Filtered By: Lifestyle
Lifestyle

Asia Artist Awards 2023: 5 Filipino moments that shined through in star-studded ceremony


Melai Cantiveros and SB19 at the Asia Artist Awards 2023

BULACAN — The Asia Artists Awards (AAA) was staged for the first time in the Philippines, and the Filipino humor and talent did not fall short in entertaining Korean stars and other guests on Sunday in Philippine Arena.

In case you missed it, here are five uniquely Filipino moments during the awards night that made us laugh, cry, and experience a roller coaster of emotions.

1. Ryan Bang hosting the red carpet event

Ryan Bang may be a full-blooded Korean, but he is undoubtedly a Filipino at heart. Ahead of the main show, the AAA gave each of the attendees a spotlight on the red carpet with the "It's Showtime" mainstay host introducing the K-Pop groups, actors, and Filipino guests to the members of the press and select fans.

2. &Team joins SB19 for a "Gento" dance collab

SB19 singing and dancing live to their hit song "Gento" is already iconic, then what more if a K-Pop group joins them for a groove?

The P-Pop group composed of Stell, Ken, Pablo, Josh, and Justin were among those who opened the show with energetic performances of their original songs "Crimzone," "Bazinga," "Mana," and "Gento." On the last chorus of "Gento," the guys of &Team went up the stage to join them in the dance, and the entire Philippine Arena went wild.

For those who weren't in the event to witness their collab performance live, Pablo from SB19 and K from &Team got together behind the scenes of the award's night and did a TikTok version of their "Gento" collab.

3. Melai Cantiveros bringing Filipino humor to the forefront

In true Melai Cantiveros fashion, the "Ma'am Chief" lead star made the crowd laugh with her quick-witted and funny responses to her interview and acceptance speech.

When asked how she felt about attending the AAA alongside Korea's A-listers, the comedienne quipped, "I feel like I'm the first honor, a valedictorian in attending AAA."

For her acceptance speech on winning the Best Actor Award, alongside Kim Sejeong, Ahn Hyo Seop, Lee Dong Hwi, and Lee Jun Hyuk, Melai jokingly said that if anyone is wondering why she won an award, "Don't worry, I question, too."

"My heart is very kwan, I think, God moves in mysterious ways," she said.

"I'm very sorry to the Koreans; I'm so overwhelmed. Thank you, Lord. To my family, we will serve the Lord," she added.

4. Kathryn Bernardo and her well-received speech

Fresh from her breakup with her longtime boyfriend and onscreen partner Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo graced the AAA with so much grace and elegance. 

During her acceptance speech for the Fabulous Award, the "Hello, Love, Goodbye" star began by introducing herself as a Filipina actress before greeting all the guests and audiences.

Aside from Kathryn, Daniel also received the same award and delivered his own speech, as well as NewJeans, Stray Kids, and Lee Young Woung. 

5. Ben&Ben, SB19, Hori7on, and more Filipinos taking home awards

There's no question that Filipinos are talented and truly world-class, especially in performing arts.

At the AAA, Filipino acts took home several awards, including Ben&Ben for Best Choice Award, Hori7on for Focus Award, SB19 for Hot Trend Award and Best Artist (Singer), and Lapillus, of which Sparkle artist Chanty is a member, for Potential award.

Check this out for the complete list of winners.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News