As the entire Cosmo team spent Friday night glued to our screens for the ABS-CBN Ball 2025, one word kept coming up—star-studded. And honestly? That doesn't even begin to cover it. Every few minutes, we were in a collective spiral over who just pulled up to the red carpet. Honestly, it's been a tradition for us—like our very own Super Bowl, as our chief editor put it. (If you know, you know!)
It's been a hot minute since media giant ABS-CBN threw a ball this massive (and yes, it's all for a good cause—benefiting the ABS-CBN Foundation). With a theme of spring formal and the tagline, "Brighter Together," we braced ourselves for florals, pastels, and maybe a few lace moments. But nothing—and we mean nothing—could've prepared us for the unforgettable lineup that had us internally screaming all night long.
Celebrity Comebacks And First-Timers At The ABS-CBN Ball 2025
Nadine Lustre
We were blown away to see Nadine Lustre walk down the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 red carpet. That's not even an exaggeration, you guys. ICYDK, Nadine's last ABS-CBN Ball (then called Star Magic Ball) appearance was back in 2019, as she also mentioned during the livestream. It was months before she officially announced her departure from Star Magic, ABS-CBN's talent agency.
At the time, she was still together with ex-boyfriend James Reid, championing their love team, JaDine. (He was also at the event, btw!) Just months later in 2020, they publicly confirmed their breakup—and then, the global pandemic hit, putting a pause on most entertainment events. As ABS-CBN slowly returned to mounting its annual ball, Nadine was busy making her mark as an award-winning actress under her new agency, Viva Entertainment.
At the ABS-CBN Ball 2025, Nadine wowed everyone in a stunning gown by Rajo Laurel that stole the spotlight. Honestly, with each passing day, Nadine just keeps getting more gorgeous!
READ: Nadine Lustre Shares Enlightening Insights On Beauty Standards
Sharon Cuneta
The Megastar herself, Sharon Cuneta, finally graced the ABS-CBN Ball—and yes, believe it or not, it was her first time! Making the moment even more special, she walked the red carpet hand-in-hand with her husband, Kiko Pangilinan. Sharon recently starred in the viral Dreamscape drama Saving Grace alongside Julia Montes, proving once again that her star power is timeless.
More than that, Sharon was out there flaunting her slimmer physique! Previously, the legendary actress-singer opened up about her weight loss journey. "For the first time in over 20 years, I was able to shop for clothes again that I actually want to wear," the celebrity wrote in an Instagram post on February 28.
Everyone is celebrating how happy and proud Sharon is about her health journey. She's looking absolutely snatched and radiant, and her transformation is nothing short of inspiring!
Angelica Panganiban
Our favorite momma Angelica Panganiban is back, and she was a stunner as always! Angelica took an indefinite break from showbiz and acting projects in 2022 to focus on a new chapter: family and motherhood. While away from the spotlight, she was living the dream—building a life with the love of her life.
She gave birth to her beautiful baby girl, Amila, in September 2022, and tied the knot with Gregg Homan not once, but twice—first in December 2023 and again in April 2024. A lot has changed since Angelica last attended the Star Magic Ball in 2017, and honestly? We're just happy to see her shining again.
ALSO READ: Angelica Panganiban Got A Hip Replacement Surgery—Here's Why
Heart Evangelista
Here's another major surprise: Heart Evangelista in the flesh at the ABS-CBN Ball 2025! The homegrown and former Star Magic artist had a full-on Schiaparelli moment on the red carpet—and yes, she was arm-in-arm with her husband, Chiz Escudero.
She stunned in a blue velvet gown with sleeves, a sultry open back, and a silhouette that hugged her curves in all the right places. This year's ball marked her first appearance since the Star Magic Ball 2017—eight years ago—before she officially became a Kapuso talent under GMA Network.
After countless Fashion Week apparances, a vow renewal with Chiz, heartbreaks, and major wins, Heart made her way back to the ABS-CBN Ball. And this wasn't just any comeback—it was a nostalgic reunion with her Kapamilya roots, alongside fellow Star Magic alums who started their journeys with her.
Kai Montinola
Kai Montinola has been a revelation to us. Obviously, Kai didn't have her comeback—instead, she had a marvelous ABS-CBN Ball debut! Yes, it was only her first time, but trust us when we say we'll be keeping an eye out for Kai's future appearances—not just at the ball but everywhere.
Kai wowed in a breathtaking pink gown curated by designer Jot Losa. During her pre-red carpet interview, Kai expressed her happiness at being a part of the ABS-CBN Ball. For her, it was a dream come true. "I feel so, 'Wow andito na ako,' I'm just so glad to be a part of this—what I once dreamed of," she said.
ICYDK, Kai was part of the reality show Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11, where she won fourth place. Right now, she's one of the rising Gen Z actresses of ABS-CBN. She is also paired with fellow former PBB housemate, Jarren Garcia, gaining the love team name, KaiRen. With all of that, we'll be here eagerly anticipating Kai's future! :)
