BreKa’s Unforgettable Night: Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca Crowned Couple of the Night at GMA Gala 2025
The Manila Marriott Hotel was shimmering with lights, diamonds, and high fashion on the evening of August 2, 2025, as the entertainment industry gathered for one of the most awaited events of the year — the GMA Gala 2025. But while the night was filled with glamour, designer gowns, and unforgettable reunions, one particular pair stole the spotlight and captured the hearts of fans and jurors alike.
Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca, known to their fans as BreKa, were hailed as Couple of the Night, proving once again why they are among the most talked-about love teams to emerge from recent years. Their undeniable chemistry, glowing confidence, and sweet gestures on the blue carpet turned what was already a star-studded affair into an evening that will be remembered for years.
BreKa’s Winning Moment
The Couple of the Night award wasn’t simply about coordinated outfits or glamorous styling — it was about presence, connection, and how a duo could light up the room together. Brent and Mika, the PBB Celebrity Collab Edition Big Winners, arrived fashionably late, but with an entrance that instantly became the talk of the livestream.
Brent, ever the gentleman, was seen guiding Mika through the flashes of cameras, making sure her gown flowed gracefully on the carpet. His subtle yet protective gestures — adjusting her trail, holding her hand tightly, and leaning close as they posed — did not go unnoticed. Fans on social media immediately flooded Twitter and TikTok with clips captioned, “Protective Brent era!” and “This is peak kilig.”
Mika, for her part, dazzled in a figure-hugging gown that accentuated her natural elegance. More than her beauty, it was the way she smiled every time Brent whispered something in her ear that sent fans into a frenzy. The chemistry was effortless, and it was this authenticity that made the jurors award them the prestigious Couple of the Night title.
Fashion Highlights: Best Dressed Stars
While BreKa dominated the romance category, fashion remained at the forefront of the Gala. David Licauco and Kyline Alcantara were awarded Best Dressed, and rightfully so.
David Licauco, often dubbed the Pambansang Ginoo, embodied timeless sophistication in a perfectly tailored suit that showcased why he is one of the leading men of his generation. Beside him, Kyline Alcantara stunned in a couture gown that highlighted her transformation from teen star into a full-fledged fashion icon. Their pairing on the winners’ list showed not just good taste, but also the recognition of their evolving influence on young Kapuso viewers.
Rising Stars on the Blue Carpet
The GMA Gala has always been known as a platform for celebrating both veterans and rising stars. This year, Will Ashley, the Kapuso PBB Celebrity Collab Second Placer, proved his charm extended beyond reality TV. He was named Male Young Star of the Night, a title that cements his position as one of the faces to watch in the next generation of leading men.
His female counterpart, Wynona Collings, mirrored his success by clinching Female Young Star of the Night. Both winners drew loud cheers from the younger fans in attendance, signaling a bright future for the next wave of Kapuso talents.
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Scene Stealers of the Night
Not every award was about romance or fashion. Some moments were defined by charisma and unexpected impact. Esnyr, the Kapamilya PBB Celebrity Collab Third Big Placer, and Carla Abellana, one of GMA’s most respected actresses, were hailed as Red-Carpet Scene Stealers of the Night.
Esnyr, known for his witty and relatable personality online, proved he could command attention even offscreen, while Carla stunned fans with her timeless elegance and magnetic presence. Their recognition showed how the Gala remains inclusive of both established stars and rising personalities.
The Hall of Famers: Legends Cementing Their Legacy
No gala would be complete without honoring the giants of the industry. This year’s Hall of Famers list read like a who’s who of Philippine entertainment royalty: Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, and Heart Evangelista.
Dingdong and Marian, dubbed the Kapuso Primetime King and Queen, were celebrated not just for their artistry but also for their lasting influence as a couple who embody love, family, and professionalism. Alden Richards, the nation’s “Asia’s Multimedia Star,” added another feather to his cap, solidifying his place as one of the most bankable and beloved actors of his era.
Meanwhile, Heart Evangelista’s Hall of Fame award seemed almost inevitable. Known for her international presence in fashion, she has gracefully bridged local showbiz and the global stage, earning admiration from fans and critics alike.
Sponsored Awards: A Night of Icons
The Gala also recognized stars through sponsored categories that reflected both glamour and brand influence. Among them:
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BingoPlus Heart of the Night Award — Will Ashley
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Avignon Grand Couple — Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera
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Cad Smile Award — Marian Rivera and Heart Evangelista
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Honor 400 Pro Star of the Night — Charlie Fleming
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IAMAZING Award by IAM Worldwide — Charlie Fleming
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Luxe Slim Fit and Fabulous Icon — Mika Salamanca
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Shopee Superstar Award — Shuvee Etrata
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Villa Medica Timeless Beauty Award — Richard Yap
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Zion Glam Icon of the Night — Heart Evangelista
These awards not only highlighted talent but also the commercial power and influence these stars hold in various industries — from fashion and beauty to technology and lifestyle.
The Significance of the Gala
The GMA Gala has evolved into more than just a gathering of celebrities. It has become a cultural landmark — a stage where legends are honored, rising stars are introduced, and the audience gets a glimpse of the evolving dynamics of Philippine showbiz.
This year’s event underscored several themes: the blending of Kapuso and Kapamilya talents through the PBB Celebrity Collab alumni, the continued rise of love teams that fuel fan culture, and the undeniable role of fashion in shaping celebrity branding.
BreKa’s recognition as Couple of the Night also reflected the public’s hunger for authentic connections. In an era where many onscreen partnerships are meticulously curated, Brent and Mika’s chemistry felt refreshingly genuine, giving fans something real to root for.
Fans React: Social Media Explodes
Within minutes of the announcements, social media was flooded with reactions. #BreKaCoupleOfTheNight trended nationwide, with fans posting clips of their red-carpet walk, side-by-side photos of their outfits, and even memes celebrating their chemistry.
Kyline Alcantara’s gown also went viral, with fashion bloggers praising her as the night’s “modern-day princess.” Meanwhile, Heart Evangelista’s Hall of Fame honor sparked conversations about her global influence, with netizens proudly calling her the “Philippines’ fashion queen.”
For Will Ashley and Wynona Collings, the recognition as Young Stars drew excited comments like “The future of Kapuso primetime is secure!” and “We’re witnessing the next generation of idols rise.”
Closing Thoughts
The GMA Gala 2025 wasn’t just a showcase of glamour — it was a celebration of legacy, rising talent, and unforgettable love teams. For Brent Manalo and Mika Salamanca, the night solidified their status not just as reality-show winners but as one of the brightest pairings in Philippine entertainment today.
As the lights dimmed at the Manila Marriott Hotel and the stars returned home, one thing became clear: the Gala may be an annual event, but its stories, highlights, and magical moments linger long after the last camera flash. And this year, the story belonged to BreKa — a couple that turned an ordinary award into a symbol of modern kilig and timeless romance.
