Those who weren’t able to go to the Grand Theater of PAGCOR in Paranaque City on Nov. 29 for the 23rd Star Awards for Television still got to watch the proceedings on its delayed telecast on ABS-CBN.

Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco opened the Erick Salud-directed awards show with lung-busting tunes, while Piolo Pascual, John Lloyd Cruz and Carmina Villaroel hosted.

GMA-7 got the first award (Best Celebrity Talk Show for “Sis”) while ABS-CBN copped the last one (Best TV Station) to go home with the most number of trophies, 28.

But there were scenes that the cameras failed to capture and occurrences best left unaired. For instance, the wardrobe malfunction involving one of the EB Dancers who performed with “Eat…Bulaga” co-hosts Allan K, Julia Clarete, and Lougee in a number prior to the awarding of the Hall of Fame trophy to the longest-running variety show.

The dancer, just like the rest of her group, was wearing a black tight bustier that apparently didn’t fit her well so she had a few nipple slips. To her credit, she didn’t let the mishap affect her performance, though she oftentimes clung on to her top and tried to pull it up.

Naughty Joey de Leon, who went onstage after the production number with fellow “Bulaga” pioneers Tito and Vic Sotto to accept the special award, commented that something came out from the EB Babes.

The wardrobe malfunction could’ve been avoided if the dancer took her cue from her fellow EB Babes who wore clear bra straps. Precautionary measures should really be taken to prevent putting both the performers and the audience in embarrassing situations.

Another awkward situation happened during the awarding of Face of the Night, which presentors Alessandra de Rossi and JC Tiuseco said went to Akihiro Sato and Sunshine Dizon. The latter went up the stage to say her thanks while the audience wondered if the former attended the event.

The irrepressible Alessandra blurted out that they were told to say that they had the envelope containing the names of the winners of the special award when they in fact didn’t have it. She also mentioned that Diether Ocampo should be a presentor as well but he wasn’t at the podium.

Moments later, hosts Piolo and John Lloyd apologized for the glitch and called on Alessandra and JC once again along with Diether, who looked glum while joining his co-presentors. He remarked that the maze-like backstage could make anybody lose their way to the stage.

The trio reiterated the selection of Sunshine, who looked ethereal in ivory Grecian-inspired haltered gown, as the Female Face of the Night. The actress’ rightful counterpart turned out to be John Lloyd, who in his acceptance speech, gave a cheeky shoutout to co-host Piolo on being chosen as the dapper one.

John Lloyd scored more pogi points by escorting Sunshine back to her seat and, later on, Alex Gonzaga to the stage to accept the award for Best Female Showbiz-Oriented Show Host in behalf of her older sister Toni and back to the spot where she would do a recap of the proceedings with him.

Sam Milby was similarly charming when he quietly watched from the sidelines as his rumored ladylove Anne Curtis was receiving the special award for Female Star of the Night. Anne was her usual stunning self in ebony Rhett Eala strapless creation while Male Star of the Night Piolo Pascual was sharp as ever in his classic black suit.

Prior to that, though, Anne had Luis Manzano as her escort when she arrived at the event. Sam came to the venue much earlier to rehearse a production number with some of his fellow Star Magic talents.

Oyo Sotto, who collected the award for Best Horror/Fantasy Program along with his “Midnight DJ” castmembers, also made a lovely pair with Kristine Hermosa, whose ex, Diether Ocampo, was constantly holding hands with his non-showbiz girlfriend.

The Star Awards was also a family affair. Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s wife Lani Mercado and their son Jolo sat on his opposite sides until he was adjudged Best Educational Program Host for “Kap’s Amazing Stories.”

Gretchen Barretto’s longtime partner, businessman Tonyboy Cojuangco, and their daughter Dominique patiently sat through the program but not in vain because the part-time actress was declared winner in Best Single Performance by an Actress in a tie with Sunshine Dizon.

Controversial beauty doctor Vicki Belo, on the other hand, arrived with a hunky escort. She presented the Star of the Night awards, which her company sponsored.

Some of the stars went solo, like Ryan Agoncillo even though his wife Judy Ann Santos was nominated like him. He told Manila Bulletin Entertainment Online while seated next to each other that Judy Ann was merrily making Christmas decorations at their newly built house.

Ryan graciously lost to friend Paolo in the Best Reality Program Host category. “I learned a lot from him,” he pointed out as the “Survivor Philippines” anchor was making his acceptance speech.

Ryan’s turn came when he was named Best Talent Search Program Host for TV5’s top-rater, “Talentadong Pinoy,” which also won Best Talent Search Program. Earlier, “Pieta,” where he played the lead, was chosen Best Daytime Drama Series.