Opulence ball: Glitz, glam and ghost stories on the side

Several local celebrities and famous names in entertainment, fashion and creatives dazzled in their ‘70s vibe costumes at the Opulence Ball staged last week at the Manila Peninsula, Makati City.

The 2024 edition was dubbed “The Velvet Underground,” which was inspired by the glitz, glamor and allure of the ‘70s, an era filled with “hedonistic” pursuits and individualistic expressions.

Creative director, host and entrepreneur Mond Gutierrez, who was clad in a disco ball-inspired outfit, remarked that the Halloween ball is more than just an event. “It’s really an immersive experience for our guests, and this year we brought them back into the most opulent era from recent history, the ‘70s. It’s all about disco, fashion, music, self-expression, that era was all about being bold and being who you are.

“We want to elevate the experience for our guests with a brand-new theme, a brand new clear, creative brief for ‘The Velvet Underground.’ Everyone looked so fabulous in their interpretation of ‘70s best.”

“There are so many things that go on behind the scenes in creating The Opulence Ball. There are so many moving parts — from our brand partners to all of our attendees, they all put so much effort into their looks. (There are) so many people like artists, creatives who contribute their skills and talent to showcase the Philippines’ thriving fashion, creatives, design and art scene,” he added.

During the annual Halloween event, The STAR randomly asked the guests about their spookiest experience and here’s what they shared:

Maymay Entrata as Bianca Jagger in Studio 54 era.

Maymay Entrata (who drew costume inspiration from Bianca Jagger’s Studio 54 era): “I was in an elevator with my elder brother and cousins. We were at an old hotel. My kuya said, ‘Let’s go to another floor,’ until we reached the 9th floor. ‘Di ba usually pag-open ng elevator, dapat hallway tapos may mga (rooms). Sa 9th floor, pag-open, room agad.

“There was no light, tapos parang baha pa. We saw something at the very end. Yun yata yung sinasabi nila na white lady. So we uttered prayers, Our Father. Tapos hindi po talaga nag clo-close yung elevator. But we (nevertheless) survived it.”

Ara Mina (in a blue and green hued gown): “One time sa shoot, we were in a standby area in an old house. The door suddenly opened. No one was there. We just ignored it para hindi takutin mga sarili namin.”

Chie Filomeno (who came in as Cher): “I had a third eye when I was younger. I was sleeping, feeling ko ang bigat-bigat then when I opened my eyes, there was a child. Yun nga yung nakakatakot, faceless siya. Mas nakakatakot ang aura na binibigay niya talaga that night. And then I closed my eyes, prayed, and then when I opened my eyes, he was gone.”

Elisse Joson (in a black and blue fishnet dress): “I think the most memorable for me was when we were shooting a film in Baguio. May mga kasama kami lagi na nag-ritual before every scene because our filming place was in Teacher’s (Camp), it’s a known place na maraming ghosts and spirits.

“We have this co-artist na sinapian daw so medyo nakakatakot kasi kasama namin siya. So we had to pack up the shoot because sabi nung nagri-ritual, it was kind of dangerous.”

Donny Pangilinan (in a shiny silver suit): “This is a true story. My lola, si mama, she died and then rose again. During that time kasi nung nililibing ka di pa chine-check yung ano eh yung nasa loob lahat. Promise. True story ‘to. Nilibing na siya, may wake na siya and then all of a sudden, she woke up during her wake. I’m serious.”

Belle Mariano (in a yellow gown): “(In an) old house, I heard like a ball being dribbled from the third floor. I was on the second floor. No one was there.”

Sassa Gurl (who sported Pinoy ‘70s disco-inspired attire): “There’s a ghost in our house pero alam mo yun since medyo naging tropa ko na din sila. Charing. Magka-level naman daw. Charing.”

Ruffa Gutierrez’s peg is Cher.

The other guests who were also present at the event were Maris Racal, Kylie Verzosa, Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez, Barbie Imperial, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Miss Universe 2022  R’Bonney Gabriel, Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho.