“Kung Pag-ibig Mo’y Ulan,”by Christian Malinias of Benguet province, swept the top prizes of the UNTV Life-produced songwriting tilt, A Song of Praise (ASOP) Music Festival Year 4 on Oct. 13 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City.
The song was awarded the “Song of the Year” by ASOP Music Festival juries headed by Ryan Cayabyab. This award came with P500,000 cash prize. The Voice Season 2 finalist Leah Patricio bagged the Best Interpreter award for the same, taking home P50,000 in cash.
Twelve monthly finalists vied for the “Song of the Year” honors and some special prizes. A record P1.3 Million total cash prizes was given this year, ASOP Music Festival’s 4th Year.
The runners-up included the grand finalist “Pakamamahalin Din Kita,” composed by Dennis Avenido (1st runner-up), crowd-favorite “Jesus, I Love You” (2nd runner-up), and “Pahintulutan Mo” penned by Leonardo De Jesus II (3rd runner-up). Niño Alejandro, RJ Buena and Philippe Go interpreted the first, second, and third runner up winning masterpieces, respectively.
The other members of the judging board included ASOP resident judge and arranger Mon del Rosario, singer/songwriter Mr. Jett Pangan, Gospel songwriter, Jungee Marcelo, record company executive, Lachmi Baviera and Filipino singer and actress, Celeste Legaspi.
BMPI Chairman and CEO Daniel Razon acknowledged the original proponent of ASOP Music Festival – Bro. Eli Soriano, Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International (MCGI).
Kuya Daniel, as he is also known by the public, bared that ASOP the songwriting tilt has been around in MCGI for 11 years already until Bro. Eli suggested air the show on mainstream television.
The winning songs of ASOP debuted on mainstream radio beginning Oct.18 at 5-6 a.m., through Wish FM 107.5 kHz.
The people’s favorite was “Dakila Ka Ama” by Ella Mae Septimo and interpreted by Ruth Regine Reyno. Selected as Best Music Video was the work for “Sabik Sa ‘Yo” by Joseph Bolinas and interpreted by Ney Dimaculangan.
