Why Not by Leah Puyat: The Seventh Star Magic Ball: The Grandest Prom of All!

Since the Star Magic Ball has begun, I’ve been so fascinated with the idea of having our very own Met Gala-slash-Oscar’s Governor’s Ball- type celebration that not only brings out sophistication at its finest, but a camaraderie among the biggest of names in all of showbiz industry (well at least at the ABS-CBN camp). Imagine some of the brightest stars dressed in their best all in the spirit of fun. I have to admit, this time of the year has always made me giddy to try on and wear a fashion statement of my own. Side note: Yeah, I still get a bit star struck when the the likes of a Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson (and the list goes on) pass by me.

Excitement has built since the signature giant invitation was delivered to my home. And boy, it did not fail to impress. Last September 7, 2013, the Seventh Star Magic Ball, with all its preparations (I assume because of the grandeur of the whole event) has managed, once again, to collect celebrities (newbies and veterans alike) in one night of glamour—filling up the entire Fairmont Hotel in Makati from its parkway (given the right kind of facelift to become a long glamorous red carpet) to the grand foyer right outside The Ballroom.

And of course, I didn’t go unprepared. This year, simple beauty lang ang peg. British brand COS came to the rescue, a classic silhouette for a classic beauty like me (can I get an Amen on that?) The atmosphere was so infectious. The energy? To the roof! It was like a grand reunion of gorgeous relatives.

This year has been made even more special with the inclusion of a SMB first, the Michael Cinco show. You have got to be living under a rock if you haven’t heard the name making waves in the fashion scene. What made it even more appealing was the unique show setup that’s so Vogue (haha). Bleachers surrounded the whole ballroom where the stars sat and waited for the show proper. The lights dimmed and the signature Ariel Lozada flair unraveled like poetry being read to you.

Of course I was impressed, as Michael’s collections always do, to see the matador-slash-flamenco-themed show featuring 30 of his runway successes—embellished like a true couture visionary. No wonder he has catered to the likes of Hollywood A-listers from Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Sofia Vergara, Chris Brown, Jennifer Lopez to Lady Gaga: talk about HIGH FASHION!!

I have to give it to O+, the US based Android brand. Upon its entry, it has continously made its presence felt in grand occasions such as the Fashion Ball and now this glittery evening of the ABSCBN stars. Together with Ayala Land and the Ayala Malls, O+ has brought to life this grand celebration of stars gathered to pay homage to a master designer to the stars.

From the boys and girls of Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2013, the latest batch of Star Magic talents to seasoned, blockbuster mainstays Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Joseph Marco, Erich Gonzales, Kim Chiu, to Xian Lim, yearly, it’s a grand lineup of stars dressed to the nines in a relaxed, happy environment.

As usual, awards were given in the tradition of the ball. The Moet & Chandon Fabulous Pair was given to Kim Chiu and Xian Lim. The O+ Male and Female Stars of the Night were then presented by Mr. Michael Tan, Exclusive Distributor of O+ in the Philippines to the perfectly dapper and gorgeous Joseph Marco and Empress. Following their gracious acceptance speeches, Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla’s undeniable chemistry and charm was rewarded with a Couple of the Night award while the scene-stealers in terms of the best wardrobe selection for the evening were awarded to the Best Dressed tandem of real-life couple Gerald Anderson and Maja Salvador.

Capping the night off, quite fittingly, was a starstudded lineup of presentors, Piolo Pascual and Gretchen Barretto joined by Aveline Siy, of O+ Philippines to give the special recognition to Michael Cinco for his well-deserved efforts in etching the Filipino mark in the design arena. Congrats, Michael! Till the next showcase!!

The night continued on with more pleasantries and catching-up sessions with friends in the industry. While my shoes were an extreme challenge to me that night, I was glad I got to be part of this year’s gathering. 7 whole years. And it just keeps getting better. Count me in on year 8!!

THE WINNERS TAKE IT ALL. The Star Magic Ball big winners of the night. Xian Lim (wearing Edwin Tan) and Kim Chiu (wearing Pepsi Herrera) awarded the Moet & Chandon Fabulous Pair, Empress (in Edwin Tan) and Joseph Marco (in Michael Cinco) as the O+ Male and Female Stars of the Night, Daniel Padilla (in Edwin Tan) and Kathryn Bernardo (in Francis Libiran) cheered as the Couple of the Night, and the lovely pairing of Maja Salvador (in Cary Santiago) and Gerald Anderson (in Tom Ford) as the night's Best Dressed.

Chinito couple! Cute while receiving their Moet & Chandon Fabulous Pair award were Xian Lim and Kim Chiu

Young hearts run free! Forgive me, I just can't un-hear that song when teen royalty Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla received the Couple of the Night recognition.

Maja Salvador and Gerald Anderson were the night's critics' fave for the Best Dressed award.

Our very own Dubai couture-superstar Michael Cinco gets his special recognition from Piolo Pascual, Aveline Siy (Marketing Director of O+) and Gretchen Barretto.

The black and red couture army.

Our very own Miko Raval walking the runway in one of the highlights of the Michael Cinco show.

KABOG is definitely an understatement for this grand finale brought by master couturier Michael Cinco. His 5inco de Matador: The Impalpable Dream of Andalusia gathered collective wows from the stars present.

O+ USA Marketing Director Aveline Siy, O+ USA Exclusive Distributor Michael Tan & O+ USA Marketing Manager Felyn Ong. Plus points for the team behind O+ in the Philippines for succeeding in working hand in hand with ABS-CBN to make the Seventh Year of the Star Magic Ball possible.