Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez, More Honored at Philippines' First Billboard Women In Music Awards: Photos

Sarah Geronimo, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Moira and more Filipino music icons took center stage in Billboard Philippines'The first Women In Music event, held on Friday (March 22) at Samsung Hall in SM Aura, Taguig City.

The evening marked the first Women In Music event held in the Philippines, after Billboard Philippines officially launched in the country in October 2023. Following the tradition of the Billboard Women In Music event that has been held annually since 2007, Billboard Philippines It will also recognize and honor notable women in the Philippine music industry every year.

The event was hosted by actress, singer and entertainer Jolina Magdangal, who kicked off the festivities shortly after welcoming remarks from Billboard Philippines Editor Anne Bernisca and a three-song set by acclaimed pop-rock artist Barbie Almalbis.

The first two awards presented that night were voted on by fans: Belle Mariano won the Listeners' Choice award for her song “Bugambilya” and Morissette took home the People's Choice award. All awards presented that night were presented by men in the music industry, to highlight the mutual respect, support and admiration between genders in the Philippine music scene.

Young independent artist Zild took the stage to introduce his friend and partner Ena Mori, whose soulful pop earned her this year's Rule Breaker award. The SXSW 2023 Festival performer then delivered a convincing performance of her new single “Heartache Generation,” giving the audience a taste of her unconventional yet catchy sound.

Afterwards, P-pop fans in the audience were delighted by the presence of SB19's Stell, who then introduced the Rising Star Award winners: P-pop pioneers BINI. The eight-member girl group then launched into the debut performance of “Salamin Salamin” (Mirror Mirror) from their newly released EP. Talaarawan (Diario), showcasing its precise choreography and infectious melodies.

Influencer and online sensation Mimiyuuuh then introduced the Hitmaker Award winner: singer-songwriter and best friend Moira. The most-streamed Filipino soloist for seven consecutive years also performed “Before It Sinks In” from her 2018 multi-platinum debut album. malay (Free).

Next, singer and actress Jackie Lou Blanco accepted the Icon award on behalf of her mother, Filipino music legend Pilita Corrales. The Icon award was presented by Billboard Philippines Editor-in-Chief Bret Jackson.

The Powerhouse Award was given to the best-selling Filipino music artist of all time, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, “Asia's Songbird,” for her lasting presence and influence on generations of artists to come and the music industry at large. The award was presented by her husband and Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-Aawit (OPM) president Ogie Alcasid, an accomplished singer-songwriter. He then serenaded the crowd with a heartfelt version of Paramore's “The Only Exception,” a staple of her current Regine Rocks concert series.

Finally, the first Billboard Philippine Woman of the Year award went to Sarah Geronimo, fresh from her appearance at the Billboard Women In Music event in Los Angeles last March 7 as the first recipient of the Filipina Global Force award. Her husband, producer and actor Matteo Guidicelli presented the award to an elated Geronimo, who then brought down the house with a performance of two of her most memorable songs, “Dati-Dati” (Before) and “Ikot-Ikot.” (In circles). , before host Magdangal closed the celebration with a toast to all the women in the music industry who inspire and empower their fellow Filipinos to pursue their dreams as artists, musicians, songwriters, producers, and other key roles in music.

All in all, the first Billboard Philippines Women In Music event was a huge success. Not only was it the pioneering Billboard Women In Music event to be held in the country, but it also marked the first time that women were exclusively and appropriately recognized for their achievements and impact in the Philippine music industry. There are many more who deserve to be honored and Billboard Philippines will ensure that they are represented, celebrated and remembered for years to come.

See photos from the inaugural event below.

–This article was written by Jason Caballa for Billboard Philippines