With its poetic lyrics and melodic hooks, “Sa ‘Di Mabilang na Tala” (In Countless Stars),” a song that hails the Almighty for being the one and only among the myriads of stars while declaring God’s incomparable heavenly majesty won Song of the Year honors during the Grand Finals Night of A Song of Praise Music Festival (ASOP) Year 8.
In her performance, interpreter Gidget Dela Llana lit up the stage with her soul-stirring rendition of the worship ballad that has the feel of a song that would not be out of place in a musical theater soundtrack.
For winning the top award, “Sa ‘Di Mabilang Na Tala” bagged a cash prize of P800,000. Penned by OPM artist Carlo David, the worship song also bagged this year’s People’s Choice Award with a cash prize of P50,000.
Dela Llana is regarded as Tawag ng Tanghalan’s Sweet Songstress while Carlo is also ASOP 2017’s grand title winner with his EDM-laced upbeat gospel track titled “Dahil Sa Iyo” which was interpreted by the country’s RnB King Jay-R. The ASOP Year 8 Grand Finals Night was held at New Frontier Theater last November 10 and once again celebrated Original Pilipino Praise Music as it dedicates music for the glory of God.
First Runner-up was “Tahan Na,” winning P300,000, with Rinz Ruiz as composer and Vanz as interpreter.
Adjudged 2nd Runner-up is “Sagwan” by composer Aiza Narag and interpreted by Louie Anne Culala. This sing won P250,000.
The 3rd Runner-up went to “Don’t Give Up” for composer Cherry Labating as interpreted by Jinky Vidal. The cash prize for this is P200,000.
The festival’s Best Interpreter was Ethan Loukas who won a cash prize of P50,000.
The eight non-winning entries each received P20,000.
Primarily a songwriting competition, ASOP is the only gospel music television program in the country, airing weekly on UNTV, Your Public Service Channel, on Sundays holding weekly and monthly eliminations. The show is hosted by Toni Rose Gayda and balladeer Richard Reynoso.
For eight years now, ASOP has been providing aspiring and professional songwriters an avenue to showcase their talents. Most contenders are newbies who were inspired to sing song for the Almighty. Some were former band members and musicians who are trying to make a comeback.
ASOP vows to continue to inspire talents and celebrate original Filipino praise music to glorify God, the ultimate Maestro of Music.
ASOP albums are available for streaming on Spotify while the music videos can be viewed on YouTube.