The 3rd ASOP Music Festival

The 3rd ASOP Music Festival

It was my privilege to attend the presscon and meet the Grand Finalists of the 3rd ASOP  Music Festival yesterday. A lot of you maybe thinking what does ASOP means? Well, it is actually A Song Of Praise; and based from the title itself, it is a musical celebration of religious and songs of praises put into a song writing competition on Philippine television. 

It aims to relive to the people what seems to be lost and forgotten and often neglected. You know what it is? It's giving thanks and glory to The Creator amidst the rat race, fear and violence humans are faced with nowadays-- a mark that most songwriting competitions do not possess. 

While other stations were busy creating reality, game shows and talent discovery programs, UNTV's Kuya Daniel Razon, Mr. Public Service himself founded ASOP being a venue not only for professional songwriters but also for aspiring and budding composers who have their own stories to tell through their songs and musical talents showcased year round. Kudos to all of you!

Running on its third year, ASOP Music Festival holds its grand finals today, September 23, 2014 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. ASOP has produced three albums, each featuring twelve originally composed praise songs that emerged victorious in each of the twelve months from September to August interpreted by the most sought-after artists and big names in the local music scene. 

Going international, being seen on UNTV 37 with live streaming on www.untvweb.com , and heard over UNTV Radio La Verdad 1350 Khz, ASOP has been receiving song entries from key cities in the Philippines and overseas. Aside from cash prizes to the weekly and monthly winners, the program gives all contestants free songwriting tips from authorities in the field of music. 

Above all these, ASOP gives the songwriters and the audience the chance to offer thanks and songs of praises to the Supreme Musician. 

ASOP Music Fest grand finalists seated from left to right: Ms. Lilet Esteban, Empol Balbin, Bo Cerrudo, Rachel Alejandro, Ava Olivia Santos (Freestyle) and Mcoy Fundales during the presscon yesterday

Sir Mon del Rosario, one of the prestigious judges at the ASOP Music Festival 2014

The other set of ASOP Music Festival grand finalists (composers and interpreters) with Jessa Mae Gabon, Jek Manuel (I-Axe) and Jason Fernandez (Rivermaya)

Ma. Luz Lilet Esteban

Meanwhile, Ms. Lilet said during the presscon, "Excited ako, eto 'yung first time ko na sumali sa isang songwriting competition, kasi nung bata ako sumasali ako sa mga singing competition. Tapos ito 'yung napakagandang opportunity kasi it's not just a song that I wrote, it's a worship song for the Giver." 

Ms. Rachel Alejandro

"Dahil napakaganda ng kanta ni Arniel, nagpapasalamat ako na binigyan at nagtiwala s'ya sa 'kin with this beautiful song ( Tanging Gabay). So I'm, excited to do this one for him tomorrow," Rachel shared.

Right to left: Bo Cerrudo, Rachel Alejandro, Ava Olivia Santos and Mcoy Fundales

While on the other hand, Bo Cerrudo, described "Awit ng Puso" as a very reflective and meditative song. He calls it an appreciation song also. He also shares that this song is structured like that of the 80's and 90's and he even compared it to the song "Magsimula Ka." 

Composer: Jinnie Adilan

2. "Awit ng Puso Ko" (October)

Interpreter: Bo Cerrudo

Composer: Cesar Montano

5. "Ikaw ang Tangi Kong Minamahal" (January) -- Power Ballad

Interpreter: Gail Blanco

6. "Biyaya" (February) -- World Music Genre

Composer: Meldin Nabla

Interpreter: Bayang Barrios

Interpreter: Rachel Alejandro

8. "Kislap" (April) -- Reggae

Composer: Oliver Narag

Interpreter: Jessa Mae Gabon

9. "God Will Win Our Fight" (May) -- Euro Rock

10. "May Awa ang Dios (June)

Composer: Louise Lyle Robles

Interpreter: Beverly Caimen (WCOPA 2013 Senior Grand Champion)

11. "You are Lord of All" (July)

12. "Panginoon Kay Buti Mo" (August)

Composer: Jesse Bayodoc