‘A Night of 100 Stars’ lives up to its name
Held on March 9, the event billed as “A Night of 100 Stars” certainly lived up to its name.
That Sunday evening, the constellation of TV and movie “stars” that Johnny Manahan (a.k.a. Mr. M) helped to create came in full force to Okura hotel for a much-anticipated reunion and to celebrate the birthday of events curator par excellence Keren Pascual.
Okura hotel pulled all the stops that evening. Those entering the venue were greeted by the “Night of 100 Stars” backdrop for the attendance photo op. Drinks were free-flowing and the buffet table teemed with a wide array of sumptuous dishes to choose from: assorted sashimis, sushis, yakiniku (beef, chicken, pork, salmon, lamb), and mixed tempura. There was also a prime rib carving station and an area for assorted desserts where you could take your pick of cookies, pastries, fresh fruits and ice cream.
Cocktails were also served and the air buzzed with delighted greetings as guests said hello to one another. It was nice seeing everyone having a grand time catching up and looking so glamorous in the black, white or champagne get-ups as requested in the invitation.
And when Mr. M and Mariole Alberto arrived, all the stars rushed to greet them and to take selfies. After all, it was the guidance of Mr. M and Mariole that propelled their careers to new heights.
While we were seated and enjoying our dinner, what was already a starry night sparkled even brighter when the entertainment began. Richard Poon came onstage to sing a few beautiful songs as a live band accompanied him. Shortly after, it was Martin Nievera’s turn to serenade the guests with his signature love songs.
Among the showbiz personalities present were Piolo Pascual, who had just arrived the night before from Los Angeles for the screening of “The Kingdom”; and Jericho Rosales, who came without girlfriend Janine Gutierrez because she had a shoot that night.
I also saw Maja Salvador and husband Rambo Nuñez, and a dapper Sam Milby. Dimples Romana did double duty as a guest and a host for the event. I had a brief chat with Angelica Panganiban and couldn’t resist telling her how adorable her baby Beans is and how she should have another baby soon, hopefully, a boy this time.
Seated at our table were Vina Morales and Shaina Magdayao, who confessed that she’s single at the moment and open to dating. Nearby was the very lovely and glowing Julia Montes. Nikki Valdez was busy chatting with Maricar Reyes-Poon, while Mylene Dizon, Glaiza de Castro, Patrick Garcia, Cheska Garcia and husband Doug Kramer had a group chat of their own.
It was also heartwarming to see a reunion of ABS-CBN’s semi-retired stars like Roxanne Guinoo, Guia Alvarez, Jan Marini with her husband Gerard Pizarras and Bojo Molina who flew from Guam where he now resides just to attend the event. I also said hello to Angelu de Leon, who has been in the world of politics since 2022 as a member of the Pasig City Council’s second district.
Three of our top singers — Erik Santos, Yeng Constantino and Darren Espanto — were there, too. Sharing a table were Rodjun Cruz, Joross Gamboa, Ketchup Eusebio, Eric Nicolas, Kyline Alcantara, Jon Lucas and Baron Geisler.
Among the non-showbiz personalities present were Sen. Koko Pimentel who came with very lovely wife Kath, Jackie Ejercito, star maker Jojie Dingcong, columnist Leah Puyat, restaurateur and Nanay partylist firstt nominee Florabel Co-Yatco, Wildflour restaurant owner Ana Lorenzana de Ocampo, and a slimmer-than-ever Dr. Vicki Belo with husband Hayden Kho. Socialite Tessa Prieto came with Irene Nubla, and eventologist Tim Yap made quite the impression in his all-white suit.
Despite the dazzling star-wattage of all those present, I found the event to be refreshingly chillaxed and devoid of any drama. Sharing my sentiments about the glittery but warm gathering of showbiz folk and personal friends of Mr. M’s and Keren Pascual’s was Kapamilya-turned-Kapuso actor Rayver Cruz, who is now in a serious relationship with singer/actress Julie Anne San Jose.
He even confided that he wants to settle down and start a family soon. But before I could ask him if fans could expect to hear wedding bells ring in the near future, Rayver said that he was just so happy to see his former ABS-CBN colleagues and expressed his hope that there would be more such reunions again.
Thank you, Mr. M and Keren, for this luminous and perfect night of a hundred stars.
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