Her gown also boasted daring extra-large side cutouts, elegantly revealing her midriff; and a bold, sky-high slit showcased her flawless legs with grace and style.

Infusing extra sparkle into Kathryn’s red-carpet ensemble are the snake-inspired diamond ring and diamond earrings from Mei Diamond Jewelry.

As if her bling couldn’t get any more dazzling, Kathryn elevated her OOTD with a pair of Jimmy Choo Max 150 crystal-embellished platform sandals.

KATHRYN BERNARDO: BEHIND THE GLAM

In an Instagram update, Kathryn expressed her gratitude to Mark Bumgarner and his creative director Earl Semitara for crafting this exquisite piece for her.

In the same post, she disclosed that Mark was also her designer for the ABS-CBN Ball 2022. Sadly, their plans for her red-carpet look were thwarted as the event faced an abrupt cancellation.

Kathryn wrote, “Same time last year, I was supposed to wear @markbumgarner for the ABS CBN Ball. Sadly, the event was cancelled last minute and we had to let go of the vision we had in mind.

“But this year, the ball is finally happening and we knew right away that it had to be Mark! [emoji]

“My dearest @dmbumgarner and @earlsemitara, here we go! I’m so happy to walk on the red carpet wearing your creation tonight.

“Thank you for being so hands-on and for accommodating all our ideas—even the most random ones. [emoji]”

In response to Kathryn’s post, Mark praised the Kapamilya star’s daring and stunning look, crediting her clear vision and impeccable fashion sense.

In addition, Mark also expressed his appreciation to Kathryn’s glam team.

The designer wrote, published as is: “Dear Kath @bernardokath, first of all, you look INSANE!! Seriously, goosebumps all around.

“This is your most daring look, and i think we nailed it! Thanks to your impeccable fashion sense You had a clear vision of what you wanted to wear tonight sleek, modern, sharp, and just the right amount of skin.

“Though, I might question the last part a bit [emoji] But honestly, you could pull off anything! [emoji]

“Huge thanks to the best style duo @kimiyap and @boopyap for making this risqué moment a beautiful collaboration, and to @johnvalle20 for the perfect finishing touch with the hair styling. Loove the look.

“Enjoy your night and cant wait to dress you up again soon. Love you Kath, easily one of the coolest girls i know! [emoji]”

Meanwhile, Kathryn also extended her gratitude to her glam team for their efforts in perfecting her red carpet OOTD.

She wrote, “To the best glam team that I’m also lucky to call my friends, appreciate you all always wanting what’s best for me! Thank you for making the process extremely fun at the same time. Love you beyond words!”

The outfit she showcased for the ABS-CBN Ball 2023 was meticulously crafted by Kimi and Boop Yap in collaboration with Lulu Solis.

Her makeup artist Justine Claudia achieved the trending latte makeup for Kathryn.

John Valle skillfully styled her hair into a short, edgy bob with soft waves, enhanced by a hair topper from Jhen Hair Extensions.

Kathryn conveyed her appreciation to photographer Charisma Lico and production designer Aren Dale Santos for their exceptional work capturing her stunning OOTD in the pre-event photos moments before the ABS-CBN Ball.

“Let’s celebrate together the brightest event of the year,” it said. “Brighter Together: The ABS-CBN Ball 2025. For the benefit of the ABS-CBN foundation.”

The Kapamilya network added that it will be “a night of glamour, celebration and giving back,” although further details have yet to be announced as of this writing.

Netizens flooded the comments section, with most of them cheering for love-team partners Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano, Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, and Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin.

The most recent ABS-CBN Ball was held in 2023, the edition that marked the event’s return after three years of postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the ABS-CBN Ball 2023, several celebrities stood out, including Mariano and Pangilinan, who won the People’s Choice: Stars of the Night and People’s Choice: Power Couple of the Ball awards; and “Pinoy Big Brother” alumni Anji Salvacion and Eian Rances who each earned a Star Magic Fan Favorite award.

The network was also supposed to hold the ball’s 2022 edition but later decided to postpone it considering the “circumstances at the moment.”