On March 7, Sarah Geronimo accepted the Global Force Award at this year’s Billboard Women In Music event held in Los Angeles, California, making her the first homegrown and full-blooded Filipina to be honored at the global awards ceremony. 

Billboard Philippines nominated Geronimo — the Philippines’ Pop Royalty — to receive this historic award due to her incomparable influence and impact in the Filipino music industry. Billboard US appointed Billboard Philippines to select a candidate to receive the first Women in Music Global Force Award, a testament to the rich and vibrant talent pool within our region. 

“Among the three candidates Billboard Philippines has shortlisted for this distinguished award, it is with great pride and honor that we have chosen Sarah Geronimo. She is an all-around performer that has ranked on Billboard’s global charts and has consistently sold out shows. Her unparalleled contributions to the music industry, her extraordinary talent, and her unwavering commitment to effect positive change through her music make her an exemplary choice. This award is not only a recognition of Sarah’s exceptional achievements but also a celebration of Filipino music. This milestone is the first of many in keeping with our mission to bridge Filipino music and the world,” says Anne Bernisca, Chief Operating Officer of Modern Media Group, Inc, the Publisher of Billboard Philippines. 

Bret Jackson, Sarah Geronimo, Matteo Guidicelli.

Jackson, Geronimo, and Guidicelli Photographed by Sthanlee B. Mirador / SIPA USA.

Since its formation in 2007, Billboard’s Women in Music honors artists in several categories, namely the highly coveted Woman of the Year, with recipients that include Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, and Madonna among others. This year, Billboard is honoring Sarah Geronimo alongside Icon Awardee Kylie Minogue, as well as Charli XCX, Ice Spice, Luísa Sonza, Maren Morris, NewJeans, Tems, Victoria Monét, Young Miko, and Colombian reggaeton and pop singer Karol G.

“We are proud to witness Sarah Geronimo inspire a nation as the embodiment of a true Filipino artist during this global celebration of Women in Music,” says Bret Jackson, Editor in Chief of Billboard Philippines. 

Sarah Geronimo graced the event with her husband Matteo Guidicelli and Billboard Philippines’ Editor-in-Chief Bret Jacskon, Billboard Philippines’ Publisher Anne Bernisca, AGC PHC VP for Business Development Randolf Palanca, and AGC PHC CEO Archie Carrasco. 

AGC PHC CEO Archie Carrasco, Billboard Philippines’ Publisher Anne Bernisca, and AGC PHC VP for Business Development Randolf Palanca.

Women In Music is an annual event presented by Billboard that recognizes women in the music industry who have made significant contributions to the business and who, through their work and continued success, inspire generations of women to take on increasing responsibilities within the field. As part of their mission to honor more women and expand their global reach, Billboard established the Global Force award to honor artists — chosen by their respective international Billboard editions — who have made a significant impact with their music.

Billboard Philippines will hold its first local version of the Women in Music Awards this March. Pre-order Billboard Philippines’ Special Women in Music Print Issue on SariSari Shopping now!