The holidays are coming in full speed, which can only mean one thing: it’s officially Christmas party season! And as tradition goes, the Star Magic family is once again leading the festivities as the fourth Star Magical Christmas happens this Sunday, November 23.
If you’ve been here since the beginning, you already know this isn’t your usual ho-ho-holiday gathering. Think whimsical themes, head-turning costumes, and stars strutting the white carpet not just to dazzle and have fun, but to give back and spread love in true Christmas spirit. And the night wouldn’t be complete without special awards, including recognition for the loyal artists who’ve been with Star Magic the longest.
But before the red carpet rolls out for another year, let’s rewind to where it all started and relive the highlights from past celebrations.
Star Magic family coming home for Christmas
Held at the Sheraton Manila Hotel in Pasay on November 27, 2022, the inaugural Star Magical Christmas event doubled as a thanksgiving celebration and a reunion for Star Magic babies as the talent management company's first major gathering since the pandemic, and a fitting milestone as Star Magic marked its 30th anniversary.
It was a celebration of family, of friendships formed, careers built, and dreams realized under Star Magic’s wing. The night honored Star Magic stalwarts who’ve stayed through the years, with Angelica Panganiban (who looked every bit ethereal in a white midi dress, just two months post-partum), Dimples Romana, Kaye Abad, Shaina Magdayao, Nikki Valdez, and Dominic Ochoa receiving their individual Loyalty Award.
And in light of the season of giving, proceeds from the night benefited Anawim, a home for abandoned elderly.
The ballroom was transformed into a full-on winter wonderland, complete with snowy touches and icy elegance, where artists walked the white carpet in holiday-themed couture, playful costumes, and everything in between, equal parts glamorous and joyful.
Let’s talk looks because 2022’s lineup was iconic. Who could forget the moment Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla owned the white carpet as Nutracker soldiers with a whole 'barkada' in tow? They brought Joshua Garcia, Alora Sasam, Ria Atayde, Gela Atayde, and Hyubs Azarcon to complete the formation. The internet still hasn’t forgotten the visual. Honestly.
KD Estrada went full holiday snack in his pastel lilac brocade jacket and pants, with references to puto bumbong, while Alexa Ilacad leaned into bibingka vibe in a yellow tube dress topped with a green pleated peplum. Yup, love teams showed up big that evening. Francine Diaz arrived in white, while her on-screen partner Seth Fedelin in burgundy. Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte also delivered their signature effortless cool.
Some girls made winter feel hot. Case in point: Janella Salvador, who arrived in a sultry gown, feather boa and all. Maymay Entrata stunned in a sculpted corset dress, proving you can go sexy and seasonal.
BINI and BGYO brought Gen Z energy and sparkle to the white carpet. But the comfiest slay (or sleigh!) was courtesy of Sharlene San Pedro, who partied in red pajamas, stockings, and reindeer ears.
And while that very first Star Magical Christmas may have felt like a soft launch compared to the dazzling spectacles that followed, it still captured attention, still memorable enough to build a tradition on and make everyone want to do it again the next year.
Christmas fashion goes full blast
And just like that, a tradition was born. Fast-forward to 2023, nobody was testing the waters anymore. Stars showed up in full force, outfits went bolder, and the whole night felt like Christmas turned up to full volume.
Held at the Manila Marriott Hotel on November 19, the 2023 Star Magical Christmas was a sparkling holiday takeover. Stars arrived in festive outfits, armed with toy donations that they dropped into a giant gift box at the end of the white carpet—Santa-approved philanthropy, but make it glam.
We remember Maymay Entrata showing up, looking like she floated straight out of a heavenly choir, dressed as an angel. Even sweeter, she brought a stuffed toy with sentimental value and which she’s had for nearly four years.
And, oh. Joshua Garcia rolled in as a full-on Willy Wonka rocking a velvet coat, paisley ascot, black top hat, and steampunk goggles.
Just like last year, some squads showed up in full holiday play mode. The cast of that year's trending mystery-drama series "Senior High" understood the assignment, with lead actress Andrea Brillantes walking as a "parol." Kyle Echarri dressed up as the hottest reindeer on record, while Juan Karlos gave Santa Claus a grungy update. Daniela Stranner smoldered as a sultry Santa, Gela Atayde turned heads as a sexy Christmas tree with a giant ball ornament, and Tommy Alejandrino went full elf mode. Elijah Canlas kept things cool and winter-y, while Xyriel Manabat arrived in a glam look that screamed vintage Christmas.
This was also the year BINI and BGYO started making their Star Magical Christmas slay era a thing. BINI arrived as Snow White and the seven dwarfs—Stacey as Snow White, with Jhoanna, Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Sheena, and Mikha as the dwarfs—earning them Metro’s Most Creative Award.
Not to be outdone, BGYO took home Best Group Costume. The holiday dream team was composed of Gelo as Santa Claus, Akira as a reindeer, Mikki as a snowman, Nate as a Christmas tree, and JL as a gift box.
Of course, Christmas love was in the air, and in the outfits. LoiNie looked every inch magical and posh, with Loisa Andalio dressed as a ballerina princess and Ronnie Alonte wearing a red robe. On-screen partners Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin aka FranSeth were a matching holiday mood in white and green.
Taking home the Fan Favorite Award for Male and Female categories, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano aka DonBelle made everyone’s hearts melt in their Christmas Ken and Barbie looks.
More white carpet fashion moments came from Kaori Oinuma as a sultry Grinch and Karina Bautista as a fairy in flight. Gillian Vicencio brought carnival magic, while Kira Balinger stunned as an Ice Goddess in a nude-toned gown topped with a dramatic fur cape and star crown—one of many nods to the snow queen/ice royalty trend that absolutely owned the night.
And because Christmas is also about honoring the ones who stay, the event made sure to spotlight the most loyal members of the Star Magic family. The presentation of the seven Loyalty Awardees was one of the night’s most emotional segments, especially for the newer generation who got to see living proof that Star Magic isn’t just a talent pool, but a home.
That year’s Loyalty Awardees were Ketchup Eusebio, John “Sweet” Lapus, Jane Oineza, Carla Guevarra-Laforteza, Andrei Felix, and Desiree del Valle.
And unlike the first year when online viewers could only catch the white carpet show, the 2023 celebration was started to be livestreamed in full, letting fans witness every second, from the speeches (all mini masterclasses in gratitude and longevity) to the raffle games, special numbers an even a feature on outreach efforts spearheaded by Star Magic artists.
Fans got to see it all happen in real time, which made the celebration feel bigger, warmer, and more connected.
Whimsical Christmas with new faces and more accolades
With a “Whimsical Christmas” motif guiding the night, the 2024 edition of Star Magical Christmas transformed Solaire Resort-North into a playful holiday dreamscape. Some came in elegant gowns and tailored suits ready for glam shots, while others fully embraced the theme with fun and creative costumes.
The celebration went even bigger, with more awards and special recognition added to the lineup than in the previous editions. And of course, tradition would live on, with every guest bringing a toy donation for the Bantay Bata Foundation.
One of the most anticipated arrivals that year was the "PBB Gen 11" ex-housemates making their Star Magical Christmas debut. Big Winner Fyang Smith looked ethereal in a purple fairy ensemble. Kai Montinola stepped out as a lovely snowflake, while Rain Celmar exuded sweetness from head to toe in her pastel candy land-inspired 'fit and Kolette Madelo reimagined the Christmas soldier in dreamy pastels.
Meanwhile, BINI took their costume game to a new level as they came dressed as BINI-che Buena, or Noche Buena dishes! Jhoanna arrived as a fruit basket, Colet as Christmas ham, Aiah was lechon, Mikha was queso de bola, Maloi turned into lumpiang shanghai, Sheena came as soft drinks, Stacey completed the feast as fruit salad, and Gwen literally was the tablecloth carrying candles.
BGYO pulled up in group costume mode once again, this time as Christmas stockings. Also one of the quirkiest and most-talked-about looks of the night was Angeline Quinto fully leaning into the “All I Want for Christmas” spirit by serving a Mariah Carey-inspired glam look, complete with makeup transformation and a Santa outfit. The whole ensemble was just award-winning—literally, it won her the “Life of the Party Award.”
Meanwhile, most love teams ditched costumes and went for the polished, elegant route. Donny Pangilinan and Belle Marinao, as well as Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin arrived in more classic Christmas wardrobe picks.
Also spotted on the carpet was Joshua Garcia, a three-year Star Magical Christmas veteran at that point, still turning heads even in a more subtle holiday glam style.
And if the fashion was a feast, the awards were the dessert everyone was waiting for. Sharlene San Pedro, Nash Aguas, and CJ Navato received well-deserved Loyalty Awards.
Gerald Anderson, an Auxiliary Captain of the Philippine Coast Guard, was honored with the Star Magic Valor Award, which was a recognition of his real-life heroism during calamities.
That year, the Star Magical Christmas also shone a spotlight on box-office successes. Joshua was recognized as Star Magic’s Record-breaking Cinema King, while Kathryn Bernardo was hailed Cinema Queen for the massive success of their respective movies "Un/Happy For You" and "Hello, Love, Again."
BINI took home three awards—the Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Star Magic Artist of the Year 2024, as well as the Ring Light Radiance Award (with Belle Mariano). Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings were named Breakthrough Loveteam of the Year.
For the standout style picks, Kai's snowflake fantasy won the Whimsical Look Award. To top it all off, Joshua was named Metro Best Dressed Male; and Jane Oineza the Best Dressed Female.
As the holiday season rolls in once again, so will the white carpet ready for another year of costumes, reunions, and Star Magic spotlight moments! Catch the next roll call of Christmas “sleigh” at Star Magical Christmas 2025, happening this Sunday, November 23, live at 6 PM on the Star Magic YouTube channel.