The annual Star Magic Ball held recently at the Shangri-la hotel Makati had celebrity attendees enjoying a grand night of high fashion.

"Pinoy Big Brother" housemates Melai Cantiveros and Jason Franciso likened the Star Magic Ball to a JS prom.

Jake Cuenca, on the other hand, felt privileged that his date, Melissa Ricks, went with him to the event.

“Maraming lalaking nakapila na gustong i-escort si Melissa pero pinagbigyan niya ako,” Jake Cuenca said.

Young stars Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson sprung surprise when they came together. Weeks back, the two were rumored to have gone on separate ways as a couple.

“Maraming artista, maraming friends na kasama and ngayon lang nagkasalo-salo ang mga artista ng ABS,” Kim said.

“It’s the night of celebration. I’d like to celebrate with her. We want to enjoy,” Gerald enthused.

Matteo Guidicelli and Maja Salvador surprised everyone when they came to the ball together.

“Alam naman namin na friendly date lang. Sana ‘wag namang lagyan ng malisya,” Maja pled.

Bea Alonzo came with her “Sa ‘Yo Lamang” co-star Zanjoe Marudo.

“Binayaran ko siya,” she joked about having Zanjoe escort her that night.

“Bakit naman hindi?” Zanjoe quipped when asked why he chose Bea to be his date.

“Since naging friends kami, nakilala ko siya. Instant naman ‘yung pagiging komportable,” Bea shared.

“Iba siya (Bea) kasi. Maraming qualities (siya) na hindi alam ng tao,” Zanjoe shared.

Like?

“Secret!” the hunk quickly replied. “Malambing si Bea. Nagkakasama kasi kami sa trabaho, eh. Tapos ‘pag merong time na bakante nakakasama ko siya sa labas kasama ang mga kaibigan,” Zanjoe explained.

Rayver Cruz came with director Cathy Garcia-Molina.

“Lucky ako kasi sa akin siya pumayag,” Rayver said.

“Baby ko ‘to, eh. Anak-anakan ko ‘to, so bunso ko ‘yan so bakit hindi?” the female director said.

Comedienne Pokwang arrived with her daughter May.

“Okay lang. Maganda naman di ba kasi kasama ko ‘yung anak ko. Happy siya at saka ninenerbyos siya nang bonggang-bongga kasi first time niyang rumampa nang ganito. First time niyang nag-gown,” Pokwang explained.

The ball also had some artists coming by their lonesome like Coco Martin, Paul Jake Castillo, Andi Eigenmann, Vina Morales and Sam Milby.

For the past two years, Sam has attended the ball with Anne Curtis.

This time, the hunk actor-singer showed up by himself.

“No, I didn’t ask her (Anne). You know, we’re friends but we don’t talk that much naman. Gano’n lang. We’re not that close. I’m single and ano, wala akong kasama. Mag-isa lang ako,” was Sam Milby’s explanation on why he’s dateless.

Romance filled the air as rumored couple KC Concepcion and Piolo Pascual, and real-life sweethearts Shaina Magdayao and John Lloyd Cruz graced the Star Magic Ball.

KC and Piolo were inseparable throughout the night. They were together from photo-op to the short program. They were also caught bonding together with other Star Magic talents.

“I’m happy na hindi na siya magho-host this year. Marami na kaming time together,” KC said.

“We were able to spend more time together na manood na lang. Of course it’s a very important event and you know pinaunlakan niya ang invitation ko na sumama,” Piolo shared.

Last year, Shaina Magdayao’s date was John Prats. This time, she came with her new boyfriend, John Lloyd Cruz.

“It’s gonna be a better night,” Lloyd said.

“Okay naman, so far, okay naman,” Shaina said. She’s got one complain, though.

“Naiinis siya (dahil) ang bilis ko raw maglakad,” Lloydy offered.

“Nahuhuli ako. Ang sakit ng paa ko,” Shaina explained.

Young couple Kristine Hermosa and Oyo Sotto got besieged with questions about their forthcoming wedding. But the two chose to keep mum about details of their altar date.

“Wala, eh, wala muna akong sasabihin. Basta, kung ano muna ‘yung sinabi ng mom ko, doon muna tayo,” Oyo said.

“Very confidential talaga. Let’s not talk about it,” Kristine pled.

Sidelights:

· Bea Alonzo’s body-hugging sexy black gown with flowing train by Maxi Cinco

· The almost identical outfits worn by Cristine Reyes (by designer Francis Libiran) and Jodi Sta. Maria (Joey Samson) that showed off their backs

· Comedienne Kitkat came in a shining, shimmering gown complemented by stone appliqué on his face