The up-and-coming, fast-rising, and seasoned artists of ABS-CBN’s talent arm Star Magic assembled once again at the Solaire Resort-North in Quezon City on Sunday, November 24, for the third edition of one of the most highly anticipated events in the local entertainment scene – the Star Magical Christmas 2024!
Cladded in elegant outfits and festive costumes that embodied this year’s “Whimsical Christmas” motif, Star Magic artists, Star Magic talent managers and staff, and ABS-CBN executives paraded on the white carpet bedecked with Christmas-themed ornaments. Most of the attendees dazzled in their elegant gowns and tailored suits, while others opted to be creative and playful by donning Yuletide-themed costumes. Each of the attendees brought with them a toy, which were gathered in a huge box at the end of the white carpet and will be donated to the Bantay Bata Foundation.
Serving as the energetic hosts of the pre-main show segment were newbies Aiyana Perlas and Emilio Daez, who didn’t just introduce the attendees but also had the chance to catch up with some of the stars, such as BGYO, BINI, Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, the cast of “Zoomers”, Star Magic newcomer Robbie Jaworski, esteemed actor John Arcilla, and “Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11” Big 4 Kai Montinola, Kolette Madelo, Rain Celmar, and Fyang Smith.
The main program, which was presided by Gretchen Ho and Andrei Felix, commenced with a VTR showing the “Share-The-Magic” outreach activities that some of the Star of Magic artists carried out recently, through which the true spirit of the season was shown: giving. It was followed by a joyous opening number by Kapamilya New Gen Champions JM Yosures, Khimo Gumatay, Reagen Villareal, Reiven Umali, JM Dela Cerna, and Marielle Montellano, who rendered a harmonious performance of ABS-CBN Christmas anthems “Lumiliwanag ang Mundo sa Kuwento ng Pasko (2012) and “Bro, Ikaw Ang Star ng Pasko” (2009).
Head of Star Magic and ABS-CBN Entertainment Laurenti Dyogi initially turned his opening remarks to an annual report of almost everything that happened to the talent agency and some of its artists in 2024—from the personal obstacles and milestones of their talents to the victories and highlights of both Star Magic and ABS-CBN Entertainment.
Of course, his message wouldn’t be complete without imparting pieces of advice to the artists, saying, “To all our artists, just believe in yourself, work hard, trust the process, be professional, be easy to work with, and listen to your managers, who will always have your best interest. More importantly, do not compare yourself to others, for you all have unique journeys. Let us learn to be joyful for the successes of our siblings. Believe that someday your time to shine will come, and all of us will be cheering on you. And yes, be kind, be grateful, and fill your hearts with humility as you enjoy your individual journey.”
ABS-CBN COO for Broadcast Cory Vidanes was delivered a short yet heartwarming spontaneous message to everyone, through which she expressed her gratitude for their contributions to the company and congratulations for their achievements.
Another VTR was shown afterwards, which was a recap of everything that happened to Star Magic in 2024, as enumerated by the hardworking talent managers. They recalled the successful huge events pulled off by the talent arm, such as Star Magical Prom, Hot Summer, All-Star Games, MamaMagic Day, BINI Day, BINI Run, Grand BINIverse, and record-breaking PBB Gen 11 Big Night, as well as the hit television programs, films, digital series and movies, and the album and single launches, concerts, fanmeets, live shows, and theatrical shows. The recognitions and personal milestones and advocacies of the artists were mentioned, too.
Former child stars and homegrown Kapamilyas Sharlene San Pedro, Nash Aguas, and CJ Navato also received Loyalty Awards for their commitment to ABS-CBN in the past 20 years. Star Magic paid tribute to them by showing their stellar journey through a montage of their stints over the past two decades, beginning with “Star Circle Quest” and “Goin’ Bulilit” where they careers all started.
Aside from Rowell Santiago, who was one of the judges in SCQ, and Director Frasco Mortiz, whom they got to work with in the aforementioned kiddie gag show, they also received touching messages from their friends, loved ones, and colleagues.
In her acceptance speech, Sharlene conveyed, “Hindi na ako kasing-active as before sa showbiz but I know in my heart that the 20 years I’ve spent in this industry have been instrumental in shaping my journey. At kung wala ang mga ‘yon, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”
Then she added, “Kung meron akong natutunan sa 20 years na ‘yon na dinadala ko pa rin hanggang ngayon kahit saang industriya ako mapunta, ‘yon ay ang irespeto ang bawat taong makakasalamuha at makakatrabaho ko. Kasi kapag may respeto kayo sa mga tao, the rest will follow. Enjoy n’yo lang every moment and treat everyone with kindness.”
CJ, meanwhile, uttered, “This year has been the craziest for me kasi 20 years and now I finally understand why I’m here.”
Nash reflected on his remarkable showbiz career, stating, “Sa 20 years na ‘yon, sobrang bilis wala akong maalala. Pero ang nag-stick sa akin, bukod sa shows, sa roles, sa dami ng ginawa, ang nag-stick sa akin ay ang relationships na nabuo. Dahil doon, maraming salamat po sa mga tumayong magulang ko po dito sa industriya.”
For the commendable bravery and astounding benevolence that he exhibited during calamities that devastated the country over the past years, including Typhoon Kristine just recently, Gerald Anderson, who’s also now an Auxiliary Captain in the Philippine Coast Guard, was bestowed the Star Magic Valor Award. Among those who gave him their touching messages were his friend John Prats, his mentor Direk Ruel S. Bayani, his girlfriend Julia Barretto, and his father Gerald Anderson Sr. The star of the upcoming teleserye “Nobody” considers the recognition as something more than an acting award and dedicates it to his parents, who instilled in him the value of helping others in need.
Special awards from various sponsors and partners were also given that magical and splendid evening, with BINI being the biggest winner after taking home three trophies. The first one was the “Ring Light Radiance Award” that they won alongside Belle Mariano, then the “Breakthrough Artist of the Year,” and the “Star Magic Artist of the Year 2024” as last.
The phenomenal tandem of Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings (or MaThon) was named the “Breakthrough Loveteam of the Year,” while Kai Montinola was chosen to be the recipient of the “Whimsical Look Award”. Angeline Quinto’s effort to do an impression of Mariah Carey indeed paid off, as she took home the “Life of the Party Award.”
Meanwhile, aside from being a Metro Best Dressed Male and Female awardee alongside Jane Oineza, Joshua Garcia was also hailed as the Star Magic Record-breaking Cinema King 2024, with Kathryn Bernardo being his counterpart as the queen.