Episode- 81| Aired-March 8, 2015

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ASOP was definitely sweeter the second time around for composer Joshua Carias who won the weekly round at his second attempt on the show.

Joshua, who is a music instructor by profession, always aspired to be known as a great gospel composer. He wants to leave his children and grandchildren a legacy of fervent praise songs. He credits ASOP for the free weekly valuable lessons on composition that helped hone his skills for the competition.

His winning composition, ” Ikaw ang Musika” is an ode to God’s greatness, whose presence is comparable to the joy of music in his life.

Based on the title, judge Mon del Rosario originally thought it would be an upbeat happy song, but apparently the song took off on the opposite extreme of the emotional spectrum. It was lyrically melancholic and melodically theatrical, which interpreter Paula Bianca delivered effortlessy despite the demanding vocal range of the piece.

All three songs last Sunday sounded like themes straight out of Filipino soap operas. Dramatic melodic structure seemed to be the trend that night with heart-wrenching backstories to boot.

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“Lahat Man Ay Mawala,” by student Jetroeuel Quimoy, was based on a real-life tragedy his family suffered when they lost his baby brother in a flood. Soulfully sang by world champion RJ Buena, the judges praised the choice of interpreter. Returning judges, singer/director Jet Montelibano and singer/comedienne Fe delos Reyes were inspired by the story behind it and felt more connected to the song.

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“Sa Iyo Ama,” from the tandem of Niño Mas and Carlos Lacson, was three years in the making. Concept of the song is very contemporary and poses the question whether God can still hear a single prayer against the infinite invocations and appeals by the rest of mankind every single day.

It was another power ballad performed beautifully by accomplished belter Celina Cercado of the world champion Cercado Sisters.