The Blue Carpet Reign: GMA Gala Ball 2025

On a night stitched with legacy and luminosity, international and local designers and muses redefined gala dressing, blending tradition, innovation, and undeniable star power

By JP Ilagan and Fiona Damasco

MANILA, Philippines—On the evening of August 2, the Manila Marriott Hotel transformed into a grand runway of heritage and haute couture as GMA Network marked its 75th anniversary with the highly anticipated GMA Gala 2025. More than just a network celebration, the evening unfolded as a defining cultural and fashion moment, where stars didn’t just shine, they dazzled in ensembles that paid homage to both tradition and trend.

As guests walked the iconic blue carpet, it became clear: The event was not only a tribute to GMA’s legacy in Philippine television but also a powerful showcase of the country’s growing influence in global style. 

A symphony of style
From the moment guests stepped onto the blue carpet, the GMA Gala 2025 set the tone for a night where fashion spoke volumes. It was a visual symphony of heritage, innovation, and sartorial storytelling. Each bead, every sculpted silhouette, and every meticulously tailored hem celebrated Filipino artistry at its finest—proof that local design is not just thriving but leading.

Renowned designers transformed the ballroom into a living gallery of contemporary Filipino couture. Their pieces captured the soul of modern elegance while honoring cultural roots. Sharing the spotlight were global fashion powerhouses—Alaïa, Elie Saab, Schiaparelli, and Zuhair Murad, whose designs, worn with unmistakable Filipino flair, elevated the evening into an international showcase of style and influence. 

But even the most exquisite suits and gowns need their muses and escorts; this year’s lineup of artists, models, and beauty queens wore each masterpiece like their second skin.

Starting with one of the most anticipated looks, Anne Curtis’ daring all-black gown sculpted her figure with refined intention. The simple yet effortlessly detailed look did not scream for attention, but it owned every inch of the room.

Anne Curtis, Alïa (Photo by Kim Wee Ebol)

Bea Alonzo also stunned with her blush-hued gown, a look that whispered quiet luxury and goddess-like radiance. The look was an Elie Saab creation that perfectly captured the wearer’s sophisticated beauty.

Bea Alonzo, Elie Saab (Photo by Jharwin Castañeda)

Heart Evangelista stunned the crowd with her Schiaparelli gown emblazoned with hand-painted anatomical motifs, where the deconstructed hems and bold seams turned the couture piece into modern art. 

Heart Evangelista, Schiaparelli (Photo by BJ Pascual)

Marian Rivera once again proved that sophistication isn’t worn, it’s embodied. Dressed in an off-the-shoulder black lace gown, she fused old-Hollywood allure with contemporary elegance, commanding the carpet with timeless grace.

Marian Rivera, Zuhair Murad (Photo by Kenneth Tangonan)

Crowning moments

If Filipino style and couture were a language, these muses spoke it with fluency and flair. From reigning queens to screen icons—both seasoned and emerging—this year’s best-dressed list captured what it truly means to command the spotlight.

Among them was the ever-elegant Ahtisa Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2025, who captivated in a masterfully sculpted creation by Val Taguba. The gown, a sweeping ballgown in rich swirls of crimson, sapphire, and jet-black sequins, was a quiet yet resounding ode to modern regality—embodying understated power, poise, and couture storytelling at its finest.

Ahtisa Manalo, Val Taguba (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)
Also in attendance were other remarkable queens who brought grace and star power to the evening: Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez (First Runner-up), Yllana Marie Aduana (Second Runner-up), and the reigning Miss Philippines titleholders: Chelsea Fernandez (The Miss Philippines Cosmo 2025), Dr. Gabbi Carballo (The Miss Philippines Eco International 2026), and Ma. Katrina Llegado (The Miss Philippines Supranational 2026). Together, their presence added a striking layer of elegance, beauty, and empowerment to the blue carpet celebration.

Teresita Ssen “Winwyn” Marquez, Cheetah Rivera (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Yllana Marie Aduana, Daniel Manila (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Chelsea Fernandez, Jhoey Villarente (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Gabbi Carball0, Paolo Blanco (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Ma. Katrina Llegado, Raffy Soligam (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

The kings of Mister Pilipinas Worldwide brought a new wave of gentlemanly glamor, each donning custom-tailored suits that exuded sophistication and personal style. Kenneth Cabungcal (Mister Supranational 2025 4th Runner-Up), Kirk Bondad (Mister Pilipinas International 2025), Jether Palomo (Mister Pilipinas Global 2025), Raven Lansangan (Mister Pilipinas Manhunt Supermodel 2025), Kitt Cortez (Mister Pilipinas Eco International 2025), Mico Toledo (Mister Pilipinas Man of the Year 2025), and Kenneth Marcelino (Mister Cosmopolitan 2025) each interpreted modern menswear with finesse. From sharp silhouettes to unexpected textures, their presence underscored the growing influence of Filipino men in fashion, where confidence, craft, and cultural pride take center stage.

Kenneth Cabungcal, Nat Manilag (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Kirk Bondad, Francis Libiran (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Jether Palomo (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Raven Lansangan, Mej Lopez Jimenez (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Kitt Cortez, Rian Fernandez (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Mico Toledo, Nat Manilag (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Kenneth Marcelino, Leo Almodal (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Emerging stars Ralph de Leon and Vince Maristela, both alumni of Pinoy Big Brother, made a seamless shift from reality TV charmers to gala standouts, proving that style evolution is the new measure of stardom.

Ralph De Leon, Jot Losa (Photo by Dookie Ducay)

Vince Maristela, Neric Beltran (Photo by Dookie Ducay)

Anthony Constantino turned heads in an all-white Francis Libiran ensemble, a vision of crisp modernity, tailored to perfection with signature Filipino flair.

Anthony Constantino, Francis Libiran (Photo by Brian Mamawan)

Mika Salamanca made an unforgettable gala debut in a shimmering Mak Tumang silver gown, equal parts ethereal and commanding. Alongside her co-PBB winner, Brent Manalo, who wore a sharp Gucci suit, the duo turned heads not just for their style but for the effortless presence that lit up the blue carpet.

Mika Salamanca, Mak Tumang (Photo by Niko Gonzales)

Brent Manalo, Gucci (Photo by Belg Belgica)

Former beauty queens Bea Luigi Gomez and Gazini Ganados proved once again that projection and grace run in their blood as they showcase their unique looks for the gala ball. Radiating timeless grace and runway precision, the two arrived in statement dark-hued gowns that celebrated sleek and structured femininity. No sashes were needed; their presence alone carried the quiet power of past reigns, now redefined through fashion.

Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Manny Halasan (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

Gazini Ganados, Rian Fernandez (Photo by Francis Cabatbat)

The blue carpet reign
What was once a mere gathering of stars under studio lights has now become a full-fledged spectacle of artistry, ambition, and national pride. The GMA Gala 2025 did more than dress its guests in couture; it declared tradition and modernity in a perfect swirl. It is indeed a celebration and storytelling of culture and an undying community.