Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli attend the 2024 Billboard Women In Music at YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California. Amy Sussman, Getty Images via AFP 

It's official! Singer-actress Sarah Geronimo is the first Filipina to accept an award at the Billboard Women in Music event.

On Thursday (Manila time), Geronimo, the "Tala" hitmaker was honored with Global Force award at the Billboard Women in Music event held at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, California.

The video of her acceptance speech was shared by Billboard  via a social media post.

“I humbly accept this award on behalf of every excellent Filipino artist back home and all over the world. For me, this recognition signifies courage and hope. Courage to accept and embrace one’s self and the courage to break boundaries and rise above all the setbacks and challenges that every artist needs to face. And the hope that one day, this meaningful moment will bridge the gap between the Philippines and other nations, collaborating, uniting as one to create change and positivity in the world through music. Once again, I am Sarah Geronimo from the Philippines. Mabuhay ang OPM. Maraming maraming salamat po,” Geronimo  shared.

On Twitter, Geroninmo's husband, actor Matteo Guidicelli shared a photo which shows Geronimo's award. 

In an interview before receiving the award, Geronimo said she is truly honored to represent the Philippines at the Billboard event.

She also gave a shoutout to her mother Divine, whom she called a "hero" at the event which champions women in the music industry.

Sarah Geronimo calls mom a 'hero' at Billboard event

Fans of Geronimo also expressed their support to their idol as the hashtag #GlobalForceSarahG trended on X (formerly Twitter).

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