Showstoppers, scene-stealers at the ball

JESSY Mendiola. PHOTOS BY RICHARD REYES

Jessy Mendiola tripped and fell as she climbed the steps to the party hall. Gal pals Jodi Sta. Maria, Erich Gonzales and Shaina Magdayao came to her rescue.

Comedian Chokoleit walked in clutching a standee of friend Pokwang. John Lapus jested about Georgina Wilson, the event’s fashion critic, for “stealing” his look.

Daniel Padilla, who had a sprained ankle, walked with a cane. He wore chunky silver rings, but his best “accessory” was his date, a stunning Kathryn Bernardo, in a white feather ball gown by Albert Andrada.

Former Kapamilya Heart Evangelista arrived with fiancé Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, on her finger a blinding diamond engagement ring, an Escudero clan heirloom.

All these and more took place on the red carpet prior to the much-talked about 8th Star Magic Ball at the Makati Shangri-La on Saturday night. Every year, on this night, ABS-CBN talents dressed their best and partied. This year’s color motif was “black, white and silver.”

Bea Alonzo arrived in a 1920s-inspired white gown with silver and gold accents by Rosa Clara. It was her fourth Star Magic Ball with Zanjoe Marudo as her escort.

Julia Barretto, who wore a metallic Rajo Laurel bustier gown, was declared Best Dressed Female, with Paulo Avelino (dapper in a Dolce and Gabbana suit) as her male counterpart.

A few stars did not conform to the theme: Kim Chiu wore a nude- and-black embroidered backless piece by Patricia Santos; Bangs Garcia was in a black ball gown with gold accent by Grace Ong.

Guests began arriving at 7 p.m. They were greeted by “red carpet hosts” Gretchen Fullido, Marie Lozano and Ginger Conejero.

Reigning Miss International Bea Rose Santiago was main host.

(Conclusion, more photos tomorrow)

BILLY Crawford and Coleen Garcia

JOHN Lapus

NETWORK execs Gabby Lopez and Charo Santos

YENG Constantino

CHOKOLEIT with Pokwang standee

ERIK Santos and Angeline Quinto

ALEX Gonzaga

BEST Dressed Julia Barretto

HEART Evangelista and Sen. Francis Escudero

DANIEL Matsunaga and sister Vanessa Matsunaga-Sunga

SEN. GRACE Poe and husband Neil Llamanzares

XIAN Lim helps screen partner Kim Chiu with her gown on the red carpet.

DANIEL Padilla describes his date Kathryn Bernardo as “majestic.”

SWEETHEARTS Angelica Panganiban and John Lloyd Cruz are proclaimed couple of the night at the ball.

HOST Bea Rose Santiago

BEST dressed Paulo Avelino