“Mahal Mo Ako” composer and interpreter: Maria Loida Estrada and Sabrina (Photoville International / Marvin Pongos)
MANILA, Philippines – Judges Ito Rapadas, Carla Martinez and Mon Del Rosario gave an almost perfect score for the entry entitled “Mahal Mo Ako” composed by Maria Loida Estrada in the February monthly finals of A Song of Praise or ASOP Music Festival, Sunday night.
This was the first time that a reggae genre made it to the 4th grand finals of ASOP.
“This song of Loida is an example of a song that has charisma,” Ito Rapadas said.
“It says it all. So simple,” Carla Martinez said.
“So to all songwriting students there, I suggest you get a copy of this song and study what I’ve told you,” Mon Del Rosario said.
Loida came all the way from Zamboanga City after being convinced by her mother to submit her entry.
“It’s just a “feel good” because there’s so many love song, and this song ‘Mahal Mo Ako’, it’s not an ordinary “I Love You”, it’s our God that tells you ‘He loves you’. So I just want to elevate from the ground. It feels you’re in heaven when it’s God who tells you “I love you,” Loida said.
Acoustic sweetheart of Asia Sabrina felt that the song was really written for her.
“It’s not normal to a singing contest if it’s not a high-pitch song. It’s not a song to belt-out your voice but it’s a good song. The message is also good. The reggae beat is also fine. It’s different. You don’t need to belt-out. Just enjoy it,” she said.
Other monthly finalists were songs entitled “Paanyaya” composed by Euryville Requio as interpreted by the singing trio “Voysing” and “Tanging Ikaw” composed by Bernabe Escudero Jr. as interpreted by The Voice season 1 contender MJ Podolig. (Adjes Carreon / UNTV News)