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Zsa Zsa Padilla returns Aliw Lifetime Achievement Award after 'embarrassing' handling of ceremony
Zsa Zsa Padilla took to social media to call out the Aliw Awards 2025, expressing deep disappointment over how her Lifetime Achievement Award recognition was handled during the awarding ceremony.
In a two-part Instagram post, Zsa Zsa said she was initially “elated” after being chosen as a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, honoring her 42 years in the entertainment industry.
“I didn’t prepare a written speech, thinking it would be better to speak from the heart,” she said. “After all, I had so much to be grateful for, having been in this industry for 42 years.”
The veteran singer and actress said she intended to acknowledge the many people who helped shape her longstanding career, as well as her family, who were present during the awards night.
However, what followed left Zsa Zsa “shocked and deeply disappointed.”
“We were handed our awards and waited for a while, assuming we would be given the opportunity to say a few words,” she recalled.
“Instead, a production staff member eventually signaled for us to step down,” she added.
After the ceremony, Zsa Zsa said she ended up delivering her acceptance speech not onstage, but outside the venue when a vlogger asked her thoughts about the award.
“Afterward, I felt like crying,” she said. “I was still dumbfounded by how the awarding was handled.”
“To be dismissed so abruptly after supposedly being ‘honored’ was shocking and embarrassing.”
Zsa Zsa then called on the Aliw Awards to “do better.”
“Honor people properly. Prepare video presentations explaining why recipients are being given Lifetime Achievement Awards,” she suggested.
She also pointed out inconsistencies during the awards night, noting that some awardees were given the chance to deliver short speeches.
“What was missing was sincerity,” she said. “Instead of feeling honored, I was left feeling small as I walked off that stage.”
“For that reason, I am returning the award to you,” she added. “I hope you understand this gesture and take it as an opportunity to learn how to honor your recipients with the respect they deserve.”
Aside from Zsa Zsa, other recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award were Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, and Franki Asinero.
GMA News Online has reached out to Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. for comment, but has yet to receive a response as of writing.
—Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA Integrated News
