The Unforgettable Sights of the Star Magic Ball 2013

Is it just me, or many stars really opted to be simple on the recently concluded Star Magic Ball 2013? There are only a few who stood out, but those who did really shone that night and gave the viewing public great examples as to why they ought to be called stars.

This is the list of my favorite attendees at the glamorous ball.

Kim Chiu, as always, never failed to prove why she is being looked up to by many fashion enthusiasts. She looked like a princess at the ball, with the equally good looking escort, Xian Lim, who made Kim glowing and even more beautiful.

Another belle who carried her ball gown with such confidence, glam and style is Julia Barretto. Her overall style, from the hair, make-up and gown, is quite fitting for her age.

Ella Cruz looked sweet and very cute at the ball.

Janella Salvador or Ma'am Nicki to those who watch TV-series, Be Careful with My Heart, looked like a sweetheart that night.

This may not be a stand-out gown, but Nikki Gil's attitude made it all up for whatever's lacking in her ensemble. When asked to describe her style by a staff of The Buzz, she happily said that this is her "moving-on" look.

Ms. Dawn Zulueta has already mastered the art of elegance.

It is not so much about Rica Peralejo's gown, but she looked very happy and pretty, and still sexy even though she's pregnant.

For the men, I'd be biased because after watching "Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo?", I no longer find any male local celebs who can match the appeal of Xian Lim.

And I am quite sure that many girls, including this blogger, were quite envy of Kim Chiu with the very sweet gesture of how Xian invited Kim to be his date for the ball, as Kim gave us a peek how on her Instagram account.

This is my favorite KimXi picture at the ball. They really deserve the Fabulous Pair award.

There were also certain celebrities who were unforgettable for other reasons.

Maricar Reyes had managed to look quite appealing and classy in the past Star Magic formal events, but she opted for a simpler overall this time. Although she still looked pretty, her chosen style made her look like she would only go and dine out with someone and not attend a glamorous occasion like this one.

Kean Cipriano in a messy overall.

Ansaveh ni Kiray?! Tarush! Very Doña Guada in the body of an 8-yr-old kid.

Photo credits to: Instagram - chinitaprincess, xianlimm; StyleBible.ph & PEX

Gerald Anderson vs Maricel Soriano

I know, this is already becoming like an anti-Gerald Anderson blog. But I was really waiting for other juicy and interesting news in the local showbiz scene to end the three earlier posts that involved Gerald. To my surprise, he has gotten himself into another trouble, to which his home network was quick to protect and make him look like an angel who can't do any wrong (which only makes matters worse).

CTO: Kalandian.com

The issue: Veteran actress, Maricel Soriano, was reported to being blunt, frustrated and emotional after taping a scene with Gerald. She shouted hurtful words at him that reportedly made him cry, but said sorry to Ms. Maricel afterwards. According to some reports, Maricel did not like how Gerald delivered during the scene and it had already taken them quite a time to do that. She then told the actor that he was already being the cause of delay among other stuff that instead of challenging Gerald, it made him fear the veteran star and vowed to his bosses that he will not be part of the show if Maricel was going to be retained.

The verdict: Star Magic and the Kapamilya network, which handle Gerald's career, decided to remove Maricel from the "doomed" soap opera and retain their favorite, este, Gerald. They even sent out a strong statement in defense of their action and I quote:

"Star Magic has the utmost confidence not only in Gerald Anderson’s exceptional ability as an actor, but also in his unassailable personal character and professional behavior. The incidents that led to the removal of Maricel from Gerald’s latest telenovela were not provoked or instigated by Gerald in any manner."

I know that Gerald has improved a lot on his acting skills from the time that he has started, but he has still a lot to learn. The "exceptional ability" part of Star Magic's statement is a clear indication of favoritism. He may have the ability, but as compared with what Maricel Soriano can give into their every scene, I am pretty sure that if somebody must be given that "exceptional ability" remark, it would have been the veteran star and not this playboy, este, young actor.

I almost puked at the "unassailable personal character" part. They made it appear that this young actor can do no wrong. He is so good that his reputation cannot be tarnished. At this point of his career, humility might be the key to salvage what is still left of him. And these unbelievable praise releases about him aren't helping at all.

Star Magic seems to be so serious about this that even TV Patrol has reported about the depression that Maricel has been going through for the past years, which may be affecting her work and sanity. It was like all of a sudden, just because she made the wrong move of picking on the network's favorite, she is the meanest person on this local showbizlandia.

I know, she is not a saint. Maricel still needs to talk about past issues that involve her maids. But no one can contest that she is good in her craft and someone who deserves the praise, exceptional.

Regarding the issue, Maricel has kept mum, so it is enlightening to read words from someone who is on her side. Here are some statements from the actress' close friend and the director of her upcoming movie with Vice Ganda, Wenn Deramas. The following were lifted from Part 1. Director Wenn Deramas defends Maricel Soriano: "Huwag nating sabihin na yung tao ay ganito at ganyan dahil lamang sa isang insidente."

“Sa akin, isolated case ‘yan.

“Huwag nating sabihin na yung tao ay ganito at ganyan dahil lamang sa isang insidente.

“Isipin pa rin natin ang mga ginawa ni Maricel Soriano sa ABS-CBN, sa industriya—kung paano niya tayo pinasaya, kung paano siya napakahusay sa lahat ng kanyang mga ginagawa."

Wala raw maipipintas ang direktor kay Maricel pagdating sa propesyunalismo at pagmamahal na pinapakita nito sa trabaho.

“Si Maricel, hindi mo mapupulaan sa kanyang trabaho—na si Maricel hindi magaling sa pelikula o teleserye… wala, e.

“Tinatrabaho niya yun at hindi puwede sa kanya na ‘ako lang ang magaling.’ Dapat tayo.

“Pinaniniwalaan ko si Maricel Soriano.

“Gaya ng sinabi ko, isolated case yung nangyari na hindi mo puwedeng husgahan ang tao dahil lang dun sa nangyari. 

“Saka ilan lang silang nandun nung nangyari yun.

“Unfortunately, si Maricel Soriano ang tipo ng artista na hindi magsasalita para ipagtanggol ang sarili niya.”

As for this blogger, even though Gerald is their contract star, the Kapamilya network should have protected both actors. As it is, only Maricel's reputation is being tarnished as the issue has blown out of proportion and the veteran star is now the subject of several malicious blind items. Whether these are true or not, the Kapamilya network's action only made the situation worse. Instead of saving her from further humiliation, ABS-CBN has only added more insult to the injury, in expense of the more experienced star.

I wonder if they will still go on with the doomed teleserye with the network's current favorite. I don't hate Gerald, but I want him to be humble enough to admit his mistakes and apologize publicly to those whom he has offended and hurt, instead of acting like he has not done anything wrong.