There were no controversies, no admissions of romance, and no post-event scuffles at the 10th Star Magic Ball, held at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel on Sat, Oct 22.
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But the ball — an annual star-studded affair at assembles the artists of ABS-CBN talent management arm Star Magic — was not uneventful, thanks to these highlights.
1. Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson were at the ball together.
A second chance? As expected, Bea Alonzo and Gerald Anderson arrived at the Star Magic Ball red carpet together, amid rumors that they are giving their aborted romance from six year ago another try. And the (non-)couple was a sight to behold: Bea in her black Tom Ford dress and Gerald in his black-and-white Joey Espiritu tuxedo.
Does this mean Gerald and Bea are finally admitting that they’re in a relationship? Unfortunately, that’s still a no. “Nakaka-labas kami and of course, hindi naman namin gagawin ito kung hindi kami [special sa isa’t-isa],” Gerald told ABS-CBN News.
(We go out, and of course we won’t be doing this if we are not special to one another.)
2. Luis Manzano is Jessy Mendiola’s date!
They’re finally out in the open, sort of. As previously reported, Jessy Mendiola took Luis Manzano to the Star Magic Ball, amid reports that they are in a relationship. Jessy was gorgeous in her backless John Rufo gown. Luis is dashing in his black tuxedo with a red bow tie.
So are they now a couple? “Our smiles speak for ourselves,” Luis told ABS-CBN News. “We are jolly, we are ecstatic over what we have between us right now.”
He added, “There’s a reason why we are letting everything fall into place.”
3. No three-month rule for Elmo Magalona?
We’re kidding, of course. Elmo Magalona has not admitted that he is dating someone new, after his breakup with GMA actress Janine Gutierrez. But many did find it surprising that Elmo, fresh from a split, took former onscreen partner Janella Salvador to the Star Magic Ball.
Elmo said in an interview on the red carpet that he is not courting Janella. “I’m just really happy that she accepted my request to be my date tonight,” he said.
He refused to give a statement about the breakup though, saying the ball was not the proper venue for it. This is his first Star Magic Ball, after all. Why spoil the fun?
4. Sam Milby: Solo no more.
After years and years of being a stag at the Star Magic Ball, Sam Milby finally brought a date to the star-studded event! Congratulations, bro!
The actor walked the red carpet with girlfriend, Mari Jasmine. This is their first public appearance together (Sam just recently admitted their relationship). Mari is Sam’s first girlfriend (that we know of) since his breakup with Anne Curtis in 2008.
“There’s no perfect relationship. It’s just knowing how to fight for the relationship and for the love, just being mature,” Sam told ABS-CBN News.
5. No more second chance?
When John Lloyd Cruz and Angelica Panganiban were seen in public earlier this week, many hoped that the two have reconciled. But while it’s clear the former lovers are friends, it is also clear that reconciled lovers they are not.
Angelica Panganiban walked the red carpet alone, wearing a black Vania Romoff dress. John Lloyd Cruz arrived with Ang Babaeng Humayo co-star Charo Santos-Concio, who was later named the ball’s Star of the Night.
6. Welcome to the single’s club!
After six years of attending Star Magic Ball with Bea Alonzo, Zanjoe Marudo walked the red carpet solo this year. According to PEP, Bea and Zanjoe used to be the “couple with the most number of Star Magic Ball attendance.” But alas, as they say, walang forever.
Enchong Dee attended the Star Magic Ball with girlfriend Samantha Lewis the past two years (he even admitted their relationship on the event’s red carpet in 2014). But they have broken up earlier this year, hence the actor walking the red carpet alone.
Jake Cuenca brought Chanel Olive Thomas in 2014 and Sara Grace Kelley in 2015. This year, he went stag after breaking up with Sara Grace recently.
7. Liza Soberano is the ball’s standout.
We saved the best for last. Liza Soberano, who walked the red carpet with Enrique Gil, was a stunner in her elegant turquoise blue Michael Cinco gown. She was later named the night’s Best Dressed star, along with Zanjoe Marudo.
But if you ask us, she was the ball’s best — period. Liza was the highlight of the ball red carpet that lacked any sort of fashion highlights. We can’t stop looking at her. We’ll say it again: how to be you po, Liza?
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