The 36th Awit awards had one of the most entertaining nights ever in its storied history when the prestigious music award giving body held its annual event last November 9th at Baked Studios in Makati.
Change was an underlying theme of the evening.
The event has foregone having an audience and instead opted to have an event solely for artists and music industry people. Awit also did away with seats and instead had everyone standing in cocktail party fashion that contributed to people hobnobbing with one another all through the event that got Paolo Guico (or was it Miguel?) of Ben&Ben likening the vibe to that of a defunct gig venue (Route 196).
It was a welcome sight to see mostly music artists of all types, musicians and record label and artist management people congregating over food, drinks and shared love of Pinoy music. A friendly atmosphere was also in the air as the music industry people (who mostly knew each other anyway) made new introductions between artists and newcomers alike.
The presentation of awards also differed from previous. Some of the recognition (mostly the Technical Achievement and Special Recording Awards) was handed during the event warm up as event host Sassa Gurl went around handing out some of the nods and interviewing guests.
ALAMAT for Best R&B Recording for “Maharani” (written and produced by Thyro Alfaro), Arthur Miguel for Best Global Collaboration with Pink Sweats for “I Feel Good,” dwta for her Best Regional Recording nod for “Padaba Taka,” Nica Del Rosario’s “Rosas” feat. Gab Pangilinan for Best Collaboration, who is tied with Syd Harta and Kiyo’s “3:15” on said category, Rox Santos for DJ Moophs’ Best Remix for “Amakabogera,” Leanne & Naara for Best Musical Arrangement for “Unan,” Ron Laderas (with JC Paez) of vocal group Acapellago for Best Vocal Arrangement for “Chara-Chara,” Roxy Liquigan receiving Best Original Soundtrack for Moira dela Torre’s “Kumpas,” The Young Voices of The Philippines for Best Recording for a Child/Children for “Kalinislinisan,” Munimuni’s “Matimtiman” for Best World Recording, Best Instrumental Recording for “Sandalan” received by Darwin and Herbert Hernandez and EJ Pichay, and Ben&Ben for Best Pop Recording and Best Music Video for “Paninindigan Kita” (later also winning Best Performance for Group Recording) were some of the acts that were handed their trophies during the pre-show.
Of course, it was the performances that made this outing special. Dilaw with their breakthrough song “Uhaw (Tayong Lahat)” kicked off their evening’s performances. The band from Baguio City also took home two of three major awards for the evening by winning Song Of The Year and Record Of The Year as well as Best Alternative Recording.
Spirited performances by Benjamin Kheng & Bea Lorenzo for “Good For A Time,” Angela Ken’s “Alas Diyes,” as well as current day hits such as “Pasilyo” by Sunkissed Lola, JK Labajo’s “Ere,” Keneniah’ “Bahala Na,” Arthur Miguel and Ace Banzuelo supplied the night’s party vibe sounds. Also on hand were Moira dela Torre, Zephanie and Vilmark, Janine Berding and ALAMAT with their own performances of their nominated songs.
Meanwhile, The Diegos, Sandwich and Yeng Constantino gave a salute to Pinoy Rock with a solid rock cover of Sampaguita and Gary Perez’ “Tao” and the former with their alt-rock party theme DJ set.
Zild was on hand to provide a faithful reading of Dangal Ng Musikang Pilipino awardee Rico Blanco’s “Yugto.” Rico Blanco “I never believed myself better than my peers, but I know I can out work anyone” and “keep going no matter what,” and “I’m just getting started” speech was all the inspiration that every starting (or established) music artist in that room should be reminded of moving forward.
One of the more pleasant surprises of the evening was Ena Mori winning the Album Of The Year award. Ely Buendia, who presented the award, was all smiles and couldn't be prouder as he passed on the trophy to his Offshore Music label ward. The quirky alt-pop and electronic music artists' “Don’t Blame The Wild One!” record is an indication of the music scene's increasingly diversified tastes. Don’t get me wrong, ballads and pop songs will always be there, but it’s good to know that artist-centric, non-pandering pop will have a place in OPM’s milieu.
Other major awards of the evening went to Sarah Geronimo for Best Performance for a Female Recording Artist for “Dati Dati,” and its male counterpart, Jarlo Base with “Kalapati.”
Marianne Osabel took home Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist for “Pira Piraso” and David La Sol for “Julyo” as the best new male counterpart. Sunkissed Lola deservedly wins Best New Group for “Pasilyo.”
Veteran act Side A wins Best Ballad for “Clueless,” as Faspitch, local metal legends, wins the first ever Best Hard Rock / Metal Recording for “Heart Strength.” Cesca wins Best Contemporary Folk Recording with “Lovesick – (Pagmahalasakit).”
For the complete listings of winners check the AWIT Awards recorded show (as directed by Director John Prats) at the official Facebook page.