root word: ibig (love)
Ibigin mo ako.
Love me.
Mahalin mo ako.
Love me.
Here, the use of ibigin is more literary than mahalin.
The word ibig can take on different nuances in various contexts. When it comes to terms of endearment, ibig is used in intimate relationships, while mahal is more general. You can use mahal in reference to your parents or siblings, but you’d only use “Ibigin mo ako” with a romantic interest.
