The result of this change? A new music for this musician.

Unknown to people at large, the singer–songwriter behind Pinoy rock classics such as "Katawan," "No Touch," and of course, "Laki Sa Layaw" has become a born-again Christian a few years back, and thus, in effect, has promised not to write anymore songs he describes as ‘worldly’ (for messages being conveyed, at least). So, followers of the rock master should be in for call-it-whatever-you-may surprise as his latest solo album turned out to be a collection of inspirational original compositions classified by Mike himself as "ultra-pop, fusing pop, rock, and jazz."

"Positibo lahat ang mensahe ng mga kanta ko sa bago kong album," expressed the beret-wearing musical legend. He elaborated, "I believe nandun na sa mas higher level of art ang pagsulat ko ng melody. More universal na ang approach ko while my lyrics, spiritual and inspirational na."

Hanopol wrote and arranged the entire album’s content, paraphrasing verses off the Holy Bible’s Book of Psalms in numbers such as "Peace Naman," "Hambog," and "Masama O Mabuti." Some highly regarded local singers also appeared in Mike’s 10–track, all-Tagalog album, namely Session Road’s Hannah Romawac, Imago’s Aya de Leon, Brownbeat All-Stars’ Myra Ruaro, and Francis Magalona.

The Master Rapper contributed his skill to the final strains of the song "Namamasyal" as ska diva Myra Ruaro co-performed with Hanopol the numbers "Hawakan Mong Mabuti" and "Talamak." Alternative rock singer Aya de Leon sang with Mike in the piece "Hindi Ka Magsisi" while current band-vocalist sensation Hannah Romawac provided her high-pitched voice on the album’s carrier single, the radio–friendly "Maghihintay" now being played in the airwaves.

Mike imparted, "Dahil sa hirap maghanap ng trabaho sa Pilipinas, ‘yung iba nangingibang bansa at nagiging OFWs. Sa sitwasyong ganito, may naiiwan at may maghihintay."

Album producer Danny Barrozo, who also was the brains behind the latest Juan dela Cruz live reunion performance, narrated that Hanopol let him listen to some of his new compositions right after the concert event last June. "Nagustuhan ko ‘yung mga kanta niyang ‘Ang Magulang Mo’ and ‘Peace Naman’ because they’re timely, socially–relevant, and inspirational. From there everything kicked off."

With help from session musicians that included the artist’s brother Lito Hanopol on keyboards, "Lagablab" was recorded in just a month-long period and sounded remarkably different from Hanopol’s rock-flavored outputs before. There is a decade-long gap between this album and his last released package called "Pusong Bakal." As expected, Mike’s raw and asserting vocals unifies the songs into a cohesive collection of his well-arranged songs.

He shared, "I invite Filipinos to listen to ‘Lagablab.’" This is my way of promoting harmony and unity among Pinoys these difficult days. It’s "Lagablab" because on fire ako para sa tamang pagbabago sa lipunan."

A pioneer of Pinoy rock, Mike has enjoyed a solo career as recording artist and performer since the super trio of Pepe Smith, Wally Gonzalez, and himself was dissolved more than two decades ago. He has now delved into worship music, and visited Israel lately where he bought a shofar – a ram’s horn-made-into-wind instrument.

The ex–bass player of Juan dela Cruz, who still dons his trademark outfit, proudly admitted his fateful conversion ‘from being a worldly to an inspirational songwriter. For him, he is no longer the ‘jeproks’ that most people regard him for, but rather someone who always aim for Christ’s presence each passing day.

Mike Hanopol once claimed he was obsessed with writing ‘Masochistic songs’ then. But now, apart from feeling he’s a totally changed man, he also believes that his music has transformed from mere Pinoy rock to "Pinoy Rock of Salvation."