"Those songs were commissioned work that sent out ‘unguided’ messages," he says during an interview. "They were fun songs but there are more important subjects that I should’ve tackled."

"Laki Sa Layaw" is the ultimate slacker-song while "No Touch" contains lyrics with sexual innuendoes. Both were written by Hanopol when he was still the bassist of seminal 70’s rock band, Juan de La Cruz. The sensual "Katawan" was penned for all-male group Hagibis.

Hanopol says that he became born-again Christian through God’s grace alone.

"Nobody can make you born-again Christian except God," he says. "People might invite you to experience God personally, and you might even go to Bible studies or worship services, but unless He himself calls you, nothing will happen."

Wearing this faith on his sleeves like the trademark beret, Hanopol’s conviction can be heard on his latest album under Warner Music Philippines, "Lagablab." Much awaited by fans since 1998’s "Hanopoly," the disc has 10 tracks of positive modern-day parables set to music universal, ranging from Overseas Filipino Workers to the current socio-economic conditions.

"I do not preach directly in songs I do because doing so has become ineffective," he says. "Even if basis of my songs are Biblical, people won’t be alienated because I put these in context of relationships."

These are "Peace Naman," "Ang Magulang Mo," "Sa Aking Pag-uwi," "Hawakan Mong Muli," "Hindi Ka Magsisisi," "Hambog," "Namamasyal," "Talamak" and the carrier single, "Maghihintay" done in collaboration with Session Road’s Hannah Romawac.

Other artists that figure in the album of pop-jazz-rock inclination are Brownbeat All-Star’s Myra Ruaro, Francis Magalona and Imago’s Aya de Leon

" ‘Maghihintay’ resonates especially in me because to this day, I can’t believe how bad the situation in our country has become to force many to seek employment elsewhere while family is sacrificed," says he. "I know this for a fact because I’ve seen the lines at the U.S. Embassy."

And though some might find this hypocritical since Hanopol is holder of a U.S. green card, the rock icon clarifies that he has been shuttling back and forth abroad since the early 80’s "and went there in the first place because my parents are U.S. citizens." A regular guy when in the U.S., Hanopol had held odd jobs as limousine driver and distributor of yellow pages directories.

Apart from his revved-up music career, Hanopol busies himself lately by accepting invitations (30 so far) from various Christian groups to give testimonials as steward of the one he belongs to (Christ Our Banner). He also reads the Bible "at least 15 minutes a day" and is into learning Messianic Praise and Worship songs.

"Messianic Praise and Worship are ones Jewish born-again Christians sing in Hebrew during their services. It’s very special since it’s by people (Jews) that before, did not believe in the New Testament. The music is very deep but then so are the messages it proclaims."

When asked to give a one-liner description of his new sound, Hanopol concludes: "Made prosperous through revelation that led to realizations."