Of talent, looks and fashion

It was an haute couture night as ABS-CBN’s Star Magic talents and friends trooped to InterContinental Manila’s ballroom for the talent management and development center’s first-ever annual ball. The Golden Globe awards-inspired event also marked Star Magic’s 15th year.

The Kapamilya network’s The Bold (in talent) and The Beautiful (in looks and personality) pulled their designer clothes from their closet to match the glitter and glamor of the affair. Some were in Patrice Ramos or Pepsi Herrera ensembles. Others went for Rajo Laurel, Jun Escario or JC Buendia tuxedo. (The event was also presented by Bench.)

The high-fashion that night never eclipsed nor upstaged the talent of ABS-CBN stars in the program that immediately followed the sumptuous dinner.

Willie Revillame who looked dapper in off-white coat, opened the ball by introducing Piolo Pascual, Diether Ocampo, John Lloyd Cruz and Sam Milby in a Jersey Boys number. They brought out the crooner in them by singing Frankie Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. Funny Girl Pokwang stole the scene from the heartthrobs by doing a Shakira song-and-dance number. Pokwang belted out the sultry singer’s song Whenever, Wherever complete with a candle-lit chandelier headdress. ABS-CBN’s resident comedienne surprisingly could sing and might give other self-confessed singing comediennes a run for their money. Pokwang’s witty monologue caught everyone’s attention.

Although designed as comic relief, Pokwang’s rise to fame fulfills Star Magic’s mission to every showbiz aspirant. “We open the doors. And you do the rest,” ABS-CBN EVP Charo Santos-Concio says.

Talent was everywhere that night as guests were treated to a highly-choreographed, well-executed tap dance number from Bea Alonzo, John Prats, Rayver Cruz, Maja Salvador, Gemma Fitzgerald, Victor Basa, Gem Ramos and Tim Espinosa. Nikki Gil’s rendition of Norah Jones’ Come Away With Me provided the music for the dancers.

Before that, Gian Sotto and Michael Manahan were seen singing emo, light rock ditties.

The affair wouldn’t be complete without recognizing those who came the best dressed and Star Magic’s staunch supporters.

Korina Sanchez, Sen. Mar Roxas, Anne Curtis and Zanjoe Marudo received the Stardust Best Dressed awards. The Galaxy awards went to Freddie Garcia, Charo Santos-Concio and ABS-CBN chairman and CEO Gabby Lopez.

Garcia was cited for his vision in creating Star Magic, then known as Talent Center; Santos-Concio for making that vision happen and Lopez for his trust and confidence in the people who comprise Talent Center.

 JM Rodriguez sang Come Fly With Me.

Martin Nievera gave everyone a sample of his Las Vegas repertoire by dishing out Wild Flower and This is the Moment.

A Rigodon de Honor participated in by Star Magic talents sealed the event.