Stars bring movie magic to Mond Gutierrez’s fifth New Nocturnals Halloween party

MANILA — Some of the biggest names in Philippine entertainment brought their favorite movie characters to life as Mond Gutierrez celebrated the fifth year of his annual Halloween party, New Nocturnals, on Thursday, October 29, at The Peninsula Manila.

This year’s celebration carried the theme “Silver Screen,” paying tribute to film, cinema, and the creativity of the entertainment industry. 

“I’m very excited na ang theme namin this year is Silver Screen. It’s all about celebrating film and cinema. In this age of AI, I think there’s no better time to really put a spotlight on filmmaking and the arts,” Gutierrez said.

The event organizer transformed himself into Lestat from “Interview with the Vampire,” while guests were encouraged to put their own creative spin on iconic movie characters. 

Gutierrez said The Peninsula Manila was the perfect setting for the celebration because of its cinematic atmosphere and classic Hollywood glamour.

“I think it’s a great way for creatives and people in the industry to come together and really celebrate their creativity, their fashion sense, and talagang for people to think outside the box,” he shared. 

Among the celebrities who attended were Belle Mariano, Maris Racal, Kyle Echarri, Iñigo Pascual, River Joseph, Richard Gutierrez, and Barbie Imperial.

Gutierrez’s sister, Ruffa Gutierrez, also joined the festivities, taking inspiration from Nicole Kidman’s character in “Moulin Rouge!,” complete with a striking red wig.

“I’m here every year because of Mond, of course. I love celebrating Halloween. It’s not only my mom’s birthday, but it’s also a celebration of creativity,” Ruffa said. 

“I’m single. I’m ready to have a great time. So, yeah, this is a little bit of a Moulin Rouge slash Ruffa Gutierrez,” she added.

Actress Lovi Poe, meanwhile, made her first appearance at the annual Halloween gathering dressed as Pennywise, the terrifying clown from “It.” 

“I’ve been wanting to come and then this is the first time,” Poe shared.

“We get to dress up and we get to just have fun and see everyone. It’s nice because everyone has their own way of showing how creative they are,” she added. 

Poe also revealed that she is set to leave the country the following day and is preparing to shoot a new movie in approximately two weeks.

“Let’s just say it’s something that we will all love,” she teased, without revealing further details about the project.

Actress Ina Raymundo also turned heads with her interpretation of Jessica Rabbit from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” 

“Jessica Rabbit, Latina version. That’s why my hair is dark and middle-aged version,” Raymundo joked.

“Well, it’s just starting and I’m already having so much fun,” she added.

Aside from the celebrity costumes, the Halloween celebration featured a performance by drag artist Marina Summers and music from international and local DJs, including performers from Brazil, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. 

Now in its fifth year, Gutierrez hopes to continue expanding New Nocturnals through new partnerships, special guests, and increasingly elaborate themes.

“I think that’s what keeps the party really exciting is yung theme nag-iiba every year. So we continue to challenge ourselves na every year dapat mas bongga, mas pasabog,” Gutierrez said.