Kapamilya stars gathered again for a night of glamour, laughter, amd camaraderie at the annual Star Magic Ball held last night, September 5, at the Rizal Ballroom of Shangri-La Makati.  This was the fourth year in a row the strictly formal ball has been held, which also marked the 18^th anniversary celebration of ABS-CBN's talent management arm.

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) went star-gazing by the red carpet as the celebrities swooped in, garbed in their most fashionable black, silver, white gowns and suits. 

Star Magic—which its video presentation announced as having "300+" stars—spilled out its array of stars, led by its prime talents Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Diether Ocampo, Kristine Hermosa, Sam Milby, Angelica Panganiban, Vina Morales, and Pokwang. Also lending glitter and glam were Jake Cuenca, Shaina Magdayao, Melissa Ricks, Matt Evans, Zanjoe Marudo, Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz, and Coco Martin.

Its famous love teams, like Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson, Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales, Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco, also came as "dates" in the event.

The program, ably hosted by a visibly slimmed-down JM Rodriguez and a stunning Megan Young, began with jaw-dropping stunts by the Pilipinas Got Talent's hip-hop dancing group, the Velasco Brothers.  Then the Star Magic Glee Club, starring talents with genuine singing talent or the promise of it, did acapella performances with Markki Stroem and Matteo Guidicelli.

When PGT grand winner Jovit Baldivino appeared, singing his audition piece "Faithfully," and world-class music talent Jed Madela took the spotlight with "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing," the two gave out a clear message: We respect talent here!

Then Pokwang reminded everybody that she is not only a comedienne and host of charm and wit, but also a fine dancer who can take centerstage among a slew of younger dancers. To add to the applause, host JM Rodriguez told the audience that Pokwang had training in ballet. Pokwang did her dance number with Star Magic talents AJ Perez, Rodjun Cruz, Thou Perez, among others.

And as part of the annual affair, the most-awaited awards, for the evening's stars who shone brightest in that firmament of stars, were handed out. 

Piolo, who came garbed in a dapper Hugo Boss suit, received the 2010 Star Magic Icon award, which was explained as one given to "the star who inspires other stars."  Meantime, the coveted Star Magic King and Queen trophies were given to an impressively suited John Lloyd Cruz and an equally impressively gowned Maricar Reyes, respectively.

Kim Chiu, whose dress was made by Furne One, won the Best Dressed award, along with her long-time onscreen partner Gerald.  The Most Stylish awards went to the tall and lovely Bea Alonzo and the lean and handsome Zanjoe Marudo, who walked the red carpet together. 

ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio, who graced the affair with an unadorned dress draped over her body, her tresses cascading on either side of her face, was hailed as the Most Elegant Star of the Night.  The Fashion Forward award was given to comedienne Kitkat, whose acceptance speech rivalled the fun feel of her shimmering white ball gown.

Former onscreen partners Shaina Magdayao and Jake Cuenca, both looking movie-star attractive, received the Fashionista awards.

Anne Curtis, a Viva artist who is always welcome to Star Magic events, won the Most Glamorous award. This is not the first time either. Describing what inspired her outfit for the night, Anne said, "Last year, I was classic-looking, and the year before that I was Audrey Hepburn-ish. This is something different.  I want something more modern and messy, but at the same I still look classy." 

Magkaribal actors Enchong Dee and Erich Gonzales were heralded as Cinema's Most Romantic Couple, quite likely because of their successful onscreen pairing. Meantime, real-life partners Kristine and Oyo Sotto, who are said to be marrying soon, were given huge bottles of champagne as Couple of the Night. 

Coke Zero's Wild and Fit award, presented by celebrity endorser Zanjoe, was given to Joseph Marco and Jessy Mendiola, deservedly.