CEBU, Philippines — It was a night full of glimmer, good tidings, and gratitude as Star Magic celebrated the yuletide season by giving back to various communities and recognizing the loyalty of its artists in "Star Magical Christmas" ball last November 19 at the Manila Marriott Hotel.
Among the Star Magic artists who dazzled at the event's white carpet with their yuletide looks were Joshua Garcia as Willy Wonka, Andrea Brillantes putting an elegant spin on the Christmas parol, and the tandem of Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan as the holiday versions of Barbie and Ken, among many others.
Along with the gathering of its bright stars, Star Magic shared the holiday magic by initiating a toy drive for the benefit of the children of Bantay Bata 163. Before the ball, many artists also spread their love through its "Share the Magic" initiative by helping a charity or beneficiary of their choice.
Their charitable efforts were then recognized during the event, with the group of "Fractured" stars Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, and Raven Rigor taking home the BingoPlus Award for exceptional magic sharing and its grand prize of P100,000 to their select beneficiary, Ephesus: Home for Girls.
They were followed by the stars of "Pira-Pirasong Paraiso" winning P50,000 as second placers for the benefit of the Pawssion Project; and the third-placed team of Alexa Ilacad, Nonong Ballinan, and Eric Nicolas with P30,000 for their "Laban Lungs" benefit concert for former ABS-CBN head writer Sherwin Concepcion, who is currently battling lung cancer.
Star Magic also continued to recognize the withstanding loyalty and dedication of their select artists through the years.
Among this year's loyalty awardees were 25-year Star Magic talents Desiree del Valle and Andrei Felix, along with theater actress Carla Guevarra-Laforteza (24 years), former child stars Igi Boy Flores and "Nag-Aapoy na Damdamin" leading lady Jane Oineza (22 years), director/comedian John "Sweet" Lapus (22 years), and versatile actor Ketchup Eusebio (21 years).