As the tagline goes, “Slay in any shape, any size, any age!”
Summer is made more scalding as Star Magic artists flare up the runway during ABS-CBN’s “Hot Summer: LaHot Sexy” event at The Island, BGC on May 4, 2023. The event was live-streamed via Star Magic’s official YouTube channel.
After the successful Star Magical Prom in March, Star Magic talents have gathered once more for an event hinged on body positivity and self-love. LaHot, a wordplay for lahat, and the official tagline “Slay in any shape, any size, any age” condense the message of creating an inclusive space wherein everyone is free to be comfortable in their own skin.
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Enchong Dee and Ria Atayde hosted the four-hour show filled with Grecian, Havana, and Carnival-inspired outfits. Girl group BINI ushered the first two runway entrances as other notable acts performed throughout the show including BGYO’s “Sabay,” Alora Sasam’s spoken word poetry, and Darren Espanto’s “Tama Na” performance.
Star Magic artists slay the runway
The first batch comprising a handful of names started the show, including Igi Boy Flores, Luciana Andres, JM Dela Cerna, Kristof Garcia, Jimboy Martin, Cianne Dominguez, Hasna Cabral, Bryan Chong, stylist Patty Yap, and many more.
“Dirty Linen” actress Xyriel Manabat and “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” actor Paolo Gumabao encore the first batch in a matching black ensemble. During the interview, Manabat admits being reluctant over her attendance since she’s not “mentally and physically prepared.” However, she says that she’s not invited to this kind of event very often, and that’s what compelled her to come.
As Manabat struggles from constant body objectification, she implores: “Our body should be celebrated, respected, and defended, and we should not justify someone na magtangka na mag-disrespect ng body natin in any way.”
The second batch came equally bomb as the runway grew fad with various faces including Lie Reposposa, Jelay Pilones, Lucas Garcia, Enzo Almario, Jae Miranda, Kerwin King, Shanaia Gomez, Redd Arcega, Gela Alonte, Russu Laurente, and many others.
Fast-rising stars Anji Salvacion and Bianca de Vera wrapped up the second batch with an interview. De Vera talks about her body issues and how she channeled a different mindset to overcome them. As for Salvacion, she brings up the double-edged impacts of social media in correlation with beauty perception.
The third batch maintained the sizzling momentum as artists brought a youthful yet feisty show. Some of the stars in the batch include Argel Saycon, Nonong Balinan, Ashley del Mundo, Lance Carr, Lou Yanong, Diana Mackey, AC Bonifacio, Enzo Pineda, Michelle Vito, Maymay Entrata, and Darren Espanto.
In a timely release of Entrata’s newest single “Autodeadma,” she then correlates the message of the song during the interview. As she puts it: Naniniwala po ako na trust is confidence po talaga. Kapag confident ka sa sarili mo, nandoon na ‘yong courage mo na kaya mo nang i-‘autodeadma’ lahat ng fears, lahat ng doubt, at kahit anong negatibo po na humahadlang sa pag-abot ng pangarap mo.”
The fourth batch then presented a perky and breezy show. Names from reality shows, established celebrities, and promising stars have strutted the LaHot Sexy runway, including Karina Bautista, Barbie Imperial, Joseph Marco, Maxine Trinidad, Rob Blackburn, Zach Guerrero, Sean Tristan, Laziz Rustamov, Rina Maier, among others.
Karina Bautista shares during the interview her hard-fought journey in finding her confidence. She states, “There’s a lot of problems in this world, so, ang hirap kung at war ka rin sa sarili mo. So, it’s time na i-accept mo rin ang sarili mo, i-embrace mo na. So, doing photoshoots, posing, I look into the camera and I see myself and I affirm myself na I am beautiful, and it’s time to share this beauty to the world.”
Joseph Marco, who was accompanied by his Russian girlfriend Dasha Romanova, has one piece of advice for people who deal with insecurities. According to him, “Insecurities will always be part of our lives. But don’t let insecurities steal your happiness. You have to accept that you’re an imperfect person. So, just love yourself and accept who you are.”
Fire never dwindles as the fifth and final batch finished it off with Samantha Bernardo, Benedix Ramos, Eian Rances, Brent Manalo, Vivoree Esclito, Elisse Joson, Jake Cuenca, Chie Filomeno, and Sue Ramirez.
Sensational love team ViBRent—composed of Vivoree and Brent—has also a string of comforts for anyone with beaten self-esteem. As for Manalo, self-worth takes precedence. And just as much, self-affirmation holds the line to one’s own value. This message is echoed by Esclito’s sentiment as she says, “At the end of the day, you always have to encourage yourself kasi sino pa bang mag-e-encourage sa sarili mo if ikaw mismo hindi mag-e-encourage sa sarili mo”
The LaHottest royalties
The event concluded with a number of awards given to those who made noteworthy impacts. Ria Atayde bagged the LaHottest Photo award from Metro Magazine for her body inclusive photoshoot. Meanwhile Sperry LaHottest Confidence Award went to Anne Patricia Lorenzo, Jane Oineza, Karina Bautista, Joseph Marco, and Alora Sasam for their encompassing advocacies about body positivity.
Making up the court are Chico Alicaya and Chie Filomeno as King and Queen second runners-up. Taking the spot just ahead as the first runners-up are love team Brent Manalo and Vivoree Esclito. Ultimately rightful for the throne as the LaHottest King and Queen are Eian Rances and Isabel Laohoo. The winners were determined via a fan-voting system.
Star Magic Head Laurenti Dyogi says that the purpose of the event is “celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and respect for each other, no matter what your age is, your color, your body type, shape, and even gender preference.”
Banner Image Star Magic / Nice Print Photography
Banner Art Dani Sison
