An unforgettable evening of celebration and camaraderie, the 2023 Asia Artist Awards was a momentous occasion that put the Philippines, with its rich tapestry of cultural traditions and fast-growing entertainment sector, to the center stage.

Undoubtedly, the 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines is a historic event that brought attention to the nation. It was the first time the country hosted an award ceremony of that nature, bringing together over 50 stars at the Philippine Arena—a fitting location for the largest assembly of Asian artists in the country.

From the red carpet event to the six-hour main program, which saw artists come together, get recognized, and perform in front of thousands of fans from all over the Philippines and the world, December 14 was filled with these historic moments.

This article takes a retrospective look at some of the key moments during AAA 2023.

READ: RECAP: 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines

#1 Philippine Flag Raised High and Proud: Filipino Acts in the Spotlight

Filipino musicians made their debut as the nation’s representatives at the Asia Artist Awards, honoring the Philippines with their deserving accolades and stirring performances. Ben&Ben, the Spotify Philippines’ Top Local Artist of the Year, won the Best Choice Award, and Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, the nation’s box office superstar, received the Fabulous Award.

Vinci, Kim, Kyler, Reyster, Winston, Jeromy, and Marcus performed a rock rendition of their song “SIX7EEN” from their first album, Friend-Ship, showcasing a different side of HORI7ON. Along with Ahn Donggu, The Boyz’ Younghoon, and LUN8, the boy group also received the Focus Award. “Who’s Next?” from their Girl’s Round Part.2 was given a hip-hop makeover by Chanty and Lapillus who received the Potential Award with ATBO, Paul Blanco, and Yoo Seonho.

However, a discussion about the 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines will never be complete without giving due credit to Ma’am Chief, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, the first honoree of the evening, who stole the show as soon as she walked on the red carpet. The actress enthralled everyone at the Philippine Arena with her wit and comedy, which made the occasion more enjoyable.

Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord! And to my family, we will serve the Lord.

Melai Cantiveros-Francisco

And, of course, the bearers of the Philippine flag, who kicked off the celebration with a fiery stage performance—SB19! With intense and breathtaking performances of their mega-hit “Gento” and a combination of their greatest songs “Mana,” “Bazinga,” and “CRIMZONE,” Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin opened AAA 2023.

The P-Pop Kings and the international boy band &TEAM performed a joint rendition of “Gento” to end the inaugural stage. Everyone felt a strong feeling of Pinoy pride as SB19 continued to push Filipino talent to the forefront of the global scene.

In addition, SB19 won the Hot Trend Award alongside NewJeans, Lim Young Woong, Ahn Hyoseop, and Lee Junho, as well as this year’s Best Artist alongside AKMU, ITZY, The Boyz, LE SSERAFIM, and IVE.

Noon pangarap lang po naming makapag-release kanta, pero ngayon nasa harap nyo na po kami at tumatanggap ng award. Malaking bagay po ito para sa amin at para po sa buong community ng Filipino music. Sa aming A’TIN, sa aming pinakamamahal na A’TIN, maraming salamat sa suporta at pagmamahal…

SB19’s Stell

#2 Welcome to the Philippine Concert Stage: The Debuts of These Acts on the Local Concert Scene

Although the Philippines never seemed to be short of K-Pop performances, especially this year, suffice it to say that the 2023 Asia Artist Awards made the seemingly distant prospect a reality last December 14. LUN8, ATBO, YAOCHEN, Paul Blanco, KINGDOM, Ash Island, TEMPEST, Kep1er, ONEUS, Lee Youngji, BOYNEXTDOOR, ZEROBASEONE, DinDin, Kwon Eunbi, &TEAM, Sakurazaka46, and LE SSERAFIM made their concert stage debuts in the Philippines during the star-studded event. As it is uncommon to pull together an event that will combine all these artists on one concert platform, the K-Pop singers’ debuts were greeted with unmatched excitement.

More performances here.

It was also the first time seeing multiple actors and actresses at one time, which was unique because, in contrast to K-Pop singers who frequently include the Philippines on their tour itinerary, actors and actresses rarely get the chance to interact with their local fan base.

NewJeans, who ascended the stage to deafening ovation and emotion and astonished the audience with a ferocious dance break and their hits “OMG,” “ETA,” and “Super Shy,” were one of the most eagerly awaited debut performances of the evening. The girl group was also one of the night’s major victors, winning the Grand Prizes for Song of the Year and Singer as well as the Fabulous Award, Best Choice Award, Asia Celebrity Award, and Hot Trend Award.

Furthermore, the Philippines personally experienced the popularity of Lim Young Woong and the commitment of the Fandom of the Year via AAA 2023. At the event, the trot singer made his stage debut in the local concert scene and won several awards, namely the Fandom of the Year Grand Prize, Fabulous Award, Best Choice Award, Hot Trend Award, and Popularity Award.

#3 On to a Bigger Stage: The Philippine Comeback of These Artists

Several performers made their stage comebacks in the Philippines during the event as well. After their respective fan meetings this year, actors Kim Seonho, Ahn Hyoseop, and Lee Junho—AAA 2023 Actor of the Year—were among the celebrities who came back to the nation for the 2023 Asia Artist Awards. This time, Kim Sejeong, Lee Junyoung, and Suho from EXO made a comeback as actors instead of singers.

“I’d like to thank EXO-L and other EXO members for helping me receive this award.”

EXO’s Suho as he accepts the AAA Best Acting Performance Award.

In celebration of his 20 years in the music industry, Top of K-Pop Record Awardee Kim Jaejoong performed “One Kiss” and “Mine” on stage, showcasing his extraordinary stage presence. ITZY, The Boyz, Dreamcatcher, and NMIXX, who conducted their concerts this year, performed their songs for their Filipino fans on a larger stage this time. Kang Daniel, AKMU, KARD, and STAYC also returned to the stage following their respective events in 2022.

Stray Kids, who gave back-to-back concerts in March of last year, performed their hit songs “MANIAC,” “GET LIT,” “TOPLINE,” and their most recent release, “락 (쨂) (LALALALA).” The boy group was also one of the night’s biggest winners, winning the Fabulous Award, Stage of the Year Grand Prize, and Best Creator Award for 3RACHA.

Seungkwan, DK, and Hoshi, who made history with SEVENTEEN the previous year as the first K-Pop act to perform alone at the world’s largest indoor arena, the Philippine Arena, returned to AAA 2023 as SEVENTEEN BSS, following a year apart from Be The Sun in Bulacan. The trio turned the arena into a party with songs like “7PM,” “Fighting” with Lee Youngji, and “Just Do It.” The Album of the Year Grand Prize went to SEVENTEEN for FML, while the Performance of the Year Grand Prize went to SEVENTEEN BSS.

#4 Thrilla in Bulacan: Exhilarating Daesang Announcements

Being present at the moments during an award ceremony in person made for a different experience. The revelation of Daesang, the biggest winner of the evening, is one of the most thrilling aspects of the 2023 Asia Artist Awards in the Philippines. That evening, seven Grand Prizes were awarded.

• Actor of the Year – Lee Junho
• Singer of the Year – NewJeans
• Song of the Year – “Ditto” by NewJeans
• Album of the Year – “FML” by SEVENTEEN
• Performance of the Year – SEVENTEEN BooSeokSoon
• Stage of the Year – Stray Kids
• Fandom of the Year – Lim Young Woong

Everyone seems to be holding their breath, sharing their guesses, and waiting for the announcement to be revealed. Joining in on the applause that greeted the victors as they took the award feels amazing.

#5 Philippines On the Center Stage: the 2023 Asia Artist Awards was a Historic First in Philippine Live Event History

The 8th edition of the Asia Artist Awards, a historic occasion in the Asian entertainment industry, took place in the Philippine Arena on December 14, 2023, celebrating Asian greatness and debuting in the Philippines with an impressive lineup. The fact that the AAA was hosted in the Philippines for the first time this year makes it especially noteworthy since it demonstrates the nation’s fervent devotion to K-culture and its growing prominence in the world of entertainment.

There was more to the Asia Artist Awards’ role than just shining spotlights and red-carpet appearances. It provided a platform for fans and artists from various Asian countries to collaborate and engage in cross-cultural conversation and was instrumental in influencing the direction of entertainment in the area by enabling these exchanges. It also supported the spread of Asian pop culture throughout the world and encouraged intercultural understanding.

With a long tradition of recognizing existing legends and showcasing up-and-coming talent, the AAA provides a broad overview of Asia’s vibrant entertainment industry.

Special thanks to PULP Live World and SMART Communications.

The 2023 Asia Artist Awards was presented by PULP Live World, StarNews Korea, TONZ Entertainment, and SMART.