ABS-CBN Ball 2023’s best-dressed celebrities

After four years, some of the country’s biggest stars in show business once again came together for the ABS-CBN Ball 2023 clad in their most spectacular gowns and sleek suits last Saturday, Sept. 30. at a hotel in Makati.

The gathering also showcased the seemingly growing rapport between the Kapamilya network and erstwhile rivals, with GMA executives Felipe Gozon and daughter Annette Gozon-Valdes and some TV 5 celebrities joining the black-tie event.

While all of them shone bright that night — kudos to their talented designers — there are a few standouts who served the most breathtaking looks and dazzling fashion statements.

1. Lovi Poe

Lovi Poe was an alluring siren personified in her sheer cgreen Patty Ang ensemble that showed off her sculpted abs. Known as a fitness junkie, the gown’s cropped design flaunted Poe’s enviable figure without losing sight of its intricate beadwork on the neckline and sleeves.

Poe kept her look clean with a simple braid and minimal jewelries — just a pair of fan-shaped drop earrings. Her  seeming lack of embellishment lends credence to the adage that sometimes less is more.

2. Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn Bernardo proved she deserves to be named as the “Best Dressed” star at the ABS-CBN Ball, as she embraced her “A Very Good Girl” persona with a skin-baring custom gown by Mark Bumgarner in a gem-encrusted turtleneck cut-out gown. She completed her look with a chic bob and neutral makeup.

3. Kim Chiu

Another star who embraced her sexier side is Kim Chiu who bared her skin in a see-through Francis Libiran gown. The sequined nude gown, complete with shimmering diamond accessories, and wavy locks displayed the actress’ audacious fashion sense

4. Marina Summers

“Drag Race Philippines” season one alum Marina Summers was on fire with her bold Mara Chua creation which is inspired by burning flames. The sequin gown is a work of art in itself, with its red sequin corset, flame-inspired neckline, and black serpentina skirt. As the drag performer carried the dramatic gown with such grace and poise, you could almost hear RuPaul’s hit song “Call Me Mother” playing in the background.

5. Jane Oineza

One of the most dramatic looks of the night had to be Jane Oineza in her silver and gray gown by Ehrran Montoya. The custom-made dress’ wavy pattern, silk material makes the actress’ every move fluid, while its thigh-high slit makes as if she’s a water nymph.

6. Karina Bautista

From the Star Magical Prom to the ABS-CBN Ball, Karina Bautista proved that she has what it takes to be the network’s rising fashionistas in her emerald green Just Bonita gown with rope-like patterns from the neckline to the bodice. While the ruched top and gold accessories may seem too much to outsiders, it turned out to be the needed elements for a glam look.

7. Janella Salvador

Janella Salvador’s flair for drama is evident in her brown Anthony Ramirez gown with snake-inspired pattern. Salvador defied the odds with a delicious brown color that complimented her skin tone, with its deep V  neckline, which she complemented with an emerald necklace.

8. Andrea Brillantes

Andrea Brillantes went for a sparkling red number by Michael Leyva that accentuated her voluptuous figure. The tube gown featured hand-beaded crystals, completed with a matching set of ruby jewelries, spoke of old Hollywood glamor especially with the actress’ wavy, long tresses cascading down her back.

9. Maris Racal

Maris Racal is another star who championed old Hollywood glamor that night with her custom Marc Rancy gown. Her gold sequined gown was given a pop of color by a sapphire blue off-shoulder sleeves and skirt overlay.

10. Belle Mariano

One needs to have a certain type of grace that seems so effortless to pull off a nude, princess-inspired ballgown — and Belle Mariano is one of the elite few who does it so well. The beaded Michael Leyva gown, with its pastel shade and petticoats, complimented the actress’ delicate features. The ethereal look is finished with neutral makeup, regal waves, and silver accessories from Bvlgari.

Honorable mentions

Maja Salvador

Looking effortlessly sophisticated seemed to be no big deal for Maja Salvador as she sashayed in her black silk gown, which many observers said was an updated twist to the iconic black wedding gown that she wore in her ABS-CBN teleserye “Wildflower,” with its plunging neckline and full skirt.

Dolly de Leon

Dolly de Leon defined the “perfect mother” in her Sassa Jimenez gown. The monochromatic black tea-length gown with black flower design showed off the diminutive actress’ dominant aura. She finished the look with black and silver earrings.

Kaori Oinuma

Another actress that has been gaining attention is the stunning Kaori Oinuma, whose innate sophistication was brought to the fore by her white gown by LSW. The 3D flowers and feathers added flair to her mermaid-cut ensemble. EDV