The New Nocturnals 2026 Celebrates the Magic of Cinema
This year's Halloween fête paid tribute to decades of cinema, with Andrea Brillantes, Belle Mariano, Kyline Alcantara, and more stepping into the frame.
by Em Enriquez
Published on Oct 30, 2026
Cinematic universes collided at The Peninsula Manila for the 2026 edition of The New Nocturnals. One of the most star-studded Halloween affairs of the year, the annual soirée brought together ghouls and glamazons inspired by different eras of cinema.
For co-founders Mond Gutierrez and Ash Rye, the night has always been an uninhibited celebration of creativity. Beyond the elaborate costumes, the event encourages guests to bring their favorite characters to life and express themselves beyond the screen.
The Director's Cut of the "New Nocturnals"
Once known for its opulence, The New Nocturnals has become a platform for uninhibited self-expression. It celebrates creativity in all its forms, championing the human touch behind every wig, garment, headpiece, and accoutrement.
“I think in this day and age of AI, I think there's no better time to really celebrate the art form of film and cinema than now. So we're putting a spotlight on that, and we've asked all of our guests to come in their favorite movie characters from any genre, from any time period,” Mond says.
While Halloween is typically associated with the macabre—and while there remains plenty of room for such—this year's party banked on cinema as its primary source of inspiration. "Mond and I, we don't really like a super gory, super spooky Halloween. We still want everyone to be able to dress up, look beautiful, feel sexy, and you know, turn up in their favorite designers," Ash admits.
"It's really an opportunity for all of the creatives and the makeup artists and the hair stylists to really show what they can do."
Iconic characters from different periods of film paraded down the black carpet, turning it into a live tribute to the silver screen. Variety was expected, and it became abundantly clear that movies have evolved beyond being sources of entertainment—they've become time capsules of human creativity and storytelling.
Whether one arrived as a hero or a villain, the evening chronicled decades' worth of stories worth telling. And with a holiday centered on embodying characters different from oneself, it made space for new stories to emerge.
"I think Halloween is a great way for people to show their creativity and their fashion sense. It's a time to really think outside the box, enjoy with your friends, and to celebrate," Mond said. Life imitated art, as it always should.
What the Guests Wore to the "New Nocturnals" 2026
The black carpet was an eras tour of its own. Different decades and genres of film were represented through each outfit, turning it into something of a marquee of cinema's greatest hits.
A selection of guests took cues from the early days of cinema, paying homage to films made nearly a century ago. Andrea Brillantes, who never misses the chance to transform every Halloween, dressed as Charlie Chaplin himself, square mustache included.
Meanwhile, man of the hour Mond Gutierrez was a vintage vampire, though he playfully suggested that it's a look he could see himself wearing on the regular. Kyline Alcantara, for one, reminded us that it's been almost a century since Metropolis premiered in 1927 and introduced audiences to Robot Maria.
More contemporary cinematic works were also highlighted throughout the night. There was a trio of Nicole Kidmans, with co-founder Ash Rye, Gen Z star Belle Mariano, and actress Ruffa Gutierrez all channeling Satine from Moulin Rouge!
And speaking of showgirls, Niana Guerrero took a more elegant route with her ensemble, referencing the Chinese film Farewell My Concubine, complete with a recreation of a traditional headpiece.
Of course, Halloween is as good an excuse as any for a lady to feel as sexy as she pleases. Maris Racal shone bright like a diamond as bad girl Rihanna herself, and Dia Maté was a stunning vision of The Mummy’s Princess Ahmanet. An It girl in her own right, Lovi Poe was menacing in her take on the killer clown Pennywise.
Fresh from her debut on the Victoria’s Secret runway, Christina Nadin was the most tantalizing cave dweller we’ve seen. Marina Summers, meanwhile, was the queen of the Nile as Cleopatra. Always one to serve a look, Michelle Dee took styling cues from Cruella de Vil—and would you believe her if she told you this was a last-minute ensemble?
The black carpet came to a close with more sartorial successes. Miss Universe Philippines 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski was a heavenly body in a creation inspired by stained glass, designed by Fashion Institute of the Philippines graduate Christian Relator.
In keeping with the celebration of Filipino design, Tim Yap dressed as Tim Burton in Cary Santiago separates. Also looking dapper was River Joseph, who embodied the Great Gatsby in blond hair and a sharp suit. From different cinematic universes came Joaquin Arce and Lella Ford as Dune's Paul Atreides and Chani, and Alexa Ilacad and Darren Espanto as Lavagirl and Sharkboy.
Story and production by Em Enriquez. Photos by Kurt Villagracia. Videos by Teddy Garcia Jr., directed by Bea Felice Panganiban. Assisted by Derick Dee Celestra.
Em is queer and probably daydreaming somewhere. They're Preview's associate entertainment editor who's often spotted in cowboy boots and lemon-tinted sunnies.