Aliw awards winners

MANILA, Philippines - The 22nd annual Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. recently culminated its search for the best of last year’s live entertainers at the Mega Tent with former Rep. Prospero Pichay as executive committee chairman. It was the usual star-studded affair. Part of the proceeds, according to outgoing president Rema Manzano, will be donated to the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

Regine Velasquez bagged the Entertainer of the Year award with Ogie Alcasid accepting the trophy. Lawyer Persida Rueda-Acosta was named Discovery of the Year for her poetry reading stints. Best Child Performer finalist Chenza Chrisabela accepted the trophy of Rico J. Puno for winning Best Performer in Hotels, Music Lounges & Bars. The winners are:

Best Child Performer: Gabby Bautista

Best New Artist: (Male) Gab Valenciano; (Female) Christine Love

Best Choral Group: UP Concert.Chorus.

Best Dance Company: (Classical/Folk) Halili-Cruz Dance Company; (Modern) Bungkos Palay

Best Cultural Group: Sining Kadidilimudan (Maguindanao)

Best Instrumentalist: Nonoy Libanan (Guitar) Best Emcee (Female) Iya Villania; (Male) Ryan Agoncillo

Best Stand-Up Comedy Act: (Male) Chokoleit; (Female) Beverly Salviejo

Best Classical Performer: (Male) Dondie Ong; (Female) Camille Lopez-Molina   

Best Stage Actor: (Musical) Franco Laurel (Isang Panaginip na Fili); (Non-Musical) Lou Veloso (Hiblang Abo)

Best Stage Actress: (Non-Musical) Liezl Batucan (Portrait of An Artist as Filipino); (Musical) Ayen Munji-Laurel (Atang)

Best Stage Director: (Musical) Vince Tañada (Ako si Ninoy); (Non-Musical) Jose Mari Avellana (Portrait of an Artist as Filipino)

Best Musical Production: Ako Si Ninoy (Philippine Stagers Foundation)

Best Non-Musical Production: Dula’ta (Sining Kapapagariya)

Best Musical Director: Lemuel dela Cruz

(Yang Klasiks)

Best Concert Stage Director: Louie Ignacio (From Roots to Riches)

Best Performer in Hotels, Music Lounges and Bars: (Female) Olivia; (Male) Rico Puno; (Group) REtroSPECT

Best Performance in a Concert (Smaller Venue): Nyoy Volante (Valentine’s Show); (Female) Claire dela Fuente (Timeless); (Group) Angelos (Flying High)

 Best Collaboration in a Concert: Rico J./Ai Ai delas Alas/Pilita Corrales (Love & Laughter on Valentines Day)

Best Major Concert: (Male) Gary Valenciano (Gary Live @25 The Repeat); (Female) Regine Velasquez (From Roots to Riches); (Group) Eraserheads (The Reunion Concert)

Best Collaboration for a Major Concert: Kuh Ledsma/Pops Fernandez/Regine Velasquez/Zsa Zsa Padilla (Divas for Divas)