Sponge Cola wins 4 trophies in the 2nd MYX Awards

"In behalf of the music scene, I would like to thank MYX for supporting artists—whether indie or mainstream," said a grateful Ysmael Yuzon, vocalist of Sponge Cola, during the 2nd MYX Music Awards held last March 15 at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Theater in Camp Aguinaldo. MYX, the music channel of ABS-CBN, selected the winners by allowing viewers to vote for their favorite bands and singers through SMS or text messaging. By garnering 49.12% of the votes cast by MYX music channel viewers, Sponge Cola bested other bands Kamikazee, Sandwich, Hale, and Imago for the category of Favorite Artist. In addition, Sponge Cola also won the Favorite Group Award, Favorite Rock Video, and Favorite Song for their composition "Bitiw." Erik Santos and Christian Bautista took home three trophies that night. Erik bagged the Favorite Collaboration, Favorite Remake, and Favorite Male Artist while Christian was cited as the viewers' choice for Favorite MYX Live Performance, Favorite Mellow Video and Favorite Music Video. Through its MYX Magna Award, the music channel paid tribute to the APO Hiking Society but the three legendary singers were unable to attend the awards night because they are currently on tour. An audiovisual presentation was shown to the audience that traced the origin of the group way back in 1973. There were even video clips and old photos of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Buboy Garovillo when they were still starting in the music industry over three decades ago. "No one really thought they would become professional but it was inevitable that they would become successful," said actor-singer Noel Trinidad, a close friend of the three. Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano described APO as having "transcended time and generations." After showing the AVP, OPM singers gave their own tribute by performing the well-loved songs of the APO Hiking Society. Faith Cuneta gave her own rendition of "Ewan," Raimund Marasigan performed "Batang-bata Ka Pa," while Ebe Dancel sang "Awit ng Barkada." This year also marks the addition of two new categories—the Favorite MYX Banda Rito Appearance and the Celebrity VJ Award. The band Ambassadors was the first-ever recipient of the Banda Rito Appearance Award while Michael V was named Favorite Celebrity VJ. Adding comic relief and glamour to the awards night were the presenters of the various categories. Jay of Kamikazee was lucky enough to be paired with Aubrey Miles and he even got to score a kiss! Another couple caught kissing onstage that night was Erik Santos and Rufa Mae Quinto. The starlet gave her boyfriend a congratulatory kiss for winning the Favorite Remake Award for his song "Your Love," which got an overwhelming 71.54% of the votes in that category. Here is the complete list of winners during the 2nd MYX Music Awards: Favorite Music Video: "Invincible" by Christian Bautista Favorite Song: "Bitiw" by Sponge Cola Favorite Artist: Sponge Cola Favorite Rock Video: "Bitiw" by Sponge Cola Favorite Urban Video: "I Do" by Nina Favorite Mellow Video: "Invincible" by Christian Bautista Favorite Remake: "Your Love" by Erik Santos Favorite Male Artist: Erik Santos Favorite Female Artist: Rachelle Ann Go Favorite Group: Sponge Cola Favorite Indie Artist: Kjwan Favorite Media Soundtrack: "Dahil Ikaw" by True Faith for Sa Piling Mo Favorite New Artist: Kala Favorite Collaboration: "Bakit Ba Iniibig Ka" by Erik Santos and Regine Velasquez Favorite MYX Live Performance: Christian Bautista Favorite Guest Appearance in a Music Video: Chin-Chin Gutierrez for "Pintura" by Kjwan. Favorite International Music Video: Welcome to the Black Parade, My Chemical Romance Favorite MYX Celebrity VJ: Michael V - Philippine Entertainment Portal