(From left) Xyriel Manabat, Jana Agoncillo, BGYO, BINI (sans Sheena Catacutan). Images: HANNAH MALLORCA/Inquirer.net
Aside from the love teams, the Star Magical Prom was a night to remember for ABS-CBN’s former child actors, rookie stars, and P-pop groups BINI, BGYO, and HORI7ON.
Going stag is not a unique thing in social events such as prom, and is now being viewed as a confident nod to independence. And of course, the star-studded gala became an avenue for Star Magic to launch its newest batch of stars.
Former child stars
During the event, Jana Agoncillo was introduced as the representative of the network’s Freshman batch.
Jana Agoncillo. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
The actress, best known for starring as Sabina in “Dream Dad” and the titular character in “Ningning,” grew up to being an elegant lady with a hunger to take on more “challenging roles” to develop her acting career.
Another notable child star was Raikko Mateo, who rose to recognition as the wholesome Honesto in 2013, and who also appeared in the teleseryes “Born For You,” “The Greatest Love,” and “Bagani.”
Raikko Mateo. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Mateo was crowned as this year’s Freshman Prince during the event.
Meanwhile, the former child star who’s been making waves as the sassy Tonet in “Dirty Linen” is Xyriel Mananat.
Manabat proved that she’s a force to be reckoned with at an early age, taking on dual roles in “Agua Bendita” and Ana Manalastas in “100 Days to Heaven” who is known for her sharp tongue and the snippy “Kuha mo?”
Xyriel Manabat. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
The teen actress then starred as the young Julia Montes and Maja Salvador in the dramas “Ikaw Lamang” and “Wildflower,” respectively, where she showed off her acting chops more prominently. Years later, she caught the attention of netizens with her relatable yet funny delivery of “‘Yung followers ko, daddy!” in the revenge drama.
Louise Abuel was also present during the event, as his dapper look was a far cry from the bratty young Franco in “Ikaw Lamang.”
Louise Abuel. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
In case you’re not yet aware of his acting prowess, the teen actor became known for looking straight into the eyes of Zaijian Jaranilla (who played the young Coco Martin) and said, “Para sa’kin, dumi ka lang!”
Rookies with potential
“Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10” winner Anji Salvacion appeared to be one of the network’s biggest stars in the making, as her ivory carpet appearance attracted thousands of likes on social media.
Anji Salvacion. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
The singer’s look was also a welcome contrast to the frilly, royal-inspired theme, as the “Mama Mary”-inspired frock caught the attention of netizens, as seen in INQUIRER.net’s Facebook page.
Another potential leading lady is Shanaia Gomez who seemed to be enjoying her Belle-inspired ensemble during the event.
Shanaia Gomez. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Showing a glimpse of her professionalism, Gomez even asked the press’ permission if she could spin around in her gown so that “maganda po ang maging photos ninyo.”
AC Bonifacio, meanwhile, shed off her fierce demeanor on the ivory carpet as she quickly checked on the press who were busy snapping photos of her with Angela Ken and Sab.
(From left) Angela Ken, AC Bonifacio, Sab. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
“Sure po bang okay kayo? Ilang oras po kayo diyan!” Bonifacio asked, which gathered several “Okay lang po!” in response — the writer included.
Aside from her sultry look, Criza Taa caught the attention of the network’s fans after she graciously rejected the “promposal” of “Dream Maker” alum Josh Worsley.
Criza Taa. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
“Kasi po, I want to go alone. I said na ako lang maglalakad mag-isa sa red carpet,” Taa said, when asked by host Ai Dela Cruz about the rejection. “Thankfully, naintindihan naman ni Josh ang decision ko. I’m [really] better off alone.”
Worsley then became a dateless looker during the event, although he clarified during the pre-ivory carpet interview that there are no hard feelings between him and Taa.
Josh Worsley. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
“Even though [Criza] didn’t go with me to prom, I’m so happy for her. I have so much respect for her,” Worsley added.
Another rising star is Tiktok content creator Esnyr Ranollo who garnered various “yas” and “slay” as he treated the press to a variety of fierce poses, before ending with a show-stopping smile.
Esnyr Ranollo. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Star Magic’s singers
The Bridgerton-inspired event was also an unforgettable experience for the fans of BGYO, HORI7ON, and BINI, as they made their first ivory carpet appearance in their most elegant ensembles.
BGYO were a vision in white as they seem to be very composed on the ivory carpet, which is a feat since not all emerging stars have developed the confidence to showcase themselves in front of a huge audience.
BGYO. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
A bright “annyeong haseyo” or “hello” boomed from the sound system, which signaled the arrival of HORI7ON. The pop group greeted Dela Cruz with bright smiles as they expressed their excitement to represent Filipino talents in South Korea.
HORI7ON. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
That being said, Jeromy, Marcus, Kyler, Vinci, Reyster, Kim, and Winston’s bright, rookie energy masked their hints of hesitation on the ivory carpet, as they looked eager to flaunt themselves in front of the press.
Unlike their brother group BGYO, “Na Na Na” and “Lagi” hitmakers BINI donned different whimsical looks during the event, as their youthful and feminine energy showed effortlessly. However, Sheena was not present with her bandmates on the ivory carpet as she accepted the “promposal” of Dustine Mayores.
BINI. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Nonetheless, Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, and Mikha proved that their presence as a unit is as strong as ever, even until they reunited with Sheena during the prom festivities.
Contrary to her heart-wrenching songs, Janine Berdin was a pocketful of sunshine during the interview and ivory carpet, which matches the vibe of her colorful, rose-decked blazer.
Janine Berdin. Image: HANNAH MALLORCA/INQUIRER.net
Berdin was another press darling as she struck a variety of cute poses, while holding her specs, on the ivory carpet. EDV