Rising love teams, ‘besties’ turn up the ‘kilig’ at Star Magical Prom 2023

Much like the magic of prom, the first Star Magical Prom was an extravagant display of ABS-CBN’s emerging stars with Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Andrea Brillantes, and her partner Ricci Rivero as the clear standouts of the event.

The Bridgerton-inspired gala set at the Bellevue Hotel in Alabang last March 30, was the culmination of elaborate “promposals” and a night where the biggest stars turned up the “kilig” and even shared career advices to Star Magic’s freshmen, sophomore, junior, and senior batches.

Screams were heard as soon as Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano made their way to the ivory carpet, in their elegant black-and-white garb. Aside from their “personal” promposal, DonBelle also emerged as the “kuya and ate” of the senior batch during the event.

“Each and every single one of you here has a purpose in life. It’s no accident that you’re literally sitting and standing where you are right now,” Pangilinan said, when they were asked to give advice on passion. “There are so many people who want to be in your place. Yet here you are, and that is because of a reason that you have to find out with yourself.”

Days after their attention-grabbing “promposal,” Andrea Brillantes and Ricci Rivero were a dreamy pair in their silver ensembles. Brillantes, who starred in hit dramas “Annaliza” and “Kadenang Ginto,” reminded the younger batches about the value of being kind to their co-workers as it helps them to succeed.

“It’s really important to be kind to one another, hindi lang sa kapwa niyo artista, hindi lang sa mga boss natin. Dapat pati sa staff at sa crew. You should give equal respect to everyone. You should never feel superior kasi malay niyo, sa next project niyo sila na yung director niyo diba,” she said.

Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin are fresh from their success as an emerging love team in the hit drama “Dirty Linen,” even if they first crossed paths as castmates in “Kadenang Ginto” — which is reflected on their extravagant garbs.

Diaz, who played several child characters before starring as Cassie in the afternoon drama, reminded her peers about the beauty of being rejected and making mistakes in their career.

“Accept rejections. Magkamali lang kayo nang magkamali kasi ‘yun ang magiging tulay niyo to a successful life and successful career. Always remember to keep moving forward, keep on fighting everyday, and have a brave and kind heart,” she said.

While Sylvia Sanchez and husband, entrepreneur Art Atayde, are far from ABS-CBN’s emerging stars, they also made an appearance as the event’s special guests. Among the seasoned actress recent projects with the network include “Huwag Kang Mangamba,” “Pamilya Ko,” and “Hanggang Saan.”

Jayda Avanzado and Aljon Mendoza are shaping up to be one of the network’s emerging pairs, as they’re currently starring as Zoe and Ice in the youth-oriented series “Teen Clash.”

Before walking the ivory carpet, Mendoza admitted that he sought the approval of veteran singer Jessa Zaragoza, Avanzado’s mother, before asking his leading lady to be his date at the event. The young actress-singer seemed to have an unforgettable night as she was crowned the Princess of the network’s sophomore batch.

A “whisper challenge” is what led Jeremiah Lisbo asking Kaori Oinuma to be his Star Magical Prom date, years after working together in the hit series “He’s Into Her” with Pangilinan and Mariano.

“Ganun talaga [friendship namin ni Jeremiah] lagi, bardagulan lang. Pero at that time, wala akong ine-expect,” Oinuma admitted, when she was asked about their unique promposal.

Vivoree Esclito and Brent Manalo were a breathtaking pair on the ivory carpet, where their chemistry can be seen in the former’s “Matapang” music video. While they’re considered to be part of the network’s Senior batch, the pair appeared to be an up-and-coming pairing who enjoy each other’s company.

One of the most striking pairs of the night were Karina Bautista and Gillian Vicencio, following their “kilig” prom proposal complete with matching signs, where they even said “yes” to each other.

Bautista and Vicencio’s looks were a welcome contrast to the usual feminine prom garbs, as they expressed their intention to take daring roles in the future, with the former sharing that her ensemble is an ode to her “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode “Scarlet Women.”

Fresh from his surprise “promposal” during the “Teen Clash” premiere, Kobie Brown was a gentleman to Andi Abaya, even from the way he held her hands at the ivory carpet to the actual event.

Brown admitted that his proposal to Abaya was something he “always wanted to do,” saying that he even practiced “Mabagal” for many times before performing for her.

Sheena Catacutan, the youngest member of “Na Na Na” hitmakers BINI, did not prance on the carpet with her bandmates, but with her date Dustine Mayores.

Reiven Umali, who was crowned as the Junior Prom Prince, was a vision in blue, along with his date Sheena Belarmino who looked striking in purple.

Mutya Orquia is far from the wholesome role of “Abigail Ruth” in the hit morning drama “Be Careful With My Heart” as she showed up at the event with her date, Beaver Magtalas.

Orquia was also revealed as one of the network’s “Sweet Sixteen” artists who showcased their graceful moves on the dance floor.

Lance Lucido and Hannah Lopez Vito were also another pair of emerging stars, who were revealed as part of the network’s freshman batch.

Sparks can be seen between Harvey Bautista and Bianca de Vera on the ivory carpet, although they noted that they are just friends.

Sean Tristan and Raven Rigor are the second same-sex partners of the night, who both star as a potential pairing in “Dirty Linen.”

As the stars entered Bellevue’s ballroom, event hosts Ai Dela Cruz and Edward Barber showed off their elaborate ensembles on the ivory carpet, although they clarified to the press that they were not on a date during the event.

Much to the delight of the press who were present, Dela Cruz and Barber treated them to a series of elegant poses as well as finger and cheek hearts. EDV

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