“Dahil Sa Iyo,” penned by singer-turned-composer Carlo David, was hailed as Song of the Year during the sixth Grand Finals Night of the A Song of Praise Music Festival held on November 13 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. (Joseph Aron Ricafrente | Photoville International)

After earning the “Best Talent Search” nod in the recently concluded Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards, the A Song of Praise Music Festival (ASOP) TV successfully held its sixth Grand Finals Night celebrating 12 new praise songs on November 13, 2017.

BMPI-UNTV CEO and President Kuya Daniel Razon gave all glory and praises to God for the program’s recognition from the esteemed award-giving body.

“It is very timely for us to offer all praises to Whom it is due. Thanks be to God! All honors belong to Him!” said the veteran broadcast journalist in his speech before a full-packed SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Humble Beginnings

UNTV CEO and President Kuya Daniel Razon delivers his message during the Year 6 Grand Finale of ASOP TV. (Wilson Domingo | Photoville International)

Led by Bro. Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon, the A Song of Praise Music Festival started out in 2004 as a bi-annual event in the Members Church of God International (MCGI). It features original praise songs written by Church members from all around the world.

In 2011, through public service channel UNTV, ASOP became ASOP TV, hosted by entertainment personalities Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda. With this, the program was able to cater to songs from a wider range of amateur and professional composers.

Since then, hundreds of praise songs were already telecast through the airwaves. ASOP TV airs every Sunday at 7PM PHT.

Another milestone

The Big Dome was jampacked with spectators from the Members Church of God International (MCGI) supporting the event. Before ASOP aired on television, it was an exclusive event of MCGI featuring original compositions of Church members from around the world. (Enchong Lloren Negre | Photoville International)

As the show celebrated its sixth year, Kuya Daniel expressed his happiness about the ASOP Music Festival being able to fulfil its purpose.

“As I was watching, I felt something really delightful. ASOP Music Festival has achieved its purpose of helping people become more aware that beautifully-crafted songs should first and foremost be dedicated to God,” he shared.

“As Bro. Eli said to me, ‘Anything that we are going to do for God, we must do it the best way we can.’ We thank God for the opportunity to become an instrument for ASOP to be broadcasted on television,” he added.

The UNTV President, who considers himself as an amateur composer, closed his remarks by encouraging everyone to create more songs of praises.

A Dozen More

Twelve new songs of praises were introduced during the Year 6 Grand Finals Night.

Winning Php500,000-cash prize, Song of the Year was awarded to “Dahil Sa Iyo,” written by singer-turned-composer Carlo David and interpreted by RnB icon Jay-R, who also won Best Interpreter for the year.

Coming in second was Jessan May Mirador’s “You’re All I Need” as sang by Kris Angelica. Other runner-ups were “Ikaw ang Aking Dios” composed by Lorna Petrasanta, interpreted by Liezel Garcia, and “Hallelujah to the One” composed by Zion Aquino, interpreted by Gail Blanco.

The runner-ups took home tax-free cash prizes of Php250,000, Php150,000, and Php100,000 respectively, while non-winning entries received Php20,000 each.

The People’s Choice Award was bestowed to the song “Carry On,” a collaborative work among North America-based composers Nonie Ramos, PA Atienza, and Nino Cristobal; interpreted by Sam Mangubat.

Renowned hitmaker and resident judge Mon Del Rosario led the panel of judges, alongside musical director Homer Flores, singer/actress Carla Martinez, balladeer Dingdong Avanzado, and record label executive Atty. Marivic Benedicto.

Written by: Elizabeth Borromeo