The ASOP (A Song of Praise) Music Festival is an annual music festival held in Metro Manila, Philippines. Basically a songwriting competition,[1] it is the only gospel music television program in the country.[2] An original concept of Bro. Eli Soriano and Daniel Razon aiming to bring back praise songs to the public, it started in 2004 as a music competition inside the Members Church of God International but was later opened to the general public in 2011.[3] The music festival also discourages rap and metal music entries.
| ASOP Music Festival | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Pop, Jazz, Ballad, Classical, Christian Music, Contemporary Christian Music, Reggae, Country, Pop Rock, Rock, Orchestra |
| Dates | First Three Sundays of the Month (Weekly Finals) Fourth Sunday of the Month (Monthly Finals) Second Sunday or Monday of November (Grand Finals) |
| Location(s) | La Verdad Christian College, Caloocan, Philippines (Weekly and Monthly Finals) New Frontier Theater, Quezon City, Philippines (Grand Finals) |
| Years active | 2011–2019 (hiatus) |
| Website | Official Website |
The program airs weekly on UNTV every Sunday night holding weekly and monthly eliminations. The show is hosted by Toni Rose Gayda and balladeer Richard Reynoso.[4][5] For the first 6 years (2012-2017), the Grand Finals were held in Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City. Starting in 2018, the Finals are held in nearby New Frontier Theater, Quezon City. Since 2015, entries that won from the monthly eliminations of November of the current year to October of the following year are included in the Grand Finals Night.
On its third year, the multi-awarded Filipino actor and film director, Cesar Montano and Filipina actress, Lilet joined the competition with their compositions entitled Pagpupuring Walang Hanggan (Eternal Praise), and You Are Lord of All, respectively.
ASOP Music Festival was crowned the Best Talent Search Program of the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Television. As announced by Daniel Razon on the Year 7 Grand Finals, starting Year 8, the cash prize will be ₱800,000 for the champion, and a yearly increment of ₱100,000 will be added to the grand prize.[5]
Hosts
- Toni Rose Gayda (2011–present)[5][6]
- Richard Reynoso (2011–present)[5][7]
Grand Winners
| Year | Date | Composer(s) | Song | Interpreter(s) | Prize | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 24, 2012 | Anton Estrella Jr. | Purihin Mo Ang Dios Oh Pilipinas (Praise God, Oh Philippines) | Gail Blanco | ₱500,000 | [8][9][10] |
| 2 | September 9, 2013 | Boy Christopher Ramos Jr. | Ikaw (You) | Jonalyn Viray | ₱500,000 | [9][11] |
| 3 | September 23, 2014 | Louise Lyle Robles | May Awa ang Dios (There is Mercy in God) | Beverly Caimen | ₱500,000 | [9][12] |
| 4 | October 13, 2015 | Christian Malinias | Kung Pag-ibig Mo'y Ulan (If Your Love is Rain) | Leah Patricio | ₱500,000 | [9][13] |
| 5 | November 7, 2016 | Noemi Ocio | Kumapit Ka Lang (Just Hold On) | Mela | ₱500,000 | [9][14][15][16] |
| 6 | November 13, 2017 | Carlo David | Dahil Sa Iyo (Because of You) | Jay R | ₱500,000 | [9][17] |
| 7 | November 11, 2018 | John Paul Salazar | Tugtog (Play) | Bradz | ₱500,000 | [9][18][19] |
| 8 | November 10, 2019 | Carlo David | Sa 'Di Mabilang Na Tala (In the Countless Stars) | Gidget Dela Llana | ₱800,000 | [20][21] |
| ASOP Music Festival went on hiatus after the Year 8 Grand Finals, probably due to proposed format changes in the Year 8 Finals, and eventually due to the quarantine caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. | ||||||
Events
NOTE: Tagalog song titles presented in this table are provided with English translations.
| Year | Lineup | Winners | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | I Will Still Praise You The Sweetest Moment Sa Iyo Aking Ama (To You, Father) Purihin Ka Ng Aking Luha (My Tears Shall Praise You) Pupurihin Ka Hanggang sa Kailanman (I Will Praise You Until Eternity) Pag-ibig ay Dios (God is Love) Reasons to Believe Sa ‘Yo (For You) Puso Kong Nabuksan (My Enlightened Heart) Be My Everything Purihin Mo Ang Dios, Oh Pilipinas (Praise God, Oh Philippines) Ikaw Ang Ngayon Bukas at Kailanman (You are the Now, Tomorrow and Forever) | Champion: Purihin Mo Ang Dios Oh Pilipinas[22] First Runner Up: Pupurihin Ka Hanggang Sa Kailanman (I Will Praise You Until Forevermore) Second Runner Up: Puso Kong Nabuksan Third Runner Up: Reasons To Believe Best Interpreter: Nikki Valdez (Pupurihin Ka Hanggang sa Kailanman) People's Choice: Pag-ibig ay Dios | September 24, 2012 | Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines |
| 2013 | You'll See Miracles Sa Iyo Lamang (In You Alone) Ikaw Lamang ang Pupurihin (Only You Will Be Praised) Dakila Ka (You Are Great) Lagi Kang Nariyan (You Are Always There) You're My God Awit ng mga Awit (Song of Songs) Iniibig Kita Buong Puso at Kaluluwa (I Love You With All My Heart and Soul) Ikaw (You) Hallelujah I Am Grateful Salamat sa Iyo (Thanks To You) | Champion: Ikaw[23] First Runner Up: I Am Grateful Second Runner Up: Lagi Kang Nariyan Third Runner Up: You'll See Miracles Best Interpreter: Jona (Ikaw) | September 9, 2013 | |
| 2014[24] | Ikaw Ang Tangi Kong Minamahal (You're the Only One I Love) Biyaya (Grace) Tanging Gabay (Special Guide) Kislap (Shimmer) God will Win Our Fight May Awa ang Dios (There is Mercy in God) You are Lord of All Panginoon Kay Buti Mo (Lord, How Good You Are) Hangga’t May Tinig Ako (As Long As I Have My Voice) Awit ng Puso Ko (My Heart's Song) Pagpupuring Walang Hanggan (Eternal Praise) Sa Bawat Araw (In Every Day) | Champion: May Awa ang Dios (God's Mercy)[25] First Runner Up: Sa Bawat Araw (In Each Day) Second Runner Up: Tanging Gabay Third Runner Up: Biyaya People's Choice Award: Hangga't May Tinig Ako Best Interpreter: Beverly Caimen (May Awa ang Dios) | September 23, 2014 | |
| 2015 | Dinggin Mo Oh Dios (Listen, O God) Alabok (Dust) Sabik Sa Iyo (I'm Eager For You) Walang Hanggan (Forever) Jesus, I Love You Mahal Mo Ako (You Love Me) Kung Pag-Ibig Mo'y Ulan (If Your Love is Rain) Dakila Ka, Ama (Father, You are Great) Ikaw Na Lang Mag-Drive ng Buhay Ko (Only You Will Drive My Life) Pahintulutan Mo (Please Let Him Do) Salamat Po, Ama (Thank You, Father) Pakamamahalin Din Kita, O Dios (I'll Also Cherish You, O God) | Champion: Kung Pag-Ibig Mo'y Ulan[26] First Runner Up: Pakamamahalin Din Kita Second Runner Up: Jesus, I Love You Third Runner Up: Pahintulutan Mo Best Interpreter: Leah Patricio (Kung Pag-Ibig Mo'y Ulan) People's Choice: Dakila Ka, Ama Best Music Video: Sabik sa’Yo | October 13, 2015 | |
| 2016 | God Will Always Make A Way Tapat Mong Pangako (Your Faithful Promise) Ikaw Lamang (Only You) Ikaw Pala (It's Really You) Tanging Ligaya (Only Rewarding) Ang Iyong Pangalan (Your Name) Patawarin Mo Ako (Please Forgive Me) Araw At Ulan (Sun and Rain) Pag-ibig Ka, Oh Dios (You are the Love, O God) Mula Sa Aking Puso (From My Heart) Kumapit Ka Lang (Just Hold On) You Stood By Me | Champion: Kumapit Ka Lang (Just Hold On) First Runner Up: God Will Always Make A Way Second Runner Up: Araw At Ulan (Sun and Rain) Third Runner Up: You Stood By Me & Mula Sa Aking Puso (From My Heart) People's Choice: Ikaw Lamang (Only You) Best Interpreter: Bugoy Drilon and Jason Fernandez | November 7, 2016 | |
| 2017 | Gabundok Man Sumasamba Sa 'Yo (Worshipping You) Carry On Ikaw Ang Aking Dios (You Are My God) Sapat Na Ba (Is It Enough) Dahil Sa 'Yo (Because of You) Wala Kang Katulad (There Is No Other) Ikaw Panginoon (You, Lord) If You Believe You Are All I Need Hallelujah To The One Beside Your Heart | Champion: Dahil Sa 'Yo First Runner Up: You're All I Need Second Runner Up: Ikaw Ang Aking Dios Third Runner Up: Hallelujah To The One People's Choice: Carry On Best Interpreter: Jay R | November 13, 2017 |
Year 7 (2017–2018)
- Date: November 11, 2018
- Venue: New Frontier Theater, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
- Judges: Rannie Raymundo, Boy Christopher Ramos,[11] Mon Del Rosario, Pat Castillo, Jose Javier Reyes, and Fides Cuyugan-Asensio [27]
- Hosts: Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda
The ASOP Year 7 Grand Finals night was held at the New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City on November 11, 2018, and had its simultaneous TV premiere at UNTV and online premiere at Youtube on December 30, 2018.[28]
"Tugtog", a song entry composed by John Paul Salazar and interpreted by Bradz was named as the grand champion among 12 finalists. Blind composer Jeffrey Lim won the special award Bro. Eli Soriano's Choice for the song "Hiling", while LJ Manzano's "Banal Mong Salita" bagged the People's Choice Award. Cello Nuñez was hailed as the Best Interpreter.
Wish 107.5 products The Wishfuls performed at the event.
After the Grand Finals, "Banal Mong Salita" was used as the soundtrack of Ang Dating Daan's 38th anniversary short film "Banal Na Salita" (Holy Word).[29]
| Result | Song [30] | Composer(s) [30] | Interpreter(s) [30] | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Pagbabalik (Return) | Joel Jabelosa | Marcelito Pomoy | ₱20,000 |
| — | Hiling (Wish) | Jeffrey Lim | Plethora | ₱20,000 |
| — | Makikita Kita (I'll See You) | Joyner Dizon | Dan Billano | ₱20,000 |
| — | 'Wag Kang Bibitiw (Don't Give Up) | Oliver Narag | Jessa Mae Gabon | ₱20,000 |
| 3rd Runner-up | 'Di na 'ko Aawit (I Won't Sing) | Rommel Gojo | Hans Dimayuga | ₱200,000 |
| — | Binago Mo Ako (You Changed Me) | Jett Villareal | Daryl Ong | ₱20,000 |
| — | Magpatuloy sa Mabuting Paggawa (Continue Doing Good Things) | Febs Colibao | Ato Arman | ₱20,000 |
| 2nd Runner-up | God is with Us | Emmanuel Lipio Jr. | Cello Nuñez | ₱250,000 |
| — | Salamat Panginoon (Thank You Lord) | Rex Torremoro and Elmar Jan Bolaño | Mark Carpio | ₱20,000 |
| Grand Champion | Tugtog (Play) | John Paul Salazar | Bradz | ₱500,000 |
| — | Banal Mong Salita (Your Sacred Word) | LJ Manzano | Mark Michael Garcia | ₱20,000 |
| 1st Runner-up | Isang Milyong Pasasalamat (A Million Thanks) | Edward Salde | Leah Patricio | ₱300,000 |
Special Awards:
| Award | Composer(s) | Song | Interpreter(s) | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Interpreter | Emmanuel Lipio Jr. | God is with Us | Cello Nuñez | ₱50,000 |
| People's Choice | LJ Manzano | Banal Mong Salita | Mark Michael Garcia | ₱50,000 |
| Bro. Eli Soriano's Choice | Jeffrey Lim | Hiling | Plethora[31] | ₱200,000 |
Year 8 (2018–2019)
The eighth year of competition included entries from November 2018 to October 2019 episodes. As announced during the Year 7 Grand Finals, the grand prize for Year 8 is raised from ₱500,000 to ₱800,000.
Qualification
| Month | Song of the Month | Composer(s) | Origin | Interpreter(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2018 | O Ama (Oh Father) | Jhoter Jone Villan | Taguig | Tabitha Caro* |
| December 2018 | Alay Ko (My Offering) | Maddonna Rosas and Pau Ortiz | Brenan Espartinez | |
| January 2019 | Ikaw Ay Ikaw (You are You) | Vanduane Badua | Baguio, Benguet | Audrey Malaiba* |
| February 2019 | Don't Give Up † | Cherry Labating | Iloilo | Jennifer Maravilla* |
| March 2019 | Dios ng Katotohanan (God of the Truth) | Darrell Joseph Villanueva | Pasay | Niña Espinosa |
| April 2019 | Pupurihin Kita (I'll Praise You) | Chris Givenchi Edejer | Davao City, Davao del Sur | Nino Alejandro* |
| May 2019 | Libo-libong Tala (Thousands of Stars) †‡ | Carlo David | Rhap Salazar* / Gidget Dela Llana | |
| June 2019 | You Are Wonderful | Franz Loren Bigcas | Bohol | Mark Laygo |
| July 2019 | God Has His Purpose | Lambert Reyes Jr. and Roman Cundangan | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Bulacan | Ethan Loukas |
| August 2019 | Sagwan (Paddle) † | Aiza Narag | Valenzuela City | Louie Anne Culala |
| September 2019 | Ako ay Tunay na Magtatagumpay (I Will Truly Succeed) | Shaun Billones | Jakarta, Indonesia | Aby Singson* |
| October 2019 | Ulap (Cloud) ‡ | Rinz Ruiz | Marilao, Bulacan | Vanz Bonaobra |
- Notes
- An asterisk (*) denotes a change of interpreter for the Grand Finals.
- A dagger (†) denotes a "Producer's Pick" weekly winner.
- A double dagger (‡) denotes a change of song title for the Grand Finals.
- "Don't Give Up" reached the November 2018 Monthly Finals and lost, but was recalled for a February 2019 "Producer's Pick" episode.
- "Libo-libong Tala" reached the March 2019 Monthly Finals and lost, but was recalled for a May 2019 "Producer's Pick" episode. Rhap Salazar performed the song on May Weekly Finals, while Gidget Dela Llana sang on the May Monthly Finals and also the Grand Finals. The title was changed to "Sa 'Di Mabilang Na Tala" for the Grand Finals.
- "Sagwan" reached the July 2019 Monthly Finals and lost, but was recalled for an August 2019 "Producer's Pick" episode.
- The title of "Ulap" was changed to "Tahan Na" for the Grand Finals.
Results
- Date: November 10, 2019
- Venue: New Frontier Theater, Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City
- Judges: Mon Del Rosario, Miguel Benjamin of Ben&Ben, Boboy Garovillo, Dr. Arnel De Pano, Jackie Lou Blanco, Lani Misalucha, Prof. Felipe De Leon Jr.
- Hosts: Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda
The ASOP Year 8 Grand Finals night was held at the New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City on November 10, 2019.[5][32][33][34][35][36][37]
"Sa 'Di Mabilang Na Tala", a song entry composed by Carlo David and interpreted by Gidget Dela Llana, was named as the grand champion among 12 finalists, and also bagged the People's Choice Award.[21] David became the first and only two-time winner in the program's history.
Ethan Loukas was hailed as the Best Interpreter, while Bro. Eli Soriano's Choice are the regulars of the show, hosts Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda, and resident judge Mon Del Rosario.[21]
Wish 107.5 Wishcovery winners Princess Sevillena, Rhea Basco, Tawag ng Tanghalan finalist Violeta Bayawa, Plethora, Ace Bartolome and Carmela Ariola of The Wishfuls, Jason Dy, Leah Patricio, and Bradz performed at the event.
| Result | Song | Composer(s) | Interpreter(s) | Prize | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Pupurihin Kita (I'll Praise You) | Chris Givenchi Edejer | Gerald Santos | ₱20,000 | — |
| 2nd Runner-up | Sagwan (Paddle) | Aiza Narag | Louie Anne Culala | ₱250,000 | 90.29% |
| — | You Are Wonderful | Franz Loren Bigcas | Mark Laygo | ₱20,000 | — |
| — | Dios ng Katotohanan (God of the Truth) | Darrell Joseph Villanueva | Niña Espinosa | ₱20,000 | — |
| Grand Champion | Sa 'Di Mabilang Na Tala (In the Countless Stars) | Carlo David | Gidget Dela Llana | ₱800,000 | 93.86% |
| — | O Ama (Oh Father) | Jhoter Jone Villan | Cha-Cha Cañete | ₱20,000 | — |
| — | Alay Ko (My Offering) | Maddonna Rosas and Pau Ortiz | Brenan Espartinez | ₱20,000 | — |
| — | Ako ay Tunay na Magtatagumpay (I Will Truly Succeed) | Shaun Billones | Kimberly Baluzo | ₱20,000 | — |
| — | God Has His Purpose | Lambert Reyes Jr. and Roman Cundangan | Ethan Loukas | ₱20,000 | — |
| — | Ikaw Ay Ikaw (You are You) | Vanduane Badua | Radha Cuadrado | ₱20,000 | — |
| 1st Runner-up | Tahan Na (Hold On) | Rinz Ruiz | Vanz Bonaobra | ₱300,000 | 90.71% |
| 3rd Runner-up | Don't Give Up | Cherry Labating | Jinky Vidal | ₱200,000 | 89.29% |
Special Awards:
| Award | Composer(s) | Song | Interpreter(s) | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Interpreter | Lambert Reyes Jr. and Roman Cundangan | God Has His Purpose | Ethan Loukas | ₱50,000 |
| People's Choice | Carlo David | Sa 'Di Mabilang Na Tala | Gidget Dela Llana | ₱50,000 |
| Bro. Eli Soriano's Choice | Mon Del Rosario, Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda | ₱210,000 (₱70,000 each) | ||
Awards and recognition
The ASOP 2012 commemorative album is awarded as Inspirational Album of the Year in the 5th PMPC Star Awards for Music in Manila, Philippines.[38]
| Year | Association | Category | Nominee(s) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Talent Search Program | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Nominated |
| Best Talent Search Program Host(s) | Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda | Nominated | ||
| AnakTV | AnakTV Seal Award[39][40] | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Awarded | |
| 2013 | PMPC Star Awards for Music | Inspirational Album of the Year | ASOP, A Song of Praise | Won |
| AnakTV | AnakTV Seal Award[39][41] | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Awarded | |
| A Song of Praise - TV Special (2012 Grand Finals Night) | Awarded | |||
| 2014 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Talent Search Program | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Nominated |
| Best Talent Search Program Host(s) | Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda | Nominated | ||
| AnakTV | AnakTV Seal Award[39][42] | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Awarded | |
| 2015 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Talent Search Program | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Won |
| Best Talent Search Program Host(s) | Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda | Nominated | ||
| AnakTV | AnakTV Seal Award[39][43] | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Awarded | |
| 2016 | AnakTV | AnakTV Seal Award[39][44] | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Awarded |
| ASOP By Request | Awarded | |||
| 2017 | 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Talent Search Program | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Won |
| AnakTV | AnakTV Seal Award[45] | ASOP (A Song Of Praise) Music Festival | Awarded |