Honoring the country’s finest Filipina artists, the inaugural year of Billboard PH Women In Music Awards was held last Friday, March 22, 2024, at Samsung Hall at SM Aura Premier.
The first Philippine edition of Women in Music was hosted by Jolina Magdangal. It featured live performances from the honorees themselves, including Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velazquez-Alcasid, Moira, ena mori, and BINI. The event kicked off with a surprise opening number from Pinay rock icon Barbie Almalbis.
Billboard Philippines honored six exceptional Filipina artists who received the following awards.
The Rising Star award is “given to those whose work and artistry has aided them in attaining an undeniable rise in the local music scene. For them, not even the sky is the limit. For them, there is no way to go but up.”
With their strings of recent smashes, BINI was given this recognition. Another surprise highlight of the evening was when fellow P-Pop sensation, SB19‘s Stell, presented BINI with the Rising Star award on stage following their live performance of “Salamin, Salamin.”
The Rulebreaker award is “rightfully bestowed to a Filipina artist who has consistently torn down barriers alongside defying typical expectations within the music industry; demonstrating a strong resolve to impart a powerful message to the younger generation.”
A fitting award for one of the most creative names in modern OPM, this accolade adds to ena mori’s recent win. Her record “Don’t Blame The Wild One” bagged the Album of the Year award at the 2023 Awit Awards last November.
The Billboard PH Rulebreaker award was presented to her by award-winning act Zild Benitez.
The Powerhouse award “honors a Filipina artist whose music has undisputedly shown utmost superiority when it comes to factors such as streamings, CD and ticket sales, as well as extensive radio play in the Philippines.”
The Asia’s Songbird, who was the 8th Wish Music Awards’ KDR Icon of Musical Excellence, received the award, which was presented by her husband and certified hitmaker, Ogie Alcasid. During the event, she also delivered a captivating rendition of Paramore’s “The Only Exception.”
The Hitmaker award is “given to a Filipina artist whose musical work has caused significant changes and wielded influence on Filipino culture.”
As Moira Dela Torre received the honor, the singer-songwriter also performed “Before It Sinks” from her 2018 album “Malaya.” The stellar album spawned several hits that helped define the artist’s career.
Filipino YouTuber Mimiyuuuh presented the award to her.
The Icon Award “honors a Filipina artist whose musical work has led them to attain exceptional achievements as well as aided them in making momentous contributions within the music industry and towards the essence of Filipino artistry itself.”
Jackie Lou Blanco has accepted the award on behalf of her mother Pilita Corrales, who is known as the Asia’s Queen of Songs. Corrales’ signature backbend pose when singing remains iconic to this day, and her hits like “Kapantay ay Langit” and “A Million Thanks to You” are a testament to her timeless voice.
The Woman of The Year award “honors a Filipina artist who has shown considerable success in their career and has made significant contributions to the Filipino music industry; showcasing, at the same time, inherent qualities of leadership for the new generation of Filipino people.”
In her acceptance speech, Sarah Geronimo hoped for an industry where artists continue to uplift and support each other. “Kung meron man akong hiling o pangarap para sa industriya o sa buong bansa natin, ito ay ang malakas na suporta at paniniwala at respeto sa kakayanan ng bawat isa,” she shared.
Fresh from her Billboards Women in Music stint in California, she also emphasized her optimism that the local music industry will be open to more diversity and versatility. She also performed the 2013 hit song “Ikot-Ikot.” Her husband and actor Matteo Guidicelli presented her the award.
Recognizing a chart-topping hit and fan-favorite anthem voted for by fans, the Listener’s Choice award was presented to Belle Mariano by veteran actor and singer Franco Laurel.
Another fan-voted category, the People’s choice award was personally presented to Asia’s Phoenix Morissette by her husband and fellow singer-songwriter Dave Lamar.
“Women in Music” is a prestigious and internationally recognized awards ceremony that celebrates extraordinary women and their significant influence and contributions to the music industry. Since 2007, Billboard‘s Women In Music has awarded the likes of Madonna, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Billie Eilish, SZA, and more.
The announcement of the Philippine edition of the event comes after Billboard Philippines chose Sarah Geronimo to receive the Global Force at this year’s Women In Music.
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Written by: Joram Flores
Editing by: Emmy Borromeo
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