In a night laced with pearls, painted silk, and whispers of mythic glamour, the transformed the into a ballroom of celestial duets.
This wasn’t just a red carpet walk—it was a choreography of couture and chemistry, where fashion met feeling and sparkle met soul. With this year’s theme, “Bling: Glamorous Sparkle Meets High-Fashion Celebration,” the evening crowned not just individual icons, but couples whose synergy stitched stories into satin.
Some pairs arrived in radiant synchrony—beaded gowns echoing the glint of cufflinks, crimson skirts twinned with velvet lapels—while others embraced contrast, proving that love lives loudest in balance. Whether legends or newcomers, rebels or romantics, each couple embodied what bling demands: not just shimmer, but the courage to be seen together.
Mika Salamanca & Brent Manalo: Couple of the Night, Crowned in Crystal
Fresh off their Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition win, Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo didn’t just walk the carpet—they floated. Mika wore a white and silver Mak Tumang gown with feather-lined neckline and sequined skirt, while Brent stunned in a head-to-toe white Gucci suit, styled by Ryuji Shiomitsu, and accented with Tiffany & Co. gold accessories.
- Styling Spark: Brent’s gold brooch mirrored the shimmer in Mika’s gown—subtle symmetry, pure synergy.
- Mood: Angelic, cinematic, and unmistakably in sync.
- Why They Ruled: Their chemistry was palpable, their fashion divine. They didn’t just match—they meshed.
Marian Rivera & Dingdong Dantes: Hall of Fame Glamour
The DongYan duo proved once again why they’re royalty. Marian wore a black lace Zuhair Murad gown, styled by Melville Sy of Studio 24c, paired with Bulgari’s Allegra necklace and Serpenti Cuore 1968 bag. Dingdong complemented her in a green velvet suit with bowtie, also styled by Studio 24c.
- Design Detail: Marian’s lace panels whispered seduction; Dingdong’s velvet shimmered like forest dusk.
- Mood: Regal romance with a touch of rock.
- Why They Slayed: They didn’t just arrive—they ascended.
Heart Evangelista & Sen. Chiz Escudero: Art and Affection
Heart Evangelista wore a hand-painted Schiaparelli couture gown, styled by Iza Sim, with anatomical illustrations and raw hems. The gown took five months to complete. Sen. Chiz Escudero kept it classic in a black tie suit, letting Heart’s artistry shine.
- Styling Spark: Heart’s gown was stitched story—every brushstroke a vow.
- Mood: Museum-worthy love.
- Why It Worked: Chiz didn’t compete—he complemented. Their love was the accessory.
Bianca De Vera & Dustin Yu: DusBia’s Debut in Blush and Black
Bianca wore a pink bejeweled Marc Rancy gown, styled by Adrianne Concepcion, while Dustin opted for a classic black-and-white suit. Their entrance was preceded by a surprise “gala proposal” that melted hearts.
- Design Detail: Bianca’s Art Deco beadwork shimmered like champagne bubbles.
- Mood: Sweethearts in sync.
- Why They Stood Out: Their look was romantic, their story unforgettable.
Ashley Ortega & Mavy Legaspi: Gold and Grit
Ashley stunned in a gold off-shoulder gown, while Mavy wore a classic black tuxedo. The couple arrived with Mavy’s celebrity parents, Carmina Villaroel and Zoren Legaspi, making it a family affair.
- Styling Spark: Ashley’s gown glowed like a sunset; Mavy’s tux was midnight cool.
- Mood: Glamorous and grounded.
- Why It Worked: They brought elegance—and legacy.
Charlie Fleming & Esnyr Ranollo: Butterflies and Bravado
Charlie wore an orange Mak Tumang ball gown with butterfly appliqués, while Esnyr stunned in a white and sky-blue Manny Halasan gown with veil and trousers. Their look was theatrical, joyful, and unapologetically bold.
- Accessory Game: Charlie’s butterflies danced; Esnyr’s veil shimmered like stardust.
- Mood: Camp couture meets cosmic love.
- Why They Delivered: They didn’t match—they collided, beautifully.
Josh Ford & Kira Balinger: Feathers and Fire
Kira wore a red Russel Cordero gown with feather trim, while Josh matched in a white suit with feathery accents. Though Kira claimed the match was “coincidental,” the effect was pure magic.
- Styling Spark: Feathers fluttered like shared heartbeat.
- Mood: Red carpet soulmates.
- Why It Worked: Their look was light, but their presence—heavy with charm.
- Honorable Mentions
Couple What They Wore Why It Stood Out Carmina & Zoren Legaspi Coordinated black ensembles Timeless, elegant, and effortlessly iconic Zeinab Harake & Ray Parks Jr. Black and silver glam with matching accessories Power couple energy with undeniable chemistry Shuvee Etrata & Anthony Constantino Rian Fernandez gown and classic white suit Rose-inspired drama meets minimalist cool Alexa Ilacad & Robi Domingo Vee Tan gown and black tuxedo Sibling energy, supportive and stylish Teodoro Llamanzares & Grace Poe Navy and pearl-toned formalwear Political poise meets gala grace Final Takeaway: Love Was the Look
At the Manila Marriott Hotel, the GMA Gala 2025 wasn’t just a celebration of fashion—it was a celebration of connection. These couples didn’t just dress to impress—they dressed to express. From coordinated couture to complementary contrasts, each pair turned the blue carpet into a ballroom of brilliance. And when the lights dimmed, their sparkle remained—not just in sequins, but in shared glances, clasped hands, and the quiet power of walking together.
