What ABS-CBN Ball makes it possible to happen
WHAT network executives, stars and many people thought was impossible to happen did take place and unfolded. The recent ABS-CBN Ball saw Kapamilya and Kapuso personalities in one venue for the first time.
Network wars were swept under the rug and hopefully became a thing of the past. Last April 4, the ballroom of Solaire Resort North in Quezon City became the most star-studded venue in town as stars of ABS-CBN and GMA Network gathered together for the momentous event.
The ABS-CBN Ball, aptly dubbed “Brighter Together,” made this much-talked about return after it took a hiatus last year. Proceeds of the event will go to the projects of the ABS-CBN Foundation.
Not only artists were present in the ball, but also executives of both networks, news personalities, employees and industry partners.
The event saw many firsts undoubtedly. Megastar Sharon Cuneta graced the ball for the first time, flaunting her new, now enviable figure.
In her Instagram, Sharon flaunted she lost 108 pounds and that apparently gave her the guts to parade the red carpet with an arm draped on her better half, former senator Kiko Pangilinan.
She donned a figure-hugging gown that displayed her thin frame and she was proud of it. She was not seen on her seat most of the time, but stood up posing for photos with fellow stars and even network executives.
Power couple Coco Martin and Julia Montes started the red carpet walk of the stars that night.
Newest screen box office tandem and love team Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino (KimPau) arrived together, still reeling from the success of their first big screen partnership, “My Love Will Make You Disappear,” still showing in theaters.
“It’s a different feeling,” Kim said. “Masaya siyempre na nandito kami and celebrating with our Kapamilya sa industry and siyempre, with Pau,” said one of the hosts of “It’s Showtime.”
For his part, Paulo thanked all those who watched their film, not only here in the Philippines but in other parts of the world – from the US and Canada, all the way to the Middle East, Australia and other parts of Asia. Paulo was proud of the overwhelming support their film received across the world.
Screen heartthrob Piolo Pascual escorted erstwhile ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos-Concio.
Actors John Estrada, McCoy de Leon, JM de Guzman, Jameson Blake. Zaijian Jaranilla, Kyle Echarri, Joao Constancia came to the red carpet by their lonesome, without escorting anyone.
The likes of singers Dingdong Avanzado, Jed Maddela, Sofronio Vasquez, Erik Santos, Vina Morales, Esang, Angela Ken, Maki came out unescorted, although concert king Martin Nievera showed up with his girlfriend, Anj del Rosario, with him.
Actresses like Angelica Panganiban, Bela Padilla, Angel Aquino, Chanda Romero, Agot Isidro, Mylene Dizon, Chie Filomeno showed off their respective glam looks.
News personalities from both networks took a break from news reporting and proved they could be red carpet-ready.
ABS-CBN News head Francis Toral walked the red carpet with news anchor Bernadette Sembrano Aguinaldo.
Dyan Castillejo came prepared not to cover any international pageant or worldwide sporting event, but looked stunning in her ball gown made by Filipino designer Val Taguba.
“Pinoy Big Brother” host Bianca Gonzalez remarked on Dyan and Bernadette’s look that night.
Bianca complimented the news personalities as they became stunning, elegant and dapper for one night, shedding their corporate attire and glamorously walking on the red carpet.
“We usually see our news personalities in more serious, corporate attire or even on the field,” said Bianca. “But now, they get to kick back, relax and enjoy a glamorous moment.
“I saw Ate B kanina. She was trying on a few gowns, like a Carolina Herrera. She tried a red printed, but I guess, she went on for his sunshine, kasi totoo namang ‘yan din and kanyang personality.
Dyan, meanwhile, was seen taking down notes before the ball started.
