Star Magic keeps the Ball rolling

MANILA, Philippines - The downpour didn’t dim the shine of some of the country’s brightest Kapamilya stars that gathered for the annual Star Magic Ball on Sept. 12 at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. A sea of beige, ecru and champagne dominated the red carpet of the Rizal Ballroom this year, but more than the fashion and who’s-going-with-whom, entertainment reporters looked forward to getting answers from some names that got caught up in recent controversies leading to the sparkling celebration.

Last week, reports of an incident stemming from the drunken behavior of Enrique Gil and involving Jake Cuenca, Paulo Avelino, Luis Manzano, Liza Soberano and Jessy Mendiola  — a no-show at the party — surfaced, prompting Enrique to issue an apology in a TV interview. 

During the Star Magic Ball, Enrique told reporters on the red carpet that he’s happy that it’s over, “There were so many write-ups that came out from people who didn’t really know what happened inside that plane, sana tama na po. Let’s stop the bashing. I want to say thank you to everyone who has been showing support. After my last statement, I felt so good. I’m just so happy that it’s over now.”

Blooming in a Michael Cinco creation, Enrique’s loveteam partner Liza told The STAR that she wanted to be by Enrique’s side when he made a public apology on Friday night via TV Patrol. And before the pair left, Enrique asked everyone, for the last time, to put an end to all the bashing.

For Paulo, who arrived date-less in a cobalt Gucci suit, the issue ended when Enrique admitted his mistakes and said sorry. The actor — who plays Gen. Gregorio del Pilar in Jerrold Tarog’s period film, Heneral Luna, which is currently playing in theaters — admitted to getting a lot of undesirable comments following the incident.

“I received a lot of bashing, but I understand that they were just trying to protect and defend their idol. I view all these as part of a learning process; you need to learn to move on. But I’m also very grateful for the overwhelming support that I’ve been getting. Okay na kaming lahat,” said Paulo, who has another movie Resureksyon coming out this month.

Jake, who appeared with model-girlfriend Sarah Grace Kelley, had only positive things to say to his detractors.

“I actually admire the passion of Enrique and Liza’s fans, nakaka-bilib yung suporta nila sa idols nila. Of course, the bashing is annoying and hurtful but I actually appreciate their passion. Kaibigan ko lahat ng involved, and maayos na talaga kami ngayon. My conscience is clean and I’m not a liar. I can live and move on from it. I’m an actor, ipapakita ko na lang yung kakayahan ko,” the Pasión de Amor star declared.

Another celeb who was also caught up in a pre-Star Magic Ball controversy was Julia Barretto after an alleged fan-snubbing video of her in London went viral. Julia quickly took her sentiments to Instagram and aired her side again in an interview on the red carpet.

“It was a 15-second video, it didn’t cover everything that really happened. It didn’t show the part where I acknowledged the fans. But if I have offended or hurt anyone, I’m really sorry. I hope that short clip would not define me as a person; I really worked hard to get to where I am right now. I try my best every day pero hindi ‘yun ang napapansin, palaging mas napapansin ‘yung mga pagkakamali ko,” expressed Julia, who wore a delicate Mark Bumgarner dress.

Julia also reiterated that there is nothing going on between her and James Reid — something that should appease the JaDine fandom.

The red carpet also welcomed unlikely pairings that were a breath of fresh air.

Piolo Pascual arrived with his son, Iñigo, who was a first-timer at the ball. “He chose to go with me tonight and this will be something memorable for me,” said the dashing actor in a tailored Dior suit.

Piolo also denied having any romantic ties with Maja Salvador, saying that people just mistook their friendship for something else.

Other adorable pair-ups were Jodi Sta. Maria and son Thirdy, Teresa Loyzaga and son Diego, and Gerald Anderson and his niece Lyra. Gerald’s adorable date elicited laughs when she told the press that she wanted to see Ate Maja (Salvador), Gerald’s ex-girlfriend.

The Star Magic Ball has always been a good venue for stars to announce their relationship status, and last Saturday’s ball was clearly not an exemption. Shutting down rumors and proving that they’re going strong were John Lloyd Cruz and Angelica Panganiban, Daniel Matsunaga and Erich Gonzales, and Zanjoe Marudo and Bea Alonzo. Bea, clad in an understated Alexander McQueen design, said that her look that night was Zanjoe’s favorite. Why? “Kasi walang train ang dress ko, hindi siya mahihirapang magbuhat,” the actress quipped.

Star of the Night awardee Julia Montes, who exuded timeless elegance in Albert Andrada, walked the red carpet solo. With her two leading men in Doble Kara and Coco Martin constantly being linked to her, Julia had a short answer when asked why she went by herself: “I want to enjoy this alone.”

The two major awards at the ninth edition of the Star Magic Ball, which was also a tribute to ABS-CBN president Charo Santos-Concio, went to the KathNiel and KimXi loveteams. Kathryn Bernardo, in Michael Cinco, and Daniel Padilla, in Joey Samson, were named Best Dressed Couple, while Kim Chiu and Xian Lim were hailed Couple of the Night.