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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider The Red Carpet director reveals his 10 best-dressed list

The Red Carpet director reveals his 10 best-dressed list

At GMA Gala 2023

Published Jul 23, 2023 10:38 am



Noted Filipino fashion stylist Oli Sara, who now has a thriving career in Hollywood, recently rang my mobile with a piece of news that tickled him with much excitement. Oli said: “Joee, I’m so excited! You’re the first person I’m gonna share this with. I was just told by Annette (Gozon-Valdez, GMA Senior Vice President), that I’m gonna be the red carpet director for this year’s GMA Gala!” While happy for his latest opportunity, I had to ask him whether or not he was willing to take the gamble as the big break was going to be his first ever foray into TV production. Confidently, Oli’s response was: “It’s something I couldn’t pass up. Besides, I do think they want me for my Hollywood red carpet experience more than my technical skills as a director.” From there, as we always say, the rest became history. And history was, indeed, made last night when the GMA Gala 2023 unravelled at the Newport World Resort’s Mariott Grand Ballroom, with Kapuso and Kapamilya stars finally seen rubbing elbows for the very first time. While in his director’s booth, delivering a job that was eventually praised for smooth and tasteful shots, Oli stayed true to his being a fashion stylist and jotted down his top 10 best dressed list, exclusively for the Manila Bulletin. Here are his choices (in no particular order):

Bea Alonzo (AZ Factory)


Matteo Guidicelli (William Lee)


Heart Evangelista (Schiaparelli)


Alden Richards (Louis Vuitton)


Barbie Forteza (Ehran Montoya)


Anne Curtis (YSL)


Marian Rivera (Danielle Frankel)


Jennylyn Mercado (Anthony Ramirez)


David Licauco (Tom Ford)


Annette Gozon-Valdez (Chris Nick)


Honorable mentions:

FROM LEFT: Andrea Torres, Bianca Umali, Kyline Alcantara, Dingdong Dantes, and Joshua Garcia


Other sidelights that Oli shared with us are: a) There were three after parties that followed the conclusion of the event. One in Wolfgang (hosted by Sam Verzosa and Tim Yap); and two others in Kao Manila and House Manila, organized by club owners The Night League; b) Some stars who were actually already checked in at the Marriott still chose to drive and make their entrances using their fancy cars, only for red carpet purposes; and, c) Eat Bulaga and Showtime hosts found the time to bond with each other even if they are tough competitors in the noontime slot.

Oli Sara


In the end, it is obvious that this year’s GMA Gala turned out to be a rousing success and Oli made a good gamble this time and won big!
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