By Vennette Lailani Seprado
The 2nd ABS-CBN Ball (formerly the Star Magic Ball), the much-awaited fundraising event that will benefit Bantay Bata 163’s Bantay Edukasyon program took place on September 14, 2019, at the luxurious Shangri-La at The Fort with the country’s brightest entertainment personalities gracing the red carpet.
This year, the exciting theme Modern Filipiniana challenged celebrities, designers and stylists to come up with ideas to reimagine the traditional Philippine dress. The end result was a dazzling display of modern and fashion-forward looks using traditional fabrics and techniques showcasing everything from oversized sleeves to bare midriffs. The event was also a treasure trove of modern Filipiniana styles perfect for the modern Filipino bride who may want to go with a traditional bridal look with a twist.
Here are our WE picks for the bridal looks of the evening:
Sarah Lahbati
The fashionista mother of two commanded attention in her modern Maria Clara with statement bishop sleeves by renowned designer, Mark Bumgarner. She kept her styling soft and pretty accessorizing with a pair of drop earrings and a three-stranded pearl choker.
Liza Soberano
The beautiful belle of the ball did not disappoint in her long-sleeved Barong Tagalog-inspired gown by Patricia Santos. Glittering like a walking piece of jewelry, the fully embellished sheer gown with silvery micro sequins and crystals featured a deep V-neckline and slightly puffed sleeves.
Julia Barretto
The young actress graced the red carpet in a delightfully delicate bisque colored Rajo Laurel terno with blush accents. Made with four-ply jusi, the frock was beaded with 12,000 individually hand-painted sampaguita flowers encrusted with seed pearls and crystals.
Anne Curtis
Red carpet favorite Anne Curtis took the theme to heart and wore one of the most whimsical looks of the night. She was in a beautifully crafted tiered mauve terno with oversized butterfly sleeves by designer and milliner, Mich Dulce. Channeling her inner Grace Kelly in the movie High Society, her hair was in a faux wavy bob finished with an equally quirky yet highly editorial fascinator.
Arci Munoz
Known for her enthusiasm in playing dress-up, Arci looked polished and sharp in her pristine white modern terno with exposed corset boning by Anthony Ramirez. She accessorized with statement jewelry from Tessera bringing a patriotic touch to her fashion-forward ensemble.
Maja Salvador
The acclaimed actress known for channeling her iconic soap opera characters on the red carpet slayed in her asymmetric Puey Quinones creation. Made from neoprene fabric with a bejeweled applique at the waist, the dress is a study of structure and shape simulating the natural curves and creases of a traditional “traje de mestiza”.
Kira Balinger
Fresh-faced newcomer Kira Balinger made waves in an ethereal terno by Mark Bumgarner. Sticking to a more traditional silhouette, the fully embellished ensemble with its heavy beadwork surprisingly did not appear heavy-handed – something that might be appealing for brides who want a hint of color and a little extra sparkle on their big day.
Janella Salvador
Janella was every bit a Disney princess in her voluminous take on a modern Maria Clara. Crafted by the talented Michael Leyva, her beige ensemble featured a suit top with bishop sleeves, a thick sash around the waist and a full ball gown skirt that beautifully fans out.
Bela Padilla
The talented actress wore a Victorian-inspired minimalist gown by Patricia Santos. It was a fitted column gown with a slit and low back with a slight puff of the sleeves. She wore a show-stopping emerald and diamond necklace that popped against her dress that was devoid of any embellishments.
Arielle Roces
Relative newcomer and Star Magic talent Arielle wore a trendy take on a traditional Baro’t Saya. Designed by Chynna Mamawal, the two-piece ensemble consisting of a sheer terno top with a matching sheer skirt had well placed floral appliques and needlework that looked light and airy. It was a youthful and dreamy version of a modern “co-ords”.
