The ABS-CBN Ball just made its grand, historic comeback over the weekend after years-long hiatus. The much-anticipated red carpet program brimmed with jaw-dropping looks and beautiful romantic moments that we still can’t get over with. The stars had put us under their spell, we must say.

But what happens after that hours-long fashion parade on the red carpet? Well, celebrities would enter the ballroom to mingle with old and new friends, share awesome conversations and take lots of selfies, while still looking absolutely stunning the whole night through.

Let the stargazing continue, this time, by taking a peek into the most candid celebrity moments at the Ball compiled in this behind-the-scenes gallery.

We may have missed the red carpet appearances of big-name Star Magic talents Piolo Pascual and Angelica Panganiban, as well as power couple Eddie Gutierrez and Annabelle Rama, but these photos are solid evidence that they graced the momentous gathering.

In the album, you’ll find group shots lit with overflowing star wattage (which could be the local entertainment’s versions of the iconic 2014 ‘Oscars selfie’). The Ataydes were caught in a happy groufie with ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak. We bet it was the ever bubbly Ria Atayde who organized the photo op, with beau Zanjoe Marudo extending his arm as far as he could to make sure Kyle Echarri could be seen at the back.

The whole Makati Shangri-La sure glowed with star power when Philippine showbiz’s biggest royalties assembled to smile it up for the cam. We mean, imagine no less than Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, Drama Queen Judy Ann Santos with husband Ryan Agoncillo, Primetime King Coco Martin and sweetheart Julia Montes, Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actress Jodi Sta Maria in one photo, together with seasoned actress Cherry Pie Picache and veteran host Amy Perez. Epic.

Each year, the greatest Kapamilya artists put on a show. Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Darren Espanto, Jed Madela, Karylle, and the Tawag Ng Tanghalan champions were among last Saturday night's performers.

The ‘Valentine’ feels extended from the red carpet to the ballroom with the inseparable Kapamilya pairs. Jake Cuenca and Chie Filomeno might have walked the red carpet as solo acts, but they sure had lots of conversations behind the scenes. Brent Manalo knows how to impress a date by not leaving Vivoree’s side. McLisee (McCoy de Leon and Elisse Joson) and RKane (RK Bagatsing and Jane Oineza) were fierce on the red carpet, but totally sweet in the ballroom.

The event also doubled as a fun reunion for friends and colleagues. Remember the wives of the Estrella Brothers? Ivana Alawi, who arrived in a scene-stealing, skin-baring outfit, enjoyed her get-together with former “A Family Affair” co-stars Aya Fernandez and Rans Rifol.

Jodi and Iza Calzado were seen rubbing elbows with each other, calling to mind their powerful tandem as Marisa and Elize in “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin.” Going solo on the red carpet sure didn’t stop the fiery "Senior High" lead actress Andrea Brillantes from enjoying the occasion.

Those who belong to the same program, like Richard Gutierrez and Dimples Romana of “The Iron Heart,” are likely to engage in chitchats. But even those who haven’t yet worked together have the chance to mingle and probably form a new ‘barkada.’

After all, the theme of ABS-CBN Ball 2023 spotlights stories of friendship and gratitude.