SB19 ends Asia Artist Awards 2023 with 2 awards

BULACAN, Philippines — Pinoy pop (P-pop) sensation SB19 ended its night full of surprises as the group not only wowed the audience by performing their hits, but also took home two awards at the Asia Artist Awards 2023 held in Philippine Arena in Bulacan yesterday.

Pablo, Stell, Josh, Justin and Ken were named as among the Hot Trend honorees together with Korean stars Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Junho, NewJeans and Lim Young-woong earlier in the afternoon. 

They were among the first acts to take the AAA stage when they performed a medley of their hits, including "Bazinga," "Manananggal" and "Gento."

They brought the house down when they were joined by K-pop group &Team in dancing their latter hit, "Gento."

Related: WATCH: SB19, &Team dance to 'Gento' at Asia Artist Awards 2023 opening

Later in the evening during the second part of the show, SB19 admitted that they were not expecting to fetch another award. 

The boys were among the winners of the prestigious Best Artist Award (Singer) category with K-pop acts AKMU, Itzy, The Boyz, Le Sserafim and IVE. 

Related: SB19 among Hot Trend winners together with Lee Junho, Ahn Hyo Seop at Asia Artist Awards 2023

Apart from SB19, several other Filipino acts were given awards at this year’s AAA. 

Ex-couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla made their second public appearance after their November breakup. They won the Fabulous Award with NewJeans, Stray Kids and Lim Young-woong. 

Related: Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla receive Fabulous Award at Asia Artist Awards 2023

Ben&Ben shared the Best Choice Award with 10 other acts, namely, Lee Young-ji, Boynextdoor, Kang Daniel, &Team, NewJeans, Nmixx, Dindin, Dreamcatcher, Kim Jaejoong and Lim Young-woong. 

Related: Ben&Ben scores award at Asia Artist Award 2023

Lapillus was named among the AAA Potential award recipients along with ATBO, Paul Blanco and Yoon Seonho. 

Chanty, the Filipino-Argentinian member of the group, thanked their fans called Lapis and promised more surprises for them in the future. 

Their label mate, Hori7on, was among the awardees of the AAA Focus Award alongside Ahn Dong-gu, Younghoon and Lun8. 

Related: Lapillus, Filipino boy group Hori7on cited at Asia Artist Awards 2023

Melai Cantiveros brought the house down with her antics when she accepted her Best Actor award. Other Best Actor winners are "Business Proposal" stars Kim Sejeong and Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Dong-hwi and Lee Junhyuk. 

Melai starred in the movie "Ma'am Chief," which was released last month. 

Related: 'I question too': Melai Cantiveros wins Best Actor at Asia Artist Awards 2023

AAA 2023 is being held for the first time in the Philippines. It names the best in K-pop and K-drama for the year. 

Fuss-free streaming of the award ceremony was made possible with PLDT as those who were not able to go to Bulacan were able to watch the show online via the telecoms' wide-reaching connection. — Video by Nadie Esteban