THE joint ninth (2017) and 10th (2018) presentation of the winners of the PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) Star Awards for Music was nothing short of amazing. Attended by the who’s who in the industry, led by icons Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Basil Valdez, Imelda Papin and Freddie Aguilar, plus current hitmakers Christian Bautista, Jed Madela, Eric Santos, Morisette Amon, Moira, Angeline Quinto and Julie Anne San Jose, among others, the event was packed with outstanding production numbers.
Aptly titled “A Decade of OPM Excellence,” and held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of Resorts World Manila in Pasay City, the awards night recognized the best in the local music scene
The tribute for Gary Valenciano (2018 Parangal Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Award) was unforgettable. Valenciano’s peer Martin Nievera belted out the awardee’s hit songs together with Bautista and Santos, including “Narito,” “Could You Be Messiah,” “The Warrior is a Child,” “Take Me Out of the Dark” and “Sana Maulit Muli.”
A tearful Valenciano accepted the award and recalled stages of his career.
“Most of you who have followed my career know the many events that have taken place, the most challenging of which came in the form of health challenges I encountered just a few months ago. Today is truly amazing—to still be alive and well. You have given me yet another opportunity to fulfill the things I’ve yet to achieve. I have been blessed and gifted with many people who, through the years, have truly stood by me, and have taught me a lot about what I’ve been called to do—to sing and bring back the glory to our Lord Jesus Christ,” said Valenciano.
Not surprisingly, the heartfelt speech was received with a standing ovation.
Meanwhile, Freddie Aguilar (2017 Parangal Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Awardee), Imelda Papin (2017 Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Awardee) and Basil Valdez (2018 Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Awardee) had Kris Lawrence, Amon and Madela singing their iconic anthems: “Anak,” “Isang Linggong Pag-ibig” and “Ngayon at Kailanman.”
Celebrating a decade of recognizing the contributions of local music artists in the country, the awards night was hosted by Kim Chiu, Xian Lim, Christian Bautista, Aljur Abrenica and Karylle. The opening number had the cast of Ang Huling El Bimbo, namely, Tanya Manalang, Reb Atadero, Topper Fabregas and Boo Gabunada, singing “Alapaap.”
Together with the PHD Dancers, Iñigo Pascual dished out his hit song “Dahil Sa ’Yo,” while Gloc 9 rendered “Hoy.” A revival medley of the songs “Hawak Kamay,” “Ikaw Yun,” “Hindi Na Ba,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya” and “Handog” was brought to life by Brenan Espartinez, Laarni Lozada, Renz Verano, Jojo Mendrez and Sabrina.
Dance production numbers were provided by the sing-and-dance group Hashtags, while James Reid and the PHD Dancers performed to the tune of “Cool Down.” Dance guru Regine Tolentino and her dancers capped the mesmerizing dance exhibition for the night.
The Ex Battalion, together with Neil Perez, Ion Perez, Zachzna and Chic Ser, performed “Hayaan Mo Sila” and “Follow My Lead,” while The Company rendered the song “Head Over Heels.”
The PMPC is an award-giving organization composed of active entertainment editors and writers from various print and online media. Under the current presidency of Joe Barrameda, the awards night was the production of Airtime Marketing Philippines headed by Tess Celestino-Howard under the direction of Bert de Leon. The awards night will be shown on September 23 at ABS-CBN’s Sunday’s Best program time slot.
Here are the top winners for 2018:
- Song of the Year: “Hayaan Mo Sila,” Ex Battalion (Ex Battalion Music)
- Male Recording Artist of the Year: Christian Bautista, “Kapit” (Universal Records)
- Female Recording Artist of the Year: Moira de la Torre, “Malaya” (Star Music)
- Album of the Year: Malaya Moira de la Torre (Star Music)
- Concert of the Year: #PaMore featuring Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Erik Santos and Regine Velasquez (Starmedia Entertainment)
- Male Concert Performer of the Year: Jed Madela, All About Love (Ang Mata’y Alagain Foundation Inc.)
- Female Concert Performer of the Year: Morisette, Morisette Is Made (Aldueza Events Productions)
- Music Video of the Year: “Follow My Lead,” Ex Battalion, directed by Titus Cee (Frontrow International)
- New Male Recording Artist of the Year: JC Santos, “Puwede Naman” (Star Music)
- New Female Recording Artist of the Year: Kyline Alcantara, “Sundo” (GMA Records) and Rayantha Leigh—“Laging Ikaw” (Ivory Music and Video Inc.)
- Pop Album of the Year: Palm Dreams, James Reid (Careless Music Manila )
- Male Pop Artist of the Year: James Reid, “Cool Down” (Careless Music Manila); and Xian Lim, “Download” (Star Music)
- Female Pop Artist of the Year: Kim Chiu, “Okay Na Ako” (Star Music)