Nino at A Song of Praise
A wonderful evening indeed! Last October 13, 2015, Nino was one of the finalists of A Song of Praise Music Festival (ASOP), the only praise songwriting festival on Philippine television of its kind, held at the Araneta Coliseum.
ASOP is open to all amateur and professional songwriters, and searches for the best songs of praise for a whole year, amounting to 12 song entries for the Grand Finals. The winning entries from each monthly contest are then performed by an interpreter during the finals night and are judged by a panel of acclaimed singers and songwriters such as Doctor Musiko himself, Mon Del Rosario.
A brainchild of Kuya Daniel Razon, ASOP aims to bring back songs of praise into people’s daily lives. In the hope that with the help of their beautiful melodies and sincere lyrics, the songs will help remind all of God’s love for His creatures, and the great amount of trust that they can put in Him.
On the finals night, interpreters sing their winning songs for a chance to win PHP 500,000 for the Grand Prize. Runners-up receive prizes exceeding PHP 100,000 each and non-winners are given plaques and consolation prizes. The show was hosted by Richard Reynoso and Toni Rose Gayda and featured songs by incredible young songwriters all hoping to take home the prize.
Nino sang the song Pakamamahalin Din Kita written by Dennis Avenido, a teacher who is a musician at heart and tried his luck this year, submitting his song on faith. Together Nino and Dennis made it to the finals night and Nino couldn’t be happier because Dennis not only got to see his beautiful creation flourish and grow but was also able to use his prize money from the monthly contests to start up a small business.
The finals night showcased beautiful songs by amazing songwriters interpreted beautifully by professional singers. At the end of the evening, Nino and Dennis came in First Runner Up second only to fellow Team Lea alum, Leah Patricio singing Ang Pag-Ibig Mo’y Ulan. It was an incredible night for all, and Nino was very happy and honoured to be a part of it. More power to ASOP and best of luck to Dennis and all the songwriters this 2015!
Here are some photos from the Grand Finals Night (courtesy of ASOP and Photoville International and Rovic Balunsay)
Plus, on a special note, it was a big night for Team Lea Salonga family. Leah Patricio took home the prize, followed by Nino and third runner up was another former Team Lea alumni, Philippe Go. Timmy Pavino attended for moral support and to cheer everyone one and after the evening the friends went for a celebratory bite with another Team Lea member Miro Valera. It just goes to show that the family that sings together, stays together.
