From 12 new praise songs with heart-tugging lyrics and sweet-sounding melodies to splendid performances to be staged by exceptional OPM acts, A Song of Praise Music Festival (ASOP) grand finals night will surely be a night of heavenly music.

With the program’s aspiration to inspire many Filipinos to worship God through music, ASOP is the first and only praise songwriting competition on Philippine television. This November 7, the program is set to cap off its fifth season with a spectacular revelry celebrating praise music at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum. Here are five reasons why ASOP Year 5 Grand Finals is a must-watch:

Original Pilipino Praise Music (OPPM)

ASOP has always been a sanctuary of OPM, particularly Original Pilipino Praise Music (OPPM). With original compositions narrating inspirational stories and themes, the program has witnessed the birth of many songs wrapped in a more contemporary-sounding melodies, making it at par with other mainstream music that typically receive huge airplays.

This upcoming grand finals, 12 new OPPM songs will take the center stage to enrich the spirit inspired by music.

Cash Prizes

Every year, a total of more than a million in cash prizes is at stake. For this November 7’s big event, the grand champion will receive Php 500,000. The Best Interpreter and People’s Choice awards come with Php 50,000 each. Meanwhile, non-winning entries will receive Php 20,000.

Songwriting School-on-Air

The learning experience in ASOP is another reason that makes the competition unique. ASOP is not just a songwriting competition but also a songwriting school-on-air. From sharing various formula on how to create melodies with recall to giving away tips on how to write beautiful lyrics, renowned hitmaker and resident judge Mon Del Rosario guides the composers to ultimately produce a well-crafted song.

Aside from the cash prizes, ASOP contenders get the chance to learn directly from authorities in the music field. Besides Del Rosario, this season’s judges include Superstar Nora Aunor, OPM balladeer Jed Madela, esteemed songwriter Trina Belamide, record label executive Jonathan Manalo and entertainment editor Isah Red.

Music Fest for Amateur and Professional Songwriters

ASOP is an avenue for both amateur and professional songwriters, catering to their entries of gospel songs.

During the show’s third year, finalists actor-director Cesar Montano vied for the championship tilt with the original, “Pagpupuring Walang Hanggan” and while OPM sensation Lilet Esteban competed with “You Are Lord of All.” In the same year, amateur composer Louise Lyle Robles won the competition for her heart-rending ballad, “May Awa Ang Dios.”

Artists Sing Worship Anthems

Setting ASOP apart from other music festivals is the rare opportunity to watch top-notch OPM acts sing worship anthems. Some of the artists who previously graced the ASOP grand finals stage include Jona, Kyla, Nikki Valdez, Aia De Leon, Jojo Alejar and Gian Magdangal.

This year, Sitti, Bugoy Drilon, Kris Lawrence, Jovit Baldivino and Jason Fernandez are among the interpreters who will help you get LSS-ed with ASOP Year 5’s top 12 songs.