Despite the heavy rains and howling winds brought by Typhoon Juan, the 23^rd Aliw Awards pushed through last night, October 18, at the Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion.

The highest honor of the night, the Entertainer of the Year Award, was given to Sarah Geronimo. The Pop Princess, who graced the event wearing a Rajo Laurel creation, also won the Best Major Concert in the female category.

In her acceptance speech, Sarah said that she wants to dedicate this award to her idol Michael Jackson. "Sabi ko dati, magiging katulad ako ni Michael Jackson. Ambisyosa ko, 'no?" she said with a giggle.

The singer-actress performed a medley of heartfelt love songs and for her encore, she performed "Ikaw ang Pangarap."

HALL OF FAMER. Ryan Agoncillo was elevated to the Hall of Fame for winning the award for Best Emcee (Male) three times in a row. The host of GMA-7's Eat Bulaga! and TV5's Talentadong Pinoy won in 2007, 2008, and 2009.

"Salamat sa Aliw Awards Foundation. Buti umabot ako sa height requirement at age limit ng Aliw!" said Ryan, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

"It's always an honor to receive an award especially from a respected organization. I dedicate this award sa aking bunso, si Lucho; ang aking panganay na si Yohan; at ang asawa kong si Judy Ann Santos."

The husband of Juday revealed that their son, Juan Luis, whom they nicknamed Lucho, was born at 6.9 pounds and was measured at 52 centimeters long.

"Mahaba ang bata, e, salamat naman at nagmana kina Juday," quipped Ryan.

Did he cry when he saw his son for the first time?

Naiyak ako nung nakita yung bill sa hospital," he joked. 

Aside from Ryan, the other past winners who were elevated to the Hall of Fame were Retrospect, the singing group that has won Best Group Performer in Hotels, Music Lounges and Bars; and The UP Concert Chorus, which was inducted in the Best Choral Group category.


The Aliw Awards Foundation also honored Tommy Abuel, Cecile Licad, Behn Cervantes, the Tiongco Brothers, the UST Singers and Ariel Ureta as recipients of Lifetime Achievement Awards. Pagcor's show titled Flow received a Special Concept Production Award while Special Awardees were Mon David, Gerry Matias, Virgin Labfest, scenographer Rolando de Leon, Club Mwah and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. 

BEST NEW ARTIST. Pilipinas Got Talent grand winner Jovit Baldivino performed "Faithfully" for the audience and later on, he was hailed as the Best New Artist.

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) asked Jovit what investments he has made since he won ABS-CBN's talent search. He revealed that he is looking for property in Batangas so he can build a new home.

OTHER WINNERS. Richard Poon serenaded the crowd with his upbeat version of "Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko." The ASAP XV mainstay won the Best Performance in a Concert (Male category).

The Buzz and SNN host Boy Abunda bagged the Best Emcee (Male) award while Miriam Quiambao was his female counterpart.