Looking Back At Billboard Philippines’ First Ever Women In Music

When Billboard Philippines launched its inaugural Women In Music event last year, it wasn’t just another awards show being held — it was history being made.

By no means are music awards a rarity in the Filipino music scene. However, with the arrival of Women In Music to our shores last March 2024, it became noteworthy as the first ever music awards show in the Philippines that fully focused on shining a well-deserved spotlight on Filipina artists in the local music scene.

Undeniably, an awards show like Billboard Philippines Women In Music was long overdue. With a growing number of Filipina individuals greatly helping shape the music industry as whole, whether onstage or offstage, it was high time that we finally had an event that celebrated and commended their achievements and contributions.

With that, in celebration of International Women’s Month, let’s look back on the first ever Billboard Philippines Women In Music.

The Beginning

The road to the Philippines’ very own Women In Music event started with an equally historic occurrence when it was announced that Billboard‘s Women In Music was set to honor its first ever homegrown Filipina recipient in 2024. This Filipina artist was set to receive the Global Force Award — a newly established category for Women In Music, awarded “to those who continue to influence and inspire people with their music on a global scale.”

After much excitement and speculation, Billboard Philippines later revealed that it was none than Sarah Geronimo herself. With her flawless vocal abilities, consistently evolving artistry, stellar stage presence, and status as a household name, Geronimo’s influence as a Filipino music icon has been undeniable for over twenty years and counting.

With the help of Billboard Philippines, Geronimo was honored at the Billboard Women In Music 2024 event last March 7, 2024 (PHT) at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, California, sharing the stage with the likes of Karol G, Charli XCX, NJZ (formerly NewJeans), and more. Notably, Geronimo shared the special distinction of being a Global Force alongside pop hitmaker Luísa Sonza from Brazil and singer-songwriter Annalisa from Italy.

With this, the award not only celebrated Geronimo’s achievements as a Filipina artist; it also officially recognized and established her as one of the leading figures championing Filipino music to the rest of the world.

From LA To Manila

Undoubtedly, alongside Geronimo, there are so many other talented and exceptional women who have contributed to and achieved so much for Filipino music and its unique history. For this, Billboard Philippines Women In Music was established.

Last February 28, 2024, it was announced that Billboard Philippines would bring the prestigious awards show to the country for the very first time. Much like Billboard in the United States, our country’s very own Women In Music was created to “recognize and honor notable women in the Philippine music industry” annually.

Hosted by renowned singer, actress, and television personality Jolina Magdangal, the first ever Billboard Philippines Women In Music was held last March 22, 2024 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura, Taguig City. Highlighting a number of Filipina music artists, each award was presented by esteemed male figures in the industry in order to “highlight the mutual respect, support, and admiration among genders in the Philippine music scene.” In addition, most of the honorees also showcased their music through the night, performing a short set after they received their respective awards.

Following a rousing three-song opening segment by Filipino rock icon Barbie Almalbis, the first two awards of the night were given out. Notably, these were fan-voted, with actress-singer Belle Mariano taking home the Listeners’ Choice award for her song “Bugambilya,” while Asia’s Phoenix Morissette was given the People’s Choice award.

Following this, ena mori was awarded the Rule Breaker award, recognizing her inherent artistic tenacity and her unconventional and out-of-the-box approach to her music. After her was BINI who were bestowed the Rising Star award, recognizing the beloved Nation’s Girl Group for the being one of the undeniable trailblazers of modern P-pop.

Next, Moira Dela Torre was honored with the Hitmaker award, recognized for her exceptional abilities and resonance as a songwriter, as well as her status as the “the most streamed Filipina solo artist for seven consecutive years.” Following her, singer and actress Jackie Lou Blanco took to the stage to accept the Icon award for her mother, the only and only Pilita Corrales, who was unable to attend. The honor was given to Corrales for her invaluable contributions to Filipino music, having served as one of its most defining figures throughout her decades-long career.

Afterwards, Asia’s Songbird herself, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid was rightfully given the Powerhouse award, recognizing her “enduring presence and influence on succeeding generations of artists and in the music industry as a whole,” as well as her status as the best-selling Filipino music artist of all time.

Finally, the star-studded evening capped off with the presentation of the first ever Billboard Philippines Woman Of The Year award to Sarah Geronimo. With a milestone-laden career that speaks for itself and fresh distinction as an official Global Force awardee, who better to receive this great honor than the one and only Popstar Royalty herself?

The Future of Billboard Philippines Women In Music

Undeniably, It is no secret that the music industry has long been a male-dominated space. However, through the years, it’s clear that more and more women have taken on key roles and crucial responsibilities within and even beyond our local scene. These women are challenging the norm and greatly shaping Filipino music into what is today and continues to evolve into.

Overall, with Women In Music, Billboard Philippines is not merely recognizing the invaluable efforts and contributions these women have made for our beloved music scene. At the same time, it’s also not inciting competition among them. Rather, Women In Music means giving them the proper and well-deserved platform in order to inspire and lift each other up.

With countless others in this industry who also deserve the spotlight, Billboard Philippines maintains its promise to continue the mission of recognizing, honoring, and championing them and their efforts, year after year.