It’s the time of the year when Kapamilya celebrities are supposed to gather and dazzle in the red carpet – all decked out in gowns and fancy tux. If it weren’t for the pandemic and other crisis we’re all facing, the country’s brightest stars (and entertainment peeps) would’ve kept up with the glamorous ABS-CBN Ball tradition – for fashion, fun, and charity. This year, artists simply travel back to their most vivid ABS-CBN or Star Magic Ball experience.
Apart from raising funds for the chosen beneficiary, the annual event serves as an exciting get-together for the whole Kapamilya family, especially for artists who haven’t seen each other in a while. The camaraderie is always the most thrilling part for Enchong Dee, who added that the occasion sometimes sparks romance among Kapamilya stars.
Lou Yanong made her ABS-CBN Ball debut last year and she’s glad to have experienced it with Pinoy Big Brother batchmates, making it more meaningful. Apart from the chaos and jitters during the prep time, Lou remembers Yamyam Gucong acting so cute copying her table and social etiquette throughout the night.
The firsts are always memorable. And for newcomers, being in the same place as their idols was a next-level dream taking shape. “The Four Bad Boys and Me” stars Mark Rivera and Jeremiah Lisbo drowned in euphoria while rubbing elbows with new friends and gawking at the bigger stars around them during their first ABS-CBN Ball events.
Yves Flores must have felt the same way when he joined the gathering after his PBB stint, taking a keen eye on the Star Magic regulars he only used to see on TV. Another PBB graduate Kaori Oinuma was likewise amazed to share an event with celebrities, and realize that she’s already one of them.
Elmo Magalona felt uncomfortable during his Star Magic Ball initiation. But to grace the most anticipated event in the entertainment world is definitely one for the books.
For the ladies, the occasion is always a big deal, considering that all eyes are on them. Sue Ramirez many times proved that she can slay the red carpet any year, with fever and all. Who would have thought that the scene-stealer, who wore a bold and dazzling “The Great Gatsby”-inspired look during the 2018 ABS-CBN Ball, was dealing with a 38.9 high fever? “Parang tutumba na ako sa red carpet pero nilaban ko talaga,” Sue recalls.
Chic red carpet darlings Elisse Joson and Jane Oineza pick last year’s event as the most memorable one for them. Everything is still fresh in their memories and it makes them miss all the feels. Michelle Vito also goes for the last one, saying it was the first time mom granted her permission to attend the after-party.
Kira Balinger looks back on her Star Magic Ball debut, saying “just to be in a room full of Star Magic artists” is enough to make it grand. The second time was likewise special as she walked the red carpet with Ryle Santiago.
What do you miss about the spectacular ABS-CBN Ball? The jaw-dropping outfits and ‘prom-posals’, maybe?