STAR Magic artists turned up the heat during the first-ever Hot Summer LaHot Sexy Bikini Ball, an event championing self-love, body positivity, diversity, and empowerment. 

The stars wowed audiences as they strutted in their sizzling outfits at the The Island Ph club in Bonifacio Global City on Thursday, May 4. 

But more than looking stunning, the artists also shared important messages about embracing who you are.

Several Kapamiya stars talked about their views on body positivity and how they personally coped with being body shamed. They also highlighted the message that every body is beautiful no matter the size, shape, and form. 

Love your body 

One of these stars is former child actor Xyriel Manabat, who slayed in her sexy black ensemble. The 19-year-old Xyriel has been ceaselessly targeted by online attackers because of her figure. 

She earlier opened up about seeking professional help after seeing comments of people “sexualizing” her photos online. 

This was also why she thought twice about attending the Star Magic event. But she realized that her presence could inspire others who are experiencing what she had gone through. 

“I believe na hindi po siya dapat kinakahiya, hindi po siya dapat kinaka-sorry and mas lalong hindi po siya dapat kinaka-settle lang, kasi our body is never less. 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,” she said in an interview with the event hosts. 

Ignoring the haters

Kapamilya actress Maymay Entrata’s beauty may have been recognized by many, including international supermodel Tyra Banks. But she, too, had experienced being body-shamed. 

According to Maymay, it was not easy to disregard the negativity, but she made the effort to do so.  

Through self-love and self-trust, she was able to shrug off the naysayers. 

“‘Pag confident ka sa sarili mo, nandun na ‘yung courage mo na kaya mo na i-auto deadma lahat ng fears, lahat ng doubt, at kahit anong negatibo po na kung saan naghahadlang po sa pag-abot mo ng pangarap mo. At syempre higit sa lahat po, ‘yung prayers talaga po,” she said. 

Beauty is more than skin-deep

Meanwhile, transgender fashion stylist Patty Yap said looks are immaterial as long as you are beautiful on the inside. 

“As a transwoman, syempre sobrang saya ko kasi syempre, napakita ko kung anong meron kami. And of course, I love people who truly love body positivity. Actually, it’s not important what your physical appearance [is], what matters is how beautiful you are inside and out,” said Yap. 

Star Magic Head Laurenti Dyogi said the grand event aims to “celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and respect for each other, no matter what your age is, your color, your body type, shape, and even gender preference.”

“We help redefine what sexy is. The new sexy is being confident and being respectful of our body and mindset differences. We enjoin everybody to share with us and promote this advocacy of body positivity,” Dyogi added.

Hottest stars

During the inaugural Star Magic Summer event, dozens of Kapamilya stars thrilled audiences as they came in their standout styles. 

Hosting the event were Enchong Dee and Ria Atayde. Atayde has been a staunch body positivity advocate after being targeted by body shamers online. 

Star Magic also honored its stars who shone the brightest during the summer-themed ball. 

Fans voted for the “LaHottest” royalties, and below is the complete list of awardees:

LaHottest Photo 2023
Ria Atayde

Sperry LaHottest Confidence Award (Advocacy):

Anne Patricia Lorenzo

Jane Oineza

Karina Bautista

Joseph Marco

Alora Sasam

LaHottest King and Queen 2nd runners-up
Chico Alicaya and Chie Filomeno

LaHottest King and Queen 1st runner-up
Brent Manalo and Vivoree

LaHottest King and Queen
Eian Rances and Isabel Laohoo