LONG LIVE THE VILLAINS: NETFLIX PAYS HOMAGE TO PHL SHOWBIZ ICONS WITH 'KONTRABIDA BALL'

WHEN NETFLIX DECIDES TO THROW A PARTY, you know it's not just any run-of-the-mill premiere night.

- MJ MARFORI

This week, the streaming giant pulled off something unprecedented in Philippine entertainment: a full-blown homage to the most feared, fabulous and unforgettable villains in local showbiz history.

We were in awe to see the Peninsula lobby closed down for the day and fully transformed to an over-the-top Kontrabida Ball. There were scream booths, photo sessions for Maldita's, feast for the villains and so much more.

The venue, dripping in dark glam and devilish detail, became the ultimate playground for our silver screen anti-heroes.

Our kontrabidas finally got their moment in the spotlight. Forget the typical red-carpet glitz; this was the first-ever Kontrabida Ball mounted for the grand launch of Chris Martinez's new film "Kontrabida Academy." And let me tell you—it was nothing short of groundbreaking.

And the lineup? A roll call of Philippine showbiz royalty who built careers out of iconic slaps, dagger looks and lines that left audiences gasping.

Leading the pack was a powerhouse ensemble: Michael de Mesa, Odette Khan, Rez Cortez, Jean Garcia, Pinky Amador, Dimples Romana, Mylene Dizon, Gladys Reyes and the incomparable Eugene Domingo.

If you grew up watching teleseryes and Pinoy films, you've probably hated them—scrap that—loathed them, feared them, or even secretly rooted for them at one point.