'Lead Me Lord' composer serenaded with his own song after recovering from COVID-19

The song "Lead Me Lord" has become an anthem for medical frontliners battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Composed by Arnel de Pano, the song was performed by the UP Med Choir to boost the morale of their fellow healthcare workers as well as patients.

But it turned out that de Pano himself needed to hear his own song after catching COVID-19.

According to Athena Imperial's report for "24 Oras," the hospital staff of Marikina Valley Medical Center serenaded the composer after healing from the disease.

"Humagulgol ako after. Kumakanta ako with them. Nakataas 'yung kamay ko in thanksgiving and  in praise and then ipinanalanganin ko sila," he said.

De Pano composed "Lead Me Lord" more than 30 years ago.

"The way it is being used now, it's very powerful. Sa akin regalo sa akin 'yan. It's not my doing pero ano 'yan biyaya ng Panginoon sa akin," he said.

The composer spent almost two weeks at the hospital fighting COVID-19. The treatment was complicated because he also has hypertension, hereditary diabetes, and lung problems.

He saluted the medical staff who worked their hearts in order to beat help him COVID-19.

"The frontliners will do everything to keep you alive, to get you back on the road to recovery," he said. "Hindi sila magi-give up."--MGP, GMA News