“Maluwalhating Pilipinas” brings together original compositions inspired by Lina’s poetry, with proceeds supporting the Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition.
MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator and The Manila Hotel President Atty. Joey Lina brings together poetry, music, faith, love, and patriotism in Maluwalhating Pilipinas, a 10-track album of original compositions created in collaboration with his nephew, songwriter and music arranger Robert David.
The album was formally launched on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the historic Tap Room of The Manila Hotel, with renowned singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan as Honored Special Guest.
From poetry to song
The album grew from something Lina had first loved doing many years ago: writing poetry.
“A few years back, I found myself writing poems again, something I used to do in my youth,” Lina shared. “Upon learning this, my nephew Robert David, who is a songwriter and music arranger, told me he would put music to my poems.”
What began as a return to an old passion soon developed into a collection of original songs.
“I wanted to share my ideas with others, so I thought, why not transform my poems into songs—and I will be the one to sing them?” Lina said.
Through David’s musical arrangements, Lina’s poems evolved into songs carrying messages close to his heart. The album’s 10 original compositions are:
- “You Are My Home”
- “Himig ng Pasko”
- “Sana Ako Rin”
- “Dios ang Pag-asa”
- “You Are My Everything”
- “Tulungan Mo Ako”
- “Ikaw Lang”
- “Ikaw ay Akin, Ako’y Sa’yo”
- “Maluwalhating Pilipinas”
- “Sana Tayo’y Maging Pasko”
The tracks range from intimate love songs such as “You Are My Home,” “You Are My Everything,” “Ikaw Lang,” and “Ikaw ay Akin, Ako’y Sa’yo,” to songs of faith including “Dios ang Pag-asa” and “Tulungan Mo Ako.” The album also features the Christmas songs “Himig ng Pasko” and “Sana Tayo’y Maging Pasko,” alongside “Sana Ako Rin.”
Music in the service of others
For Lina, singing is hardly a new pursuit. Long before recording his own compositions, he had already been performing for charitable causes.
Since 2003, Lina has taken part in fundraising concerts alongside his late Cabinet colleagues Bayani Fernando and Angelo Reyes. The three public servants became known onstage as the “Three Tenors,” using music not simply for entertainment, but also as a means of supporting worthy causes.
That same spirit continues with Maluwalhating Pilipinas, with net proceeds from album sales benefiting the Children’s First 1,000 Days Coalition (CFDC), the country’s largest alliance of non-government and government organizations working to promote proper nutrition and care during the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
A song for the Philippines
At the center of the album is its title track, “Maluwalhating Pilipinas,” which reflects Lina’s enduring love for the Philippines and his hope for the nation.
“Maluwalhating Pilipinas expresses my belief that if we truly love our beloved Philippines, we need to return to God, who alone can transform our country into one where justice, peace, and prosperity reign,” Lina said.
For Lina, Maluwalhating Pilipinas is more than a personal milestone. It continues his long-standing tradition of connecting music with service while expressing the values he has held throughout his life: family, faith in God, love for others, service, hope, and love of country.
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