Aliw Awards

History

The idea for the Aliw Awards originated in 1975, when journalist Alice H. Reyes sought to establish a formal recognition system for Filipino live entertainers, who at the time were largely overlooked by existing film and music award-giving bodies. Supported by the National Press Club, the inaugural ceremony took place two years later, highlighting performers in nightclubs, theaters, and concert halls across Metro Manila.

Categories

As of recent editions, the Aliw Awards feature over fifty competitive categories, encompassing a wide range of live entertainment disciplines. Major categories typically include:

• Entertainer of the Year
• Best Major Concert (Male/Female/Group)
• Best New Artist (Male/Female)
• Best Musical Production
• Best Play
• Best Classical Performer
• Best Dance Production
• Best Stand-up Comedian
• Best Television Event Host
• Best Cultural Performance

In addition to these, the Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Awards honor individuals who have won multiple times or made sustained contributions to the performing arts.

Ceremony

The Aliw Awards are traditionally held annually in Manila, with venues including the Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion, the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater), and other cultural centers. The event is attended by performers, industry leaders, journalists, and government officials.

Notable recipients

Numerous prominent Filipino artists have received Aliw Awards throughout the years, including:

• Lea Salonga – multiple-time recipient and Hall of Fame inductee
• Regine Velasquez – Entertainer of the Year (1990s–2000s)
• Johnny Alegre – awarded as Best Instrumentalist
• Gerald Santos – Entertainer of the Year

References

References

1. (1990). "Philippine Almanac". Aurora Publications.
2. (1994). "CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art: Philippine music". Cultural Center of the Philippines.
3. Mallorca, Hannah. (December 2, 2024). "Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon, SB19, BINI among nominees at 37th Aliw Awards". [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]].
4. Lacsamana, Brontë H.. (December 13, 2023). "Ibarra wins big at the 2023 ALIW Awards". [[BusinessWorld]].
5. (August 9, 2004). "Entertainer of the Year". [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]].
6. (November 1, 2017). "Aliw Awards 2017 nominees revealed". [[ABS-CBN]].
7. Custodio, Arlo. (December 31, 2019). "Lea Salonga elevated to Aliw Awards Hall of Fame". [[The Manila Times]].
8. Oliveros, Oliver. (December 6, 2022). "Gerald Santos Named 'Entertainer of the Year' Anew at 35th Aliw Awards". [[BroadwayWorld]].
9. (December 18, 2019). "Regine Velasquez is 'Entertainer of the Year' at 2019 Aliw Awards". [[Rappler]].
10. (December 7, 2014). "Jed Madela wins top honor at 27th Aliw Awards; Baby Barredo, Boy Abunda, Lea Salonga & John Lesaca named Lifetime Achievement Awardees".