MANILA, Philippines — P-pop boy group SB19 raised our flag yet again on the international stage!
SB19 together with other Pinoy artists won big at the recently concluded Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, marking the first time the awards-giving event was held in the country last Dec. 14.
Pablo, Stell, Josh, Justin, and Ken opened the show with an explosive performance of their hit songs Bazinga, Mana and Gento, where they were joined on stage by &TEAM, electrifying the crowd ahead of the announcement of winners.
The group would then share the stage with K-pop girl group NewJeans, K-drama stars Ahn Hyo Seop (Business Proposal) and Lee Jun Ho (King The Land), and Korean trot singer Lim Young Woong when they won the AAA Hot Trend Award.
“This is our first time to be part of Asia Artist Awards, but it’s a big milestone not just for SB19, but for every Filipino out there. We can say that we made it and we’ll keep on achieving our dreams. Thank you so much, especially to A’TIN (fans) and all of the people who have been supporting us from the very beginning,” Josh said during their acceptance speech.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for giving us the strength to get through everything, and of course, giving us A’TIN. You guys are the best, we love you all so much! Also, we would like to thank our managers, our staff who are always behind us,” added SB19’s main rapper Pablo.
Additionally, the boys were surprised after being named as one of the winners in the Best Artist Award (Singer) category with K-pop acts AKMU, ITZY, The Boyz, Le Sserafim, and IVE.
“We really did not expect (this), even the first award. So, having another one is really surprising and overwhelming. Even though it is our first time attending an international (awards event), we have two awards and we were able to perform earlier. So we are very thankful to everyone, especially to AAA for giving this opportunity to everyone to show their talents. Thank you so much, A’TIN!” Justin said.
“Maraming salamat po ulit sa pagkakataong ito para makapag-perform kami sa inyong harap. Noon po, pangarap lang namin na makapag-release ng kanta. Pero ngayon nasa harap niyo na po kami at tumatanggap ng award. Napaka laking bagay po ito para samin at syempre para sa buong community ng Filipino music,” said Stell.
He added, “Sa aming pinakamamahal na A’TIN, maraming, maraming salamat sa walang sawang supporta, sa pagmamahal, sa pagtatiyaga at pag-aantay samin. Itong award na ito hindi lang para samin, para sating lahat ‘to! We are very happy and very honored to represent and to showcase Filipino music all around the world.”
More Pinoy artists score awards at AAA 2023
Aside from SB19, several other Filipino artists were given awards alongside Korean acts.
Former couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla made a public appearance together after their controversial breakup last month. The ex-loveteam, who gave separate speeches, won the Fabulous Award along with NewJeans, Stray Kids, and Lim Young-woong.
“I hope you’re all having a great time. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Kathryn Bernardo and I’m a Filipina actress,” began Kathryn. “Wow! What an honor to be recognized tonight with these beautiful and talented people. Thank you so much, AAA, for this Fabulous Award.”
Noting that it was her first time attending the awards event, she continued, “Nakaka-proud na bilang Pilipino, tayo ‘yung nagho-host ng ganitong event. Also, I want to take this opportunity to thank everybody for supporting Filipino-made TV series as well as movies.”
OPM folk band Ben&Ben was one of the artists who received the Best Choice Awards along with Lee Young Ji, Boynextdoor, Kang Daniel, &Team, NewJeans, Nmixx, Dindin, Dreamcatcher, Kim Jae Joong, and Lim Young Woong.
“We did not expect this. We were very, very surprised. Thank you to each and every one of you for being here. To all the artists, (it) was such an honor to watch such amazing performances tonight. To liwanag, (fandom of Ben&Ben), thank you!” Miguel Benjamin said.
Borrowing a line from their own hit song, Paolo Benjamin stressed to their fans, “Pipiliin namin kayo, araw-araw.”
Pinay actress Melai Cantiveros, on the other hand, brought good vibes with her antics when she accepted her Best Actor award. She shared the stage with Business Proposal stars Kim Se Jeong and Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Dong-hwi (Big Bet) and Lee Jun Hyuk.
In her acceptance speech, Melai joked, “If someone (questions) why I have (an) award, don’t worry. I question, too. I just (received) an award all my life from my mother and father when they (would get) angry with me. Tonight, my heart is kuan. I think it’s because God moves in mysterious ways.”
Filipino-Argentinian Chanty and her group Lapillus was named among the AAA Potential award recipients along with ATBO, Paul Blanco, and Yoon Seon Ho.
Meanwhile, South Korea-based Filipino boy band Hori7on was among the awardees of the AAA Focus Award alongside Ahn Dong Gu, Younghoon, and Lun8.
The star-studded event, often called the Asian Grammys and Oscars, showcased a dazzling array of talent from across Asia, including Filipino artists and Hallyu icons, for over six hours.
It was organized by Star News and jointly hosted by the Asia Artist Awards Organizing Committee, TONZ Entertainment, and PULP Live World and hosted by ZB1’s Sung Han Bin, IVE’s Jang Won Young, and soloist Kang Daniel. The South Korean award-giving body is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious in the Asian entertainment world.