ALIW AWARDS SET FOR DECEMBER 15

The glitter of Manila’s performing arts scene will converge on the Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion on Monday, December 15, 2025, for the 38th annual Aliw Awards. Held at 6 PM under the same roof where countless Philippine milestones have been marked, this year’s ceremony promises to be a crescendo of celebration, honoring five decades of artistry, dedication, and innovation. As the Aliw Awards prepares to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2026, the 2025 event serves as both a retrospective and a launchpad for the future. AAFI was founded in 1976, but the first awards night was held in 1977.

To be directed by multi-awarded Frannie Zamora who is determined to make the show as brief as possible.

Winners of 58 categories will receive their applause trophies, the top award being the Entertainer of the Year Award.

Other awards to be given are Legacy Award; selected were National Artist for dance Alice G. Reyes, Jun Polistico, Rod Cornejo, Ligaya Salonga and Dulce, three of them have led the way in their particular fields and have left a legacy for all who follow their footsteps.

Lifetime Achievement awardees are given to House Speaker Faustino Bodjie Dy for his dedication to public service and valuable contribution to the performing arts thru his Bambanti Festival, also awarded as Hall of Fame trophy; Arturo Lui Pio (Nonoy Tan) for his body of works as a composer, Gary Valenciano, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Jed Madela for their exemplary performances over the years and Frankie Asinero for his excellence as a classical singer.

Seven live performers who have won the same category three times will be elevated to the Aliw Hall Fame. They are Lorna Cifra(Best Jazz Artist based abroad) Kathy Hipolito Mas (Best Classical Female), Sherwin Sozon(Best Male Classical Singer), Carla Guevarra Laforteza(Best Featured Actress in a Musical), Sounds of Manila(Best Group Performer based abroad), Gerald Santos(Best Male Performance in a Concert), and Rex Navarette(Best Stand-up Comedian Based Abroad). Though their names are forever etched in Aliw history, they remain eligible for future accolades, a reminder that legacy and ambition need not be mutually exclusive.

Former Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega is this year’s recipient of the AHR Achievement award. An outstanding civic leader, Ms. Ortega dedicated her life to public service and to the promotion of women’s rights, culture and the arts, travelling extensively here and abroad to promote her advocacies, truly deserving of this recognition.

The prestigious event is sponsored by the Quezon City government led by Mayor Joy Belmonte, PAGCOR, San Miguel, Victoria School Foundation, McDonalds, Candy’s Bake Salmon and www.AlhaoneA1.com.

The list of the nominees who will vie for the Applause trophy are as follows:

1 BEST NEW MALE ARTIST

1. Rouelle Carino
2. Bradd Chiong
3. Tyler Miraflor
4. Benjamin Javier
5. Jeane Jordan
6. Kiel

2 BEST NEW ARTIST FEMALE

1. Elia Ilano
2. Brielle Bitanga
3. Rain Celmar
4. Simone Valderrama Martinez
5. Chloe
6. Kristin Wang
7. Elise Ybanez
8. Rai Solomon

3 BEST NEW GROUP ARTIST

1. Pixie
2. Gat
3. NIOR
4. VVINK

4 BEST STAND-UP COMEDIAN

1. Negi
2. Petite
3. Ryan J Rafael
4. Super Tekla
5. Amazing Peanut

5 BEST MALE CROSSOVER PERFORMER

1. Arman Ferrer
2. Tim Pavino
3. Nazer Salcedo
4. Christopher Cheng MD.
5. Onyl Torres

6 BEST FEMALE CROSSOVER

1. Sheila Francisco
2. Margarita Roco
3. Lara Maigue
4. Sweet Buchanan
5. Nina Campos
6. Karla Guttierez

7 BEST INSPIRATIONAL /GOSPEL SINGER (MALE, FEMALE OR GROUP)

1. Dindo Fernandez
2. Viola Natividad
3. Jonathan Manalo
4. Jesliah Almasco
5. Diwa
6. Reverb (group)
7. Sheila Lee Palad
8. EJ De Perio

8 BEST CULTURAL GROUP (THEATER and DANCE)

1. Tribu
2. Uyat Artista – Pampanga
3. Tanghalang Bagong Sibul Dance Company
4. Harlequin Theater Guild – DLSU Manila
5. Arti Sta Rita
6. Sinukwang Kapampangan
7. Tinig Kayumanggi

9 BEST FESTIVAL PRACTICES & PERFORMANCE

1. Manggahan Festival – Guimaras Island
2. Mamanggi Festival – Ilagan City, Isabela
3. Kneeling Carabao – Pulilan, Bulacan
4. Paru- Paru Festival – Dasmarinas, Cavite
5. Tultugan Festival- Maasin, Iloilo
6. Magayon Hinuptanan Festival – Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental

10 BEST FESTIVAL CATALYST/ORGANIZER

1. Joaquin Carlos Rahman A. Nava, MD- Manggahan Festival
2. Mayor Jose Mari L. Diaz – Ilagan City, Isabela
3. Mayor Maria Rosario O. Montejo – Pulilan Bulacan
4. Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga – Dasmarinas, Cavite
5. Mayor Amboy – Francis A. Amboy Masain, Iloilo
6. Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo – Moises Padilla Negros Occidental

11 BEST FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

1. Bing Pascual – Manggahan Festival
2. Mayor Francis Amboy – Tultugan Festival
3. Joseph Navarro – Kneeling Carabao
4. Jose Mari L. Diaz – Mamanggi Festival
5. Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia Yulo
6. Mayor Jenny A. Barzaga- Paru-Paru Festial

12 BEST SPECIAL EVENTS PRODUCTION

1. Pinoy Playlst Music Festival – BGC
2. That’s Amore – RMA
3. JL 75^th – The Beatles Concert
4. Elegant Filipina
5. Pari Ako, Ako Pari 4
6. Gabay Guro
7. Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw- Mteropolitan Theater, NCCA
8. Tanghal Turtulia – University of the Philippines

13 BEST SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR

1. Nazer Salcedo – That’s Amore
2. Manni Coloma
3. Aleli Bustamante -Gabay Guru
4. Peter Macrohon – Pari Ako, Ako Pari 4
5. Dexter Santos-

14 BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY

1. Ash Nicanor – Let’s Do Lunch
2. Toni go Yadao – Kisapmata

15 BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY

1. Marco Viana – Kisapmata
2. Ross Pesigan – ANINO “Sa Likod ng Buwan”

16 BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

1. John Lapus – Delia D.
2. Floyd Tena – Delia D
3. Tim Pavino – Side Show
4. Myke Salomon – We Aren’t kids Anymore
5. Nino Alejandro – Jeproks : The Musical
6. Jet Pangan – Jeproks: The Musical
7. Jeffrey Hidalgo – Jeproks: The Musical

17 BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

1. Gab Pangilinan – We aren’t Kids Anymore
2. Carla Guevara Laforteza – Come from Away
3. Shiela Francisco – Come from Away
4. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo – Come from Away
5. Geneva Cruz- Jefroks –
6. Shiela Ferrer – Jeproks: The Musical
7. Sheena Belarmino – Next to Normal
8. Jam Binay – Next to Normal

18 BEST ENSEMBLE IN A MUSICAL OR PLAY

1. That’s Amore – RMA
2. Pilato -The Corner Studio
3. Silang Magigiting sa Bayang Magiliw – Metropolitant Theater, NCCA
4. Kisapmata -Tanghalang Pilipino
5. Come from Away
6. Delia D – Full House Company Theater
7. We Aren’t Kids Anymore
8. Jeproks: The Musical – Tanghalang Una Obra & Hammock Production Inc.

19 BEST MUSIC DIRECTION FOR A MUSICAL

1. Pauline Ariola – Pilato
2. Nikki Jacinto – Delia D
3. Myke Salomom & Farly Asuncion – We aren’t Kids Anymore
4. Eugene Belbis – Romeo & Julie Muaical
5. Joed Balsamo – Jeproks: The Musical

20 BEST COMPOSER FOR ORIGINAL MUSICAL THEATER

1. Yanni Robeniol – Pilato
2. Eugene Belbis – Romeo & Juliet
3. Jonathan Manalo – Delia D.

21 BEST CONCERT STAGE DIRECTOR

1. Rowell Santiago – “Wagi”
2. Nikko Angeles – “This is not a musical”
3. Paolo Ignacio – Tanging Yaman
4. Ana Ylagan – Bo Cerrudo

22 BEST MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR A CONCERT/DANCE

1. Rodel Colmenar – JL 75^th – Beatles Concert
2. Homer Flores – Wagi”, “Through the Years”
3. Toma Cayabyab – “Still Lani”
4. Ejay Yatco – “As we Are”
5. Ivan Lee Espinosa – “Being Ice Live”, “Love Sessonis
6. Gabby Ramos “Imelda Papin Bday Concert’
7. Marvin Querido – Everybody loves Raymond”

23 BEST DIRECTOR FOR A PLAY

1. Paul Morales – The Foxtrot
2. Guelan Luarca – “Kisapmata”
3. Bart Guingona – Via Dolorosa
4. Michael Williams – Come what May
5. Tux Rutaquio – ANINO: Sa Likod ng Buwan

24 BEST  DIRECTOR FOR MUSICAL

1. Dexter Santos – Delia D.
2. Luigi Nacario & Meldrig Costuna – Romeo & Juliet
3. Eldrin Veloso – Pilato
4. Renz Zamora – We aren’t Kids Anymore
5. Frannie Zamora – Jeproks: The Musical
6. Bobbie Guevarra – Liwanag saDilim

25 BEST PLAY

1. Anino: Sa Likod ng Buwan
2. The Foxtrot
3. Kisapmata

26 BEST MUSICAL PLAY

1. Jeproks: The Musical
2. Side Show
3. We aren’t kids anymore
4. Come Far Away
5. Liwanag sa Dilim
6. Pilato
7. Delia D
8. Next to Normal

27 BEST CHILD PERFORMER (MALE)

1. Mika Aguas
2. Theodore Tiu
3. Kim Safra
4. Lucas
5. Prince
6. Erkin
7. Vincent
8. Giani Sarita
9. Kaloy Estrella

28 BEST CHILD PERFORMER (FEMALE)

1. Natalie Grace
2. Zia Dantes
3. Alejandra Ongsiako
4. Cassidy Cua
5. Scarlet Belo
6. Aliyana Alvarez
7. Imogen
8. Hyacinth

29 BEST INSTRUMENTALIST

1. Dingdong Fiel – Piano
2. Teddy Diaz- Guitar
3. Mary Anne Espina
4. Nicole Reluya Saxophone
5. Martin Tan Avila – Piano

30 BEST FEMALE HOST

1. Gabby Garcia
2. Rosie Domingo
3. Sheena Lee Palad
4. Kakki Teodoro
5. Nicole Ramos

31 BEST MALE HOST

1. Johann Enriquez
2. Raymond Gorospe
3. Tim Yap
4. Rico Hizon
5. Lance Raymudo

32 BEST FEMALE CLASSICAL PERFORMER

1. Anna Feleo
2. Nenen Espina
3. Thea Perez
4. Margarita Rocco
5. Angeli Benipayo
6. Sheila Ferrer

 33 BEST MALE CLASSICAL PERFORMER

1. Redday Nuestro
2. Ronan Ferrer
3. Christoper Cheng
4. Cipriano De Guzman Jr.
5. Nazer Salcedo
6. Lawrence Jatayna

34 BEST R&B/ JAZZ ARTIST (MALE & FEMALE)

1. Jeannie Tiongco
2. Nicole Asencio Laurel
3. Lynn Sherman
4. Jacqueline Sollono

35 BEST JAZZ ARTIST GROUP

1. Colby Dela Calzada Quartet
2. UP Jazz Ensemble
3. Yodzjazz Band

 36 BEST POP MALE /FEMALE ARTIST

1. Moira Dela Torre
2. Jona
3. Isha Panti
4. Isabella

 37 BEST MALE/FEMALE RAP ARTIST

1. Andrew E.
2. Gloc 9
3. Shanti Dope
4. Flow G
5. Nik Makino

38 BEST DANCE PRODUCTION

1. D Legends on the Dance Floor – PowerDance
2. Swan Lake – Ballet Manila
3. Alice in Wonderland – Ballet Philippines
4. Dancing Samar Legacy Program

39 BEST CHORAL GROUP

1. Los Cantantes DeManila
2. Imuscapela
3. Kamerchor Manila
4. University of Mindanao Chorale
5. The Philippine Meister singers

40 BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A PLAY

1. Jonathan Tadioan – Kisapmata
2. Bart Guingona – Art
3. Martin Sarell – Art
4. Royce Cabrera – The Foxtrot
5. JC Santos -The Foxtrot
6. Martin Del Rosario – ANINO: Sa Likod ng Buwan

41 BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A PLAY

1. Lhorvie Tadian – Kisapmata
2. Jackie Lou Blanco -The Foxtrot
3. Elora Espano – ANINO: Sa Likod ng Buwan

42 BEST LEAD ACTOR IN A MUSICAL

1. Phi Palmos – Delia D.
2. Myke Solomon – We aren’t Kids
3. Noel Comia – Romeo & Juliet
4. Jerome Ferguson – Pilato
5. David Ezra – Jeproks: The Musical
6. CJ Navato – Liwanag  Sa Dilim
7. Khalil Ramos – Liwanag Sa Dilim

43 BEST LEAD ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

1. Gab Pangilinan – We Aren’t Kids Anymore
2. Alexa Ilacad – Liwanag sa Dilim
3. Nicole Omilo – Liwanag sa Dilim
4. Sheila Valderrama – Next to Normal
5. Nikka Valdez – Next to Normal
6. Cristy Lagapa – Pilato

44 BEST SOLO PERFORMER IN HOTELS, BARS & MUSIC LOUNGES

1. Nina
2. Jaya
3. Isabella
4. Marq Dollantes
5. Mike Cuneta
6. Essay Kirstin
7. Jenny Sugay

46 BEST GROUP PERFORMER IN HOTELS, BARS & MUSIC LOUNGES

1. Progeny (Red Rhino Art Bar & Restaurant)
2. Replay Band
3. InnerVoices
4. South Boarder
5. MOBB
6. 70’s super band
7. Highway 54 Band
8. TAC IV
9. HARU Band
10. De Bonair District

47 BEST MALE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT

1. John Lesaca
2. Jed Madela
3. Joey G
4. Dindo Fernandez
5. Bo Cerrudo
6. Chad Borja
7. Nino Alejandro
8. Rannie Raymundo

48 BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE IN ACONCERT

1. Dulce – “Wagi” – BGC
2. Kuh Ledesma – I Love OPM
3. Frenchie Dy – Here to Stay – Music Museum
4. Gab Pangilinan – This is not a Musical

49 BEST GROUP ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE IN A CONCERT

1. Arman Ferrer and Sheila Valderrama Martinez – “As We Are – Maybank Performing Arts
2. Ryan Cayabyab – Maestro Class:  The Songs of Ryan Cayabyab – Proscenium
3. Q &A (Odette Quesada & Ogie Alcasid)
4. Super Divas Concert Vice Ganda & Regine Velasquez

50 BEST MALE ARTIST IN MAJOR CONCERT

1. Marco Sison – “Seasons of OPM” – The Theatre at Solaire
2. Nonoy Zuniga – “Beyond Gold: Songs of a Lifetime”
3. Gary Valenciano – “Pure Energy: One more Time” – Smart Araneta
4. Erik Santos – “Stories of the Heart” Newport World Resort
5. MAKKI – “KOLORCOASTER” – Smart Araneta

51 BEST DIRECTOR FOR A MAJOR CONCERT

1. Paolo Valenciano – “Simula at Wakas” – SB 19
2. Makki- Star Music Events team – Maki KolorCoaster –
3. Micky Perz & Jon R. Moll – “BINIFied” – BINI
4. Jon R Moll – Super Divas
5. Paolo Valenciano – Stardust – Cup of Joe

52 BEST FEMALE ARTIST IN A MAJOR CONCERT

1. Zsa Zsa Padilla “Through the Years”, Samsung Theater
2. Ice – “BEING ICE Live! The Concert Experience”, Newport Performing Arts Theater
3. Lani Misalucha – “Still Lani”, Theater at Solaire
4. Jona – “Journey to Arena”, SM Mall of Asia
5. Morissette Amon – “EMBER: Morissette’s 15^th Anniversary Concert”, Smart Araneta
6. Regine Velasquez – “RESET”, Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati

53 BEST COLLABORATION IN A MAJOR CONCERT

1. Martin and Pops – “Always & Forever”, SM Mall of Asia Arena
2. Regine and Vice Ganda – “Super Divas”, Smart Araneta
3. Odette Quezada & Ogie – “Q & A”, SM Mall of Asia Arena

54 BEST FILIPINO ARTIST BASED ABROAD MALE

1. Bong Galagar
2. Joaquin Pedro Valdez
3. Cipriano De Guzman Jr.
4. Joselito Logdat
5. Felson Palad

55 BEST FEMALE FILIPINO PERFORMER BASED ABROAD

1. Joey Albert
2. Rachel Alejandro
3. Kea Chan
4. Ivy Violan

56 BEST VENUE FOR THEATERS AND CONCERT1

1. Samsung Theater Circuit Ayala Mall
2. Newport Resort
3. Solaire
4. MOA arena
5. Smart Araneta
6. Manila Hotel
7. BGC Maybank Theater
8. GSIS Theater