Sarah Geronimo calls for ‘strong support, respect’ for OPM

Sarah Geronimo on the blue carpet of Billboard Philippines Women in Music awards. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net

Sarah Geronimo urged fellow Filipinos to show their support for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) instead of resorting to comparisons, weeks after she was honored with the Global Force Award at the Billboard Women in Music ceremony in Los Angeles, California.

On March 22, Geronimo was recognized as Woman of the Year by Billboard Philippines Women in Music in a ceremony in Taguig, which also recognized other female artists including Regine Velasquez, Moira Dela Torre, BINI, Pilita Corrales, Morissette Amon, Belle Mariano and Ena Mori.

In her acceptance speech, the singer-actress hoped Filipinos would show “support and respect” for OPM despite comparisons being ingrained “in our nature.”

“Kung meron man akong pangarap para sa ating industriya at bansa, ito ay malakas na suporta, paniniwala at respeto sa kakayahan ng bawat isa. Alam kong nasa nature nating mag-kompara. Ako rin ay guilty diyan,” she began.

“But I was reminded when I went to the Billboard Women in Music Awards in LA, nakita ko gaano ka-diverse ang musika at talino ng isang tao,” she continued.

(If there’s one dream I have for the industry and our country, it is strong support, belief and respect toward the abilities of everyone. I know it’s in our nature to compare. I’m guilty of it too. But I was reminded when I went to the Billboard Women in Music Awards in LA how diverse are our music and talents.)

WOMEN IN OPM 🎶

Here are the winners at Billboard PH’s Women in Music awards:

Sarah Geronimo – Woman of the Year
Regine Velasquez – Powerhouse
Moira Dela Torre – Hitmaker
Pilita Corrales – Icon
BINI – Rising Star
Ena Mori – Rule Breaker
Morissette Amon – People’s Choice
Belle… pic.twitter.com/HO8NydM9c9

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 23, 2024

Geronimo then shared that during her time in the US, she noticed that while every artist is noted for their talent, they would rather focus on helping and supporting the kind of music they would bring to the table.

“Kung gaano ka-talented ang artists na nag-perform onstage and nakatanggap ng awards, walang nakakalamang,” she said. “Lahat may husay, talino, at kanya-kanyang kontribusyon na hindi naman pala kailangan mag-kompara ng talento sa iba.”

(The artists who performed and received their awards were talented, but they didn’t act superior towards others. Each of them has their own abilities, intelligence and contributions so that there’s no need to compare their talents with others.)

This led Geronimo to point out that if her fellow Filipinos would focus on lifting each other, OPM would have a chance to rise even more.

“Kung tayo, magkakaisa, tayo rin mismo ang makakapag-angat ng antas ng ating industriya katulad ng nagawa ng mga banyaga,” she said. (If we come together as one, we will be able to lift up our industry just like what other countries have done.)

WATCH: Sarah Geronimo sends the crowd into cheers with her performance of “Ikot-Ikot” at the Billboard Women in Music awards on Friday, March 22. | via @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/HDf5iNM9F4

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 23, 2024

Defying standards

In her speech, the “Tala” singer urged fellow female artists to not “be consumed by negative thoughts” when it comes to dealing with the “timeline and standards” set toward them.

“When you take a rest, hindi ka na kilala. Laos ka na (you’re not known anymore. You’re out of style),” she said. “But through time, I realized that it’s okay to defy them. We all have a voice and we all have a choice. We don’t have to pressure ourselves to fit the mold.”

LOOK: In her acceptance speech for Woman of the Year, Sarah Geronimo pointed out that diversity should be embraced in the local music scene as it shows an artist’s strength.

She also thanked her support system for allowing her to be herself. #BBPHWomenInMusic | @HMallorcaINQ pic.twitter.com/H3J4VMpm4H

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) March 22, 2024

Geronimo also reminded them to be fearless in “carving [their] own paths” without caving in to peer pressure.

“We don’t have to cave in to peer pressure. Speak only your truth. Speak what’s in your heart. Don’t be afraid to carve your own path; as long as you walk in love and peace in God, you’re on the right track,” she said.