This was the third time for Martin, who now is elevated to Aliw’s Hall of Fame to give way to the other live entertainers. He will be the youngest in that distinctive group of awardees and the first to be a three-time Entertainer of the Year.
Other winners were Lani Misalucha for Best Female Performer in music lounges, bars, clubs and restaurants; Ogie Alcasid, Best Male Performer in music lounges, bars, clubs and restaurants; Gladys and the Boxers, Best Group Performers in music lounges, bars, clubs and restaurants; Regine Velasquez, Best Major Concert-Female; Martin Nievera, Best Major Concert-Male; Freestyle, Best Major Concert-Group; Gary Valenciano, Best Concert Act; Ateneo Glee Club, Best Choral Group, Louie Ocampo, Best Musical Director; Dance Forum, Best Cultural Dance Group; Power Dance, Best Contemporary Dance Group; Paolo Bediones, Best Emcee; Arnel Ignacio; Best Male Stand-up Comedy; Marissa Sanchez, Best Female Stand-up Comedy; Bituin Escalante; Most Promising Female Entertainer; Carlos Agassi, Most Promising Male Entertainer; Karylle, Best New Artist; Coke Bolipata, Best Instrumentalist; Anton Juan, Best Stage Director; The Price of Redemption, Best Non-Musical Production; Little Mermaid, Best Musical Theater Production; Bart Guingona, Best Stage Actor; and Miren Alvarez, Best Stage Actress.
Leo Valdez was visibly touched by the production number which paid tribute to him. So were Bert Nievera and Carding Castro of the Reycards who were special awardees along with Annie Brazil whose award was received by her son, Richard Merck.
Featured entertainers were Joey Albert, Martin Nievera, Bianca Araneta, Paolo Bediones, Dingdong Dantes, Lani Misalucha, Vernie Varga, Richard Merck, Robert Seña, Carlo Orosa, Tootsie Guevarra, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Carol Banawa, Bituin Escalante, Ana Fegi, Ima Castro, Champagne Morales, Franco Laurel, Carlos Agassi, Karylle, Dessa, South Border, and Power Dance.
The awards rites production was handled by Ultimate Entertainment and directed by Ronnie Henares. Executive Committee Chairman was Gina de Venecia.
Aliw Awards Foundation Inc. (AAFI) President Beth S. Tagle announced that the taped-as-live presentation would be aired on RPN-9 at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18.