On behalf of her mom, Pilita Corrales graced the first Billboard Philippines Women In Music to accept the Icon Award.

Thanking Billboard Philippines for honoring her mom and celebrating her illustrious career, Blanco reminisced over her childhood days where she bore witness to the talents and beauty of Corrales. “When I was a little girl, we grew up with so much music in the house,” says Blanco. “I would look at my mom as a young girl and see her with her fabulous costumes and the big hair and earrings and I would say, ang ganda ganda ng nanay ko.”

She goes on to share about Corrales’ undeniable impact in music and how she’s inspired so many artists through the years – including the night’s Hitmaker Awardee, Moira. “I think [Moira] was so nervous and my mom told her that one day, everyone will applaud for you. That is how my mom is, hindi siya madamot, hindi niya alam kung gaano siyang magaling. She has such a big heart and I know she has been an inspiration to so many,” Blanco continues.

With tears in her eyes, Blanco ends her speech by sharing her mom has paved the way for her in her own life. “We are so proud of her. Hindi lang siya mahusay kumanta, hindi niya lang mahal yung ginagawa niya pero mas gusto niya tumulong at mas gusto niya yung ibang singers na marating din yung narating niya and even more,” she says.

“I am so proud and so blessed that I have a mom na hindi lang kasing galing niya kundi napakabait ng puso at laging gustong tumolong and ishare ang talento niya.”

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