Zsa Zsa Padilla Returns Her Lifetime Achievement Award Due to a “Shocking and Embarrassing” Experience

On December 15 at the Manila Hotel, Zsa Zsa Padilla was among the honorees who received Aliw Awards Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside Lani Misalucha, Gary Valenciano, Jed Madela, Nonoy Tan, Frankie Asinero, and Hon. Faustino Dy. But while being recognized for decades of remarkable contributions to the arts is an honor, the experience did not turn out as the awardee hoped.

On a two-part Instagram post, Zsa Zsa recounted her experiences throughout her awards journey, and how “elated” she felt after receiving the news that she had been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious award. “I had so much to be grateful for, having been in this industry for 42 years,” she wrote, recalling the producers, directors, writers, and other teams that she has been collaborating with throughout these decades. She thoughtfully mentioned her family as well, who were present to support her that evening.

Unfortunately, she and the other honorees were signaled to step down from the stage after receiving their trophies. “Wala ba man lang tayong speech?” was what she said to Lani. “Still, we respectfully went down together.”

Zsa Zsa added that she delivered her supposed acceptance speech only when a vlogger approached her outside of the ballroom, and asked her for her thoughts on the recognition. She wrote that she “felt like crying” upon being “dumbfounded by how the awarding was handled.” “To be dismissed so abruptly after supposedly being ‘honored’ was shocking and embarrassing. What was the point of being there with our families? So, Aliw, please do better.”

The veteran singer and actress also used the opportunity to detail how exactly the foundation can improve. “Honor people properly. Prepare video presentations explaining why recipients are being given Lifetime Achievement Awards,” explaining that she, herself, wasn’t familiar with the works of other awardees, and it would have been “truly interesting and meaningful” to learn more about them. She also recalled that the recipients of the other awards that evening were given time to express their thanks.

Upon “feeling small as I walked off that stage,” Zsa Zsa decided to return the award. “I hope you understand this gesture and take it as an opportunity to learn how to honor your recipients with the respect they deserve.”

Alice Reyes, the foundation’s president and founder, has released a statement on the incident. “It is unfortunate that Zsa Zsa took her not being able to speak at the Aliw Awards night as an affront to her, and I apologize to her on behalf of the foundation and the production staff.” She added that, since the previous year, they have been trying to shorten the ceremony’s length and thought that the brief time on stage would be sufficient.

Had Zsa Zsa given a sign or informed the staff of her want to speak, Alice said she “would have made an exception in her case” as she “personally would have loved to hear what she had to say.” Alice concluded her apology by saying, “Perhaps we can find a way to make up for it in the future.”

The Aliw Awards Foundation, Inc. (AAFI) annually recognizes excellence in the Philippines’ entertainment industry, with categories spanning its many facets. Its most coveted recognition is Entertainer of the Year, which this year was awarded to Jona, who was also named Best Pop Artist.

From directors and composers to musicians and actors, the AAFI has been holding ceremonies for decades. It was founded in 1976, with the first awards night held the following year. The foundation took a hiatus from 1988 to 1998, making this year’s ceremony its 38th installment. The Aliw Awards 2025 was directed by Frannie Zamora and co-hosted by Arnell Ignacio and Shiela Valderrama.