Episode 196/ Aired on June 21

JUDGES of ASOP JUNE 21, 2015 Episode
Mon Del Rosario, Doktor Musiko, certified hitmaker
Ivy Violan, Award-winning solo artist, Music Festival Queen
Arnel Ignacio, actor, TV host (Photo: Photoville International)

After a number of soothing jazz numbers from previous episodes, ASOP was back to its dramatic ballads. Back also are OPM diva Ivy Violan and comedian/TV host Arnel Ignacio as guest judges.

Before the competition started, resident critic, “Doktor Musiko” Mon del Rosario shared that he dreamt of this episode and that he was very upset in it. He probably had a reason to because last night’s talents were a real challenge for the judges.  All three entries were rhythmically engaging and lyrically strong.

But the night eventually belonged to musician Dennis Avenido for his composition “Ang Pagmamahal Mo.” It is a soft ballad that celebrates God’s unconditional generosity, rendered impeccably by the talented Nino Alejandro.

WEEKLY FINALS WINNER: SONG ENTRY: “Ang Pagmamahal Mo”
COMPOSER: Dennis Avenido (Represented by Bryan Morales)
INTERPRETER: Nino Alejandro (Photo: Photoville International)

From the first season of ASOP Dennis had always aspired to write for the show. When he finally received notice of his qualification, it took him five heart-stopping minutes to fully absorb the exciting news.

Before giving their respective verdicts, all three judges commended Nino Alejandro for a job well done.  Arnel said Nino has the ability to make any song his own when he performs it.  As Ivy puts it, “Composer Dennis Avenido is blessed to have Nino Alejandro to interpret his song.”

As for the song itself, Ivy thought it was an instant winner.  Arnel found that the song’s strange progressions made it more interesting.   Doc Mon praised the melody but also called out the confusing shifts in the lyrics’ point-of views.

WEEKLY FINALS CONTESTANT: SONG ENTRY: “Balutin Mo Ng Pagibig”
COMPOSER: Cesar Salameda
INTERPRETER: Jek Manuel (Photo: Photoville International)

Another commercially appealing melody is that of composer Cesar Salameda’s entry “Balutin Mo ng Pag-Ibig.” Intrepreted by band vocalist Jek Manuel, the song exhibited a memorable melody that has obvious mass appeal. Nevertheless, Doc Mon noted that the melodic personality of his chorus is similar to the melodic personality of the verses; same range and progression.

The most dramatic of the three entries will probably have to be Atty. Paul Hildawa’s “God Speaks.”  A song that envisions a conversation with God, Atty. Hildawa wrote a duet to represent the two voices.  The resulting number was straight out of a musical.  Arnel found the use of God’s voice in a praise song with lines such as “I know your pain; I am your only God,” almost irreverent.  But as a character in a musical, it would work.

WEEKLY FINALS CONTESTANT: SONG ENTRY: “God Speaks”
COMPOSER: Paul Hildawa
INTERPRETER: Gian Gloria and Carl Trazo (Photo: Photoville International)

The night concluded with Dennis Avido’s victory and Nino’s encore performance.