Arguably, every “first” in our lives are highly significant and memorable, right? And the same went for the Star Magic Ball, which was one of the biggest gatherings of celebrities from 2007 to 2017. Throughout its successful 10-year run, we indeed witnessed plenty of “firsts,” which included the highly anticipated maiden appearances on the red carpet by our favorite stars!
With the ABS-CBN Ball 2023 fast-approaching, which is also the “first” in three years since the pandemic, let’s look back on the Star Magic Ball debut of our favorite Kapamilya stars in this edition of Kapamilya Snaps.
2007
It was indeed the “year of firsts” for ABS-CBN since this was when the prestigious Star Magic Ball was launched. Thus, Kapamilya stars made sure to make lasting impressions by dressing up to the nines.
Jodi Sta. Maria, Erich Gonzales, Jessy Mendiola, and Charo Santos graced the first-ever Star Magic Ball by wearing white gowns that made them look like goddesses. On the other hand, Maja Salvador and Bela Padilla opted for elegant numbers in black. There were also other actresses who dressed up in colorful frocks, such as Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, and Shaina Magdayao.
On the other hand, most of the gentlemen showed up in classic black and white tuxedos, like hotties Jake Cuenca, Sam Milby, Gerald Anderson, and Enchong Dee. Meanwhile, others chose to get cladded in suit and tie, such as Piolo Pascual, Zanjoe Marudo, Luis Manzano, and John Prats.
2008
Even though both of them have been in the industry for years prior to the second Star Magic Ball, but seasoned actresses Angel Locsin and Angelica Panganiban had their maiden appearances that year. The latter was apparently absent during the inaugural staging, while the former just became a certified Kapamilya in 2008. It was also PopRock Royalty Yeng Constantino’s first attendance after winning Pinoy Dream Academy Season 1.
All three of them expressed their personal styles in fashionable black ensembles.
2009
This year is definitely one for the books, especially for the fans of Coco Martin, Daniel Padilla, and Enrique Gil since it was in the third edition of the glitzy affair when they initially served us with their dapper looks in tuxedos.
Similar with long-time Kapamilyas Vhong Navarro and Jericho Rosales who were all-smiles during their red-carpet debut. It was also notable for avid supporters of Echo’s onscreen tandem with Kristine Hermosa since they got reunited that time, too.
2010
Believe it or not, although Kathryn Bernardo, Julia Montes, and Miles Ocampo have been in showbiz for years as former child stars, yet it was only in 2010 when the three of them first joined the much-awaited soiree. All of them decided to mark their maiden appearances in black dresses.
The same with Dimples Romana who, despite acting since the late 90s, just attended her first Ball that year. It was also Melai Cantiveros and her now-husband Jason Francisco’s first time after their remarkable stints in Pinoy Big Brother Double Up, in which the former came out as the Big Winner.
2011
She might not be a Kapamilya yet at that time, but Lovi Poe already made an appearance in the star-studded event hosted by ABS-CBN. It can be recalled that she came as the lovely date of Jake Cuenca, who was rumored to be her beau then.
Promising leading ladies Julia Barretto, Sue Ramirez, and Sofia Andres, who were all still teenagers at the time, also made their entrance to the annual gala by sashaying down the red carpet in white and black gowns. At the same time, heartthrobs Paulo Avelino and Joseph Marco had also begun joining the party that year.
2012
The world was believed to end that year, but their appearances in the Star Magic Ball had just started for Janella Salvador, Jane Oineza, Elisse Joson, and Chie Filomeno. These gorgeous ladies all looked sweet and delicate in the pretty dresses they wore.
Prior to winning the Miss Universe crown in 2015, Pia Wurtzbach made her red-carpet debut, too, by donning a sultry black number.
2013
A year after dominating The X Factor Philippines, KZ Tandingan showed up for the first time in the Ball. Cladded in an all-black ensemble, she was accompanied by her mentor and tatay-tatayan Martin Nievera.
It was also the initial attendance of McCoy de Leon, who arrived in a debonair tuxedo and with Elisse Joson as his beautiful arm candy. They were both part of the highly successful daytime series Be Careful With My Heart then, which served as their teleserye debut as newbies.
2014
Fresh from their PBB All In stints, former housemates Joshua Garcia, Loisa Andalio, and Maris Racal immediately charmed us in their maiden appearances.
Goin’ Bulilit alumni and former on-and-off-screen sweethearts Alexa Ilacad and Nash Aguas were also among some of the talented young stars who also made their debut that year.
2015
Just like the other celebrities mentioned in this list, Arjo Atayde and JC De Vera were both in the industry for quite some time before having their red-carpet debut. These two talented heartthrobs charmed us by strutting in sleek tuxedos and flashing their bright smiles.
2016
For the 10th Star Magic Ball, Jane de Leon, Ria Atayde, Heaven Peralejo, and Ronnie Alonte were the new stars on the red carpet. We also had glimpses of former child wonders Zaijian Jaranilla, Xyriel Manabat, Darren Espanto, and Kira Balinger in adorable suits and gowns.
2017
Following his unexpected transfer to ABS-CBN that year, showbiz onlookers were indeed anticipating the maiden appearance of Richard Gutierrez in the Star Magic Ball. And he didn’t disappoint as he and gorgeous wife Sarah Lahbati looked like a true king and queen as they graced the prestigious event.
We were also surprised by the attendance of Janine Gutierrez, who only became a certified Kapamilya in 2021. PBB Lucky 7 housemates Maymay Entrata and Vivoree Esclito also had their red-carpet debut then, a few months after their notable stints on the reality show, as well as fast-rising heartthrobs Donny Pangilinan, Tony Labrusca, and Juan Karlos Labajo, who all charmed us with their princely auras.
Who among these celebrities had the most remarkable Star Magic Ball entrance/s for you, Kapamilya?