By Eric Borromeo
The 16th Star Awards for Music, organized by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), captivated audiences with a concert-style awards night on October 27 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza. The event brought together the brightest stars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), celebrating their significant contributions to the industry.
The night was led by ‘Mr. Pure Energy’ himself, Gary Valenciano, who energized the crowd with a medley of his iconic dance hits, reflecting on his 40-year career. Adding a poignant moment to the festivities, Valenciano received the prestigious Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Award. He expressed his deep gratitude, noting the award’s significance, as it honors Asia’s Queen of Songs, who played a pivotal role in his early career.
Prior to the award presentation, a heartfelt tribute was performed by singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra, who delivered the classic Sana Maulit Muli. The two shared an emotional embrace as Valenciano took to the stage to accept his award.
In addition to his accolades, Valenciano collaborated with rapper Gloc-9, winning the Collaboration of the Year award for their song Walang Pumapalakpak.
Veteran music producer and arranger Homer Flores was also celebrated, receiving the Levi Celerio Lifetime Achievement Award—his first of this kind, which he gratefully acknowledged during the event.
Ogie Alcasid brought humor to the night with his witty remarks, especially when he accepted the Female Concert Performer of the Year award on behalf of his wife, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, for Regine Rocks. He later received the Male Recording Artist of the Year award, commending the PMPC for its continued support of exceptional OPM artists.
Other awardees present included Gloc-9 (Rap Album of the Year), Christian Bautista (Male Concert Performer of the Year), Jed Madela (Male Concert Performer of the Year), Kris Lawrence (Male R&B Artist of the Year and Male Shining Personality of the Night), BILIB (New Male Group Artist of the Year), and Maymay Entrata (Novelty Song of the Year for Autodeadma).
Maki (Male Pop Artist of the Year), Flow G (Rap Artist of the Year), and InnerVoices (Inspirational Song of the Year for Isasayaw Kita) also graced the stage to accept their awards.
Though unable to attend, SB19 garnered multiple accolades, including Song of the Year for Gento, Album of the Year for Pagtatag, Duo/Group Concert Performers of the Year for the ‘Pagtatag World Tour – Manila’, and Dance Recording of the Year for Gento. This was the second time the group missed the Star Awards for Music.
The event was hosted by Atasha Muhlach, Jameson Blake, Andre Paras, and Heaven Peralejo, all of whom were also recognized with awards: Atasha (New Female Recording Artist of the Year and Female Shining Personality of the Night), Jameson (Male Face of the Night), and Heaven (Female Star of the Night).
Organized by PMPC, led by President Rodel Ocampo Fernando in partnership with Tess Celestino-Howard‘s Airtime Marketing, the night was directed by Eric Quizon.
The complete awards night will be aired on November 9, Saturday, at 10:15 PM on A2Z.
For a full list of winners at the 16th Star Awards for Music, please refer to the details below.
