Star power in Star Magic Games

MANILA, Philippines - Stars came out last July 31 for some exciting sporting action at the second Star Magic Games held at the Colegio de San Agustin (CSA) in Makati. As early as 7 a.m., the stars of the Kapamilya talent management arm showed up dressed in their team uniforms before the official parade of colors rolled out at the CSA gym.

Melissa Ricks and Erich Gonzales led the Yellow team; Empress and Jessy Mendiola for the Green team; Lauren Young and Megan Young for the Blue team; and Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes for the Red team.

Opening ceremonies started with a prayer by Piolo Pascual, followed by the sportsmanship oath led by Enchong Dee. Angeline Quinto sang the national anthem. John Lloyd Cruz gave a short message to his fellow Star Magic artists before the games started. ABS-CBN Publishing head Ernie Lopez officially opened the 2011 Star Magic Games. Hosts were Megan and Drei Felix as hosts.

The stars sweat it out in sports such as basketball, badminton, volleyball, dodge ball, pantintero and other fun games. The Red team emerged as the overall champion. The Yellow, Green and Blue teams landed in the second, third and fourth places, respectively.

In badminton, Piolo and designer M Barretto nailed the men’s division, while Erich and Kate Pepito in the women’s division. John Lapus and Ejay Falcon won in the mixed division. Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors were given to Kristel Moreno and Bettina Carlos for badminton and volleyball, respectively. Joseph Marco received the Rookie of the Year award. Special awards were given to Erich as Silka’s Face of the Day and Cherry Lou as Nestea Plunge of the Day. The tandem of Maja Salvador and Matteo Guidicelli hosted the awarding ceremonies.

From left: Piolo Pascual, Shaina Magdayao, ABS-CBN publishing head Ernie Lopez and John Lloyd Cruz

At the main event of basketball, the ASAP Rocks team of Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Vhong Navarro, Billy Crawford and Derek Ramsay outplayed by a mere one-point lead the Star Magic team of Gerald Anderson, Rayver Cruz, Xian Lim and Jason Abalos.

Also present were Star Studio editor-in-chief An Alcantara, ABS-CBN Cable Channels and Print Media Group head March Ventoza, ABS-CBN Publishing’s Phillip Cu-Unjieng, Channel 2 head Cory Vidanes, Star Magic heads Mariole Alberto and Johnny “Mr. M.” Manahan. Star Magic stars who lent their support and cheered for their teams were Jed Madela, Vina Morales, Shaina Magdayao and Angelica Panganiban. Also spotted were Venus Raj, Princess Velasco, Zia Quizon and Cristine Reyes.