(From left) Kim Chiu, Lovi Poe, Janella Salvador, Kathryn Bernardo. Images: Gee Plamenco Jr. via Instagram/@chinitaprincess, Metrophoto, Dom Cruz via Instagram/@superjanella, Charis Malico via Instagram/@bernardokath
After four years, some of the country’s biggest stars in show business reunited for the ABS-CBN Ball 2023 last Saturday, September 30, dressed in their most spectacular dresses and sleek suits in a hotel in Makati.
The meeting also showed the apparent growing understanding between the Kapamilya network and former rivals GMA executives Felipe Gozon and daughter Annette Gozon-Valdes and some TV 5 celebrities participating in the black-tie event.
While they all shone brightly that night – kudos to their talented designers – there are a few standouts who delivered the most breathtaking looks and dazzling fashion statements.
1. Lovi Poe
Lovi Poe was a seductive siren, personified in her sheer green Patty Ang ensemble that showed off her sculpted abs. Known as a fitness junkie, the cropped design of the dress showed off Poe’s enviable figure without losing sight of the intricate beadwork on the neckline and sleeves.

Lovi Poe. Image: Metro photo
Poe kept her look sleek with a simple braid and minimal jewelry — just a pair of fan-shaped earrings. Her apparent lack of embellishment lends credence to the adage that sometimes less is more.
2. Kathryn Bernardo

Kathryn Bernardo. Image: Charis Malico via Instagram/@bernardokath
Kathryn Bernardo proved she deserves to be named the ‘Best Dressed’ star at the ABS-CBN Ball when she embraced her ‘A Very Good Girl’ persona with a custom dress by Mark Bumgarner in a met gemstone encrusted turtleneck. -off dress. She completed her look with a chic bob and neutral makeup.
3. Kim Chiu

Kim Chiu. Image: Gee Plamenco Jr. via Instagram/@chinitaprincess
Another star who embraced her sexier side is Kim Chiu, who bared her skin in a sheer Francis Libiran dress. The nude sequin dress, complete with glittering diamond accessories and wavy locks showed off the actress’s bold fashion sense
4. Marina summers

Marina Summers. Image: beautiful print photography via Instagram/@marinaxsummers
Drag Race Philippines season one star Marina Summers was on fire with her daring Mara Chua creation inspired by burning flames. The sequin dress is a work of art in itself, with its red sequin corset, flame-inspired neckline and black serpentine skirt. As the drag performer wore the dramatic dress with such grace and poise, you could almost hear RuPaul’s hit song “Call Me Mother” playing in the background.
5. Jane Oineza

Jane Oineza. Image: Dom Cruz via Instagram/@janeoineza
One of the most dramatic looks of the evening was Jane Oineza in her silver-gray Ehrran Montoya dress. The custom dress’s flowing pattern and silk material make the actress’s every move fluid, while the thigh-high slit makes her look like she’s a water nymph.
6. Karina Bautista

Karina Bautista. Image: Jeff A. Sto. Tomas via Instagram/@karebautista_
From the Star Magical Prom to the ABS-CBN Ball, Karina Bautista proved she has what it takes to be the network’s rising fashionistas in her emerald green Just Bonita dress with rope-like patterns from the neckline to the bodice. Although the ruffled top and gold accessories may seem like too much to outsiders, they turned out to be the necessary elements for a glamorous look.
7. Janella Salvador

Janella Salvador. Image: Dom Cruz via Instagram/@superjanella
Janella Salvador’s flair for drama is evident in her brown Anthony Ramirez dress with snake-inspired pattern. Salvador defied the odds with a luscious tan that complimented her skin tone, with its deep V-neckline, which she complemented with an emerald necklace.
8. Andrea Brillantes

Andrea Brillantes. Image: Charis Malico via Instagram/@blythe
Andrea Brillantes went for a sparkling red number by Michael Leyva that accentuated her voluptuous figure. The sheath dress featured hand-worked crystals, accessorized with a matching set of ruby jewelry, and spoke of old Hollywood glamour, especially with the actress’ wavy, long locks cascading down her back.
9. Maris Racal

Maris Racal. Image: Gee Plamenco Jr. via Instagram/@mariestellar
Maris Racal is another star who championed old Hollywood glamor that night with her custom Marc Rancy gown. Her gold sequin dress was given a pop of color with its sapphire blue off-the-shoulder sleeves and skirt overlay.
10. Belle Mariano

Belle Mariano. Image: Dookie Ducay via Instagram/@belle_mariano
It takes a certain kind of grace that seems so effortless to carry off a nude, princess-inspired ball gown — 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, royal waves and silver accessories from Bvlgari.
Honorable mentions
Maya Salvador

Maya Salvador. Image: Instagram/@maja
Looking effortlessly sophisticated seemed to be no problem for Maja Salvador as she sashed in her black silk gown, which many observers said was an updated twist on the iconic black wedding gown she wore in her ABS-CBN teleserye “Wildflower,” with its deep neckline and full skirt.
Dolly de Leon

Dolly de Leon. Image: Aldous Gabriel
Dolly de Leon defined the “perfect mother” in her Sassa Jimenez dress. The monochromatic black tea-length dress with a black floral pattern showed off the petite actress’ dominant look. She completed the look with black and silver earrings.
Kaori Oinuma

Kaori Oinuma. Image: Andrea Beldua
Another actress drawing a lot of attention is the beautiful Kaori Oinuma, whose innate sophistication was brought out by her white dress from LSW. The 3D flowers and feathers added flair to her mermaid cut ensemble. EDV