Stars compete in 7th Star Magic Games

MANILA, Philippines - On its seventh year, Star Magic artists and personnel have once again devoted a day in their busy schedules to play on the court.

For the second year in a row, the Star Magic Games carried the title Sun vs. Stars in light of its retained partnership with Sun Life Financial.

The friendly star-studded sporting event held at the Celebrity Sports Plaza last May 22 once again paved the way for the stars to showcase their sporty sides.

Love teams were also seen at the venue like Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, Erich Gonzales and Daniel Matsunaga, Ylona Garcia and Bailey May, Loisa Andalio and Joshua Garcia, Alexa Ilacad and Nash Aguas, Janella Salvador and Elmo Magalona.

Teen stars Jane Oineza, Sofia Andres, Marco Gumabao, Maris Racal, Marlo Mortel, Iñigo Pascual, Julia Barretto, Andrea Brillantes, Darren Espanto, Xyriel Manabat and Zaijian Jaranilla were also in attendance, as well as members of Gimme 5 and It’s Showtime’s Hashtag and GirlTrends.

This year, the four teams were named after superheroes. There was the Black Widow team led by Daniel, Blue Captain America team with Hashtag member Ronnie Alonte as leader, Yellow Wolverine team under Eric Nicolas, Green Hulk team headed by Jairus Aquino and Star Magic’s Red Iron Man Dream Team led by Xian Lim.

The day started with the parade of the participating teams with their respective muses. Black Widow team had rising stars Heaven Peralejo and Ysabel Ortega while the Blue Captain America team had Chienna Filomeno and Alexa. The Green Hulk team had Andrea and Loisa, and GirlTrends member Kelley Day represented Yellow Wolverine team. Red Iron Man team had GirlTrends member Mica Rivera. The Sun Life Financial team, meanwhile, was led by Maja Salvador.

The program began with Angeline Quinto performing the National Anthem, which was immediately followed by Xian’s opening prayer. Sun Life Financial ambassador Piolo Pascual gave the opening remarks after which Gerald Anderson initiated the Oath of Sportsmanship. The actual event began after Daniel lighted the torch. Robi Domingo, Erika Abello and Eric hosted this year’s sports event. Kitkat, Tippy Dos Santos and Drei Felix also served as side hosts.

Sun Life Financial participants dominated the swimming relay but Zonia Mejia and Erika placed second while newbie Kira Balinger and Enchong Dee were among the runners-up.

Under the volleyball category, the Yellow Wolverine team won against the Black Widow team. While the Blue Captain America team beat the Green Hulk team. Budding star Ashley Colet bagged volleyball’s Most Valuable Player and Mythical Six award while Gretchen Ho, Marco Gumabao, Joseph Marco, Jed Montero and Julia were the Mythical Six awardees.

Star Magic kids and teens participated in the fun games that also revolved around the superhero concept. Among them were Boost Your Boosts, Shield of Justice, Saving Earth and Slam N’ Jam.

Under the badminton sport, Green Hulk’s Heaven and Hatima Bien won in the women’s category while Black Widow’s Neil Coleta and Iñigo won in the men’s category. Neil took home the Best Male Player award. Piolo was declared the Overall Most Valuable Player in the badminton category. Janella and Kathryn played for the first time in women’s badminton.

In the teen’s basketball division, the Green Hulk team of Jairus Aquino, Bugoy Cariño and Zaijian beat the Blue Captain America team of Nash with the score of 36-27. The Green Hulk team of Robi and Jerome Ponce, meanwhile, continued their winning streak in the mixed adults division.

Eventually Jairus was named teen division’s Most Valuable Player while Bugoy took home the Rookie of the Year award.

The much-awaited adult basketball division game of the annual Star Magic Games saw the face-off between Daniel’s Black Widow team and Hashtag Ronnie’s Blue Captain America team for the first time. Touted as the Royalty Teams, the intense game ended with the score of 70-69 in favor of Black Widow team.

Daniel bagged the Most Valuable Player award for the third time. His first two MVP awards were for the junior division in 2015 and 2013, respectively.

Ronnie, who was a first-timer at the Star Magic Games, took home the Rookie of the Year Award under the exhibition game division where he also participated in. The adult division’s Rookie of the Year award was bagged by Doble Kara star Anjo Damiles.

Red Iron Man Dream team of Xian, JC de Vera, Rayver Cruz and Gerald competed with Sun Life Financial team in the basketball exhibition game. Six points win in favor of Sun Life Financial.

Through the 7th Star Magic Games, the Kapamilya celebrities were able to meet old and make new friends.