5th Star Magic Ball: Black, white, beautiful
MANILA, Philippines - While it seemed like it was just another quiet night all over the metropolis, a fabulous storm was taking over The Peninsula Manila in Makati City last Sept. 3.
The Rigodon Ballroom turned black, white and red. The town’s top celebrity idols, socialites and fashionistas were festively sashaying through the hall, round and about. Thundering musical acts were bringing the house down. A heavy shower of confetti followed from time to time. Everybody knew only one thing could have caused such a phenomenon: the stars had once again come down.
This highly anticipated yearly drizzle of glam and fun is known as the Star Magic Ball, the annual celebration that marks the anniversary of ABS-CBN’s premier talent development and management center, Star Magic. Now in its fifth year, the grand get-together was led by Star Magic heads Johnny “Mr. M.” Manahan and Mariole Alberto.
The evening began with the red carpet fun fare held at the Peninsula lobby. It was the ultimate treat for the paparazzi as celebrities and special guests paraded in their designer black and white ensembles.
The Rigodon Ballroom was transformed into a magical dance hall, all draped in black, with giant reproduction of Caravaggios and Fragonards, with white blooms lighting up the tables and suspended from the ceiling, all adding up to a scene of understated yet still dramatic enchantment. It was all the doing of Robert Blancaflor, who has mastered the art of creating the perfect ambience for the town’s most glamorous events.
Martin Nievera set the celestial mood with a stirring interpretation of Corner of the Sky, a sentimental favorite of Star Magic’s moving force Mr. M. Chokoleit and Pokwang shared hosting chores. It was the champions’ medley featuring power voices Marcelito Pomoy, Bugoy Drilon, Jovit Baldivino, Angeline Quinto, and Yeng Constantino that truly left the audience awestruck. Also a surefire showstopper was the cotillion led by kiddie superstars Xyriel Manabat and Zaijian Jaranilla. Ernie Lopez of ABS-CBN Publishing also took the chance to hold a special preview of the new Star Magic Catalog, the bible of the country’s pop icons.
The most coveted award of the night, the Star Magic Icon award, granted to Piolo Pascual last year, went to box office king and homegrown talent John Lloyd Cruz, who humbly conceded that the only true icon that night was Mr. M himself. But the fun awards are the fashion-related awards. Moet et Chandon, the ball’s sparkling partner for the past five years, chose Bea Alonzo and Zanjoe Marudo as the Fab Pair. The Drop Dead Stunner was Kim Chiu, a true princess in immaculate white. The Breakout Stars were Enrique Gil and Jessy Mendiola. Maria La del Barrio lead stars Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales were dubbed the Favorite Couple. Pretty in richly beaded pewter was Christine Reyes who was named the Standout Star. The Choice Stylista was the ever-elegant Maricar Reyes and Diether Ocampo. And Piolo Pascual and KC Concepcion were awarded the Choice Fashionista Award.
The lovely gowns and the dashing tuxedos worn by the stars called to mind the wonder years of Old Hollywood, but the mood definitely came crashing back to the present when music filled the air and the dance floor filled up with energetic dancers. Next year, the Sixth Star Magic Ball will also mark Star Magic’s 20th anniversary.
