Jona, other artists shine bright at 38th Aliw Awards

The 38th Aliw Awards was held at the Fiesta Pavilion of The Manila Hotel last Dec. 15, honoring outstanding achievements in live entertainment, music, theater, and performance arts in the Philippines.

- By ANNALYN JUSAY

Singing sensation Jona earned the most coveted award of the annual ceremony, the Entertainer of the Year, which was handed to her by last year's winner, Kapuso belter Julie Anne San Jose. The recognition capped a strong year for Jona, who marked her 20 years in the music industry with a sold-out concert, "Jona: Journey To The Arena," last November. She was also named Aliw's Best Pop Artist for 2025.

The awards ceremony recognized artists and productions across multiple categories in a program hosted by Arnell Ignacio and Shiela Vaderrama.

A special tribute was held honoring iconic artists who passed away in 2025 - the original "Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala" Hajji Alejandro, Asia's Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, folk legend Freddie Aguilar, actor-director Ricky Davao, and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor.

Inducted into the Hall of Fame were Kathy Mass, comedian Rex Navarrete, Sounds of Manila, Lorna Cifra, Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Sherwin Sozon, and Gerald Santos.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were also given to Zsa Zsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano, Lani Misalucha, Jed Madela, composer Arturo Lui Pio, tenor Frankie Asiniero, and House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy.

In a Facebook post today, Zsa Zsa said she was returning her award after expressing disappointment that she had not been given "the opportunity to say a few words" and that she had been "dismissed abruptly" after receiving it. The Aliw Awards committee still has to state the matter.

Aside from Jona, the Aliw awards for 2025 are the following:

Best New Male Artist - Rouelle Cariño

Best New Female Artist - Simone Valderrama Martinez

Best Male Child Performer - Theodore Tiu