona Garcia, Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte, Jon Lucas and Michelle Vito, Devon Seron and Jin Ju Hyung, “Pinoy Big Brother” stars Maymay Entrata and Edward Barbers, and Kisses Delavin and Marco Gallo, among others.
Dating and real-life couples were also in attendance. Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson, who made news in 2010 when they went to the ball with different dates but were spotted leaving together, came to the ball more at ease with their status now. They also came together last year after they started dating each other again.
“Back then, it was (different), so it feels good na para bang everything fell into place. Now we’re more relaxed, enjoying. Ngayon mas less ’yung worry. It feels right,” Bea told the press.
As Gerald put it, “As the man, as her date, I’ll be the best date na kaya kong gawin. We’re better than ever.”
For engaged couple Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, this is the last time that they are attending as singles before they get married next year. While they are busy preparing for their upcoming wedding, Billy noted how his fiancé is so organized with everything but is not a bridezilla as she remains cool.
“We’re really excited because the next gown I would be putting on is a wedding gown. So, we’re just really looking forward to that big day,” Coleen said.
Billy’s close friend and TV host Luis Manzano came with his girlfriend, Jessy Mendiola. They came together at the ball for the second time now.
“I’m perfectly happy to be with her,” Luis said about his girlfriend.
Newly-married couple Dr. Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho graced the event, as well as Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Boy Sotto, John Prats and Isabel Oli, and Nyoy Volante and his wife Mikkie Bradshaw. Zsa Zsa Padilla also came with her again boyfriend and renowned architect Conrad Onglao. Paulo Avelino brought his girlfriend Jodie Elizabeth Tarasek for the first time. Engaged couple and expecting parents Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez looked great together in matching black outfits.
There were also celebrities who came with their children. Proud dad Ogie Alcasid came with up and coming star Leila, Aiko Melendez and son Andre were among the first ones who came, Jolina Magdangal brought his son and red carpet newbie Pele, as well as Denise Laurel with her charming son Alejandro. While the ball is composed mainly of Kapamilya stars, some GMA stars also graced the event. Rayver Cruz came with Kapuso actress Janine Gutierrez, who is being linked to him. Miss World Megan Young went with boyfriend Mikael Daez, and Heart Evangelista came with her husband, Senator Chiz Escudero.
Going solo
The stars who went solo still rocked at the ball. Star Magic’s prime actor Piolo Pascual walked solo on the red carpet but nevertheless partied with his celebrity friends. “Catch up with old friends, my bosses. Just to enjoy the night,” Piolo said. Asked why he was dateless, “Para maiba. Para masaya, walang issue.” Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach slayed the red carpet solo without her boyfriend and race car driver Marlon Stockinger but noted that they are okay. Arci Muñoz looked stunning in her sheer and beaded gown. She went dateless and looked forward to partying with her fellow Kapamilya stars, including Bela Padilla, Shaina Magdayao, and Jericho Rosales, who also came solo. John Lloyd, who was in a recent controversy with his social media posts and rumored relationship with Ellen Adarna, dodged the red carpet
and went straight to the ball.
Other celebrities who have gone separate ways with their partners recently also came solo. Erich Gonzales and Robi Domingo walked the red carpet alone but still looked happy at the big event. Both shared they are more focused on their careers now.
What the stars wore
Of course, the celebrities’ look is one of the ball’s highlights. Others looked sweet and princess-like with their gowns, while some did not hesitate to show some skin and their curves.
Liza looked like a runway model with her black and beaded Christian Dior gown, while Kathryn was a breath of fresh air with her nude-colored beaded gown designed by Patricia Santos.
Showing how much she values her fans, Kathryn took note of their suggestions on what to wear that night.
“Sila ’yung mga nag-suggest. Yearly inaabangan talaga nila. Madami silang tinweet sa akin na photos na ‘Sana maging ganito ’yung look mo for tonight.’ So ’yung silhouette na ito, idea nila, and of course styled by Kim and Boop Yap,” Kathrn shared. The stars went classy with the black and white theme, while a few chose a different color. Daniel looked stylish and fashion-forward with black long sleeves over a deep purple suit by Paulo Lazaro.
“Meron ba (motif)? Hindi ako nainform, akala ko kahit ano lang ang gusto mo,” Daniel said in jest.
Biggest winners
The Star Magic Ball is an annual event held by ABSCBN’s talent arm Star Magic, which is now on its 25th year. The Star Magic talents paid tribute to Star Magic founder Johnny Manahan and Star Creatives’ Chief Operating Officer Malou Santos.
KZ Tandingan, Yeng Constantino, Xian, Denise, Jolina, and Antoinette Taus performed a medley of Malou’s favorite songs, including “I Started A Joke,” “Betcha By Golly Wow” and “Dancing Queen.”
Young stars Enrique, Liza, Kathryn, Daniel, Janella, Elmo, as well as Maris, Iñigo, Elisse, and McCoy performed a dance number for Johnny. Piolo, Jericho, Angelica Panganiban, Bea, and Xian, as well as Star Magic pioneers Claudine Barretto and Kristine, led the tribute and toast for their founder.
Martin Nievera hosted the event and performed Sammy Davis’ “Just Once In A Lifetime.”
Luis and Jessy won the Couple of the Night, Kisses and Marco as the Best Dressed, Julia as Belle of the Ball, while Kathryn was named Star of the Night.