Episode 185/ Aired April 05

Song: “Ngayong Nandito Ka” Composer: Paul Escano Interpreter: Arnee Hidalgo Photoville International

The melody came to him in a dream. In the dream the song was being performed on a large stage. Last night, Australia-based composer Paul Escano witnessed that dream coming true as his song “Ngayong Nandito Ka” was being performed on ASOP stage by R&B singer and The Voice finalist Arnee Hidalgo.
“Tini-treat ko yung moment na yun, yung panaginip na yun, as a message from God na hindi ko matatanggihan at kailangan ko isulat para sa Kaniya (I treat that moment, that dream I had, as a message from God that I cannot refuse and needed to write for Him).”

Nailing the first win of the month, Paul is reaping the fruit of his late night vigils noting songwriting tips while watching ASOP in Sydney, Australia.
Guest judges Jackie Lou Blanco and Monching Gutierrez fell in love with lyrics such as “Puso kong dati’y sarado, ginawa mong tila bago,” and “ Dati bukambibig ay pagsisisi, biglang nagging sigaw ay pagpupuri.” Jackie Lou finding herself singing along with the interpreter shows how strong the recall is of this song.

Song: “IALAY MO” Composer: Aeron Enaje Interpreter: Willy Cordovales Photoville International

However, resident judge Dr. Mon del Rosario was not crazy about the melody as he felt it lacked melodic tension.

Paul’s piece was not the only one criticized for its lackluster melody. The other two entries were not spared from Doc Mon’s bionic ears.
Albeit rich in golden lyrics, the melody of “Dios ng Aking Buhay,” by public speaking instructor Lyza Lyn Pajo was described by Doc Mon as too flat and lacked suspense.

“Dios ng Aking Buhay” is Lyza Lyn’s testimonial song of God’s grace that delivered her from a serious condition that caused her to over bleed. It was interpreted by musical theater actress and Europop finalist Gian Gloria.

Composer Aeron Enaje also found healing through his music “Ialay Mo” which was powerfully interpreted by vocal coach Willie Cordovales. In the face of adversity, Aeron stands strong in his faith in God.

“Yung meaning ng kanta, sa kabila po ng mga pagsubok, hindi po tayo dapat sumuko. Isipin po natin na ang pag-asa po ay walang hanggan (The meaning of the song is that, despite challenges, we should never give up. We should keep in mind that hope is limitless).”

Song: “Dios Ng Aking Buhay” Composer: Lyza Lyn Pajo Interpreter Gian Gloria Photoville International

Doc Mon acknowledged Aeron as a gifted lyricist but as with Lyza Lyn’s song, the melody for the chorus of “Ialay Mo” is missing out on suspense.
With the first round of the month concluding with another fierce contender, the competition is only getting hotter than the summer sun as April promises to deliver more formidable talents in the coming weeks.