Kapamilya actress Kim Chiu reveals why boyfriend Xian Lim won’t be escorting her down the red carpet at this year’s ABS-CBN Ball.

It’s been a long wait since the last edition of the ABS-CBN Ball, which was also part of the network’s 65th anniversary three years ago.

This year, the glamorous event makes its return and actress Kim Chiu is one of the celebrities who has really been looking forward to it this year.

“Siguro siyempre 2019 yung last na ABS-CBN Ball and then supposedly last year meron pero hindi natuloy. So this time, sobrang ni-lu-look forward ko talaga yun. Ito yung time na iba yung mga itsura namin, pinaghandaan namin, hindi kami naka-role as actors or actresses, singers, or dancers. We’re just celebrating how grateful we are andito pa rin kami bilang isang kapamilya,” Kim shared during her Hairfix Professional Product Launch presscon held last September 28.

The 33-year-old actress said she tries to enjoy all parts of the event, from the preparations to the actual party.

“Looking forward ako sa glitz and glamor, to say hi and hello sa mga katrabaho namin sa ABS-CBN. And then, it’s a reunion na rin siguro ng iba’t ibang artista sa gabing yun. Ang daming magaganda at pogi. Ang daming mga dashing and vibrant (laughs),” she added.

For the country’s chinita princess, choosing what fashion statement she wants to make this year with her gown is also part of her favorite memories from past balls.

“Siyempre pag nagsusuot kami ng gown. Ako personal favorite ko yung iba’t ibang looks na sini-serve ko every ball na meron sa ABS-CBN and then yung mga designers na suot ko. Excited lang ako sa kung ano magiging itsura ko. Sana okay (laughs),” she admitted.

Unlike previous balls where she was escorted by real-life partner Xian Lim, Kim said she will be flying solo for this year’s event. The couple, who first went public with their relationship in 2018, had actually been going to the ball together since 2017 and are lovingly known as the celebrity couple “KImXi.”

“Wala si Xian. Nasa India siya as of the moment. Nag-mo-motor siya sa Himalayas. Pangarap niya yun eh. May nag-invite sa kanya so ingat siya. Hindi ko naman first time na (walang escort). Parang 2012 magkasama kami. Ngayong 2023, ako lang mag-isa. Kaya ko naman siguro ito (laughs).”