(Conclusion)
More head-turners at the recent Star Magic Ball 2014, held in Shangri-La Makati’s Grand Ballroom:
Julia Montes channeled her inner Angelina Jolie in a black body-hugging Pepsi Herrera creation. Gretchen Barretto made heads turn with her black, back-baring gown by Jojie Loren.
Walking on the red carpet with boyfriend Charles Togesaki, Melissa Ricks—in a black number by Michael Leyva—proudly showed off her baby bump.
Georgina Wilson and stage director-fashion insider Robby Carmona did the red-carpet fashion commentary in a segment called “Style Stars.” Also featured onscreen were some celebs’ looks from past Star Magic gatherings.
While having dinner, the stars were serenaded by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. At 10 p.m., network president and CEO Charo Santos-Concio welcomed an estimated 300 guests. Ernie Lopez, head of ABS-CBN publishing, then formally launched the 2015 Star Magic Catalogue.
Program host Martin Nievera performed “Forever,” accompanied by the ABS-CBN Philharmonic. Then he announced winners of the special awards: John Lloyd Cruz and Angelica Panganiban, Couple of the Night; Richard Gomez and Gretchen Barretto, O+ Stars of the Night; Piolo Pascual and Iza Calzado, Moët & Chandon Fabulous Pair.
“The Voice” finalist Klarisse de Guzman, who was celebrating her birthday, did a version of “Ikaw Lamang ang Mamahalin.”
From the Broadway musical “Miss Saigon,” which is celebrating its 25th year, theater artists Carla Guevarra, JM Rodriguez, Roden Araneta, Sheila Valderama, Analin Bantug and Gian Macapagal sang a medley of “Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World,” “I’d Give My Life for You” and “American Dream.”
Reigning Miss World Megan Young received a donation from Star Magic for her charity of choice. Pop-rock band Itchyworms closed the program.
(E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)
Photos by Richard Reyes