The stars descend to Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, for the 18th edition of the Walk of Fame.
Twenty personalities were added to the names of celebrities immortalized with star-shaped plaques embedded on the sidewalks of the mall property.
The Walk of Fame was introduced in 2005 by television host German "Kuya Germs" Moreno as the country's version of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame in California, USA.
Read: 10 things to know about German "Kuya Germs" Moreno
With these latest additions, there is now a total of 364 celebrities from television, movies, radio, news and public affairs, music, theater, and social media, whose names are on the Eastwood City pavement.
While questions linger about the criteria for selecting inductees, the Walk of Fame has become one of showbiz's highly anticipated events.
Those chosen consider it an honor to have their names on the prestigious list.
The crowd of fans that gathered around Eastwood Central Plaza started building up as early as mid-afternoon, not minding the hot weather experienced across Metro Manila.
The event was announced to start at 5:00 p.m., but celebrity guests only started arriving an hour later.
SHOWBIZ BIGWIGS
Among the first to walk down the red carpet were GMA Network Senior Vice President for Programming Annette Gozon-Valdes, and Joy Marcelo, vice president for Sparkle, the talent arm of the network.
Read: "What's up, Madlang Kapuso!": GMA-7 execs visit 'It's Showtime' amid conflict with MTRCB
The presence of the two Kapuso bigwigs was not surprising.
Annette's father, GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, nicknamed FLG, was among the inductees that night.
Read: A glimpse into Felipe L. Gozon's family life
The link between the Walk of Fame and GMA Network goes a long way back since FLG supported Kuya Germs in his plan to carry out such an event.
Kapuso actor Dingdong Dantes was tasked to induct the TV giant's big boss.
Meanwhile, one of the biggest contributors to the growth of Philippine entertainment, Vic del Rosario Jr, chairman and CEO of Viva Communications, Inc., also graced the occasion.
Star builder Johnny Manahan, endearingly referred to as Mr. M, was the center of attention this time as he was honored for his work behind the scenes.
Claudine Barretto inducted Mr. M into the Walk of Fame and even joined the Sparkle consultant in unveiling his star.
Solar Entertainment President Wilson Tieng was also in attendance to unveil his star.
ACTORS AND DIRECTORS
Richard Yap, Luis Manzano, and Baron Geisler took the time to attend the ceremony and witness their stars being unveiled.
Sanya Lopez, whom Kuya Germs discovered when she was 14, was the last inductee to unveil her star during the ceremony.
Menchu Lauchengco was also recognized for her work as a theater actress.
Directors Brillante Mendoza and Tony Y. Reyes got their time in the spotlight as each was presented with their star.
MUSICIANS
Meanwhile, drummer Mark Escueta and bassist Nathan Azarcon from Rivermaya came alongside former guitarist Kakoy Legaspi.
The Walk of Fame recognition is another milestone for the band that is fresh from celebrating its 30th year in the industry with a hugely successful reunion concert that featured its early '90s line-up.
Read: Review: Rivermaya brings joy, nostalgia in highly-anticipated reunion concert
The iconic '80s band The Dawn, led by singer Jet Pangan, got its long-overdue recognition from the Walk of Fame committee.
ANCHORS AND REPORTERS
For the News and Public Affairs category, business journalist Cathy Yap-Yang, Kapuso entertainment reporter Lhar Santiago, and DZBB radio anchor Joel Reyes Zobel were this year's inductees.
VLOGGER
In a reflection of the current times, social-media personality Small Laude was bestowed her own star, an indication of the strong appeal of influencers and online personalities today.
Former child star Niño Muhlach joked that the reason he was assigned to induct Small was because of his height.
"Small ako, e."
CROWD FAVORITES
Alden Richards proved how much the public loves him, drawing screams from spectators every time they caught a glimpse of the Kapuso actor.
The love team of Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan was a sight to behold for fans in the venue, as they elicited deafening cheers and screams from the people watching the event.
The family of Donny, led by his parents Anthony Pangilinan and actress Maricel Laxa, was in full force to support the young Kapamilya actor.
Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee looked fabulous right from the moment she walked on the red carpet.
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After unveiling her star, Michelle didn't disappoint the fans as she approached the crowd to sign autographs and have her photos taken with them.
STAR-STUDDED AFFAIR
The ceremony was not just attended by the inductees.
Also there to celebrate the new additions were Jackie Lou Blanco and John Nite, who served as hosts for the night.
The two were joined by singer-host Billy Crawford, who, as the youngest among the That's Entertainment team, was a favorite of Kuya Germs.
Singer Dulce sang the Philippine national anthem, while Christian Bautista performed the song "Send in the Clowns" to start the program.
A tribute video was also played to commemorate the life of the late Kuya Germs.
Legendary Filipino bowler Paeng Nepomuceno and veteran broadcast journalist Rico Hizon were among the presenters.
Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) head Lala Sotto was also present.
The Bautista siblings—Herbert, Hero, and Harlene—were in the venue early.
The night ended with everyone—from inductees and guests—mingling with one another while The Dawn performed their hits "Enveloped Ideas" and the anthemic and sentimental "Salamat."
Congratulations to the 2024 inductees of the Walk of Fame!