JILLIAN Ward in a dark angel costume. | photographs courtesy of Unang Hirit 
LIFE

GMA stars go sparkling and spooky at Sparkle Spell 2023

David Licauco and Jak Roberto both as Zoro: Did the two actors plan this twinning on purpose?

Pauline Joyce Pascual

Sparkle GMA Artist Center's annual Sparkle Spell Halloween Party returned for its second edition in a dazzling display of enchanting costumes and playful glamour.

The event at XYLO at The Palace saw the Kapuso stars looking "Fabulously Frightening," as the theme suggested.

Jillian Ward won the "Most Spooktacular Smile" award, and she and Miguel Tanfelix also earned the "I AMazing Look of the Night" nod.

Sanya Lopez, dressed as the Pinoy komiks character Galema in a snake costume, was honored with the Enchantingly Fresh Star of the Night award, while Kyline Alcantara's rendition of the Night King from Game of Thrones earned her the Most "O, Wow" Outfit award.

Sofia Pablo and Allen Ansay's Zombie Barbie and Ken outfits left an impression, securing them the TikTok Crowd Favorite Award. Ysabel Ortega, dressed as Alice in Wonderland, clinched the Sparkle's Choice award along with Miguel Tanfelix.

Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz, embodying Daphne and Fred from Scooby-Doo, were jointly recognized as the "Most Fabulous Costume of the Night." Derrick Monasterio, who came impressively sporting a Spartan costume and riding a horse, was honored with the Black Carpet Stunner Award.

Barbie Forteza commanded attention as Queen Daenerys Targaryen from the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. Sassa Gurl, with her funeral flower arrangement-inspired Halloween costume, and Joaquin Domagoso as Maleficent, also turned heads.

Liezl Lopez embodied sultriness and allure in her Poison Ivy attire, while Martin del Rosario brought Harry Potter to life. Ken Chan showcased a captivating dark angel costume, Radson Flores embodied a male version of the Queen of Hearts, and Raphael Landicho and Matt Lozano, dressed up as Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

But the much-buzzed-about look was courtesy of David Licauco and Jak Roberto, who both dressed as Roronoa Zoro, sparking intrigue and curiosity given that Roberto is Forteza's real-life BF while Licauco is her onscreen love partner. Did the two actors plan this twinning on purpose? Netizens were left debating: Who's your favorite Zoro of the night?