A Song of Praise Music Festival on Sunday (September 30) named John Paul Salazar as the 11th grand finalist for this year’s grand finale.

His victory proves that passion knows no bounds as the 24-year old musician from Valenzuela suffers from blurry vision due to stage 3 glaucoma.

Salazar’s original worship hymn entitled “Tugtog”, bested Lucky Sorreda’s “Sa ‘Yo Ako’y Panatag” and Arthur John Estrada’s “Sa’Yo Lamang Panginoon”.

OPM trio Bradz as they interpret John Paul Salazar’s originally-penned gospel track “Tugtog” in A Song of Praise Music Festival Year 7 | PVI/Jayjay Galamay

The smooth vocal harmonies of  OPM trio Bradz, complemented out “Tugtog’s” contemporary sound and rich imagery that won the hearts of judges.

Songwriting has become Salazar’s hobby since his condition compels him to stay he stay home most of the time. Though troubled by his condition as he has difficulty seeing what he writes down, he still spends time composing songs, memorizing them word for word.

“Nai-in love ako sa mga nangyayari lalo na habang tinutugtog yung gawa kong kanta; natutuwa ako. Napakalaking bagay para sakin ito kasi maitatago ko ito habang buhay at puwede ko ‘tong balikan kung sakaling lumuluma na siya,” said Salazar.