World Class Excellence awards to honor PH music icons

April 13 ------ Legendary Asia's Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, Philippine Jukebox Queen Imelda Papin, and beloved baladeer Darius Razon will be honored at the 2025 World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) as the prestigious international event returns for another milestone year. These iconic voices, whose music has shaped generations and transcended borders, will take center stage in the 13th WCEJA World Class Charity Concert and Red-Carpet Awarding Ceremony Tribute Dinner tonight, April 10, at The Heritage Hotel Manila. 

Corrales will be presented the 2025 World Class Queen of Songs and Lifetime Achievement Award; Papin — who is currently director at Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office's (PCSO) — the World Class Ambassador of Charity 2025 for her work in public service; and Razon, Asia's Balladeer of the Year.  

Founded by Japan-based Filipino singer and philanthropist Emma Cordero-Toba, the WCEJA recognizes individuals from the Philippines and across the globe who have made exceptional contributions to their industries and communities. Toba, who is also the chairman of NPO Hougin Aiwo Agetai (I Wanna Give Love Foundation), continues to lead this dual mission of celebrating excellence and uplifting lives through education. "It is a great honor for me to lead this meaningful celebration of world-class talents, leaders, and advocates. This is more than an awards night — it's a mission," she shares. 

In addition to the revered singers, WCEJA 2025 will likewise bestow titles on professionals, public servants, entrepreneurs, artists, beauty queens, broadcasters, and philanthropists. Among the confirmed awardees are National Artist Nora Aunor, who will receive the title of World Class Icon of Philippine Cinema 2025, Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid - Most Outstanding Public Servant and Best Actor 2025 for his performance in "Batang Quiapo," The Manila Times columnist and PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta - Most Outstanding Judicial Lawyer-Philanthropist, actress Kyline Alcantara - Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Shining Inheritance," Derrick Monasterio - Most Outstanding TV Host, Actor, and Singer of the Year, and Sheryl Cruz - Asia's Outstanding TV Actress of the Year. Special honors will include Best Dressed of the Night, King and Queen of the Night, and Hero of the Night. 

WCEJA 2025 is a one-of-a-kind celebration of talent, passion, and service. Whether one is a leader, artist, entrepreneur, or advocate, the event offers an international platform to be seen, heard, and honored. Proceeds from the awards program will support underprivileged students through scholarship grants, with many of WCEJA's current crop of high-achieving scholars attending the event to be recognized. 

Source: manilatimes.net