The recently concluded World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) at The Heritage Hotel was a radiant evening of recognition, unity, and pride, celebrating the brilliance of Filipino talent, leadership, and artistry on a global stage. The event brought together well-known figures from Philippine politics and showbiz. But while it was a night of triumph, the days that followed were filled with sorrow, forever etching this year’s WCEJA in both history and the hearts of many.
The grand celebration was graced by Senator Bong Go, whose presence brought honor to the ceremony. Also in attendance was Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla, who accepted the award on behalf of her husband, Senator Bong Revilla, expressing gratitude and humility for the recognition.
Another highlight of the night was the appearance of PCSO Director Imelda Papin, who accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award for Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs. Meanwhile, John Rendez, a close companion and trusted friend, received the award on behalf of National Artist Nora Aunor, named the 2025 World Class Icon of Philippine Cinema.
Behind the shining awards was a meaningful moment for Emma Cordero, the founding chairperson of WCEJA. She flew back from Fukuoka, Japan, to personally lead the event and make sure everything was special and heartfelt. But just a day after the joyous ceremony, the news of Pilita Corrales’ passing devastated Emma and the entire Filipino community. Pilita, a cherished legend and recipient of the 2025 World Class Queen of Songs & Lifetime Achievement Award, had been a guiding voice in music and a personal inspiration to Emma.
In an emotional gesture, Emma Cordero paid her final respects to Pilita Corrales by presenting the trophy—symbolizing the singer’s indelible impact—to her son, Ramon Christopher Gutierrez (son of Pilita and actor Eddie Gutierrez), during the wake held at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
“There would be no Emma Cordero without Pilita. It is an honor to be called Asia’s Princess of Songs, a title that came after her as Asia’s Queen of Songs. I truly idolize her, and without realizing it, I started adopting her style when she sings, especially the leaning back or ‘bending back’ gesture. We both come from the Visayas.
“We’ve been guests together a few times on the show of the late Master Showman German Moreno, or Kuya Germs, on the ‘Walang Tulugan’ program, and Tita Pilita knew that she was truly my idol. I don’t know why I insisted on giving her an award now, but it turns out it was her last. When I spoke with her two years ago, she told me, ‘Day, give me the award in Japan, I’ll go there.’ Sadly, that never happened,” Emma shared this sad story in a phone call to me a day after she returned to Japan.
But fate was not done testing the strength of Emma’s heart.
Just days later—before even Pilita Corrales could be laid to rest—Emma received the heartbreaking news that Nora Aunor, the beloved National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, had also passed away. It was an unbearable loss, especially since Emma had planned to visit the superstar before returning to Japan. Sadly, Nora had already been hospitalized.
“I still haven’t recovered from the sadness of Tita Pilita’s passing, and yet what came next turned out to be even more painful—something that made me cry even harder. I really wanted to visit Ate Guy, even if I had to go alone after we all parted ways from the office of PAO Chief Persida Acosta on April 11. But she was no longer seeing my messages. I later received a message that she was already in the hospital.
“I told my self she would recover, and even if we didn’t get to see each other now, there would still be time because I was planning to return in May. But Ate Guy’s passing hit me hard,” Emma told me in a phone call, crying, right after learning the heartbreaking news.
Both Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor were not only icons in their respective fields, but they were also close to Emma’s heart. She admired them not just for their talent, but for their legacy, their strength as women, and their lasting influence on Philippine culture.
As the founder of WCEJA, Emma has always believed in recognizing greatness while people are still here to feel the love and appreciation. This year, though, life had other plans. The awards became a final tribute to both legends, but their sudden passing left a deep sadness in the organization—and in Emma’s heart.
Even amid the loss, Emma Cordero stays strong in her mission. She is committed to honoring the achievements of Filipinos, keeping the memories of beloved icons alive, and showing the world the talent, beauty, and greatness that the Philippines has to offer.
WCEJA 2025 may be remembered for its glowing success, but more importantly, it will be remembered as the year when two queens of Philippine music and cinema were honored—not just with trophies, but with eternal love from most Pinoys around the globe. #
