BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

As expected, DonBelle (Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano) bagged the Prom King and Queen award at the Star Magical Prom 2023 held at Bellevue Hotel Manila.

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The glamorous setup which would remind one of the popular Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’, was fitting for the glammed up young Kapamilya artists who gathered for a night of fun, fashion, and coming-of-age memories.

Like a real high school, the Star Magic artists are sub-divided into freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. DonBelle delivered an inspiring message for their fellow artists who are their juniors.

Belle Mariano’s Facebook page

Belle, in a Francis Libiran gown, began by saying that she just remembere dthat she has been in the industry for 12 years, since she entered show business when she was just 9 years old. One thing that really stuck to her was patience: 

“There was a time that I wanted to, like, stop. I started to question if this was for me. I started to question myself. But then, along the way, I started to believe and to dream. I learned how to believe in myself. I learned how to believe in the management. But mostly, I learned how to believe that God’s plans will fall accordingly and I want you to embody that.”

The ‘He’s Into Her’ actress also told them that humility “will take you further in life.” Donny started off by saying that he feels honored to be in front of everyone at that moment: 

ABS-CBN Youtube video screengrab

“Siguro ang masasabi ko lang is each and every one of you here have a purpose in life. It’s no accident that you are literally sitting and standing where you are right now. At this time tonight, there are so many people who wanna be in your place, and yet here you are, and that is because of a reason that you guys have to find out with yourself, with God, with people you love, and, don’t forget the ones who have been with you from the very start as well ’cause those are the ones who will believe in you and tell you the truth even if it hurts.”

He also adviced them to consider the people who they work closely with as family members, like their handlers and road managers. “Pamilya n’yo yan. They will fight for you and they will make sure they are there for you even in your lowest times,” he quipped. 

ABS-CBN Youtube video screengrab

“You look so good. Everybody looks so good,” said Cory Vidanes, Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast of ABS-CBN. Vidanes, together with ABS-CBN Head of TV Productions Laurenti Dyogi, conferred awards on the Star Magic artists who stood out that night. “Either you make us feel so youmg or you make us feel so old. It’s your choice,” she joked.

Cory reiterated that the ABS-CBN executives will be there to guide, mentor, and train all of them to be the best so they will be able to “bring happiness, inspire, and share love” to the audiences. She reminded them to “treat everyone with respect and genuine compassion”. 

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Here are the rest of the crowned royalties of the night and their corresponding awards:

Most Kilig Promposal – Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz

Best Promposal 2nd Runner-Up – Jeremiah Lisbo and Kaori Oinuma

Best Promposal 1st Runner-Up – Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz

Best Promposal Winner – Andrea Brillantes and Ricci Rivero

Freshman Princess – Krystal Mejes

Freshman Prince – Raikko Mateo

Sophomore Princess – Jayda Avanzado

Sophomore Prince – Mackie Empuerto

Junior Princess – Anji Salvacion

Junior Prince – Reiven Umali

Senior Prince and Princess – Brent Manalo and Vivoree Esclito

Prom King and Queen – Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano

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Other Star Magic head turners who trended on Twitter for their eye-catching ensembles but didn’t receive awards are Tiktok influencer Esnyr Ranollo, power diva Janine Berdin, Ppop group BGYO, PBB Teen’s Karina Bautista, ‘Dirty Linen’ stars Raven Rigor and Xyriel Manabat, Prince Ensalan of ‘Dream Maker’, and the Hori7on Members.

Some popular personalities spotted at the venue who got invited even though they are not part of Star Magic are Mama Loi, Petersen Vargas, and Joel Ferrer.

Photo taken by Buzz Beat Media

Again, as expected, DonBelle dominated  the #StarMagicalProm2023 tweets, the latter numbering to 298k as of writing. One of those tweets show Donny giving a piggyback ride to Belle, presumably because her feet is already aching from wearing high heels.

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The Star Magical Prom 2023 was styled by the renowned Dave Sandoval, whose previous clients include Angelica Panganiban, Vice Ganda, Liz Uy, Tim Yap, and more. Edward Barber hosted the main program inside the grand ballroom.

*Cover Photo/Thumbnail Photo from Belle Mariano’s Facebook page