Summer has indeed gone hotter, feistier, and wilder as Star Magic artists once again gathered in another fantastic event that celebrated the different sizes, shapes, color, and ages of beauty – the “Hot Summer: LaHot Sexy” grand party – that was held on Thursday, May 4, at The Island at The Palace located in Taguig City.
The event, which was livestreamed on Star Magic’s official YouTube channel and bore the tagline “Slay in any shape, any size, any age,” aimed to break the stigma and beauty standards, as well as to champion body positivity. It was hosted by Enchong Dee and Ria Atayde, and showcased an exciting mix of celebrities, mostly Star Magic talents, that truly “embody diversity, equality, and inclusion.”
Enchong commenced the four-hour show by enticing us with his handsome looks as he paraded going to the hosts’ area. As Ria finally joined him, they bantered about their outfits of the night, as well as what they’re looking forward to about the entire summer and that spectacular night.
ABS-CBN’s very own pop girl group BINI ushered in the first batch of celebrities through their performance of “B HU U R.” This included Luciana Andres, Hasna Cabral, Cianne Dominguez, Sam Coloso, Mary Delle Cascabelle, Wize Estabillo, Kristof Garcia, JM Dela Cerna, JM Yusores, Bryan Chong, Anthony Castillo, Igi Boy Flores, Alexa Macanan, Ivan Carapiet, Jimboy Martin, DJ Jhai Ho, Jimmy Nocon, Ivan de Guzman, Alyana Perlas, BGYO member Gelo Rivera, make-up artist Jake Galvez, and stylist Patty Yap.
Capping off the first batch of Star Magic artists that walked down the strip were Dirty Linen actress Xyriel Manabat, who was in an all-black outfit with corset that highlighted her curves, as well as Mars Ravelo’s Darna actor Paolo Gumabao, who swooned us with his minimalist all-black ensemble, too.
The hosts then invited DJ Jhai Ho, Paolo, Xyriel, and Patty to join them for a quick interview. Xyriel confessed that she actually did think twice if she’s going to attend because she thought that she not really prepared for it, mentally and physically. But since it’s not often that she gets invited in this kind of event, she decided to just go for it. Being the subject of sexual objectification, she firmly conveyed, “Our body should be celebrated, respected, and defended, and we should not justify someone na magtangka na mag-disrespect ng body natin in any way.”
Paolo also got to share his own definition of body positivity, which for him is “loving, accepting, and empowering not only your body, but other people’s body as well. Hindi pwedeng sa sarili lang natin ‘yong love, kailangan sa lahat.” He also imparted that he takes good care of his body by staying active and watching what he eats.
BINI once again led the entrance of the second batch of Star Magic artists to sashay on the strip as they sang “No Fear.” Cladded in edgy and unique numbers, Lie Reposposa, Jelay Pilones, Miss Q & A Queen of the Multibeks 2022 Anne Patricia Lorenzo, Lucas Garcia, Enzo Almario, Russu Laurente, Jay-r Albino, Drei Amahan, Asi Gatdula, Ishiro Incapas, Matthew Cruz, Redd Arcega, Jae Miranda, Kerwin King, Gela Alonte, River Joseph, Amanda Zamora, Alyssa Exala, Mika Pajares, Ella Cayabyab, Ruth Paga, Gail Banawis, Ralph Malibunas, Chico Alicaya, Crismar Menchavez, Quincy Villanueva, Shanaia Gomez, and Director Jojo Saguin all stunned us with their OOTNs.
Closing this batch were fast-rising stars Anji Salvacion and Bianca de Vera, as well as real-life couple RK Bagatsing and Jane Oineza, who just celebrated their second anniversary recently. They were also among the artists interviewed by Enchong and Ria, along with Lie and Anne Patricia.
Bianca opened up about her struggles in loving her body before and how she’s able to overcome it by changing her mindset and embracing her flaws. Anji, on the other hand, discussed the negative and positive impacts of social media in shaping one’s perception about beauty, as well as the importance of embracing one’s roots and core.
Lie, meanwhile, stated that the true definition of beauty for her is being beautiful inside and being confident with oneself, while Anne Patricia conveyed that the moment you learned how to embrace and appreciate your flaws is also the exact moment that you will realize you are sexy.
RK and Jane also delighted us with their presence together as they bantered with the hosts and talked about how important it is for the both of them to have a strong support system since we will not always love ourselves and have good days.
Youthful and feisty seemed to be the theme among the ensembles of the third batch of artists, comprised by Argel Saycon, Nonong Balinan, Ashley del Mundo, Lance Carr, Lou Yanong, Alora Sasam, Diana Mackey, Batit Espritu, Rans Rifol, Sela Guia, Gab Birkin, Moira Lacambra, Karl Gabriel, Sharina Villena, Izabel Reyes, Andrei King, Rica Kriemhild, Raf Juane, Isabel Laohoo, Gillian Vicencio, Jackie Gonzaga, Kice So, Gela Atayde, and Daniela Stranner. The last ones to rock the strip for this segment were AC Bonifacio, Enzo Pineda, Michelle Vito, Maymay Entrata, and Darren Espanto who all mesmerized us with their hot looks.
During the interview, real-life couple Michelle and Enzo, revealed their plans for the remaining days of summer since they’re known for being a well-travelled pair, while Argel talked about the value of taking good care of our body and keeping it healthy.
In light of the release of her newest single, Maymay imparted how she’s able to practice “Autodeadma” towards bashers through believing in herself. She expressed, “Naniniwala po ako na trust is confidence po talaga. Kapag confident ka sa sarili mo, nandoon na ‘yong courage mo na kaya mo nang i-‘autodeadma’ lahat ng fears, lahat ng doubt, at kahit anong negatibo po na humahadlang sa pag-abot ng pangarap mo. At siyempre, higit sa lahat po, ‘yong prayers talaga kasi ‘yon ang nagre-remind ng worth ko. Na kahit ano mang masamang sinasabi nila sa akin, alam kong Siya mahal ako at tanggap ako.”
For the fourth set of celebrities to walk down the strip, BGYO took their turn to herald their ingress through their performance of their song “Sabay.” Dressed in perky and cool ensembles, Jason Dy, Kaori Oinuma, Abi Kassem, Thamara Alexandria, Jenny Miller, Marlo Mortel, Jeremiah Lisbo, Gello Marquez, Sean Tristan, Renshi de Guzman, Erika Davis, Raven Rigor, Arabella Davao, Kei Kurosawa, Drey Brown, Maxine Trinidad, Laziz Rustamov, Rob Blackburn, Seham Daghlas, Zach Guerrero, and Rina Maier really made heads turn for them. Also mesmerizing us with their dashing looks were Karina Bautista, Barbie Imperial, and Joseph Marco and his girlfriend Dasha Romanova.
With how she has noticeably grown to become confident in posting her sexiness on social media, Karina commented, “There’s a lot of problems in this world, so ang hirap kung at war ka rin sa sarili mo. So, it’s time na i-accept mo rin ang sarili mo, i-embrace mo na. So, doing photoshoots, posing, I look into the camera and I see myself and I affirm myself na I am beautiful, and it’s time to share this beauty to the world.”
Joseph, along with his Russian model-girlfriend Dasha Romanova, commented about handling insecurities, saying: “Insecurities will always be part of our lives. But don’t let insecurities steal your happiness. You have to accept that you’re an imperfect person. So, just love yourself and accept who you are.”
On the other hand, Barbie opened up about she used to have a lot of insecurities before and how she has learned to overcome those and eventually ignore the naysayers who have nothing to do with their lives. Kaori, meanwhile, imparted how she feels to be part of this event and reminded everyone that we have our own uniqueness and beauty.
BGYO indeed made the world stop with their performance of “Tumitigil Ang Mundo,” as the fifth and final batch of artists stepped on the strip. Samantha Bernardo, Benedix Ramos, Jordan Andrews, Karen Bordador, Angelica Lao, John “Sweet” Lapus, Sky Quizon, Kiara Takahashi, Elyson de Dios, Zach Castañeda, Eian Rances, Dalia Varde, BINI Aiah Arceta, Kaila Estrada, Brent Manalo, Vivoree Esclito, and Alyssa Muhlach indeed impressed everyone with their sultry outfits for that night. Elisse Joson, Jake Cuenca, Chie Filomeno, Sue Ramirez ended this set through their scene-stealing presence and enthralling numbers.
When it comes to managing dwindling self-esteem, Brent advised: “May mga times talaga na hindi mo maiiwasan ‘yon ‘di ba? Pero, as long as you know who you are, your self-worth. Make sure na every once in a while, i-reassure mo ‘yong sarili mo na you’re perfect just the way you are.”
His on-screen partner Vivoree seconded his statement and added, “At the end of the day, you always have to encourage yourself kasi sino pa bang mag-e-encourage sa sarili mo if ikaw mismo hindi mag-e-encourage sa sarili mo”
Kaila, meanwhile, gave an advice to people with confidence issues by telling them, “The best thing to do is don’t compare yourself to other people because we’re all built differently, we’re all unique in our own way. Don’t compare yourself to people you see online because what we put online is the best versions of ourselves, so you don’t see the other side of the coin.”
She continued, “Focus on yourself, appreciate what you have, take care of your body, take care of your mental health, and that’s the best thing that you can do. Do what makes you feel good.”
On the other hand, Alyssa recounted her experience about being body shamed, especially during those times that she’s still joining beauty pageants, and how she’s able to address it by simply accepting that we have different body types and by being confident with herself.
Now that she’s already a mom, Elisse reminded moms out there whose body shapes changed after pregnancy by telling them not to be pressured and just take their time and own pace as they strive to reach their fittest and healthiest selves.
The pair of Chie and Jake also thrilled us with their presence together as they bared their respective summer plans and the importance of having a positive outlook towards our bodies and in life.
Ria and Enchong were then joined by Star Magic and TV Production Head Direk Laurenti Dyogi, who expressed his gratitude to everyone that graced and organized the event and enjoined everyone to help them promote their movement of redefining what sexy is, as well as body positivity and neutrality. He also thanked Ria for being one of the inspirations behind this campaign.
Darren then hyped up the party with his invigorating performance of his single “Tama Na,” which was succeeded by the stand-up comedy stint of comedian Nonong Balinan that chronicled his and other people’s experiences on being body shamed and poked fun at for their dark complexion.
The sizzling snaps of the Star Magic artists from the Metro Body photoshoot were also shown onscreen, prior to announcing the recipient of the first award for that evening, which was the “LaHottest Photo of 2023.” With how she served as an inspiration for other plus size girls like her and as one of the faces of this movement, host Ria Atayde’s sexy photograph was hailed as the most evoking of it all.
Comedienne-actress Alora Sasam then took centerstage as she delivered her “Spoken Word Poetry” that tackled her personal experiences on being body shamed and the common discriminatory remarks she got growing up, as well as how she stood up from those and learned to embrace her true self.
The Gitara Boys serenaded everyone with their swooning rendition of the classic OPM love song “Binibini.”
Afterwards, the “Fab 5 of the Night,” or the five artists who carried themselves with grace and confidence and really exuded positive attitude towards Star Magic’s advocacy, were bestowed the “LaHottest Confidence Special Award.” They were Anne Patricia Lorenzo, Jane Oineza, Karina Bautista, Joseph Marco, and Alora Sasam.
A feisty dance number from various Star Magic artists followed, which truly made the venue extra sweltering hot because of their sexy moves.
And the moment every one had been waiting for finally came – the awarding of winners of the “LaHottest King and Queen,” which was based on the votes cast by the fans and viewers. The “LaHottest King and Queen” 2nd runners-up are Pinoy Big Brother alumni Chico Alicaya and Chie Filomeno, while the promising pair of Brent Manalo and Vivoree Esclito is the “LaHottest King and Queen” 1st runner-up.
Garnering the highest number of votes were Eian Rances and Isabel Laohoo, thus they were hailed the “LaHottest King and Queen” grand winners.
The four-hour party concluded with Maymay Entrata’s energizing performance of her latest song “Autodeadma.”
Revisit the fun, feisty, and remarkable happenings during Star Magic’s Hot Summer: LaHot Sexy party HERE