A more lavish and sultry Opulence Ball returned in full force. This year’s much-awaited Halloween ball, co-founded by Raymond Gutierrez and Ash Rye, saw some of the country’s brightest celebrities dressed in their most magical and mythological looks, transforming BGC’s Marquis Events Place into an otherworldly realm.
“I forgot how difficult it is to throw an event. This is three years in the making,” Gutierrez said on the black carpet.
The first Opulence Ball happened in 2019. Gutierrez recalls that “it just became a big party accidentally.”
“This year, we are more mentally prepared,” he said. “There are a lot of setbacks. Producing this is a bit of a challenge but I’m surrounded by a good team.”
Opulence Ball 2023 showcased a 20-piece fashion show by Furne Amato and performances by international DJs and R&B artists Jaël, Ligrye, Flowerbomb and local acts Marga on the Mic, Euric, Nix Damn P and Emel Rowe. Aside from sensational refreshments and nibbles, some “food for the gods” served were street snacks kwek kwek and fishballs.
Here are some of our best-dressed at this year’s ball.
The rebel
Andrea Brillantes took Halloween up a notch with a live snake in tow over a Lauren Vito piece as Lilith, a primordial she-demon and the first wife of Adam. She is forever untamed, Brillantes describes, banished from Eden for Lilith couldn’t be contained.
Folkloric vibes
BJ Pascual brought mythical vibes to Opulence as a half-angel and half-Pegasus. The photographer to the stars wore a cape by Neric Beltran, a corset by Mara Chua, a headpiece and shoes by Princess Barretto.
Golden queen
Ruffa Gutierrez stunned as Queen Cleopatra. The Can’t Buy Me Love actress made heads turn in her Job Dacon ensemble, embellished with a cobra crown and shimmering wings reportedly having a touch of real gold.
Greek god
Renz Pangilinan did not hold back, coming as Apollo. The celebrity stylist looked like the God of the Sun and Music in a Justin Bonita masterpiece.
Real-life ‘dyosa’
Anne Curtis Smith-Heussaff dazzled everybody by dressing up as a goddess. For her first Opulence, Anne wore a custom Di Petsa dress styled by Job Dacon.
warrior in armor
Raymond Gutierrez was a stunner at Opulence, dressed as a Greek warrior. His Justin Bonita attire captured all the glitz, glamor, magic and mayhem of the event.
Love personified
Sunshine Cruz channeled her inner Aphrodite in a custom gown by Daniel Manila. Cruz completed her Goddess of Love and beauty look with accessories from Manny Halasan and Bling and Co.
Cosmic contemplations
Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo were the power couple, dressed as celestial gods for the sun and the stars. Their Neric Beltran look took Opulence to the skies.