(From left) Donny Pangilinan, Belle Mariano, Rufa Mae Quinto, and Maris Racal. Images: Tonton Soguilon via Instagram/@donny, Meinard Navato, and Meetkeso
The 2024 edition of the Opulence Ball was a throwback to the hedonistic glamor of the 1970s, as the biggest names in the entertainment and fashion industry showed up in bell-bottom pants, sparkly ensembles, and multiple interpretations of the legendary pop star Cher.
Held at The Peninsula Manila in Makati on Thursday, October 31, this year’s iteration followed “The Velvet Underground” theme, which combined alluring glamor and breathtaking extravagance. The star-studded event was not supposed to be held this year, but according to its founder Raymond Gutierrez, it was brought back due to popular demand.
“It’s really nice [to] bring everybody together and celebrate Filipino creativity. Opulence is a platform to highlight how creative Filipinos are,” Gutierrez said, explaining the event’s purpose to reporters on the red carpet. “We invite fashion designers, production designers, and the like, and I’m grateful to receive messages from them, saying, ‘Mond, you brought the industry back to life.’”
From Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan, Maris Racal, and Janella Salvador, to Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel, here are some celebrities who graced the event:
Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan
Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan were the It Couple of the night as they showed up in matching disco-inspired ensembles adorned with sequins and rhinestones. Mariano was breathtaking in a yellow-gold two-piece AJ Javier dress with a matching feather boa, while Pangilinan looked dapper in his dark gray tuxedo by John Lozano.
Maris Racal
Maris Racal channeled her Cher à la “Prisoner” album in her sparkly, silver romper, complete with a matching beaded headpiece. Her Halloween ensemble was finished with a neutral makeup look, white tights, and silver heels.
Janella Salvador
Bringing out her inner “scream queen,” Janella Salvador gave a 70s twist to singer Chappell Roan’s signature look, complete with a nude halter Rap Soligam bodysuit and silver accessories. The dramatic look was finished with a pearl choker adorned with red beads that resembled dripping blood and a matching headpiece and gloves.
Maymay Entrata
Maymay Entrata declared that she’s “married to herself” in an all-white tube corset, midi skirt, and dramatic shrug with white pigeons, designed by Neric Beltran. According to the “Amakabogera” singer, the look was a celebration of self-love while showing that she could be on her own.
R’Bonney Gabriel
R’Bonney Gabriel. Image: Instagram/@dochayden
Donning a gold corset, black headpiece, and asymmetrical skirt, Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel shared that her Opulence Ball look celebrates her sexiness while putting the spotlight on Filipino designers.
Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho
Dr. Hayden Kho and Dra. Vicki Belo. Image: Instagram/@dochayden
Dra. Vicki Belo and Dr. Hayden Kho’s matching black-and-white ensembles were all about optical illusion, with their almost-blinding curved patterns. The couple also added hints of silver to their makeup looks, adding more dimension to their couple outfit.
Sassa Gurl
Sassa Gurl, who uses the pronouns she/her, was among the standouts as her 70s-inspired look paid tribute to everyday items in the Philippines. Her tube top, which spells out her name, was an homage to Choc Nut, while her cropped blazer was filled with prints of her gap teeth. The look was completed with a turquoise feather boa and a sequinned skirt.
Chie Filomeno
Chie Filomeno was another celebrity who did another breathtaking tribute to Cher à la 1975 Rock Music Awards era, as she flaunted her slim physique in an all-silver Maison Soriano gown with silver tassels. The look was completed with matching accessories and a long, black wig.
Richard Gutierrez
Richard Gutierrez channeled his inner cowboy as he wore an all-black cowboy-inspired denim jacket and pants, adding platform boots, a red bandana, and a matching hat to complete the look.
Ruffa Gutierrez
Ruffa Gutierrez brought her own interpretation of Cher’s “Love Hurts” performance look, which the singer wore at her 2008 show at The Colosseum in Las Vegas, donning a dramatic red and pink ballgown by Leo Almodal. According to Ruffa, her look was a tribute to her love for vintage fashion and beauty queen days.
Kylie Verzosa
Kylie Verzosa. Image: Instagram/@imlukeabadiano
Kylie Verzosa was reminiscent of a mirror ball in her glamorous curls and two-piece purple disco-inspired ensemble by Rabanne. The look was completed with simple accessories and a tiny silver purse.
Rufa Mae Quinto
Rufa Mae Quinto brought laughter and glamor to the red carpet with her Opulence look, which offered a mature take on her iconic character, Booba. The actress-comedienne was a standout in her red Ken Batino jumpsuit, complete with matching gloves and a feather boa.
Barbie Imperial
Barbie Imperial combined Cher’s theatrical glamor with spookiness, as she looked breathtaking in a vampire-inspired red gown by Fatima Beltran and matching Ericson Manansala accessories. The actress showed her dedication to bringing the themes together as her look was put together with red contact lenses and gloves.
Raymond Gutierrez
The King of the Opulence Ball was one of the standouts, as he was reminiscent of a mirrorball in his all-silver jumpsuit by Thian Rodriguez and a matching silver boa, with his hair dyed blonde for the occasion.