The New Nocturnals Halloween Ball Recap and Highlights

High fashion met high fear at “The New Nocturnals,” where Manila’s most stylish monsters came out to play.

“Tonight, we want something darker, grittier, and edgier.”

That’s how host Mond Gutierrez set the tone for “The New Nocturnals”—this year’s most anticipated Halloween ball.

From last year’s discotheque vibes at the Opulence Ball, Mond and his team upped the ante this time with a full-on horror-meets-high-fashion fantasy. Think blood, glitter, and couture—where the city’s biggest names strutted the red carpet as mummies, vampires, werewolves, and every glam ghoul in between.

Mond Gutierrez (@mond) is one of the hosts of The New Nocturnals ball.

“So, we came up with ‘The New Nocturnals.’ It’s all about creatures of the night—a classic Halloween,” explained Gutierrez, whose wickedly creative vision came to life with collaborator Ash Rye.

Among the standout looks of the night was actress Andrea Brillantes, who slinked in as a sultry black cat—owning the superstition and spinning it into her favor. When asked what being Star of the Night meant to her, she said simply, “All of my work has been worth it.”

The beats were equally bewitching, with XI & ZID, SIMONETTI, SOD, and Sky Dominique keeping the crowd on their feet. Adding even more fire to the night were electrifying dance numbers from Nunoy with Leyva, Raymond, Houies, and Stephanie.

Meanwhile, “Drag Race Slaysian Royale” finalist Khianna turned up the energy with a fierce performance alongside Femme MNL. “Gina-guide ako ng fellow dancers ko. I felt the love and support of the Filipino people, and I think I brought half of my country here tonight,” she told Radar Entertainment—and yes, the crowd agreed.

Shewarma (@shewarmaa) as “Sarah Disgrasya,” with her “ghost projects” briefcase.

Not to be outdone, “Drag Den Philippines” scene-stealer Shewarma strutted in full executive realness, briefcase in hand, serving “ghost projects” and boardroom banshee realness all in one.

The guest list was as star-studded as it was spooky, with Barbie Imperial, Kyline Alcantara, Seth Fedelin, Francine Diaz, Jillian Ward, Darren Espanto, Jameson Blake, drag icons Marina Summers, Viñas Deluxe, Arizona Brandy, and Eva Le Queen, and influencers Russco Jarviña and Mikee Reyes all in attendance.