On December 15, Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla received one of the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 38th Aliw Awards Foundation. However, the veteran singer later revealed that she intends to return the award due to what she described as disrespectful treatment.
Padilla, who has been in the entertainment industry for 42 years, said receiving such recognition should have been a moment of celebration. Instead, the award-giving body—meant to honor artists who have made valuable contributions to the music industry—left her disappointed.
In an Instagram post, the singer called out the production team of the said award show. She shared that she was initially thrilled to learn she would be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Padilla added that, while she had not prepared a formal speech, she hoped to speak from the heart but was not given the chance to do so.
She expressed disappointment over being “abruptly dismissed” from the stage, noting that she expected awardees to be given time to speak. Padilla questioned how someone labeled as “honored” could be treated that way, especially with her family and friends present to show their love and support.
“So, Aliw, please do better,” she wrote, urging the organization to properly honor its recipients. Padilla said she felt small and belittled, pointing out that other awardees were given the chance to speak and were treated with respect.
The singer also said sincerity was missing from the event. “Instead of feeling honored, I was left feeling small as I walked off that stage,” she shared.
Padilla ended her statement by confirming that she would be returning the award. She expressed hope that the Aliw Awards Foundation would understand her decision and learn how to treat honorees with the dignity and respect they deserve.
