For the umpteenth time this year, the biggest, brightest, and rising Kapamilya stars once again assembled for the launch of the Star Magic 30 catalogue, which is part of the momentous 30th anniversary celebration of the ABS-CBN talent arm Star Magic this year, which was held on Thursday, July 6, at The Blue Leaf Events Pavilion in Taguig City.

The event, hosted by Edward Barber and Kaila Estrada, commenced with a quick glimpse on the gallery of the artists’ blow-up photos and the goings on inside the venue. Loveteam KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad serenaded the attendees, which were comprised of Star magic managers, handlers, road managers, and artists, as well as of ABS-CBN executives, partners, and sponsors, with their single “Misteryo.”

Head of Star Magic Laurenti Dyogi delivered a hearty opening remark, through which he gave us a few hints on what to expect to the first-ever catalogue under his term in the talent arm, as well as the challenges that they went through in order to complete it.

“Our Star Magic 30th catalogue, it might appear simple pero pagkaingatan n’yo ‘yan, especially those who will love it, because if only each page could say a story, ang dami pong laman na kuwento ng aming catalogue. It took us three years, three long years to have this physical catalogue,” he related.

Then he added, “Because of the pandemic, because it was too difficult to shoot, to have our artists, with all the protocols during COVID, it was very challenging. That’s why this catalogue is very, very special and dear to us. This is one for the books. We made it special by having a merchandise box and, at the same time, it’s the first time. It’s a Japanese style, meaning there are two front pages, so that really makes it special.”

Direk Lauren then went on to express his gratitude to the hardworking and talented team behind it, and asked those who are going to acquire a copy to also treat it as something special and important like they do. 

We were also given a sneak-peek on the making of this special catalogue through an audio-visual representation, in which some of the main people behind it looked back on their journey towards completing this project.

This year’s theme, according to fashion photographer Dookie Ducay, is centered in “star power elevation.” Thus, their team really focused on the “artists’ individuality, versatility to showcase the styles and their own personalities as well.” He also takes pride on how they’re able to pull off this huge project amidst the challenges of the pandemic through the unwavering dedication of the creative and production teams and Star Magic family.

Myrrh Lao To, stylist for female celebrities, described this year’s catalogue as “more pasabog than before, more of an editorial, more creative” than its previous editions. For him, this year’s catalogue will be a reminder that “Star Magic is really the place where stars are born.”

Meanwhile, stylist for male celebrities David Milan also delights on how their shoots allowed him to witness the growth of some artists, especially the up-and-rising ones, and how far they’ve already gone in their careers and personal lives.

Star Magic’s Project Head and PR Manager Thess Gubi, Project and Creative Head Karen Odcenada, and Marketing Head and Artist Manager Alan Real also shared their sentiments about the new portfolio as they looked back on the struggles that this project went through, as well as the fondest memories they created together since they began working on it in November 2021.

Moreover, ABS-CBN Licensing Cluster 2 Head Paolo Soliven divulged that the catalogue will come in a box set, which is a hard box that fans can really keep for a long time. This is really a way of the fans to give back to the fans.

Edward then had the opportunity to chat with two Star Magic stalwarts Jolina Magdangal-Escueta and Dimples Romana onstage. The The Iron Heart actress recounted how she was in a special moment in her life when her portrait was shot since aside from being seven months with her bunso Elio, she was also so emotional that day since that coincided with the departure of her firstborn Cali for Australia. On the other hand, the Magandang Buhay momshie-host recalled how easier and more convenient the process of their photoshoots at present than back in a day, to which she’s really thankful for as a working mom.

Kaila, meanwhile, had the chance to ask Robi Domingo how does he feel to be part of the catalogue through the years. He conveyed, “I feel so happy, looking at the catalogues, it feels like a journal to me, na every single year something changes. And apparently, talagang since 2008, a lot has changed. And over the years, I feel really blessed to see this family keep on growing. Even though a lot of things have changed, one thing remains constant – and that is the magic of Star Magic.”

During his interview with Edward, award-winning veteran actor John Arcilla then commented how “important” and “kind of a flattery” it is for him to be part of this catalog, which is also his first time in his three-decade prolific career. This is because all the people that he admires and respects in the industry are all here- from the management and staff to the artists. Besides, Star Magic for him also equates to “tatak-world class, pero hindi nalilimutan ang pagmamahal sa Filipino at pagse-serve sa Filipino,” which is really a big deal for him as an internationally-acclaimed actor. 

His on-screen daughter Francine Diaz in the controversial primetime series Dirty Linen also had the same comment during her brief talk to Kaila. For her, being part of this year’s catalogue is also a milestone not just in her career, but in her life in general as well, since she is featured alongside the stars she’s been looking up to ever since she was still a kid and an aspiring actress. 

After Power Diva Angeline Quinto performed her highly popular hit “At Ang Hirap,” we were given a peek on the stunning portraits of the artists included in this year’s portfolio through an AVP. 

The hosts then had the chance to share the stage with Ultimate Phenomenal Loveteam Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, who teased about their much-awaited first-ever teleserye together entitled “Can’t Buy Me Love,” which will be helmed by Direk Mae Cruz-Alviar. According to them, the script is still under development, but they’ve already done immersions, meetings, look tests, poster shoots, and other preparations. 

When asked regarding their most memorable Star Magic moment, Donny said that it would be the series of workshops they went through in the early years of their careers, which didn’t only help develop and hone their talents, but also taught them the values that they carry with them along the way. He also commended the resilience and strength of everyone who has been part of the Star Magic family. 

Meanwhile, for Belle, it’s how they have formed close-knit bonds with their fellow artists and treated one another as family, especially whenever they work abroad together. Being part of this celebration is also truly significant for her since this is a reminder that she has been living the dream of her five-year-old self.

The celebration got more spectacular with the arrival of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. The Supreme Idol had a brief appearance onstage to greet everyone, especially the fans watching via livestream, as well as gave a short comment on being part of this milestone. 

On the other hand, the Asia’s Superstar elaborated how the annual Star Magic catalogue has always been so special for her. However, this year’s rendition is extra special because of everything they went through in order to pull this off.

“It’s such a prestigious shoot to be part of because it’s not just a usual pictorial na fashion na editorial or beauty that we do, ‘di ba? It’s us representing our second home, which is ABS-CBN and Star Magic. Despite all the challenges, despite lahat ng nangyari sa atin, nandito pa rin tayo. Maraming nabawas, pero marami ring nadagdag,” she stated. 

She also expressed how excited she is to see the catalog and her fellow Star Magic artists in it, “just being themselves and we’ll just see how much they’ve grown through the years.”

The program capped off with the artists present in the event signing and taking snaps with their blow-up pictures and with their fellow celebrities. 

The Star Magic 30 catalogue and merch box can be purchased on https://plusx.ph via pre-order.