Zsa Zsa Padilla has returned the Lifetime Achievement Award given to her at the Aliw Awards 2025, saying the ceremony fell short of honoring artists with the respect they deserve.
In a two-part Instagram post, the veteran singer-actress said she was initially grateful to be recognized for her 42 years in the entertainment industry and chose not to prepare a written speech, hoping to speak from the heart.
“After all, I had so much to be grateful for, having been in this industry for 42 years,” she wrote.
Padilla said she intended to thank the people who shaped her career and acknowledge her family, who were present that night. Instead, awardees were asked to leave the stage immediately after receiving their trophies.
“We were handed our awards and waited for a while… Instead, a production staff member eventually signaled for us to step down,” she said.
The experience left her shaken. “To be dismissed so abruptly after supposedly being ‘honored’ was shocking and embarrassing,” she wrote, adding, “What was missing was sincerity.”
“For that reason, I am returning the award to you,” Padilla said, urging organizers to “Honor people properly.”
