(From left) Andrea Brillantes, Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis. Images: BJ Pascual via Instagram/@blythe, Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net, Luis Ruiz via Instagram/@annecurtissmith
The Opulence Halloween Ball was a spellbinding night of glamour and creativity as Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis, Andrea Brillantes and some of the country’s biggest stars channeled their inner gods and goddesses in ensembles inspired by mythology and celestial beings.
The Raymond Gutierrez and Ash Rye-helmed gala, which marked its second edition at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on Tuesday, Oct. 31, was a celebration of mystery and fantasy as celebrities were given the liberty to have their own take of characters from mythology.
Among the highlights of the night was Vice Ganda in his dramatic fur ballgown, complete with a butterfly-shaped headpiece, silver accessories and eye makeup done in different shades of gray.
The “It’s Showtime” host told reporters on the black carpet that his look was inspired by the goddess Psyche.
IT’S GIVING POWER ✨
LOOK: Vice Ganda commands attention on the #Opulence23 black carpet in her dramatic white-and-black gown inspired by the goddess Psyche. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/raQlXja22T
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 31, 2023
Anne Curtis was reminiscent of a Greek goddess in her white Di Petsa skin-baring gown adorned with a gold and rose quartz chain that hugged her curves. She appeared to have followed the mythology theme to a tee, as she also wore a gold Job Dacon headpiece and bronze makeup.
Meanwhile, Andrea Brillantes proved that she’s this year’s Hallo-queen as she took on the role of Adam’s first wife Lilith, donning a nude Lauren Vito body-hugging gown with black detailing, black and gold-laced gloves, and a dramatic headpiece with horns.
The actress also took her ensemble up a notch with a real-life snake that is meant to resemble Lilith falling into temptation, which eventually led to her disobeying her husband.
Staying true to her siren-like appeal, Kylie Verzosa showed up as a captivating goddess of the sea in her white Bonita Penaranda gown with rope-like detailing and a sheer bodice. Gold bracelets and a silver beaded hair piece extending to her chest completed the ensemble.
“Drag Race Philippines” season one alum Marina Summers turned heads as she transformed into a Greek goddess sculpture, complete with white paint all over her body, having her hair pulled up in a bun, and the commitment to her role which led to reporters taking lots of pictures on the black carpet.
“Giving you ART. Giving you CAMP. Giving you FASHION,” Summers wrote on Instagram.
On the other hand, “Drag Race Philippines” season two alum M1ss Jade So shimmied on the Opulence black carpet in a dress made of light green rosaries and red tassels, complete with a rosary-decked headpiece and silver cross earrings.
BREATHTAKING ✨
LOOK: “Drag Race Philippines” season 2 alum M1ss Jade So sizzles on the #Opulence23 black carpet in a colorful dress that shows off her curves. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/4Hy5BeF1Y6
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 31, 2023
Another “Drag Race Philippines” season two alum who brought the drama was OV C—T who did an updated interpretation of Satan in her red Herwin Cardoza gown decked with lace and a beaded crown by Manny Halasan.
The gala’s co-creator Raymond Gutierrez showed his dedication to the theme in his custom-made warrior costume with a brown cape by Bonita Penaranda. He was also accompanied by his partner Robert William on the black carpet.
Piolo Pascual is proof that simplicity is still beauty, as he caught the attention of reporters in his hand-covered gold top and black pants, laughingly describing himself as someone who’s “giving a lot of hands” on the black carpet.
LOOKING STUNNING, PIOLO! 🖐🏻
LOOK: Piolo Pascual captures the attention of reporters on the #Opulence23 Halloween Ball black carpet in his costume that is “giving a lot of hands.” | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/RRBq70O10r
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 31, 2023
Ruffa Gutierrez’s timeless beauty and her gold Cleopatra-inspired costume by Job Dacon were a match made in sartorial heaven, as the seasoned actress added more flair to her look with a gold headpiece topped with a cobra as its centerpiece.
James Reid and Issa Pressman (literally) turned up the heat at the Opulence Ball with their black Hades and Persephone costumes, which included dramatic headpieces that can be lit on fire.
HOT AS ALWAYS, ISSA AND JAMES 🔥
LOOK: James Reid and Issa Pressman channel Hades and Persephone in their dramatic #Opulence23 looks. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/jGe00wOEnN
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 31, 2023
Showing off her celestial-like features, Dra. Vicki Belo looked regal in her white Maison Schiaparelli gown adorned with gold accessories.
The celebrity doctor was accompanied by her husband, Dr. Hayden Kho, who showed off his muscular physique in a white cape featuring a breathtaking painting of the sun, with gold sequins and glitter to add more drama.
Even if she came from a thanksgiving press conference in the afternoon, “Can’t Buy Me Love” and “Linlang” star Kaila Estrada was a sight to behold in her gold sequin minidress and long blonde wig, said to be a “Gen Z take on Medusa.”
While snakes will always be associated with Medusa, Chie Filomeno didn’t hesitate to pile up on the sultriness in her black Job Dacon dress adorned with gold snakes on the bodice, a snake-pile headpiece, snake-inspired makeup and gold nail art.
Solenn Heussaff went back to her “Encantadia” roots as she donned a purple Neric Beltran skin-baring gown inspired by her character Cassiopeia. The actress-media personality appeared to be someone from the fictional wonderland during the event as she wore a long blonde wig, silver accessories and fake ears to complete the look.
Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia portrayed the role of ancient Greek rulers at the gala in their matching nude and gold ensembles, with a gold headpiece and red capes to add more drama.
Contrary to his twin brother, Richard Gutierrez flaunted his slim physique in a black warrior-inspired costume and even had his face painted with black and red, to appear as if he’s a wounded soldier.
WHAT A SIGHT 🤩
LOOK: Richard Gutierrez shows off his muscular physique in his black sleeveless top and pants at the #Opulence23 black carpet. | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/w2iIEd8D4e
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 31, 2023
Celeste Cortesi revealed on the gala’s black carpet that her feather headpiece and sequined Anthony Ramirez gown, which showed off her curves, is an embodiment of herself as a “celestial being.”
Other personalities who showed up at the event were Alodia Gosiengfiao, Christopher Quimbo, Annabelle Rama, Eddie Gutierrez, Miss Universe Philippines 2022 second runner-up Katrina Llegado, Miss Universe Philippines 2023 second runner-up Angelique Manto and her boyfriend David Guison, Sunshine Cruz, Denise Laurel, Rhian Ramos and Sam Verzosa, among many others.