Mahal na mahal kita Panginoon
Mahal na mahal kita Panginoon
Kailanmay di kita ipagpapalit
Pagkat sa piling Mo’y langit
Mahal na mahal kita Panginoon
Habangbuhay papupurihan Ka
Habangbuhay maglilingkod Sayo
Habangbuhay papuri ko Say’oy iaalay
Translation (to the best of my knowledge) :
I love you very much Lord
I love you very much Lord
Never will I trade You
Because with you, it feels like heaven
I love you very much Lord
Forever I will praise You
Forever I will serve You
Forever my praises to you I will give
The man behind “Mahal na Mahal Kita Panginoon,” Pastor Rommel Guevara, has been a great influence to Filipino Christians through music. He was our guest artist for our Worship Explosion (held every end of the year). He was with his wife, Susan and his band. It was such a great feeling to see and hear him tell what he truly believes. I grew up listening to his songs and heard about this “Celebrate Jesus”.
Who would ever thought I will meet the composer of almost a cult song in the Philippines? Cult – because even the natives, living in remote areas knew the song). We were astounded to the fact that he accepted the invitation in a sweet tiny pinch of chance. It was really God who moved.
Nonetheless, it’s the truth he told us after his set. He sang four praise and worship songs, English and Tagalog. He touched a lot of issues including grace, legalism, liberation, love and passion for music. He talked about revelation of grace and told touching, encouraging true-to-life miracle stories.
With the song opening this entry, he revealed to us that it is an almost impossible song. He said it is a song convicting others because the fact that we really can’t do “love the Lord a hundred percent” is a hit on someone’s face. Closing it, he pointed out,“The law disqualifies, God qualifies.” It made an impact on me. Indeed, it was all grace.
It was a night of worship for all of us. A good thing to end the year.