Glitz and glamour overflowed at
the Isla Ballroom of the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City last June 29
as ABS-CBN stars converged to celebrate the 16th anniversary of Star Magic.
Founded in 1992, Star Magic—then called ABS-CBN Talent Center—was the brainchild of the network's former executive vice president Mark Joey Zulueta and then program director Johnny Manahan. Serving as the network's official talent arm, Star Magic aims to discover, cultivate, develop and guide aspiring young talents who dream of making it big in the highly competitive world of entertainment.
Some of the big names currently in Star Magic's stable of talents include Claudine Barretto, Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Kristine Hermosa, Jake Cuenca, Diether Ocampo, Sam Milby and Roxanne Guinoo, among many others.
KEEPING THE TRADITION. As early as 6:00 p.m. Star Magic talents, particularly the neophytes, started gracing the catwalk before proceeding to the outside lobby of the Isla Ballroom for cocktails.
Steadily, the stars began arriving either by their lonesome or with a date in tow. Claudine Barretto arrived together with husband Raymart Santiago while matinee idol Piolo Pascual proudly introduced his mother to everyone as his "date."
Zanjoe Marudo arrived minus rumored girlfriend Mariel Rodriguez. Despite the absence of hunky beau Derek Ramsay, young actress Angelica Panganiban was simply stunning in her black gown and chic hat. John Lloyd Cruz, looking cool as usual in a suit, was a picture of ease and confidence.
Popular love team Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson were inseparable that evening. Acting like a true gentleman, Gerald accompanied Kim at every stop without letup.
Dateless but striking nonetheless was Kristine Hermosa. Talking about the annual event, "We're here lang talaga para magsaya," said Kristine, trying her best to stave off any personal questions coming from the press. Ex-flame Diether Ocampo was also in attendance and was quite guarded when it came to questions about him and Kristine.
The former lovers generously gave all the onlookers enough reason to be curious about their true status when they danced sweetly on the dance floor, unmindful of the incessant assault of camera flashes around them. Later on, another ex-boyfriend of Kristine, Jericho Rosales, joined the erstwhile pair, proving that all's well between the three of them.
Anne Curtis and Sam Milby's claim that they are only "exclusively dating" contradicted their actions that evening. Aside from being inseparable throughout the evening, the attention they gave each other, their body language, and affectionate glances were signs that would prompt anyone to think that they are already a couple.
Singer-host Nikki Gil did a great job of hosting the two-hour program. Crooner Richard Poon delivered standards and even modern pop hits. Star Magic heartthrobs Piolo Pascual, Sam Milby, and singer Jed Madela also joined him on stage.
The night progressed into a full-blown party as all Star Magic talents crowded the space near the podium and danced till early dawn, led by famed DJ, Kimozave. As the stars partied and interacted, head honcho Mr. Johnny Manahan was a picture of contentment and gladness. The man dubbed as Mr. M looked proud and astounded at how Star Magic has grown huge over the years.
As he lifted his wine glass for a toast, Mr. M modestly said, "More anniversaries to come." He gently wandered his eyes back to the dance floor, looking at his "children" with care and trust—and it was always like this for Johnny Manahan since day one.