Both new and established names in the local music industry came in droves to the 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music at the Skydome SM North Edsa last Oct. 29.

Stars such as APO Hiking Society, Regine Velasquez, Sarah Geronimo, Rachelle Ann Go, Jed Madella, Richard Poon, Mocha, Bayang Barrios along with newcomers Sabrina, Myrus, Martha Joy, and other stars were present at the award show. Toni Gonzaga and Billie Crawford, recording artists themselves, hosted the affair.

The attendance rate was significant considering that more established award-giving bodies are said to have enjoyed less in recent years.   

The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) gave away awards in 21 categories including best male, female, duo, group, artist, record, and album of the year, as well as recognitions for the best pop, rock, alternative, R&B, compilation, and revival albums.

The PMPC has long been a supporter of Philippine arts, but is mostly associated with honoring achievements in local movies and films. And although they are already considered veterans in holding award shows such as this, first time gaffes were still evident.

For instance, performers and show lineups were shuffled and pushed earlier or later while the show was underway. The activities backstage were chaotic and stressful for the staff, presenters, and artists and the delays between each segments of the show were vexing.

Still, the PMPC deserves a pat on the back for pulling off their first awards ceremonies for music. Amid problems like music piracy, illegal file sharing and downloads, and dwindling CD sales, efforts like this are, indeed, admirable.

The 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music winners are:

Album of the Year -“Your Universe” by Rico Blanco

Female Recording Artist of the Year - Regine Velasquez for “Low Key”

Male Recording Artist of the Year - Ogie Alcasid for “Great Filipino Song Book”

Song of the Year - “Ikaw ang Aking Pangarap” by Martin Nievera

Female Pop Artist of the Year - Sarah Geronimo for “OPM”

Male Pop Artist of the Year - Jed Madela for “Songs Rediscovered 2”

Pop Album of the Year - “Ikaw Na Nga” by Willie Revillame

Duo/Group Artist of the Year – MYMP for “Now”

Music Video of the Year -“Pambansang Kamao,” directed by Ace Villena and performed by D’Coy

Dance Album of the Year - “Delisciosa” by Mocha Girls

Alternative Album of the Year - “Biyaya” by Bayang Barrios

Revival Album of the Year - “Low Key” by Regine Velasquez and “Falling In Love” by Rachelle Ann Go

New Female Recording Artist of the Year - Maricris Garcia for “Mahal Kita”

New Male Recording Artist of the Year - Bugoy Drilon for “Paano Na Kaya” and “ Jmore” by Jmore

Album Cover Design of the Year - “Complicated” by Gretchen Barreto, cover concept by Andrew Castillo

Compilation Album of the Year - “Lovelife” by Boy Abunda

Acoustic Album of the Year - “Back to Basics” by Paolo Santos

Acoustic Artist of the Year - Aiza Seguerra for “Open Arms” and Sabrina for “I Love Acoustic”

Rock Album of the Year - “Long Time Noisy” by Kamikazee

Rock Artist of the Year – Kamikazee for “Long Time Noisy”

R&B Album of the Year - “Groove” by Billy Crawford

R&B Artist of the Year - Billy Crawford for “Groove”

Lifetime Achievement Award - APO Hiking Society