Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano at the Star Magical Christmas, November 23, 2025 in Pasay City. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA -- Star Magic artists lit up the season as they gathered for the much-anticipated Star Magical Christmas, Sunday night.
The stars arrived in glamorous gowns and sharp suits that turned the red carpet into a dazzling holiday runway.
One of the night's most-awaited arrivals was Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, who walked the carpet together in full Christmas glam.
"It's always a pleasure that these events are held, most especially with our Star Magic family. Syempre nakakatuwa it's rare na mag-reunite kaming lahat," said Mariano.
"It's been a while since we've had events like this, and every time we do Christmas ball, parang naf-feel talaga namin yung Christmas spirit," added Pangilinan.
Maris Racal, who also graced the event, emphasized the heart behind the glamour: "I'm very happy happy talaga ako pag may gathering ang ABS-CBN. And as much as super glamorous yung event natin ngayon, the most important thing is we give back happiness sa mga kids."
This year, Star Magic dedicated its Christmas charity efforts to the Philippine General Hospital Pediatric Unit and the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation.
"We are not here para maki-mingle lang. We are really here to support those kids and put smiles po sa mga mukha nila," said Maymay Entrata.
Couple Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano came with a special contribution, as they donated toys belonging to their daughter, Isabella Rose.
"Actually kay Peanut talaga siya. Kumbaga fresh pa yung toys. We really want na syempre yung ido-donate namin, fresh pa not yung sobrang nadumihan na," said Mendiola.
Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano at the Star Magical Christmas, November 23, 2025 in Pasay City. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News
The country's leading P-pop acts also joined the festivities. BGYO and Nation's Girl Group BINI made appearances, with BINI's Jhoanna saying: "Ito lang yung time na magkikita yung mga artists outside work."
"Ganun naman ang ABS-CBN sabi nga, 'In the service of the Filipino.' Lahat ginagawa namin 'to hindi lang yearly; araw-araw naming sinusubukan tumulong sa lahat ng tao," added BINI Sheena.
Other standout appearances included Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra, Jane Oineza and RK Bagatsing, Angelina Cruz, Kai Montinola, newly engaged couple Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte, and PBB Collab housemates Esnyr, Kira Balinger, River Joseph, Emilio Daez, and Brent Manalo.
The Nation's Girl BINI, at the Star Magical Christmas, November 23, 2025 in Pasay City. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN News
A highlight of the night was the recognition of seven Star Magic artists who celebrated 20 years in the industry: Gerald Anderson, Jake Cuenca, Sam Milby, Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, Joem Bascon, and Zanjoe Marudo.
Sam Milby reflected on the milestone: "It's an amazing feeling. It's been my family for the last 20 years. They take great care of me. It's hard to believe it's been 20 years; ang bilis ng panahon."
Jake Cuenca shared his biggest takeaway from two decades in the craft: "It's a never-ending learning process. The biggest lesson is to enter every project as a student. There's always something to learn."
For Enchong Dee, the moment was deeply personal: "Twenty years of my life ABS-CBN is part of it. My public, my audience, is part of it. I'm very grateful. Parang akala mo dati yung mga matatanda nagsasabi ng '20 years na ako,' pero here I am. I'm very grateful."
Gerald Anderson also expressed gratitude: "Syempre very happy. You never expect na aabot ka sa ganitong punto ng buhay mo. Stayed with one company for 20 years, so I'm just happy na mabibigyan tayo ng recognition."