ASOP: Songs of Wisdom

Songs are created depending on the mood and intention of the writer. Some are written to show love and others with anger and hatred, and there are songs made to inspire and change a certain belief. However, a song which is intended to praise God must be written with wisdom as quoted by Bro. Eli Soriano, presiding minister of the Members of Church of God International during the A Song of Praise (ASOP) 2013 Finals last December 24, at ADD Convention Center Apalit Pampanga. “Ang isang magandang composition may wisdom, pag yung little bits of wisdom ay hindi nakita sa isang composition, hindi natin maco-consider na perfect song”. Brother Eli, reiterated that it is of great importance that a song of praise to God must contain wisdom, not just an ordinary song created ordinarily it must be special.

As the show continues Bro. Eli said that his attention is mostly focused on the lyrics since it is a song of praise. But, melody and instrumental background adds color to the song, lyrics is the most essential. The event was very special for all the attendees. The audience is once more ready to be inspired by the message of the song while the participant who includes composer, lyricists, and interpreters are all persistent to hear the comments of the judges especially Bro. Eli and Bro. Daniel.

Indeed, the competition is a tough one surely I can feel the pressure felt by the contestants who joined the competition. Membersof the Church of God International across the country participated these include song entries from Rizal Province entitled Oh Ama Ligaya Ka (Father You’re My Joy), from Cambodia entitled “Inari Mong Anak Na Rin (Considered Me As Your Child As Well) while there are two song entries from Singapore one is entitled Dahil Mayroong Ngayon (Because There Is Yesterday) while the other is May Ngiti o Luha Man (In Smiles or Tears), However there are also two song entries from USA the song title is Sa Iyong Pagtawag (For Your Calling), and the other one is Oh Kay Sarap Maging Lingkod Mo (Oh How Sweet It Is To Be Your Servant). There is also a song from Visayas Region entitled Unending Thanks To You. Brazil, South America had their entry entitled Purihin Ang Ngalan Mo (Praise Your Name) On the other hand, Australia is also a finalist with a song title Dahil Ikaw Ang Aking Dios (For You Are My God) and from Germany entitled Salamat Amang Banal.

Bro. Eli commented that most of the songs performed during the ASOP finals had no problems in terms of melody and song interpreters (singers) they give justice on the song. Brother Soriano suggested that creating a good song requires good effort. For an instance, those who have good command with words should work on the lyrics while those who are musically inclined should work on tones.

The event was full of wisdom from the Bible; Brother Soriano also mentioned that Songs of Solomon express love the songs of David express deep gratitude to God. As the event is about to finish all are overwhelmed by the biblical explanations of Bro. Eli and the letters of each song entries which captures the heart of the audience. When everyone is ready to go home each has their souvenir which is worth to remember that when writing songs of praise to God it must have wisdom.