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“Mabuhay ang OPM!”: Sarah Geronimo On Courage and Change Through Music As She Accepts Billboard’s Global Force Award

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She did that.

Philippine Pop Royalty Sarah Geronimo honors Philippine music and officially makes history as she walks the Billboard Women In Music stage to accept the Global Force Award!

Related: Just Legend Things: Sarah Geronimo Makes History As The First Filipina To Be Given Billboard’s Global Force Award

Happy Women’s Month, indeed. Filipino pop culture icon Sarah Geronimo has officially accepted the Global Force Award at the Billboard Women In Music event, firmly establishing herself and the Philippines as influential, impactful forces in music.

On March 7th Philippine Time, Sarah attended the event celebrating the impact and power of women in such a diverse, dynamic industry as one of the handful of female honorees. Billboard’s Women In Music is an annual awards event presented by Billboard that recognizes women in the music industry who have made significant contributions through their work and success. From Group of the Year NewJeans to Woman of the Year Karol G, these artists continue to inspire generations of women to let their voices be heard and be proud in their success.

The Global Force Award makes Sarah the first homegrown and full-blooded Filipina to be honored at the global awards ceremony. In her acceptance speech, the artist not only talks of the great honor and responsibility that has been bestowed upon her, but also of the increasingly flourishing Philippine music scene. Can you say queen?

SARAH GERONIMO—A GLOBAL FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

sarah geronimo billboard women in music global force award billboard philippines

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When Billboard Philippines was tasked by Billboard US to select a candidate for the award, the team named Sarah Geronimo due to her incomparable influence and impact in the Filipino music industry.

“She is an all-around performer that has ranked on Billboard’s global charts and has consistently sold out shows,” says Anne Bernisca, COO of Modern Media Group, Inc., publisher of Billboard Philippines. “Her unparalleled contributions to the music industry, her extraordinary talent, and her unwavering commitment to effect positive change through her music make her an exemplary choice.”

Since 2007, Billboard’s Women In Music event honors trailblazing women making a global impact with their music and artistry. Sarah is one of three female artists across the globe to receive the inaugural Global Force award, along with Brazilian singer-songwriter Luísa Sonza and Italian artist Annalisa.

She walked the Women In Music blue carpet event on March 7th (PHT) in a gorgeous, sparkling light pink Michael Cinco gown from his Spring-Summer 2024 collection and a disruptive, contemporary mullet. Sarah was accompanied by her husband Matteo Guidicelli, Billboard Philippines’ Editor-in-Chief Bret Jacskon, Billboard Philippines’ Publisher Anne Bernisca, AGCPHC VP for Business Development Randolf Palanca, and AGCPHC CEO Archie Carrasco.

COURAGE, HOPE, AND CHANGE THROUGH MUSIC

Introduced as an artist with a “magnetic stage presence and vocal versatility”, Sarah was also commended for her efforts in shaping the next generation of talent as a coach on The Voice Philippines. When she finally took the stage to accept the Global Force Award, best believe a nation cheered. She thanked Billboard for the honor and for celebrating women in music, Billboard Philippines for their commitment to bringing Philippine musical excellence to a global audience, and everyone who supported.

“I humbly accept this award on behalf of every excellent Filipino artist back home and all over the world,” Sarah says in her acceptance speech. “This honor belongs to all of us. For me, this recognition signifies courage and hope. Courage to accept and embrace one’s self and the courage to break boundaries and defy standards. Courage to rise above all the setbacks and challenges that every artist faces.”

“And the hope that one day, this meaningful moment will bridge the gap between the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity in the world through the power of music. Muli, ako po si Sarah Geronimo, isang Pilipina! Maraming salamat po. Mabuhay ang OPM!”

Watch her speech and the whole Women In Music show on Billboard’s livestreaming event tomorrow, March 8, 9 AM PHT here. And that’s not all—in an effort to highlight the contributions and impact of Filipina musicians in the local music scene, Billboard Philippines will also host its own Women In Music Awards this March 22. Stay tuned on their website for updates, voting polls, and more.

Continue Reading: 6 Times Sarah Geronimo Was An International Star In Her Own Right