Some of the biggest names in the music industry, from recording artists, creatives and executives from various recording companies flocked the Kia Theater in Cubao, Quezon City, last night, Sunday, November 26th, for the 30th Awit Awards.
Considered as the most prestigious recognition in the Philippine music industry, the Awit Awards is headed and overseen by the Philippine Association of the Recording Industry. As per usual, this yearly event sees a parade of music artists– from upstarts, to the hottest young acts of the moment, to the respected personalities that have established their name and stature in the entertainment scene.
This year’s was no different. From the side of Viva Records, young talented singer Ataska basked in the spotlight as one of the young acts slated to perform during the evening. All-vocal act Acapellago was the first music group on stage and opened the night’s show with great pomp. And rising ‘boyband’ The Juans performed one of their most popular songs so far to the enjoyment of audiences on hand at the Kia Theater.
Team Viva Records had their fair of the win of the evening. Acapellago, on their first stint at the awards show, took home the Best Vocal Arrangement plum for their work on their first original single with Jimmy Marquez entitled “Stars Are Aligned” The song was intended from the start as an a capella by its songwriter JC Jose, who incidentally is a member of the Madrigal Singers. Acapellago’s Joshua Cadelina, Michelle Pascual, Almond Bolante and brothers Happy and Bogart Laderas were all on hand to receive their first Awit. The group also got a nod from the People’s Choice segment as Best Group Recording Artist. And days before, Acapellago was recognized by the Awit committee for their contributions and accomplishments for the country for their win at the Vokal Total singing competitions in Graz, Austria.
Gorgeous song and dance muse Yassi Pressman likewise won her first Awit recognition when she bested the competition in her win for the Best Dance Recording category for “Dumadagundong.” The song, written by former Rizal Underground and Color It Red guitarist Mike Villegas and DJ Brian Cua was a finalist at the 2016 Philpop Competition. On his speech, Villegas acknowledged Pressman as the only singer they had in mind when they were writing the tune. One of the most recognizable actresses on TV today via her role on “Ang Probinsiyano,” Pressman thanked the songwriters, her producer Civ Fontanilla, Viva Records VP MG Mozo, and the top heads at Viva including Boss Vic del Rosario, and heads of companies Vincent, Veronique and Val del Rosario for helping her reach this career milestone.
Theatre and movie actress and singer Kim Molina won the award for Best Performance by a Female Recording Artist for her Viva Records single debut “Naluluha Ako.” The song is written by Vehnee Saturno. The ‘Rak Of Aegis’ actor was not able to attend the proceedings due to a prior commitment.
Finally, there’s musical arranger Gino Cruz who won Best Musical Arrangement for “Nobody But You” performed by Viva Artist Monica Cuenco. The song was also a finalist on the 2016 Philpop song competitions.
Congratulations to all the winners at the 30th Awit Awards. It was a night made special and filled as artists were recognized and appreciated for their hard work. Most especially for #TeamVivaRecords who have been working their hardest!
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