David Licauco and Jak Roberto’s ‘twinning,’ other trending moments from Sparkle Spell 2023

MANILA, Philippines — Who wore it better?

Jak Roberto and David Licauco drew attention at the recently-held GMA Sparkle Network event, Sparkle Spell 2023, for “twinning” at the Halloween gathering.

With the theme “Fabulously Frightening,” the two hunk actors were both dressed as the fictional character, Roronoa Zoro — also known as the Pirate Hunter — from the live-action adaptation of the popular anime series One Piece on Netflix.

Both pulled off impressive versions of Zoro, sporting green hair, a single earring, leather pants, and the pirate’s classic samurai sword.

Barbie Forteza is Game of Thrones’ Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen.

Jak even did Zoro’s famous pose as seen in photos of GMA Sparkle and videos posted on his social media pages.

David and Jak are Barbie Forteza’s reel and real-life boyfriend, respectively. Both have been pitted against each other by online fans due in part to the successful on-screen pairing of Barbie and David (also known as BarDa), from the historical-fantasy series Maria Clara at Ibarra to the ongoing TV adaptation of the ‘90s action film Maging Sino Ka Man. As expected, online users found themselves making comparisons on “who did it better” between the two when they showed up with the similar costumes.

Also coming in as the anime character Zoro are Anthony Rosaldo and Sandro Muhlach.

According to Sparkle sources, the “twinning” was not intentional and in fact, there were more talents who came in as Zoro, including Anthony Rosaldo and Sandro Muhlach.

Meanwhile, Barbie slayed the event with her own version of Game Of Thrones’ Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen. Another Sparkle artist who channeled a Game of Thrones character was Kyline Alcantara. She arrived at the black carpet as the Night King.

Kyline Alcantara hits the black carpet as Game of Thrones’ Night King.

Another trending moment was courtesy of teen actress Gaea Mischa. She chose to take a trip down memory lane with her Halloween look at the Sparkle Spell 2023 by wearing MJ Lastimosa’s 2014 Miss Universe national costume.

“For tonight’s Sparkle Spell ball, I’m channeling my inner @mj_lastimosa in her most iconic National Costume gown in the history of Miss Universe,” Gaea wrote in her Instagram post.

Gaea Mischa channels MJ Lastimosa’s much-talked-about national costume look at the 2014 Miss Universe pageant.

In a separate post, Gaea thanked the beauty queen who she looks up to as an inspiration to become a Miss Universe one day.

“Thank you so much Miss @mj_lastimosa — it was such an honor to be you for one night. You truly inspire me to be Miss Universe someday,” she addressed MJ.

Sassa Gurl attends the event as a funeral wreath with a ribbon that reads ‘Condolences from: Congressman.’

She added, “And to all the people who loved the iconic NatCos, thank you. Hindi po tayo nanalong Best in Costume. Kalma lang guys. Babawi tayo sa Sparkle Spell 2024,” referencing former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach’s viral tweet of promising to win the Miss U title for the Philippines.

It can be recalled that the gown in question garnered widespread attention after netizens and critics likened the gown to a birthday cake, sparking memes online.

The gown was created by Alfredo Barranza, a celebrated Colombian fashion designer. According to a Philippine STAR report, he was selected by Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta, the founder of the Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc., which used to tap the international designer for the Bb. Pilipinas’ representatives’ national costumes.

Derrick Monasterio arrives on a horse in a Spartan warrior outfit.

Photos from Nice Print Photography via Sparkle GMA Artist Center and GMA Network

Some Filipino pageant fans and online critics, however, put the blame on the gown for the beauty queen’s failure to make it to the 2014 Miss U’s Top 5.

MJ back then defended her national costume, saying it wasn’t part of the judging and so it didn’t affect her scores at Miss Universe, which crowned at that time Miss Colombia Paulina Vega.

Now, with the spotlight back on her years-old ensemble, MJ couldn’t help but react to Gaea’s choice of Halloween costume as well as online users’ comments about the gown’s resurrection.

“Nakakatakot na talaga,” she wrote in her post sharing the young artist’s photos in her gown.

MJ also reacted to a netizen who quipped about her pageant gown becoming a Halloween costume. “Ginawang Halloween costume ka na MJ Lastimosa,” the Facebook user wrote along with a video of Gaea’s walk on the black carpet of the Sparkle Halloween Ball.

“HAHAHAHAPPY BIRTHDAY,” was MJ’s playful reaction to the comment comparing the gown to a birthday cake.

The Sparkle Spell 2023 was organized by the Sparkle GMA Artist Center PR, Events and Digital team, the same group behind the GMA Gala, among other special events.