Sarah Geronimo led the list of honorees at the first-ever Billboard Philippines’ Women in Music Awards by bagging the top plum: Woman of the Year.
The “Popstar Royalty” known for defining a generation through her hit songs and concerts was ecstatically emotional as she received her award at a ceremony held on 22 March at the Samsung Hall of SM Aura Premier in Taguig City.
“Thank you for making me feel that my voice and how I use it in my own little way to entertain and somehow, sabi n’yo nga po (as you stated), to influence people,” she said, while dedicating her award to all the “beautiful and talented” women in music.
The 35-year-old singer-actress also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Billboard Philippines: “Thank you for encouraging me to stay true, and be true to myself, na okay lang maging iba (it’s okay to be different). Okay lang maging ako. (It’s okay to be me.)”
The pop sensation also recently made history by becoming the first Filipino music artist to receive the Global Force Award at the Billboard Women in Music 2024 held in Los Angeles, California. She shared the same honor and prestige with international singer-songwriters Luisa Sonza of Brazil and Annalisa of Italy.
At the local awards ceremony, Geronimo’s fellow top female artists also turned up to receive their respective awards. Regine Valasquez, who was honored with the Powerhouse Award, expressed how difficult it is for a woman to thrive in the music industry.
“We have to deal with those things [such as hormones] and it changes our voices, our appearance. You know, ang dami-dami naming kailangan harapin (we have a lot of issues to deal with),” Asia’s Songbird said, stressing how challenging it is to grow old in the industry.
Despite the challenges, Velasquez said she is grateful for everyone who has become a part of her journey in her nearly 40 years in the music industry.
Pilita Corrales, the recipient of the Icon Award, was unable to attend the inaugural music awards. Asia’s Queen of Song sent her daughter Jackie Lou Blanco, also a singer and actress, on her behalf.
“For my mom, singing is not only a way for her to give her talent. It was a way to help her family, to put her brothers and sisters to school… She has such a big heart and I know she has been an inspiration for so many, but more than anything, I’m so proud as her daughter,” Blanco said.
Popular OPM singer Moira Dela Torre was honored with the Hitmaker Award for her impressive and chart-topping tunes that made her the most streamed Filipino artist for seven consecutive years on Spotify.
“I feel very honored. The term hitmaker is not something… I don’t think anyone can take it lightly. I definitely share this award with a lot of people. I just feel very blessed,” the “Paubaya” singer said.
Meanwhile, P-pop girl group BINI was honored with the Rising Star Award as Filipino-Japanese pop artist Ena Mori claimed the Rulebreaker Award.
For the fan-voted categories, Morisette was bestowed upon the People’s Choice Award, while Belle Mariano received the Listener’s Choice Award for her song “Bugambilya.”