MANILA, Philippines — The Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Hotel Manila glittered as Philippine showbiz's biggest stars attended the GMA Gala on Sunday night.
One of the most anticipated stars of the evening was fashion icon Heart Evangelista, who arrived with her husband, Senate President Francis Escudero.
Escudero looked dapper in a classic black suit and bow tie by Filipino designer Michael Leyva, while Evangelista stunned in a breathtaking white couture gown adorned with floral accents and a sheer, gem-encrusted bodice by Italian designer Giambattista Valli.
Evangelista shared that the inspiration for her couture piece was all about being feminine, powerful, and empowering.
"I'm just here to wear it with grace," she said. "When it comes to fashion and the places I've been to, including this beautiful dress I'm wearing, I'd like to bring it back to GMA because this is where I belong."
On her Instagram account, the 39-year-old posted video clips of her fitting with Valli himself in Paris.
"Tonight we celebrate LOVE @gmanetwork #gmagala2024 @sparklegmaartistcenter. Sending my love to my @giambattistavalliparis family and my dearest friend @giambattistavalli," she wrote.
Another post showed her and Escudero side by side.
Evangelista was honored with a Hall of Fame award, along with A-list stars Alden Richards, Bea Alonzo, Dingdong Dantes, and Marian Rivera.
Alonzo looked stunning in a white gown by French designer Alaïa, while Richards wore a Dolce & Gabbana suit, accessorized with a Schiaparelli brooch and Louboutin loafers.
Best Dressed awardee Kylie Padilla in Ehrran Montoya gown. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/KYLIENICOLEPADILLA Marian Rivera in Nicole Felicia couture and Dingdong Dantes in Stefano Ricci suit. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/MARIAN RIVERA Best Dressed awardee David Licauco in white Ivarluski Aseron suit. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/DAVIDLICAUCO
Rivera, on the other hand, wore an ethereal black gown with silver floral accents by Nicole + Felicia, paired with a clutch by Bottega Veneta. Dantes complemented her look with a classic black suit and bow tie by Stefano Ricci.
The third edition of the GMA Gala also featured various awards.
Kylie Padilla and David Licauco were the Best Dressed Stars of the Night. Padilla dazzled in a mother of pearl-inspired gown by designer Ehrran Montoya, while Licauco looked princely in a white Ivarluski Aseron ensemble.
Couple of the Night honors went to real-life sweethearts Miguel Tanfelix and Ysabel Ortega, as well as Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz.
Young Stars of the Night were onscreen loveteam Allen Ansay and Sofia Pablo. The Red Carpet Scene Stealer award was given to South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo, star of the action drama "Black Rider."
Sparkle Choice Awards (Style Stars) were presented to Andrea Torres, Bianca Umali, Sanya Lopez, Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara, and Ruru Madrid.
Other special award winners included Ken Chan as Bingoplus Gala Night Icon; Alden Richards as Aqua Boracay Tropical Trendsetter; Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera as Avignon Grand Couple of the Night; Gabbi Garcia as Belo Beauty of the Night; Kylie Padilla as Honor 200 AI Portrait Master of the Night; Rabiya Mateo as Luxe Slim Fit and Glam Award; Heart Evangelista and Sen. Chiz Escudero as Perfect McCafe Blend of the Night; Derrick Monasterio as Premier Drip Star of the Night; Gazini Ganados as ToledoMed Angel of the Night; and Jillian Ward as Sparkling Smile of the Night.
"It's Showtime" hosts Vice Ganda, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Ryan Bang, Darren Espanto, Ogie Alcasid, and Cianne Dominguez also graced the Gala. Other Kapamilya talents present included Enchong Dee and Ces Drilon, alongside ABS-CBN executives Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes, and Martin "Mark" Lopez.