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Tagalog Hymns Bring Hope and Peace
Music is often called the universal language of the soul, but when translated and sung in one’s native tongue, its power to heal, uplift, and connect deepens in ways words alone cannot express.
This is the very power I felt so strongly as our entire team gathered to sing and record Tagalog sacred hymns. Beyond the reverent melody of the song itself, when translated into Tagalog, the hymn becomes something more personal, even on a molecular level. My mind, soul, and body now fully understand what it means. Every word that leaves my lips becomes ten times more meaningful as if I own the words I chant while singing these sacred hymns. This is, without a doubt, an inspired project that came directly from above.
One evident blessing that immediately showered me during this project was the immense peace I felt—not only during the session but also in my life in general. To share a bit of my story, a few weeks before our pilot recording, I was still reeling from the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine. Our house was flooded, and many of our belongings were damaged beyond repair. Chaos and uncertainty surrounded me, leaving me restless and worried.
Despite all this, I never once hesitated to attend the recording session, knowing that I would be edified and strengthened as I gave my best efforts. Throughout the session, we enjoyed what we would consider as among the happiest times of our lives. We worked hard, but it didn’t feel like work: we laughed, joked around, and helped each other while recording the songs in Tagalog. Truly, the Lord is in the minute details of our lives. He knew I needed to step back and experience the peace His music offers, shared with wonderful people.
Another takeaway I’ll cherish from this project is witnessing the willingness of every team member to help. From the leaders assigned to this project, to the recording staff, and down to the singers—each person was eager to put in extra work, give their 100%, make others feel comfortable, and take care of one another. I’m proud that in the Church, we are taught to be selfless, kind, and charitable. It is my hope that these qualities will be felt by all who listen to the Tagalog sacred hymns.
A powerful scripture that reflects the “perfect brightness of hope” comes from 2 Nephi 26:24, and it is exactly what I felt during the recording sessions for the Tagalog hymns. The songs, sung in Tagalog, struck deep within my heart and gave me hope and peace that is perfect and unshakable—the kind of peace that can only be found in Christ. The kind of hope that emanates from His sacred words. With this, I encourage all of us, whether members or not, to take part in this project by supporting and using the Tagalog hymns as much as we can. I testify that these songs will become ours to sing.