ASOP TV Grand Finals for 2014 Offers New Sound, New Feel

Manila, Philippines – Twelve new praise songs will serenade Filipino audiences and will compete against each other for the much-awaited A Song Of Praise (ASOP) TV Music Festival Grand Finals Night on September 23, 2014 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

This year’s wide-ranging song entries are the handiwork of both amateur and professional composers. Here are the remaining eight finalists:

Ralph Lauren Refil is the composer of “Ikaw ang Tangi Kong Minamahal,” a powerful ballad that tells a person’s love for his Creator will be sung by Gail Blanco. Jesse Bayodoc, a masseuse from Laguna proves that visual impairment is not hindrance to writing musical compositions, nor in expressing gratefulness to God with “Panginoon Kay Buti Mo.” Bayodoc’s masterpiece will be interpreted by Pinoy Idol 2008 finalist, Walton Zerrudo.

“Awit ng Puso Ko,” penned by Empol Balbin will be interpreted by classical balladeer Bo Cerrudo. Louise Lyle Robles’s “May Awa ang Dios,” a song treading along the lines of soap opera music tells about trusting the mercy of God during trying times, will be sung by WCOPA Grand Champion Performer Ms. Beverly Caimen will perform Roble’s grand finals entry.

“Biyaya,” a  world music genre piece written by Meldin Nabia, will be performed by Bayang Barrios, one of the Philippines’ renowned ethnic folk singers. Arniel Villagonza’s “Tanging Gabay,” which also makes the list, will be interpreted by popular singer and actress Ms. Rachel Alejandro.

“Kislap’s” upbeat tune was inspired by Oliver Narag’s daughter Tala. The song will be interpreted  by Ms. Jessa Mae Gabon.

Two alternative pop rock icons in the Philippines, Jek Manuel and Jayson Fernandez, will interpret “God Will Win Our Fight,” a piece crafted by professional praise songwriter, Mr. Ricardo Sanchez.

Movie and television actor and director Mr. Cesar Montano joins the ASOP composers’ roster with his composition titled “Pagpupuring Walang Hanggan,” to be performed by Kenyo vocalist Mcoy Fundales.

Marlon Nabia’s “Sa Bawat Araw,” song entry will be interpreted by UNTV’s Klasrum host Shanne Velasco.

Freestyle vocalist Ms. Ava Olivia Santos will sing “You Are Lord of All,” a composition by 80’s star Ms. Ma. Luzlilet “Lilet” Esteban. Rounding up the 12 finalists is Jinnie Adilan’s “Hangga’t May Tinig Ako.” Adilan’s R&B piece will be performed by PHILPOP 2014 2nd runner up Mr. Daryl Ong.

The ASOP Music Festival is the first-ever musical competition on television that promotes the creation of songs of praise to God. Each year, songs or praises that make the finals showcase different musical varieties, such as ballad, novelty, alternative pop rock, and even ethnic.

The TV songs of praise writing competition first opened its doors to breakthrough praise song compositions in 2011, featuring amateur and professional songwriters and interpreters. Twelve monthly winners compete for the championship trophy each year.

Aside from the grand prize, song entries are eligible to win the People’s Choice Award. ASOP TV viewers may vote for their favorite compositions by texting its corresponding vote code. Complete information can be viewed on ASOP Music Festival’s official website www.asoptv.com.

A Song Of Praise Music Festival is the only songwriting TV program in the Philippines, hosted by Mr. Richard Reynoso and Ms. Toni Rose Gayda. ASOP TV airs on Sundays at 7 pm on UNTV.

(Written by Apple Arco)