After the awarding, Concert King Martin Nievera, a regular at the Star Magic Ball, called on the celebrities to join him onstage, who've been given the opportunity to become stars by Star Magic's chairman emeritus Johnny Manahan.  The stars—considered some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, if not the biggest—stayed in the background, clapping and swaying, as he sang his composition, "All For One, One for All," dedicated to Johnny Manahan, a.k.a. Mr. M.

The director and talent discoverer was called from the back of the ballroom to give a short message, but although he was persuaded to join the stars gathered, in lieu of a speech, he threw everyone a smile. 

Mr. M has always been a big name in the most influential medium today, television, but he has also always kept a low profile. Rarely agreeing to be photographed or interviewed, he told reporters wanting to pin him down with a statement last night, "I am not an artista." This is the same line, by the way, that he gave reporters in last year's Star Magic ball, while ducking tape recorders, cameras, and microphones.

The show ended with the traditional cotillion by Star Magic teen stars, after which the real party—let-it-loose dancing and revelry, during which time photographers were asked to leave—began for all Star Magic talents present.

INTERESTING DATES.  Aside from the fashionable designer clothes the stars paraded in, another point of real interest for the invited media was who was dating who for the night. 

For the second year in a row, Piolo came to the ball with his former Lovers in Paris co-star KC Concepcion. Although they've been spotted together on various occasions many times, "friends pa rin," is how KC described their relationship. (CLICK HERE to read related article)

It was also a surprise for the press to see Jake Cuenca with Melissa Ricks, who was once rumored to be his girlfriend.  "Ang swerte-swerte ko, siyempre, kasi ang daming lalaking nakapila na gustong i-escort si Melissa, pero pinagbigyan niya ako," said the Elias Paniki star.

Young actress Erich Gonzales, meantime, said she just waited for Enchong to ask her to be his date for the Star Magic Ball.  Enchong, quick on the uptake, said, "[Sabi ko], 'Bakit ka pa nagdadalawang-isip ka pa? Tayong dalawa na 'yon.'"

Meanwhile, Erich's former onscreen partner Ejay Falcon asked his Momay co-actor Queenie Padilla to be his date for the Star Magic Ball.  The eldest daughter of Robin Padilla said this got her mom, Liezl Sicangco, so excited, she sent her daughter a pair of shoes all the way from Australia to wear to the event.

John Lloyd and Shaina attended the annual celebration for the first time as a couple. John Lloyd had earlier said they were both expecting the ball to turn out great. "This time around it's gonna be a better night and a more meaningful night." (CLICK HERE to read related article)

On the other hand, handsome celebrity couple Derek Ramsay and Angelica Panganiban kept their cool, while saying very little, as the media nagged them about the current controversy involving the young actress and former Star Magic star Claudine Barretto. (CLICK HERE to read related article) 

Derek simply said about his girlfriend Angelica, "[I support her] all the way, of course.  I'm here for her."

Kristine had Oyo as her escort for the second time in a row.  Although they refused to give a proper interview about their upcoming wedding, Oyo did say to the media, "Siguro, kung ano ang sinabi ng mommy ko [Dina Bonnevie], 'yon na lang.  Kasi, 'yon din ang sasabihin namin." (CLICK HERE to read related article)

Of course, there were also Star Magic talents who chose to go to the event sans dates. 

One of these was Diether Ocampo, who was photographed with former girlfriend Rima Ostwani in last year's ball, but who that evening was looking handsome, if alone. (CLICK HERE to read related article)