BY NEIL RAMOS
Sarah Geronimo made history becoming the first Pinay to receive the Global Force Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards held in Inglewood, California, on March 6.
She shared the recognition with Italian singer-songwriter Annalisa and Brazilian singer-songwriter Luisa Sonza.
In her acceptance speech, Sarah said the recognition "signifies courage and hope."
"Courage to accept and embrace oneself. Courage to break boundaries and define standards. Courage to rise above all the setbacks and challenges that one artist or one person has to face,” the 35-year-old singer-songwriter added.
“And the hope that one day this recognition will bridge the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity through the world to the power of music."
She ended, "Muli ako po si Sarah Geronimo, isang Filipina. Maraming salamat. Mabuhay ang OPM.” Other awardees:
Karol G (Woman of the Year)
NewJeans (Group of the Year)
Charli XCX (Powerhouse)
Ice Spice (Hitmaker)
Tems (Breakthrough)
Victoria Monét (Rising Star)
