Star Awards
The PMPC Star Awards for Television is an annual award ceremony in the Philippines that honors excellence in television programming, on-screen performances, and production teams, organized by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), an association of entertainment journalists and writers founded in the early 1960s.[1][2] The event, often described as the Philippine equivalent of the Emmy Awards, recognizes outstanding contributions across various categories including best drama, comedy, news, and public affairs programs, as well as individual accolades for actors, hosts, and directors.[3][1] Established in 1987 with its inaugural ceremony held on October 29–30, the awards have become a prestigious benchmark for the local television industry, celebrating talent from major networks like ABS-CBN, GMA, and TV5.[4] Over the years, the Star Awards have evolved to include special recognitions such as lifetime achievement honors and awards for best TV station, reflecting the PMPC's commitment to promoting credibility, innovation, and cultural impact in Philippine broadcasting.[3][2] Despite occasional delays, including those from the COVID-19 pandemic and more recent unforeseen circumstances, the ceremony continues to draw significant viewership and media attention, with the 38th edition in March 2025 focusing on 2024 programming and the delayed 37th edition in August 2025 highlighting achievements from 2023.[5][6][7] The awards process involves nominations and voting by PMPC members, ensuring a peer-reviewed selection that emphasizes artistic merit and public resonance, and the event is typically broadcast live or aired on major networks to reach a wide audience.[3][1] Beyond television, the PMPC also presents parallel Star Awards for Movies (starting in 1985) and Music, underscoring the organization's broad influence on Philippine entertainment recognition.[8]History
Founding and early ceremonies
The Star Awards for Television was established in 1987 by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), a professional organization of entertainment journalists founded in the early 1960s, with the purpose of recognizing excellence in Philippine television programming and honoring outstanding contributions from performers, producers, and networks.[1][7] Described as the local equivalent to international accolades like the Emmy Awards, the event aimed to celebrate quality content across genres, including drama series, variety shows, and news programs, amid the growing influence of television in the 1980s Philippine media landscape.[9] The inaugural ceremony occurred in October 1987, marking the PMPC's expansion from film awards—launched two years earlier—to television recognition, and featured initial categories centered on core achievements such as best drama series and best comedy/gag show. Early winners highlighted prominent 1980s programs that defined the era, including talk shows and family-oriented dramas that resonated with audiences during a time of political transition and media liberalization in the Philippines. Held annually in October during its formative years, the event began as modest gatherings at Manila theaters, emphasizing journalistic integrity in selections voted by PMPC members.[9] Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the Star Awards evolved from intimate press club events into more elaborate televised spectacles, reflecting the rapid growth of the Philippine broadcast industry. Key milestones included gradual category expansions to encompass emerging formats like public affairs and youth-oriented programming, growing from a handful of awards in the debut year to over two dozen by the mid-1990s, which allowed for broader acknowledgment of television's cultural impact. Venues shifted to larger Manila venues like the Araneta Coliseum for subsequent ceremonies, while production incorporated live broadcasts starting in the early 1990s, enhancing national visibility and prestige.[1]Institutional changes and milestones
The awards shifted their timing from the traditional October slot to November and December ceremonies between 2007 and 2014, primarily to accommodate end-of-year production schedules and allow for more comprehensive evaluations of seasonal content.[10] The 20th ceremony in 2006 served as a major milestone, commemorating two decades of recognizing television excellence with special retrospectives on iconic programs and personalities that shaped the medium since the awards' inception. During the 2010s, the awards faced controversies regarding judging transparency, including allegations of irregularities that prompted public scrutiny and calls for greater accountability.[11] The 25th ceremony in 2011 marked another key event, introducing elements of digital engagement to the awards process and fostering partnerships with networks like GMA for enhanced production scale and broader reach. From 1994 to 2010, the awards experienced significant category proliferation, expanding from core drama and variety recognitions to include specialized honors for emerging formats, reflecting the diversification of television content. Between 2010 and 2020, further adaptations incorporated nods to reality TV and digital content, such as dedicated categories for reality programs that captured the rising popularity of unscripted entertainment and online extensions of broadcast shows.[9] These evolutions underscored the PMPC's commitment to adapting to industry shifts while maintaining its status as a benchmark for television achievement.Recent developments and expansions
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant adaptations for the PMPC Star Awards for Television, with the 34th ceremony postponed from its original 2020 schedule and ultimately held virtually on October 17, 2021, to honor programming from 2019 to 2020.[12] This virtual format allowed for safe recognition of outstanding television achievements amid health restrictions, featuring announcements and acceptances via online platforms.[13] The following year's 35th ceremony represented a return to in-person events on October 23, 2022, at the New Frontier Theater, incorporating health protocols such as masking and social distancing to mitigate ongoing pandemic risks.[1] In response to the rise of digital media, the awards expanded eligibility to include content from streaming platforms, reflecting the growing influence of online distribution in Philippine television. By 2023, further rule updates enhanced eligibility for online and digital-first content, allowing shows premiering on platforms like iWantTFC and Vivamax to compete alongside linear TV programs, thereby acknowledging the evolving landscape of viewer consumption.[14] The 38th ceremony, held on March 23, 2025, at the Dolphy Theatre in ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, marked a continuation of in-person events. The 37th ceremony, delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, was held later on August 24, 2025, at the VS Hotel Convention Center in Quezon City, in a hybrid format combining live attendance with online streaming elements to accommodate broader participation.[6] The 37th honored programming from 2022 to 2023, with GMA Network dominating wins, including Best TV Station.[2] The 38th focused on 2024 programming. Post-2020, the judging process saw an increased emphasis on diversity, incorporating a wider range of media professionals to better represent varied perspectives in evaluating content.[14]Ceremony Format and Elements
Venues and hosting
The PMPC Star Awards for Television have primarily been held in prominent theaters, arenas, and hotel ballrooms across Metro Manila, emphasizing the event's significance in the Philippine entertainment landscape. Early ceremonies utilized large-scale venues to accommodate enthusiastic crowds and live performances, with subsequent editions favoring more intimate convention spaces for enhanced production control and accessibility. For example, the 30th ceremony in 2016 took place at the Monet Grand Ballroom of the Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City, allowing for an elegant setup amid the city's bustling entertainment district.[15] During the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards adapted to public health restrictions, shifting from physical gatherings to virtual formats to prioritize participant safety while maintaining the tradition of recognition. The 34th edition in 2021 was conducted entirely online, streamed across multiple platforms without a traditional venue, marking a temporary departure from in-person events. Post-pandemic recovery saw a return to physical locations, such as the grand ballroom of the Winford Manila Resort and Casino for the 35th ceremony on January 28, 2023, which hosted hundreds of industry figures in a lavish setting. More recent iterations include the 37th ceremony on August 24, 2025, at the VS Hotel Convention Center in Quezon City, and the 38th on March 23, 2025, at the Dolphy Theatre within the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center.[9][16][17][13] Hosting duties for the Star Awards typically involve ensembles of well-known celebrities, often selected based on their current popularity, versatility in live settings, and previous contributions to television, ensuring engaging banter and broad appeal. Ceremonies frequently feature multiple co-hosts to distribute segments and represent diverse networks, with pairs or groups common to reflect the collaborative spirit of the industry. The 34th virtual event was emceed by Sanya Lopez and Alfred Vargas, whose professional rapport kept the online broadcast dynamic despite the format constraints.[13] In 2025, the 37th edition featured Boy Abunda, Pops Fernandez, Robi Domingo, Gela Atayde, and Elijah Canlas as hosts, blending veteran media figures with rising stars for a multifaceted presentation.[18] Similarly, the 38th ceremony was led by Kim Chiu, Piolo Pascual, and Alden Richards, leveraging their star power to highlight nominations across genres. Vic Sotto stands out as a recurrent host across various editions, drawing on his decades-long career in variety and comedy programming to infuse ceremonies with humor and familiarity.Theme tune and trophy design
PMPC Star Awards ceremonies typically feature original musical performances and orchestral elements during openings, but no fixed signature theme tune has been consistently used across editions. The Star Awards trophy recognizes excellence in television, with designs presented since the event's early years. Special variants are used for lifetime or special achievement awards to denote enduring contributions.Broadcast and production details
The PMPC Star Awards for Television have traditionally been broadcast as delayed telecasts on various Philippine networks to ensure high production quality, rotating among major broadcasters since the event's inception in 1987. In the late 2000s and 2010s, ABS-CBN frequently aired the ceremonies, including the 33rd edition in 2019, which was presented on the network's "Sunday's Best" program following the live event at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University.[19] The 34th ceremony in 2021 marked a significant adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted entirely virtually with remote presentations and aired on STV (Social TV) and RAD channels on October 17. This shift incorporated video conferencing technologies for multi-location setups, allowing participants to join from home studios while maintaining a cohesive broadcast.[20][21] Production of the awards is managed by Airtime Marketing Philippines, Inc., which handles logistics, staging, and technical execution for each event, often under directors like Eric Quizon for contemporary installments. The 38th ceremony in 2025 returned to an in-person format at the Dolphy Theatre in ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, Quezon City, and was telecast as a delayed broadcast on A2Z Channel 11 on April 5. High-definition video production has been standard since the early 2010s, aligning with broader industry upgrades in Philippine television, while digital streaming via official online channels expanded accessibility during the 2020s.[22][23]Awards Structure
Current judged and popularity categories
The PMPC Star Awards for Television features a comprehensive set of active categories as of 2025, all determined through judging by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) academy, comprising over 80 members including journalists, critics, and media professionals from print, broadcast, and online outlets. These judges evaluate submissions based on criteria such as innovation in storytelling and production, cultural and social impact, artistic excellence, and overall quality, ensuring selections prioritize substantive contributions over commercial appeal. Unlike some entertainment awards that incorporate public voting, the PMPC process remains fully judged to maintain credibility and focus on professional assessment, with no dedicated popularity categories or hybrid voting systems in place for the standard awards. The 38th ceremony in 2025 recognized over 40 categories, spanning program formats, individual performances, and hosting roles, honoring television content from the previous year.[24] Judged categories are divided into program awards, performance awards, and specialized recognitions. Program awards celebrate excellence in various genres, such as Best Primetime TV Series, awarded to FPJ's Batang Quiapo (TV5, A2Z) at the 38th ceremony for its gripping action-drama narrative and high viewership impact; Best Daytime Drama Series, won by Abot-Kamay Na Pangarap (GMA 7) for its inspirational family storyline; Best Variety Show, given to It's Showtime (GMA, GTV, A2Z, All TV) highlighting its energetic entertainment format; Best News Program, secured by Agenda (Bilyonaryo News Channel) for timely and investigative reporting; and Best Musical Variety Show, awarded to Letters and Music (Net 25) emphasizing musical performances and celebrity showcases.[24] Other notable program categories include Best Drama Anthology (e.g., Magpakailanman for episodic human interest stories), Best Comedy Show (e.g., Pepito Manaloto for relatable humor), Best Game Show (e.g., Wil To Win for interactive fun), Best Reality Show Host (e.g., ensemble including Robi Domingo for guiding contestant journeys in competition formats like Pinoy Big Brother Gen 11), and Best Sports Show (e.g., The Scorecard for comprehensive coverage). Individual awards focus on talent, including Best Drama Actor, won by Piolo Pascual for Pamilya Sagrado (TV5, A2Z), praised for his nuanced portrayal of family dynamics; Best Drama Actress, awarded to Kim Chiu for Linlang (TV5, A2Z) due to her emotional depth in a thriller role; Best Supporting Actor/Actress in drama (ties for Dennis Trillo and Arnold Reyes in Pulang Araw and My Guardian Alien, respectively, for compelling secondary characters); Best Comedy Actor/Actress (e.g., Roderick Paulate and Maricel Soriano for their humorous roles); Best Single Performance by an Actor/Actress (e.g., for standout guest or episodic roles like Paolo Contis in Magpakailanman); Best Child Performer (e.g., Zion Cruz for youthful authenticity); and Best New Male/Female TV Personality (e.g., Andres Muhlach and Fyang Smith for breakout performances). Hosting categories recognize skill in specific formats, such as Best Female/Male TV Host (Anne Curtis and Vic Sotto for engaging variety leading), Best Morning Show Hosts (for informative wake-up programs), and Best Celebrity Talk Show Host (e.g., Boy Abunda for insightful interviews).[24]| Category Type | Examples of Active Categories (2025) | Notable 38th Ceremony Winner/Example |
|---|---|---|
| Program Awards | Best Primetime TV Series, Best Daytime Drama Series, Best Variety Show, Best News Program, Best Drama Anthology, Best Comedy Show, Best Game Show, Best Musical Variety Show | FPJ's Batang Quiapo (Best Primetime TV Series); It's Showtime (Best Variety Show)[24] |
| Performance Awards | Best Drama Actor/Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Comedy Actor/Actress, Best Single Performance Actor/Actress, Best Child Performer, Best New TV Personality | Piolo Pascual (Best Drama Actor); Kim Chiu (Best Drama Actress)[24] |
| Hosting & Specialized | Best Male/Female TV Host, Best Reality Show Host, Best Sports Show Host, Best Showbiz Oriented Talk Show Host, Best TV Station | Anne Curtis (Best Female TV Host); GMA 7 (Best TV Station)[24] |
Special and discontinued awards
The PMPC Star Awards for Television features several special awards that honor exceptional contributions beyond standard categories, including lifetime achievement recognitions for industry veterans. These awards highlight long-term impact on Philippine broadcasting and entertainment. Notable among them is the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes pioneering figures in television; recipients at the 37th ceremony (August 2025) include Malou Choa-Fagar for her leadership at PTV as general manager, and Ariel Ureta, Caridad Sanchez, and Geleen Eugenio for their enduring influence in hosting, acting, and dance.[3][25] Another key special award is the Excellence in Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to broadcasters with decades of exemplary service. Julius Babao received this honor at the 38th ceremony (March 2025) for his journalistic excellence across multiple networks.[26][24] Other special awards include the Bert Marcelo Lifetime Achievement Award, given to Empoy Marquez at the 37th ceremony for his comedic contributions, and the Corazon Samaniego Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to Christopher de Leon in the same year for his acting legacy.[27] These honors, typically numbering around five to ten annually across ceremonies, celebrate breakthroughs and sustained excellence, often presented to emerging talents or established icons without annual competition.[18] Regarding discontinued awards, categories such as Best TV/Musical Special, last awarded in 2003, and Best Music Video, given only once in 1999 to PTV's Lupang Hinirang, are no longer presented.[2] These changes reflect shifts in television programming and content trends.Category evolution and retirements
The category structure of the PMPC Star Awards for Television has evolved since its inception in 1987, adapting to changes in the Philippine television landscape, including the growth of new networks, genres, and digital platforms. Initially featuring a limited number of categories focused on core genres like drama, comedy, and variety, the awards expanded in the late 1990s and 2000s to include emerging formats such as reality television and public affairs programs, reflecting the diversification of broadcasting following the rise of major networks like ABS-CBN and GMA. By the 2010s, the number of categories had increased to over 30, incorporating recognitions for technical aspects and specialized hosting to capture the industry's creative advancements. Retirements and consolidations have streamlined the structure in response to evolving viewer preferences and the influence of streaming services, which have reduced emphasis on certain traditional formats. For example, some early popularity-based categories were phased out in favor of merit-focused ones. Over time, more than 10 categories have been retired or merged since 1987, allowing the awards to maintain relevance with approximately 40 active categories as of the 2025 ceremonies, emphasizing high-impact content in drama, news, and entertainment.[24]Ceremonies and Records
List of ceremonies overview
The PMPC Star Awards for Television, established in 1987 by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), is an annual event recognizing excellence in Philippine television programming and personalities. As of November 2025, 37 ceremonies have been held, with the 36th edition skipped due to scheduling issues; the most recent were the 38th on March 23, 2025, and the delayed 37th on August 24, 2025. Ceremonies were predominantly scheduled in October from the inaugural event through 2004 and in 2006, reflecting a pattern of fall timing to align with the end of the broadcast year, before shifting to November, December, and more varied months in subsequent years.[28][29][9] Broadcasting has evolved from traditional networks to digital platforms. Early editions aired on RPN 9, ABS-CBN, and IBC 13, with a notable stint on TV5 in 2008; later ceremonies returned to ABS-CBN affiliates like A2Z for delayed telecasts, while the 35th in 2023 streamed exclusively on YouTube, and the 37th in 2025 was invitational without live broadcast. This shift highlights adaptations to changing media landscapes, including streaming additions amid network transitions.[24][7][9] The following table summarizes all ceremonies, including key highlights where notable, such as format changes or firsts.| Edition | Date | Venue | Host(s) | Network | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | October 28, 1987 | Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City | Edu Manzano | RPN 9 | Inaugural ceremony establishing the awards format. |
| 2nd | October 15, 1988 | Unknown | Unknown | ABS-CBN | Early focus on major networks' programs. |
| 3rd | October 28, 1989 | Metropolitan Theater, Manila | German Moreno, Eddie Garcia | Unknown | Expanded categories for acting and hosting. |
| 4th | October 27, 1990 | Unknown | Eric Quizon, Gabby Concepcion, Vilma Santos | RPN 9 | Introduced more ensemble hosting. |
| 5th | October 26, 1991 | Unknown | Vilma Santos, Eric Quizon, Vic Sotto, Mari Kaimo | IBC 13 | Highlighted rising stars in comedy and drama. |
| 6th | October 24, 1992 | Unknown | Bert Marcelo, Eric Quizon | Unknown | Emphasized public service programming. |
| 7th | October 23, 1993 | Philippine International Convention Center, Pasay | Aga Muhlach, Amy Perez | Unknown | Larger venue for growing attendance. |
| 8th | October 15, 1994 | UP Theater, Quezon City | Noel Trinidad, Tessie Tomas, Herbert Bautista, others | Unknown | Multiple hosts for diverse representation. |
| 9th | October 1995 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Continued October tradition. |
| 10th | October 1996 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Introduced popularity-based elements in voting. |
| 11th | October 11, 1997 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Focused on youth-oriented shows. |
| 12th | October 10, 1998 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Recognized digital media precursors. |
| 13th | October 16, 1999 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Honored veteran broadcasters. |
| 14th | October 7, 2000 | Unknown | Pops Fernandez, Troy Montero, Dingdong Dantes, Ralion Alonzo, Kris Aquino | RPN 9 | Milestone with celebrity co-hosts. |
| 15th | October 6, 2001 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Post-millennium reflections on TV evolution. |
| 16th | October 12, 2002 | Unknown | Boy Abunda, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Charlene Gonzales, others | Unknown | Variety show dominance noted. |
| 17th | October 11, 2003 | Unknown | Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda, Lorna Tolentino, others | Unknown | Drama series sweep. |
| 18th | October 23, 2004 | Aliw Theater, Pasay | Lorna Tolentino, Boy Abunda, Piolo Pascual | Unknown | Last pre-shift October event. |
| 19th | December 6, 2005 (taped); December 7, 2007 (delayed) | Party Central, Quezon City | Boy Abunda | IBC 13 | First major delay due to production. |
| 20th | October 23, 2006 (taped); October 28, 2006 (delayed) | UP Theater, Quezon City | Boy Abunda, Tin Tin Bersola-Babao, Jean Garcia, others | RPN 9 | Return to October briefly. |
| 21st | November 18, 2007 (taped); November 25, 2007 (delayed) | Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University | Boy Abunda, Pops Fernandez, Ara Mina, Lorna Tolentino | Unknown | November shift solidified. |
| 22nd | November 30, 2008 (taped); December 2, 2008 (delayed) | SMX Convention Center, Pasay | Paolo Bediones, Gabby Concepcion, Anne Curtis, Judy Ann Santos | TV5 | First on TV5 network. |
| 23rd | November 29, 2009 | PAGCOR Grand Theater, Manila | Piolo Pascual, Carmina Villarroel, John Lloyd Cruz | ABS-CBN | Live elements enhanced. |
| 24th | November 13, 2010 (taped); November 20, 2010 (delayed) | Newport Performing Arts Theater, Pasay | Angel Aquino, Ruffa Gutierrez, Miriam Quiambao | Unknown | News and current affairs focus. |
| 25th | November 22, 2011 (taped); November 27, 2011 (delayed) | Unknown | Piolo Pascual, Shamcey Supsup, Richard Gomez, Dawn Zulueta | Unknown | Beauty queen co-host debut. |
| 26th | November 18, 2012 (taped); November 25, 2012 (delayed) | Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University | Aga Muhlach, Kris Aquino, Toni Gonzaga | Unknown | Family entertainment themes. |
| 27th | November 24, 2013 (taped); December 1, 2013 (delayed) | AFP Theater, Taguig | Alex Gonzaga, Toni Gonzaga, Raymond Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez | Unknown | Sibling hosting duo. |
| 28th | November 23, 2014 (taped); November 30, 2014 (delayed) | Solaire Resort and Casino Grand Ballroom, Parañaque | Iza Calzado, Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, Piolo Pascual | Unknown | Luxury venue upgrade. |
| 29th | December 3, 2015 (taped); December 6, 2015 (delayed) | Kia Theatre, Cubao, Quezon City | Boy Abunda, Gelli de Belen, Maja Salvador, others | Unknown | Concert-style performances added. |
| 30th | October 23, 2016 (taped); November 20, 2016 (delayed) | Novotel Manila Araneta Center Monet Grand Ballroom, Quezon City | Robi Domingo, Alex Gonzaga, Luis Manzano, others | Unknown | Return to October timing. |
| 31st | November 12, 2017 (taped); November 19, 2017 (delayed) | Henry Lee Irwin Theater, Ateneo de Manila University | Ruffa Gutierrez, Richard Gutierrez, Robi Domingo, Jodi Sta. Maria | Unknown | Family reunion themes. |
| 32nd | October 14, 2018 (taped); October 28, 2018 (delayed) | Unknown | Julia Barretto, Robi Domingo, Raymond Gutierrez, others | Unknown | Youth-driven hosting. |
| 33rd | October 13, 2019 (taped); October 20, 2019 (delayed) | Unknown | Kathryn Bernardo, Kim Chiu, Enchong Dee, Robi Domingo | Unknown | Pre-pandemic milestone. |
| 34th | October 17, 2021 | MOWELFUND Studio, Quezon City | Sanya Lopez, Alfred Vargas | STV | Post-COVID intimate format. |
| 35th | January 28, 2023 | Winford Manila Resort and Casino, Manila | Pops Fernandez, Aiko Melendez, John Estrada | YouTube | First streaming-only broadcast. |
| 36th | Not held | None | None | None | Skipped due to production delays. |
| 37th | August 24, 2025 | VS Hotel Convention Center, Quezon City | Boy Abunda, Pops Fernandez, Gela Atayde, Elijah Canlas, others | None (invitational) | Delayed honoring of 2023 achievements; no broadcast.[9][30] |
| 38th | March 23, 2025 (taped); April 5, 2025 (delayed) | Dolphy Theatre, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, Quezon City | Kim Chiu, Piolo Pascual, Alden Richards, others | A2Z | Honored 2024 programs; ABS-CBN wins multiple awards.[24][7][1] |