Last Sunday witnessed a tight fight for the coveted spot at the Grand Finals as three veteran ASOP contestants return for a chance at redemption.

Also returning to the show to Join Doc Mon del Rosario were guest judges Carla Martinez and Neocolours front man Ito Rapadas.

“Hinulma sa Puso Mo”

Composer: Jerico Moreno

Interpreter: Penelope Matanggihan

First off was guidance counselor Jerico Moreno with his power ballad entitled “Hinulma sa Puso Mo.”  It was interpreted seamlessly by The Voice Season 1 finalist Penelope Matanggihan.  Drawing inspiration from his own life, the song sends a message of encouragement in the face of disappointments.

This is Jerico’s third time joining ASOP and has never been more motivated to prove himself.  One of his lifelong dreams since his high school is to be a professional song writer.  He is grateful to ASOP for providing the opportunity to share his ability.

Ito and Carla both found the song commercially appealing.  They agree that the predictability of the melody makes for a good recall. Doc Mon however found the overuse of metaphors can cloud the message at times.  Other than that, he relents that it is well constructed and clear with its story.

“Ikaw Ang Siyang Nagbabalik”

Composer: Leslie Navarro

Interpreter: Nants Del Rosario

Leslie Navarro, the dentistry major turned computer shop owner, is ever the optimist.  After a disappointing loss the first time he joined, an idea for a song came to him.  As soon as he got home that night the beginnings of a new composition started coming together. The result was “Ikaw Ang Siyang Nagbabalik,” an encouraging song about God’s way of bringing back joy in one’s life when all seems lost.

Performed by InnerVoices frontman Nants Del Rosario, “Ikaw Ang Siyang Nagbabalik” is an upbeat and tightly structured piece that moved the judges to agree it is a strong contender.

“Ikaw Ang Tangi”

Composer: Bernabe Escudaro, Jr.

Interpreter: MJ Podolig

22-year old Bernabe Escudero is the youngest among the three contestants and the most energized that night.  Nevertheless, this salesclerk from Antipolo proved he could hold his own in this competition.

Not risking his second chance at ASOP, Bernabe researched past episodes and took notes of Doc Mon del Rosario’s technical advice.  His latest entry, “Ikaw Ang Tangi,” which talks about God’s unconditional love for sinners, was undoubtedly a product of tenacity and inspiration.  It was interpreted by MJ Podolig, another qualifier from The Voice Philippines season 1.

Doc Mon found the melodic direction very clear and was impressed with how the story unfolded. It further proves that Bernabe did his homework really well and is passing song writing with flying colors.

However, he wasn’t quite safe yet as Doc Mon pointed out a few mismatches in melody and lyrics that can be solved with a little re-shuffling of words.

The Verdict

All three composers gave the judges a hard time as they were all strong contenders.  Eventually, Bernabe Escudero brought home the weekly title for his song “Ikaw ang Tangi.”  His hard work and enthusiasm for his craft paid off with a whopping 90.3% score from the judges.