Filipino music artists SB19, Ben&Ben, and Hori7on, with actors Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, and Melai Cantiveros earned acclaim at the prestigious Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023. This prestigious annual event often likened to Asia’s Oscars and Grammy Awards, celebrated the region’s best music, film, and online artists.
The 8th edition of the AAA held on December 14 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, is the country’s first time to host the prestigious ceremony since the South Korean award-giving body started in 2016 and has been giving out awards for Hallyu Wave’s best such as BTS, BlackPink, Red Velvet, Park Bo Gum, Ji Chang Wook, and many more.
SB19: P-Pop Sensation Wins Big
P-pop group SB19 composed of five members: Pablo, Stell, Ken, Justin, and Josh, known for worldwide viral hits like “Gento” which they performed during the awards night, clinched two coveted awards – the AAA Best Artist Award (Singer) and the AAA Hot Trend Award. The group, a consistent Billboard Chart topper, has gained international acclaim and marked their first public appearance at the AAA after a short hiatus from public activities. The group was the first from the Philippines to be managed similarly to how K-pop idol groups have been trained. They have since gained their independence as a self-managed group under 1Z Entertainment.
Ben&Ben: The Heart of Filipino Folk-Pop
Acclaimed folk-pop band Ben&Ben comprising of twin brothers Miguel Benjamin and Paolo Benjamin Guico and a talented ensemble, took home the AAA Best Choice Award, solidifying their reputation for soulful melodies and emotional depth. Their music, a blend of folk, pop, and indie, has resonated globally, making them one of the most influential acts in the Philippines. The band has collaborated with K-pop idol Young K of Day 6.
Hori7on: Breaking Boundaries
The South Korea-based Filipino boy group Hori7on received the AAA Focus Award. Formed in 2023, the group comprises seven talented members: Jeromy, Kim, Kyler, Marcus, Reyster, Vinci, and Winston. They made a splash with their debut album “Friend-Ship,” showcasing their unique presence in both the Philippine and South Korean music scenes. The group’s acceptance speeches were given in English, Korean, and Filipino, a testament to their cross-cultural appeal and innovative music that have put them on the map in both countries.
WATCH Hori7on’s acceptance speech where they paid tribute to the relationship between the Philippines and Korea here:
Kathryn Bernardo: The Box Office Queen Shines
Kathryn Bernardo, celebrated for her roles in both TV and film, won the AAA Fabulous Award. Bernardo is a versatile Filipino actress who is hailed as the “Box Office Queen” of her generation. Her global success in 2023 with “A Very Good Girl” further cements her status as a Filipino entertainment icon.
Daniel Padilla: The Box Office King’s Continued Reign
Daniel Padilla, also a recipient of the AAA Fabulous Award, is the other half of one of the most beloved love teams in Philippine showbiz. His diverse roles in television and cinema have captivated audiences locally and internationally.
Melai Cantiveros: Comedy Queen’s Triumph
Melai Cantiveros, known for her comedic talent, won the AAA Best Actor Award. Her lead role in “Ma’am Chief: Shakedown in Seoul” highlights her versatility and charm, reinforcing her place in Philippine comedy.
WATCH Melai bring the house down with her comedic acceptance speech here:
Filipino music artists @SB19Official, @BenAndBenMusic, and @HORI7ONofficial, and actors @bernardokath, @imdanielpadilla, and Melai Cantiveros were given the spotlight as they received their #AsianArtistAwards2023 trophies. WATCH Melai's comedic acceptance speech here: https://t.co/BNvGu47Ugm
— GoodNewsPilipinas.com (@GoodNewsPinas_) December 15, 2023
International Stars: Sharing the Limelight
The event also celebrated international artists, including the Philippines’ favorite “Good Boy” Kim Seon-ho who won two awards, has been to the country for successful fan meetings, and recently made his film debut as a Korean-Filipino character in “The Childe”. Seon-ho won two AAAs for Best Artist (Actor) and Asia Celebrity. Lee Jun Ho (King The Land, Good Manager) won the AAA Grand Prize for Actor of the Year. K-pop girl group Newjeans with members Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein won the AAA Grand Prize for Singer of the Year.
Here is the complete list of winners for the 2023 AAA:
AAA Hot Trend Award
- SB19
- NewJeans
- Lee Jun-ho
- Ahn Hyo-seop
- Lim Young-woong
AAA Best Artist Award (Singer)
- SB19
- LE SSERAFIM
- AKMU
- ITZY
- IVE
- The Boyz
AAA Best Choice Award
- Ben&Ben
- NewJeans
- Lee Young-ji
- KANG DANIEL
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- &TEAM
- NMIXX
- Dreamcatcher
- Lim Young-woong
- DinDin
- Kim Jae-joong
AAA Focus Award
- HORI7ON
- LUN8
- Younghoon (The Boyz)
- Ahn Dong-gu
AAA Fabulous Award
- Kathryn Bernardo
- Daniel Padilla
- NewJeans
- Stray Kids
- Lim Young-woong
AAA Best Actor Award
- Melai Cantiveros-Francisco
- Kim Se-jeong
- Ahn Hyo-seop
- Lee Dong-hwi
- Lee Jun-hyuk
AAA Best Artist Award (Actor)
- Kim Seon-ho
- Kentaro Sakaguchi
- Kim Ji-hoon
AAA Asia Celebrity Award
- Kim Seon-ho
- NewJeans
- LE SSERAFIM
- Jang Won-young
- Kentaro Sakaguchi
AAA Grand Prize: Singer of the Year
- NewJeans
AAA Grand Prize: Actor of the Year
- Lee Jun-ho
AAA Icon Award
- Tempest
- NMIXX
- Kep1er
- Cha Joo-young
AAA Potential Award
- Lapillus
- ATBO
- Yoo Seon-ho
- Paul Blanco
AAA Best Creator Award
- 3RACHA
AAA Popularity Award
- Lim Young-woong
- Sakurazaka46
- Lee Jun-ho
- Kim Se-jeong
AAA New Wave Award
- Yaochen
- Kingdom
- Ash Island
- Jaechan
AAA Rookie of the Year
- ZEROBASEONE
- Moon Sang-min
- Lee Eun-saem
AAA Emotive Award
- ONEUS
- BOYNEXTDOOR
- &TEAM
- Suho
AAA Best Acting Performance Award
- Kim Young-dae
- Lee Jun-young
- Moon Ga-young
- Suho
AAA Best Musician Award
- ZEROBASEONE
- Sakurazaka46
- KARD
- STAYC
- Kwon Eun-bi
AAA Scene Stealer Award
- Jung Sung-il
AAA Top of K-pop Record Award
- Kim Jae-joong
AAA Best Performance Award
- LE SSERAFIM
AAA Grand Prize: Fandom of the Year
- Lim Young-woong
AAA Grand Prize: Performance of the Year
- BSS (SEVENTEEN)
AAA Grand Prize: Stage of the Year
- Stray Kids
AAA Grand Prize: Song of the Year
- NewJeans – “Ditto”
AAA Grand Prize: Album of the Year
- SEVENTEEN – FML
The AAA 2023, organized by PULP Live World Philippines, Star News Korea, and TONZ Entertainment, not only showcased a diverse array of talents but also highlighted the Philippines’ role as a significant contributor to the Asian entertainment industry.
Celebrate these outstanding achievements and show your support for Filipino and Asian artists by sharing this article. Let’s continue to uplift and recognize the diverse talents that shape our global entertainment scene.
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