Sarah Geronimo Accepts Global Force Award At Billboard Women In Music Awards: “This recognition signifies courage and hope.”

Sarah Geronimo has officially become the first homegrown Filipina to accept an award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards.

Geronimo graced the stage, accepting the Global Force award at the awards ceremony which was held earlier today (March 7, Philippine time) at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, California. Chose by Billboard Philippines, the iconic pop star — who is often referred to as Philippines’ Pop Royalty — is the first Filipina artist to ever be honored at the internationally recognized event.

In her acceptance speech, she says, “I humbly accept this award on behalf of every excellent Filipino artist back home and all over the world.”

She continues, “For me, this recognition signifies courage and hope. Courage to accept and embrace one’s self and the courage to break boundaries and rise above all the setbacks and challenges that every artist needs to face. And the hope that one day, this meaningful moment will bridge the gap between the Philippines and other nations, collaborating, uniting as one to create change and positivity in the world through music. Once again I am Sarah Geronimo, from the Philippines. Mabuhay ang OPM. Maraming maraming Salamat po.”

She comes as one of the first every recipient of the Global Force Award alongside Italy’s Annalisa and Brazil’s Luísa Sonza.

Read Sarah Geronimo’s full acceptance speech at the Billboard Women In Music Awards here:

Jusko Lord — I said ‘Oh, my god.’ Good evening everyone, I’m Sarah Geronimo from the Philippines. Hello po sa mga kababayan ko, maraming salamat for being here, for giving your support.

Thank you very much Billboard for celebrating Women In Music, and of course, for giving our country this meaningful recognition. Maraming maraming salamat Billboard Philippines for your commitment to bring our music, Filipino music and more Filipino artists to a global audience.

I humbly accept this award on behalf of every amazing, excellent Filipina, Filipino artist back home and all over the world. I’d also like to take this moment to thank God first for the gift of music. Hindi ko po inisip, hindi ko po pinagarap na mararating ko po yung ganito, that I’ll be able to deliver a speech in front of an international audience — tama ba yung grammar ko?

Thank you to my parents, thank you sa aking nanay at tatay. Maraming maraming salamat po for your unconditional love, for believing in me, for supporting me. To my family, to my manager Vic del Rosario and Viva. To my Popsters — kung meron man mga Popsters dito — thank you your unwavering support. To my husband Matt, thank you for encouraging me and pushing me to be a better version of myself everyday.

For me, this recognition signifies courage and hope. Courage to accept and embrace one’s self, courage to break boundaries and defy standards, courage to rise above all the setbacks that every artist has to face. And the hope that one day, this recognition will bridge the gap between the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity in the world through the power of music.

Muli, ako si Sarah Geronimo, isang Filipina. Maraming salamat po, mabuhay ang OPM. Thank you Billboard.

Geronimo accepted the historic win at Billboard Women In Music alongside husband Matteo Guidicelli and Billboard Philippines’ Editor-in-Chief Bret Jacskon, Billboard Philippines’ Publisher Anne Bernisca, AGCPH VP for Business Development Randolf Palanca, and AGCPH CEO Archie Carrasco. 

“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 Jackson in an official statement.

“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,” adds Bernisca.

This March 22, Billboard Philippines will be the first ever franchise to host a local version of the Women in Music Awards. In its inaugural edition, six influential Filipinas of the past, present, and future will be honored with the Woman of the Year, Icon, Powerhouse, Hitmaker, Rising Star, or Rulebreaker awards. Two fan-voted categories are also included, namely the Listeners’ Choice and People’s Choice awards.

Among the nominees for the Listeners’ Choice include Belle Mariano for “Bugambilya,” Denise Julia for “B.A.D,” Maymay Entrata for “Tsada Mahigugma,” and more. Additionally, nominees for the People’s Choice award are Morissette, Yeng Constantino, Nadine Lustre, and more. The voting period ends on March 20, 11:59 PM.

The awardees for the main awards will be announced soon. Follow Billboard Philippines on our social media for more updates.