Raw talent shone through last night against stiffer competition.  Rookie composer Maria Loida Estrada beat two more experienced composers with her folksy, reggae masterpiece that swept the judges away into giving her a piping hot 97% score.

Composer: Maria Loida Estrada | Interpreter: Sabrina | Photography: Photoville International

Interpreter: Sabrina

Mahal Mo Ako

Composer: Maria Loida Estrada

Interpreter: Sabrina

Loida’s entry, “Mahal Mo Ako” talks about God’s creations as a testament of His love for us.  The idea came up to her while looking up at the stars and being awed by its beauty and wonder.  “ Nagsimula yung kanta dahil sa idea na kahit saan ka tumingin, di pupwedeng di mo mapansin ang pagmamahal ng Panginoon,” said Loida.

She was compelled to share her song with people so they too can praise God’s glory.  ASOP provided her the right platform to carry out this mission.

It was Loida’s mother who urged her to submit her song to ASOP.  It was a long wait before she received the text that she made the cut. “Nung nag text sila feeling ko nanalo nako,” Loida recalled.

“Mahal Mo Ako” is a straightforward reggae pop performed to perfection by Asia’s Acoustic Sweetheart, Sabrina.  Guest judge Ito Rapadas was wowed by its clever melodic twists and flawless pop quality. Another guest judge Carla Martinez commended the choice of interpreter for this song.  Doc Mon del Rosario on the other hand hated it…because he couldn’t find any fault with it; as he jokingly put it.

Concept? check!  Melody?  Check again.  Lyrics, message and interpretation?  Triple check!  And that was how Loida earned her 97% which qualifies her for the monthly elimination and a shot at the grand finals.

Composer: Francis Trance | Interpreter: Justin Draper | Photography: Photoville International

Interpreter: Justin Draper

Hayag Na Pag-Ibig

Composer: Francis Trance

Interpreter: Justin Draper

Francis Trance, a father of two from Pampanga, started composing songs in 2005 as a hobby.  He would set poems to music to train himself.  When he heard about ASOP he decided to try his hand at writing lyrics.  His first try qualified as an entry but fell short at winning the title.  Joining for the second time, he applied the valuable tips he learned such as the choice of words and the use of bridges.

Francis’ song “Hayag na Pag-ibig” talks about expressing one’s love for the Lord through actions.  It is a pop-rock ballad delivered strongly by Birit Queen, Justin Draper.

Judge Ito saw potential in its melodic structure.  He could see it being played in different genres other than a ballad.  Doc Mon observed that “Hayag na Pag-ibig” is a praise song disguised as a love song and disapproved of Francis’ use of the word “giliw” as it is normally used in a romantic context.  Doc suggested more lyrical revisions.

Composer: Ricardo Sanchez |Interpreter: Anna Katrina Ramsey | Photography: Photoville International

Interpreter: Anna Katrina Ramsey

Diyos ay Sapat

Composer: Ricardo Sanchez

Interpreter: Anna Katrina Ramsey

Part-time actor and business man Ricardo Sanchez is no stranger to ASOP.  He qualified last year but lost. He is grateful for the second chance to prove himself once again.

His song “Diyos ay Sapat” is inspired from 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”   Ricardo’s song validates God’s presence and provision in our lives in times of tribulation.

“Diyos ay Sapat” is a power ballad interpreted by Anna Katrina Ramsey, 1st place winner at the 2014 Euro-pop competition.  Bearing the “Ramsey” name with powerful pipes to boot, it did not come as a surprise that she’s the granddaughter of Pinoy rock and roller Elizabeth Ramsey; except maybe to host Toni Rose who insisted on Katrina’s relation to actor Derek Ramsey.

Doc Mon saw “Diyos ay Sapat” as a song for people who are going through a turbulent time in life.  He found it as a strong contender.

Judge Carla however found Ricardo’s penchant for deep Tagalog words is disengaging.  The song tends to be too poetic that the message escapes the listener and fails to be relatable.