Magic for a cause

MANILA, Philippines - “Magic for a Cause was truly magical. In less than a week, we put up a superb fashion show with the best directors, models, makeup artists and 80 of the top Star Magic artists. And we were able to raise millions,” said Star Magic head Johnny Manahan about the success of the two-hour benefit show last Oct. 11 at the ABS-CBN’s Studio 10.

Diether Ocampo and Bea Alonzo welcomed everyone on stage and introduced ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez for a short speech about the relief operations of ABS-CBN. Vina Morales rendered a song number before the fashion show began.

First batch on stage were Bench endorsers Enchong Dee, Robi Domingo, Shaina Magdayao, Jake Cuenca, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson and Zaijian Jaranilla who wore Pinoy Lab T-shirts followed by nine segments featuring each designer group’s collections.

Two of the most applauded were Pokwang who projected like a ramp model in her black suit while Gretchen Barretto and Piolo Pascual in Inno Sotto creations made the grand finale.

Sam Milby, Angelica Panganiban, Erich Gonzales, Shaina, Roxanne Guinoo, Carmen Soo, Megan Young, Melissa Ricks, Matt Evans, Empress Schuck strutted their way. There were also in between performances by Jed Madela, Laarni Lozada and Richard Poon.

Sagip Pamilya program director Tina Monson-Palma thanked Star Magic and the guests who extended help to Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng victims. The show ended with the stars singing Heal the World.

ABS-CBN bosses who attended the event were Deo Endrinal, Bong Osorio, Edson Aguiflor, Leo Katigbak, Mickey Muñoz, Jeffrey Remigio and Raul Manzano. Also seen in the event were Ben Chan, Miguel Pastor, Anton Barretto, Tessa Prieto-Valdes, Leah Puyat, Tessa Alindogan, Kitty Jacinto, Marissa Lopa, Melvin Chua, lawyer Joji Alonso, Alyanna and Albert Martinez, Ayala’s Rowena Tomeldan and Cathy Bengzon, Coca-Cola Tigers Asi Taulava, Chris Ross and Francis Allera, Coca-Cola Tigers assistant team manager Gerald Francisco, Coca-Cola’s public affairs and communications director JB Baylon, Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Metro editor Katina Holigores and Timex’s Avinash Uttamchandani.

The event raised P5.1-M cash donations from Bench (P1-M), Coca Cola Foundation (P1-M), The Bar (P1-M), Ultra Mega Supermarket (P500,000), Jennas Heart Foundation ($7,000), Melvin Chua ($5,000), Globe Asiatique (P200,000), Procter and Gamble (P100,000), RC Cola (P200,000), Royalty of We are One album of Baby James and Kris Aquino (P150,000), Century Properties (P100,000), Mayor Uy and the Municipality of Tagum City Davao (P100,000), Jobina Haw (P100,000), Liza Gokongwei (P50,000), Edgar Mangahas, Jose Tan of Toyota San Fernando, Rowena Tomeldan, Daisy Chua, Tina Aquino, Ideal People Model Management, Cathy Bengzon, Violeta Luna, Nikki Valdez, Leo Katigbak, Avinash Uttamchandani and Anne Cusi. The event’s live stream earnings and Internet hits through ABS-CBN Interactive will also be donated to typhoon victims.

Star Magic also received donations from Jewels (P2-M worth of clothes), Fit and Right (P1-M worth of drinks), Cherry Mobile (P500,000 worth of goods), BNY Jeans and Shirts, BUM Equipment, Ardent Inc., Max’s Restaurant, Robina Gokongwei, Sisters, clothing from Mykee Atelier Shop, Unilab, Folded & Hung, Robby Rabbit and Moose Gear, Wellmade Manufacturing Corp., Molecules and Particles and Centrum.

The Bar was the evening’s bar host and cocktails were served by Brazil! Brazil! through ABS-CBN Cable Channels and Print Media Group. Greenwich provided dinner for designers, models and production staff.

Magic for a Cause was directed by Ariel Lozada and will be aired on Oct. 31 on Lifestyle Channel.