10 New MCGI ASOF Songs Shine in Year-End of 5777 Finals

Ten new faith-inspired songs shone as Members Church of God International (MCGI) held its A Song of Faith (ASOF) Year-End of 5777 Finals on March 23, 2018 at the La Verdad Auditorium in Apalit, Pampanga.

This year’s compositions were written in Filipino, English, and Spanish and expressed different stories of faith such as a thankful servant to his Lord, God’s children being dependent on Him, and even pleas for help to endure challenges and continue in faith.

A Song of Faith is a songwriting festival started by Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel in 2004. Then called A Song of Praise (ASOP), it kicked off as a competition inside MCGI and was later made public through its television counterpart, ASOP TV, aired on UNTV News and Rescue. ASOP TV is open to both MCGI members and non-members.

“Let us create more and more songs for the Lord because these songs will be sung forever,” said Overall Servant of MCGI Bro. Eli Soriano, who encouraged Church members to compose more praise songs to God.

Bro. Eli, who was the main judge of the Year-End Finals along with Bro. Daniel Razon, gave constructive remarks and ways on how each song entry’s lyrics, melody and interpretation can still be improved.

ASOF Year-End of 5777 Winners

Three entries bagged the Song of the Year award, namely “Here I Am Lord” composed by Bro. Nonie Ramos of North America, “Pag-ibig Mo’y Walang Hanggan” of Bro. Marvin Afuang from the National Capital Region, and “Ikaw Lang Lahat Sa Akin” by Bro. Gerry Bagagnan from the Prison Ministry.

Bro. Ronnel Ines and Bro. Benjay Catalan were first runners-up for their songs “My Song of Faith” and “Dahil Sa’Yo”, representing LBMR Division and Mindanao region’s entries, respectively.

Sis. Gilda Ong’s “The Greatest Moment” won second runner-up. The Spanish piece “Permanecere En Tu Palavra” of Bro. Sonny Nunag from Colombia, Latin America Division tied in third place with Sis. Luz Cruz’s “Dakila Ka” of Pampanga Division, respectively.

For their wonderful song renditions, Bro. EJ Enriquez, Sis. Alyssa Matangat, and Bro. LJ Herrera were hailed Best Interpreters of the night.

A special prize was also awarded for another Spanish composition “Mi Única Esperanza” written by Sis. Mariela Huaman of Peru.

Bigger ASOF Mid-Year 5778

Once again, more songs of faith will be witnessed on September 2018 for the A Song of Faith Mid-year 5778 finals, God willing.

While many went to the La Verdad Auditorium to witness the performances, MCGI members from different regions of the Philippines and abroad watched through live streaming.

Wanting to see more and better faith song pieces in the next ASOF events, Bro. Daniel reminded composers and brethren to not rely on themselves but to God when creating songs.

“The key to all the things that we are doing inside the congregation, part of our faith, is trusting what God can do,” the Assistant to the Overall Servant Bro. Daniel said this during the ASOF 5776 Mid-Year Finals.

Written by: Ravie Harcelen Magalang