Stars win some, lose some at lavish ABS-CBN Ball

Xian Lim and Kim Chiu

These days, even a sneeze in the wrong direction can turn you into a star,” observed singer Martin Nievera, who attended the first ABS-CBN Ball on Saturday night.

Martin recalled joining the Kapamilya network 36 years ago. “In those days, we didn’t have any social media. With this technology around, we, the dinosaurs, are learning from the younger artists when, in fact, we should be their influencers,” Martin, clad in a suit by Bang Pineda, told the Inquirer as he posed for photographers shortly before the party at the Rizal Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La Hotel.

“You don’t know how lucky you are that everything you do these days can make you a star. During our time, we had to prove ourselves worthy of the attention we get from the press,” the singer pointed out.

Netizens—bashers, in particular—had a field day looking at photos and videos of the attending celebrities that were posted on social media. Even the most popular influencers weren’t spared.

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano Photos by Earvin Perias

Last year’s best dressed, Kisses Delavin, got dissed for her sequined lavender ball gown by Francis Libiran. Kathryn Bernardo, who was last year’s Brightest Star of the Night, took a beating for the alleged “simplicity” of Jun Escario’s white minimalist gown. Julia Barretto, 2017’s Belle of the Ball awardee, was scored for her backless Mark Bumgarner gold party dress.

First-timers JaDine (James Reid and Nadine Lustre) received negative comments for their avant-garde outfits by Michael Cinco and Garimon Roferos, respectively. Even social media darlings Pia Wurtzbach—in Martin Bautista—and Jodi Sta. Maria—in Mark Bumgarner—did not escape the bashing. The two took a beating not for their outfits, but for showing up in hairdos that were different from their usual look.

This gathering of Star Magic talents was renamed the “ABS-CBN Ball” this year. There wasn’t really much of a difference except that guests wore a navy blue ribbon and partied for a cause. The event coincided with the relaunch of Bantay Bata 163’s Children’s Village in Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli

The rebranding also meant that more artists, especially those not contracted by the network’s talent management arm, Star Magic, could attend the party—like Viva Artist Agency-managed stars, Sarah Geronimo and Anne Curtis. The two arrived with dates Matteo Guidicelli and Erwan Heussaff, respectively.

Comedian Vice Ganda stole the show with his black-beaded long gown by Paul Cabral, accented by a long cape by Michael Cinco. The cape, 20-foot long and with stained glass-inspired detail, is part of Cinco’s 2015 Sainte-Chapelle Collection.

Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos

Escorted by hubby Ryan Agoncillo, drama queen Judy Ann Santos came in a green gown by Oscar dela Renta.

Yassi Pressman, another Viva artist, attended the ball for the first time in a Lauren dela Cruz red ball gown. Many were expecting to see her walk the red carpet with “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” leading man, Coco Martin, but the two decided to go solo. “I’d be seeing him at the party, anyway,” the actress told the Inquirer. So far, we have yet to see videos or photos posted online of the two partying together that night.

Jericho Rosales

Awarded Oppo Couple of the Night were “Exes Baggage” lead stars Carlo Aquino and Angelica Panganiban. The Metro Best Dressed Male and Female awardees were Jericho Rosales and Erich Gonzales. Maymay Entrata bagged the Belo Beautiful award, while Chienna Filomeno copped The Bar Next Generation Star honor.

Security was tight that night, not only to fans, but also to news agencies covering the event. The taking of videos was prohibited since full coverage of the event can be viewed on the Kapamilya cable channel for a fee.

Charo Santos

At our holding area, members of the “external” media, or news providers not belonging to the ABS-CBN group of companies, resorted to different gimmicks since the event was already being viewed via live streaming or on television.

Sadly, of the 300 guests invited, only over a hundred celebs thought it was still important to visit the external media’s holding area.

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla

“The one thing I always tell the youth, never forget the press,” said Martin. “Slowly but surely, because of social media, you will eventually become dinosaurs, like me. You cannot replace a question from a human being who truly wants to hear your answers, as opposed to merely seeing it on social media.”

Marlon Stockinger and Pia Wurtzbach

Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto

Alice Dixson

Bea Alonzo

Ian Veneracion