Composers, lyricists, singers, and band members gather at the 20th Awit Awards night held on August 8 at NBC Tent, Taguig.
Uploaded: January 30, 2009
Lovebirds Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez swept the audience in awe as soon as they appeared together onstage, at the 20th Awit Awards last August 8, 2007, held at the NBC Tent in Taguig.
Ogie’s voice that evening was noticeably hoarse, perhaps because of the continuous rehearsals for his upcoming concert slated this month.
Pinoy pride Billy Crawford was given a short tribute for his achievements in the international music arena, contributing to global recognition of Filipino talent. After the tribute, Billy presented the Album of the Year Award won by the Kamikazee band for their second record, Maharot.
Gorgeous pair Gian Carlo Magdangal and former Viva Hot Babe Sheree turned heads the moment they graced the red carpet. Gian Carlo bagged the Best Performance by a New Male Recording Artist for his convincing remake of the Rivermaya classic, "Himala."
Bianca Gonzales was hesitant to have her picture taken; she said the music artists should have all the attention that evening. Nevertheless, the photographers just couldn’t resist taking some snaps of the young TV host.
The 20th Awit Awards paid homage to the genius of the Apo Hiking Society by bringing in five of the hottest bands to perform some of APO’s well-loved hits. Lead singers Jugs Jugueta (Itchyworms), Ebe Dancel (Sugarfree), Aia de Leon (Imago), Yael Yuzon (Sponge Cola) and Raimund Marasigan (Sandwich) joined forces towards the end of the number to cap an electrifying opening salvo for the event.
Lougee Basabas of Mojofly fooled around with stand-up comedienne Tuesday Vargas. Tuesday was there to support her boyfriend, Coy Placido of the Session Road band. The ever encouraging girlfriend patiently positioned herself among the media photographers to take pictures of Session Road when the band won the People’s Choice Favorite Music Video for Blanko.
Receiving awards and recognitions isn’t new for Gary Valenciano, having been in the industry for so long. But, says Gary, every trophy and accolade never fails to make him feel grateful and excited. Here Gary dearly clutches his Best Ballad trophy.
The Kamikazee band didn’t know that they were bound for a long victorious night. But presumption isn’t in the irreverent Kamikazee’s nature and their every performance always turns out to be a hilarious riot. Aside from sacrificing his body by letting it roll freely down the narrow stage stairs, Jay delivered his own interpretation of Michael Jackson’s famous crotch dance.
Skarlet, known during her ‘90s Put3ska days as Myra Ruaro, bested four other jazz artists by winning the Best Jazz Recording for her eponymous debut album under Candid Records. Myra’s transformation from a ska-rock rebel to a fiery, passionate jazz performer is finally complete.
Sweethearts Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go didn’t have to dig deep to summon their romantic juices during a performance. The looks they gave each other revealed the authentic chemistry between them.
“Ang saya!” exclaimed bossa nova sensation, Sitti Navarro (in yellow) when she shared the stage with the country’s premiere vocal group, The Company. “Ang galing-galing nila and I really idolized them kaya I [felt tense]. Pero okay naman, I managed to pull it off,” she smiled shyly. The Company and Sitti did a medley of Jose Mari Chan and Cecille Azarcon classics, one of the most applauded numbers of the evening.
Kamikazee was this year’s big winner as they bagged five major awards. The band’s speeches never let up in hilarity. “Nagpapa-salamat kami sa lahat ng mga Pilipino…” vocalist Jay began solemnly, pausing for effect, and then in a high pitch, “… at sa lahat ng Pilipina.”
The pioneer rock group Juan de la Cruz, represented that evening by Wally Gonzales (left) and Joey “Pepe” Smith (right), was accorded the Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Award for their indelible contribution not only to rock music but to the entire OPM industry as well. Before the awarding, rock bands Kjwan and the legendary ‘90s band Razorback, performed Juan de la Cruz staples to the delight of the audience. Thumping his chest with the guitar feedback blaring from the punished amps, Kevin Roy of Razorback proudly announced: “Juan de la Cruz… I love!”
Crowd darling, Sitti Navarro, won the Best Performance by a New Female Recording Artist for her ground-breaking single, “Para Sa Akin.” It was actually a tie between her and Viva Records new artist, Amber. Amber had already left the venue when the winner was announced. According to our sources, Amber and her entourage left early because they did not expect to win the said trophy.
All dressed up in school uniforms, Gloc 9, Chito Miranda of Parokya ni Edgar and Francis M. convened to perform the rock-meets-rap ditty, “Bagsakan,” culled from Parokya ni Edgar’s latest anniversary record, Matira Matibay.
Maverick and Ariel joked that they turned down a ribbon-cutting invitation from a spa clinic named after a famous funeral parlor so that they could attend the Awit Awards. The two comedians presented the Best Novelty Award that was won by Jose and Wally for “Kring Song.” Showing that he was a good sport, Lito Camo, gamely congratulated the composers of the winning song, Jonathan Ong, Ronnie, and Gigi Cordero, as they made their way back to their seats.
Francis Reyes of The Dawn did a Pete Townshed by scratching his guitar against the mic stand at the end of their set for maximum sonic effect. The Dawn performed two of the most popular songs in their catalog, “Envelope Ideas” and “Salamat,” which had the audience heartily singing along.
Despite not being nominated this year in any of the award categories, the Bamboo band—Bamboo Mañalac, Ira Cruz, Nathan Azarcon and Vic Mercado—attended the occasion and, as usual, delivered an electrifying performance. The group performed their hit single, “Tatsulok”—a socio-political song originally done by the Noel Cabangon outfit, Buklod.
DJ Mo Twister, singer-actress Toni Gonzaga, and balladeer Christian Bautista were the evening’s hosts. DJ Mo appeared only at the start of the program and during the closing rites.
Gary V. finally met his match in his son, Gab Valenciano, who kept in step with his dad as they grooved together and alternately throughout the dance number.
Many were hoping that Nyoy would join ex-girlfriend Nina when “Someday” won the People’s Choice Favorite Song of the Year. But as it turned out, Nina received the award in behalf of Nyoy. Nina herself won the People’s Choice Favorite Female Artist Award.
It was a good evening for singer-songwriter Nyoy Volante even if he didn’t take to the stage. “Someday,” the song he wrote for his former girlfriend Nina, who sang it in her album, won the People’s Choice Favorite Song of the Year. Nina received the award for Nyoy.
