The GMA Gala 2025 turned the into a celestial stage of feminine elegance, serving a night threaded with rhinestones, capiz shimmer, and cinematic grace.
This wasn’t simply a style parade—it was a revelation of modern Filipina glamour, rich in heritage and radiant in innovation. With this year’s theme, “Bling” the women didn’t just adorn themselves—they ascended.
From anatomical couture to ancestral embroidery, from sultry noir to scarlet reverie, each gown wasn’t merely worn—it was wielded. Bling became narrative. Glamour became gospel. And the queens of the night didn’t walk the carpet—they blazed across it, jeweled and jubilant, ready to write their fashion mythology in sequins and satin.
Kyline Alcantara: Joan of Arc in Jewel Tones
Crowned Female Best Dressed, Kyline Alcantara stunned in a fully beaded column gown by Annie’s Ibiza, styled by Melville Sy of Studio 24c. Aptly named Joan of Arc, the gown featured glass beadwork resembling medieval stained glass windows, with a structured bolero that added a military edge.
- Design Detail: Burgundy, indigo, and gold beadwork created a cathedral-like shimmer.
- Mood: Warrior saint meets gala siren.
- Why It Worked: Kyline didn’t just wear the theme—she armored it in elegance.
Heart Evangelista: Couture as Canvas
A certified Hall of Famer, Heart Evangelista arrived in a hand-painted Schiaparelli couture gown, styled by Iza Sim. The anatomical illustrations and raw hems turned the dress into wearable art, reportedly taking five months to complete.
- Artistry: Each panel was individually colored and stitched—no print, just paint.
- Styling Spark: Minimal accessories let the gown speak in brushstrokes.
- Why She Reigned: Heart didn’t follow the motif. She redefined it.
Marian Rivera: Noir Royalty
Also a Hall of Famer, Marian Rivera wore a black lace gown from Zuhair Murad’s Spring 2025 RTW collection, styled by Melville Sy of Studio 24c. The off-shoulder silhouette was paired with Bulgari’s Allegra necklace and the Serpenti Cuore 1968 bag.
- Design Detail: Lace panels revealed just enough skin—sultry, never loud.
- Mood: Old Hollywood with a Kapuso crown.
- Why It Slayed: Marian didn’t sparkle. She smoldered.
Vice Ganda: Unkabogable in Cobalt
Styled by Aaron Mangsat, Vice Ganda turned heads in a Paul Cabral cobalt ball gown with a crisp tube neckline and voluminous skirt. Tousled blonde waves and a tennis necklace framed the look with theatrical finesse.
- Color Theory: Cobalt blue popped against the silver-toned venue.
- Silhouette: Drama in every fold, but never overwhelming.
- Why It Ruled: Vice gave us bling with bite—and ballroom bravado.
Gabbi Garcia: Scarlet Star
Gabbi Garcia channeled retro glamour in a crimson Cheetah Rivera ball gown, styled by Steven Coralde and Leanne Ledesma of Qurator Studio. The double corsetry and draped bodice nodded to 1950s bouffant silhouettes.
- Styling Spark: Big curls and a sultry eye sealed the vintage fantasy.
- Mood: Rita Hayworth reborn.
- Why It Worked: Gabbi didn’t just wear red—she became it.
Bianca Umali: Capiz Couture
In custom Jerome Lorico, Bianca Umali paid tribute to Filipino craftsmanship with a cropped capiz bodice and woven skirt. Her minimalist beauty look highlighted her morena glow and jet-black hair.
- Design Detail: Capiz shells shimmered like moonlight on water.
- Mood: Ethereal Filipina with ancestral fire.
- Why It Stood Out: Bianca brought heritage to the haute.
Bea Alonzo: Blush and Breeze
Bea Alonzo floated in a blush Elie Saab chiffon gown, styled with soft waves and understated jewelry. The creamy silhouette whispered luxury in the gentlest tone.
- Fabric Flow: Chiffon layers moved like petals in wind.
- Mood: Feminine, but never fragile.
- Why It Worked: Bea didn’t need sparkle. She was the softness.
Anne Curtis: Rhinestone Minimalism
Anne Curtis kept it sleek in a sheer rhinestone-studded Alaïa jersey dress from Spring 2024. With slicked-back hair and Tiffany & Co. studs, she proved that restraint can still radiate.
- Styling Spark: Barely-there makeup let the rhinestones do the talking.
- Mood: Cool-toned goddess in motion.
- Why It Slayed: Anne was proof that bling doesn’t need volume—it needs vision.
Katrina Llegado: Nymph in a Cage
Miss Supranational Philippines 2026, Katrina Llegado, wore a bejeweled cage dress by Rap Soligam, paired with a Mayet De La Rosa statement necklace. Her mermaid curls added a mythic finish.
- Design Detail: The cage silhouette shimmered with crystal latticework.
- Mood: Ethereal, elemental, unforgettable.
- Why It Worked: Katrina didn’t walk the carpet—she floated through it.
Cassy Legaspi: Sculptural Grace
Cassy Legaspi stunned in a custom ivory Vania Romoff gown, styled by Cath Sobrevega. The haltered bodice featured floral appliqués, while the silk faille skirt bloomed into rounded pleats.
- Balance: Structure met softness in every fold.
- Mood: Debutante meets duchess.
- Why It Shined: Cassy’s look was a study in architectural elegance.
Honorable Mentions
| Name | What They Wore | Why It Stood Out |
|---|---|---|
| Alexa Ilacad | Aubergine Vee Tan gown with cut-outs | Mermaid silhouette with modern edge |
| Bianca De Vera | Corseted Marc Rancy gown with Art Deco beads | Ethereal and intricate, styled by Adrianne Concepcion |
| Charlie Fleming | Silver Mak Tumang gown with butterfly appliqués | Fairytale shimmer with dramatic draping |
| Kira Balinger | Russel Cordero red gown with feather trim | Bold, romantic, and perfectly matched with Josh Ford |
| Shuvee Etrata | Rian Fernandez gown with crystal rosettes | Deep neckline and rose-inspired shawl—pure drama |
Final Takeaway: The Glam Was the Gospel
At the Manila Marriott Hotel, the GMA Gala 2025 became a celestial sermon in style. These women didn’t just wear gowns—they wore stories. From anatomical couture to capiz shells, from Joan of Arc beadwork to butterfly ballgowns, each look was a verse in the gospel of glamour. And when the lights dimmed, their sparkle stayed—etched in memory, stitched into legacy.
