Hundreds of stars marched to the Makati Shangri-La Ballroom on September 29, 2018 for the pioneer edition of ABS-CBN Ball. The red carpet didn’t lack glitz and glamour as the guests wowed in their best outfits designed by either the country’s top couturiers or international fashion labels.

Everyone truly pulled out all the stops to create the most dazzling, scene-stealing numbers. In this throwback gallery, we revisit the ultra-glam evening looks of the ABS-CBN Ball 2018 female attendees.

The launch of the first-ever ABS-CBN Ball promised a bigger and more inclusive event that features not only Star Magic talents but everyone in the Kapamilya community. True enough, spectators were delighted to see some surprise guests like veteran actresses Maricel Soriano and Lorna Tolentino. It also marked Angel Locsin’s return to a Ball held among Kapamilya stars, ten years since she last attended ABS-CBN’s previous annual gathering, the Star Magic Ball.

That night also witnessed the comeback of Anne Curtis on the red-carpet event among Kapamilya stars. Anne, one of the most-awarded attendees since Star Magic Ball, brought her A-game. She had her black ball gown custom-made by Monique Lhuillier, the same designer who created her wedding gown. As for the hair and accessories, she picked a sparkly headpiece and a pair of diamond earrings.

First-timer Sarah Geronimo went to the ball as Mateo Guidicelli’s date. The timeless beauty of Charo Santos, Sylvia Sanchez, and Eula Valdes stood out on the red carpet. Always one of the best-dressed, Maricar Reyes looked feminine, modern, and regal in a white satin outfit.

Beauty queens likewise came in attendance. Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach sparkled in a gold dress by Martin Bautista that matched her brown highlights and nude makeup. It seemed the glittery element was a favorite among our queens, as Catriona Gray, who would bag the Miss Universe crown that year, arrived in a shimmering silver gown by Mak Tumang, the same designer who created her iconic silhouettes in the Miss Universe competition including the famous Lava gown.

The Ball regulars like Erich Gonzales and Kim Chiu sashayed the red carpet with their ball gowns that remind us of fairy tale princesses. Meanwhile, crowd favorite Kathryn Bernardo opted for a sexy low-back dress.

A lot of ladies dared to bare some skin that night including Shaina Magdayao, Chie Filomeno, Charlie Dizon, Bela Padilla, Yam Concepcion, and Cristine Reyes, who all wore high-slit dresses. Meanwhile, Denise Laurel chose to highlight her gorgeous décolletage.

In terms of colors, Beauty Gonzalez, Moira dela Torre, Melai Francisco, and Jodi Sta. Maria’s silver and beige dresses were among the most recurring themes, alongside the usual black and white.

But the night wasn’t devoid of vivid attires, either. Yassi Pressman, Jane de Leon, Maris Racal, and Sue Ramirez looked stunning in red. Sofia Andres, Ria Atayde, Jona, and Jayda Avanzado donned rich blue numbers.

Janella Salvador and Jolina Magdangal were ahead of the pink “Barbiecore” trend. A splash of emerald green highlighted Angelica Panganiban’s feminine appeal.

We held our breaths as new-gen stars Maymay Entrata, Alexa Ilacad, Kira Balinger, and AC Bonifacio arrived in their romantic, dreamy ensembles.

Simple doesn’t mean boring. Jessy Mendiola, Barbie Imperial, Heaven Peralejo, and Vivoree Esclito proved so by wearing sexy yet classy slim-fitting dresses. Julia Barretto channelled her inner disco girl in a sparkly mini-dress.

Dimples Romana was probably the night’s most stand-out fashion rebel as she opted to wear a black pantsuit. Meanwhile, Jane Oineza and Arci Munoz surprised onlookers with their new hairstyles. Singers KZ Tandingan and Yeng Constantino incorporated their signature rocker-chic vibe into their red-carpet frocks.

The staging of this glitzy charity event was definitely one for the books as most of the attendees defied the traditional black and white motif and showed up in their chosen hues. Some other trends, among the women, were fringes and embroideries on their frocks and hairstyles that split in the middle, as well as highlights and full fringe.

ABS-CBN Ball 2018 is for the benefit of Bantay Bata Children's Village 163 re-launching. The blue ribbons worn by the attendees signify their support for the advocacy of the institution and the battle against child abuse.

This year, ABS-CBN Ball embarks on a new chapter that celebrates stories of gratitude and togetherness shared by the whole Kapamilya community – artists, employees, and collaborators.

Watch out for the grandest showbiz affair of the year! The ABS-CBN Ball 2023 happens on September 30 for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation.