The 18th Annual Aliw Awards gives recognition and honor to the best live performers of the local music industry on August 3, 2005 at the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel. A production of Maxi-Media International for the Aliw Awards Foundation Inc., the ceremony promises to bring the brightest and the biggest pop concert artists in an evening of glamour, excellence and excitement.

The idea of giving due recognition to local entertainers was initiated back in September of 1976 by then head of Aliw Awards Foundation, Ms. Alice H. Reyes. Since then, Aliw Awards Foundation had stood by its commitment of extending support to the local music industry by regularly conducting workshops for up and coming artists. Some of the artists who trained under the Aliw Foundation include Arnel Ignacio, Lou Bonnevie and a bunch of other entertainers who are now enjoying huge success here and abroad. Through these free workshops, the artists are given the chance to prove and polish their craft. Aliw Awards Foundation also put up a welfare fund for retired, ailing and unemployed local entertainers.

Among this year’s nominees for some major categories include:

Gary Valenciano “Thankful”, Michael V. “Show ko to”, Christian Bautista “Color Everywhere”, Ogie Alcasid “B Day Concert”, Martin Nievera “All You Need Is Love” and Jay-R “Game Faces Reload” for Best Major Concert Male category;

Kyla “Not Just Your Ordinary Girl”, Regine Velasquez “Reigning Still”, Lea Salonga “Home For Christmas”, Pops Fernandez “IT Girl” and Rachel Ann Go “The Ultimate Champion” for Best Major Concert Female category;

Bamboo, Parokya Ni Edgar, Rivermaya and South Border for Best Major Concert Group Category; Erik Santos and Ai Ai delas Alas “The Comedy Queen & The Prince of Pop”, Kitchie Nadal and Rivermaya, Christian Bautista, Kitchie Nadal and Paolo Santos “Pop Ko To”, Sarah Geronimo, Rachel Ann Go and Erik Santos “Night of the Champion”, Regine Velasquez and Pops Fernandez “Queens On Fire” for Best Major Concert Collaboration; Christian Bautista, Martin Nievera, Erik Santos, Luke Mijares and Nyoy Volante for Best Performance in a concert male category;

Ayen Munji Laurel, Kitchie Nadal, Vina Morales, Geneva Cruz, Jaya and Sheryn Regis for Best Performance in a concert female category;

Jaya and Elizabeth Ramsey, Zsa Zsa and Karylle, Nyoy Volante and Nina, Leo Valdez and Verni Varga, Marissa Sanchez, Ara Mina and Jessa Zaragosa for Best Collaboration in a concert;

Gerard Salonga, Homer Flores, Mark Lopez, Raul Mitra, Louie Ocampo, Mon Faustino, Dean Arriola and Jimmy Antiporda for Best Musical Director;

Audie Gemora, Floy Quintos, Rowell Santiago, Bobby Garcia, G.B. Sampedro, Dingdong Avanzado and Gary Valenciano for Best Concert Stage Director;

Boy Abunda, Drew Arellano, RJ Ledesma, Marc Nelson and TJ Manotoc for Best Emcee male category;

Pia Guanio, Daphne Oseña, Angel Aquino, Bianca Araneta and Phoemela Baranda for Best Emcee female category;

Nyoy Volante, Luke Mejares, Jed Madela, Christian Bautista, Erik Santos and Bamboo for Most Promising Entertainer male category;

Kitchie Nadal, Rachel Ann Go, Nina, Sheryn Regis and Kyla for Most Promising Entertainer female category;

Monique Wilson and Rito Asilo, Jay William Herbert Sigmund Go, Loy Arcenas, Jose Estrella, CJ Andaluz and Joel Lamangan for Best Stage Director;

Penis Talk, Once On This Island, For Baby, Oyayi, Cabaret for Best Musical Production;

Lea Salonga, Monique Wilson and Bituin Escalante for Best Stage Actress-Musical;

Bodjie Pascua, Jaime Wilson, Ricci Chan and Robbie Guevarra for Best Stage Actor-Musical.

As Aliw Awards Foundation celebrates its 18th year, exciting production numbers are sure to add fun to the most anticipated awards ceremony. Luminaries from the movie, television, and music industry will grace this momentous event. Be among those who will witness the announcement of Aliw Awards Foundation’s top choices this year’s for the best live entertainers including the much-coveted Entertainer of the Year award.

The awards night ceremony is produced by Maxi-Media International and directed by Rico Mortel. This will be aired in a two-part series on August 5 and 7, 7:00 p.m., over ABC 5. For inquiries, please call Maxi-Media International at 551-7777.