GMA-7 actress Jillian Ward had a magical night as she celebrated her 18th birthday.
The Kapuso actress had a galaxy-themed grand birthday celebration on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Cove Manila in Okada Manila Resort and Casino, Parañaque City.
Read: Debutante Jillian Ward stuns in galaxy-themed Mak Tumang gown
Jillian invited her closest friends to join her for a night filled with dancing, music, and fun. Here are some of them.
CELEBRITIES SPOTTED
Jillian's co-stars in the Kapuso series Abot-Kamay na Pangarap made time to celebrate her 18th birthday.
Among them are Che Ramos-Cocio, Chuckie Dreyfus, John Vic de Guzman, Kazel Kinouchi, Jeff Moses, Alchris Galura, and Pinky Amador.
In a short interview before going in the venue, Che shared her short but sweet birthday message for Jillian.
She said, "We love you Jillian! We're always here for you!"
For his part, Chuckie was pleased to be one of the celebrities who had the opportunity to witness Jillian's personal growth.
He said, "Jillian, happy happy birthday! I've known you since you were seven and talagang I've seen you grow... Your future is very, very bright and may you have many more blessings and love and happiness."
@pepalerts The cast of #AbotKamayNaPangarap at @Jillian Ward’s 18th birthday party #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian ? original sound - PEP.ph
Abot-Kamay na Pangarap actresses Carmina Villaroel and Wilma Doesn't wore sparkly OOTDs at Jillian's birthday party.
@pepalerts Pretty duo #CarminaVillaroel and #WilmaDoesnt at @Jillian Ward’s 18th birthday #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian ? original sound - PEP.ph
Mga Lihim Ni Urduja actress Sanya Lopez was among the Sparkle GMA Artist Center talents seen at the party, looking stunning in her purple dress.
The Kapuso star was surprised to see everyone wearing black and sparkly outfits.
In an interview with the press she said, "Pagpasok ko dito, sabi ko, 'Hala, naka-black ang lahat! Hindi kaya magmukhang birthday ko?'"
@pepalerts @Sanya Lopez arrives at the 18th birthday party of @Jillian Ward #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian ? original sound - h.art
Also spotted at the event are Sparkle teen stars (L-R) Zephanie, Michael Sager, Caitlyn Stave, Jeff Moses...
and The Clash 2020 grand champion Jessica Villarubin.
Other celebrities who attended Jillian's birthday party are Prince Clemente, Althea Ablan, Yasmien Kurdi, Elijah Alejo, and Nadia Montenegro.
In this photo, they are joined by GMA and Sparkle bosses including Joey Abacan (GMA First Vice President for Program Management), Ms. Gigi Santiago-Lara (Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions), Ms. Annette Gozon-Valdes (GMA Network Senior Vice President), Ms. Tracy Garcia (Sparkle Senior Talent Manager), Ms. Joy Marcelo (Sparkle Assistant Vice President), Mr. Lawrence Tan (Consulting Head for Talent Imaging and Marketing) and Rose Conde.
Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto opened the celebration with a prayer.
@pepalerts Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto leads the prayer at Jillian Ward’s 18th birthday #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian #EntertainmentNewsPH #PEPNews #NewsPH ? original sound - PEP.ph
18 ROSES
Senator Bong Revilla was Jillian's first dance among the 18 Roses.
@pepalerts Senator Bong Revilla leads the first dance among the 18 roses at Jillian Ward’s debut #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian #EntertainmentNewsPH #PEPNews #NewsPH ? original sound - PEP.ph
Kapuso heartthrob Ken Chan, who was also part of the 18 Roses, danced with Jillian while "A Whole New World" played in the background.
The last dance was, of course, reserved for Jillian's dad Elson Penzon.
@pepalerts Jillian Ward tears up as she dances with her dad Elson Penzon on her debut #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian #EntertainmentNewsPH #PEPNews #NewsPH ? original sound - PEP.ph
18 CANDLES
Ciara Sotto, who was part of Jillian's 18 Candles, shared her birthday wish for the debutante and said, "My wish for you is that you will always see yourself as God sees you. You are special, you are the daughter of a King.
Ciara continued, "You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are worthy of love, respect, and success."
@pepalerts Ciara Sotto gives a heartfelt message as part of Jillian Ward’s 18 candles #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian #EntertainmentNewsPH #PEPNews #NewsPH ? original sound - PEP.ph
In her speech, Gladys Reyes suggested to Jillian to avoid rushing into a relationship and instead wait for the right time for love.
She told Jillian, "Anak, maraming magkandarapa sa 'yo so huwag kang magmadali, and preserve yourself dun sa pinaka-deserving na talagang magmamahal sa 'yo."
The actress added, "And of course, always love your family. And in everything that you do, and every decision that you make, always pray and you'll never go wrong.
"Happy birthday!"
@pepalerts Gladys Reyes to Jillian Ward: “Maraming magkakandarapa sa’yo so wag kang magmadali” #JillianSuperstarAt18 #JillianSparklesAt18 #WeSparkle4Jillian #EntertainmentNewsPH #PEPNews #NewsPH ? original sound - PEP.ph
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