Episode 202/ Aired on Aug. 02

Last night saw the return of power ballads on ASOP with three lung-busting entries performed by three amazing up and coming divas.

Resident critic Mon “Doktor Musiko”del Rosario was joined by producer and composer Jimmy Antiporda and inspirational diva Jaime Rivera as guest judges.

Time and again, ASOP is instrumental in inspiring ordinary people to write music and uncovering latent talent at songwriting.   This was how first-time composer Rialyn Miranda ended up joining ASOP.  While watching the show, she was encouraged by how people from all walks of life were able to produce beautiful songs without formal training.

WEEKLY FINALS CONTESTANT: SONG ENTRY: “I’ll Trust In You”
COMPOSER: Rialyn Miranda
INTERPRETER: Lady Onagan
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WEEKLY FINALS CONTESTANT: SONG ENTRY: “Ang Pangarap Ko”
COMPOSER: Richard Salazar
INTERPRETER: Beverly Caimen
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JUDGES of ASOP August 02, 2015 Episode (August Weely FINALS)
Mon Del Rosario, Doktor Musiko, certified hitmaker
Jamie Rivera, veteran OPM solo artist AKA Inspirational Diva
Jimmy Antiporda, singer / composer / lyricist / arranger / musical collaborator / producer
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WEEKLY FINALS WINNER: SONG ENTRY: “Kalinga”
COMPOSER: Jade Dela Cruz
INTERPRETER: Shane Anja Tarun
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Rialyn’s entry, “I’ll Trust In You My Lord” was the first ballad of the night performed by Lady Onagan of the music group 5^th Gen.

Doc Mon thinks Rialyn is a gifted writer of melodies but needs help in the lyrics department. Judge Jaime even pointed out some grammatical errors but forgave her for it since English is not our first language so we’re bound to make mistakes.

The second entry was “Ang Pangarap Ko” by third-time ASOP contestant Richard Salazar performed by recording artist and last year’s best interpreter Beverly Caimen.

As with the first song, the judges found it melodically strong but lyrically weak. Judge Jimmy Antiporda found the imagery of God inappropriate. The line, “Sa tulong Mo…tuloy lamang sa gawaing mabuti,” it portrays God as a mere helper than a Lord who is control of our lives.

Saving the best for last has never been truer until the final entry “Kalinga” was performed.  Composed by second-time ASOP contestant Jade dela Cruz and interpreted by diva- in- the-making Shane Tarun, it was the first melody of the night that Judge Jimmy actually enjoyed. Judge Mon del Rosario was impressed with the song’s tight structure melodically and lyrically.

Not surprisingly, “Kalinga” owned the night with an average score of 82%. Jade dela Cruz is this month’s first winner.  He will return for monthly finals for a shot at the grand finale in October.