Sarah nakaka-Aliw

MANILA, Philippines - Last Oct. 18, Sarah Geronimo made history at the 23rd annual Aliw Awards Night at Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavilion.

Until I watched Sarah that evening, holding her award, the audience in the palm of her hand, I was not impressed with her live performances.

It was AAFI trustie Joey Nombres’ praise of Sarah’s performance that night which prompted me to take write about her.

Joey, who directed the awards presentation, declared: “I have never seen Sarah so confident on stage . I have watched her perform often and she has never spoken so lengthily and been so much in control. Right before my eyes, she was transformed into the rightful Entertainer of the Year!”

The rites had gone on close to midnight when AAFI president, lawyer Marujita Jeatte Palabrica announced that Sarah, who was earlier named Best Performer in a Major Concert, was proclaimed this year’s Entertainer of the Year.

Sarah herself was pleasantly surprised, knowing that she was competing with Lea Salonga, Sharon Cuneta and Charice. The Board of Judges, however, with their probity and foresight, must have known what an impact Sarah’s victory would make.

Sarah is relatively young, which suits the thrust of Palabricas’ administration, which is committed to listen to the clamor of the youth. And Sarah, as proven on awards night could silence her audience with her words and music.

Although she agreed to perform at the awards night, Sarah was not prepared to sing an encore. But being the professional that she is, Sarah obliged, prodded by an audience which kept asking for more.

One could hear a pin drop as Sarah, on center stage in her stylish gown, sang her second song with such feeling, clarity and talent, I realized she truly deserves the AAFI top award.

Kudos to Sarah, who has indeed arrived. Boss Vic del Rosario must be beaming with pride.

Sarah’s performance at the 23rd Aliw Awards Night will be seen on Oct. 31 on Q-11. 10:30 p.m. to 12 midnight.

(The author is the founding chairman of Aliw Awards Foundation).