Profile:
Nnoel Cabangon began his musical career at the young age of 10. Coming from a modest family in Rosario, La Union, Noel learned to play the guitar using one that he would borrow from a neighbor. Though shy and insecure, he was often entered into singing contests in their small town. Visiting guests were often treated to a song or two from the young Noel, who tried to run away from performing.
Try as he may to avoid performing in public, however, music and his love for it inevitably drew him to the stage. Iin 1982, beginning in little known folk houses and bars to underground watering holes, Noel steadily made a name for himself in the local music scene.
In the year 1987 noel, Rene Boncocan, and Rom Dongeto formed the group Buklod. Buklod was more than just a music group, with their albums oriented toward social, political, and cultural issues. The group came out with three albums -- "Bukid at Buhay," "Tatsulok," and "Sa Kandungan ng Kalikasan,” – each album espousing the advocacies of the group from the plight of the peasant farmers, to the protection of human rights, and to the conservation of the environment.
When the group disbanded, Noel set out on his own, playing at music bars and singing at private events. The years saw the creation of a loyal following that sought him out, wherever he played. He also began recording his solo albums. To date he has released 6 solo albums, 4 of which were produced by the Jesuit Music Ministry, 1 by Ballyhoo Records, and the latest by Universal Records.
Noel has also performed around and out of the country, doing concerts and performances in France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, while his many advocacies have brought him to Brazil, India, Kenya, Thailand, and Hong Kong, among others.
Over the years Noel has written songs for the causes he believes in and matters close to his heart. he has also written songs for other artists. some of his songs have also found their way into movies, the most recent of which was “Ang Buhay Nga Naman” for the indie film by Soxie Topacio, “Ded Na Si Lolo.” “Ded Na Si Lolo” is also the Philippine entry into the 2010 Academy Awards.
Noel has also dabbled in theater, as musical director, composer, or actor. He also teaches at the Pphilippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), imparting his years of experience in workshops aimed at educating the younger generations on the importance of theater.
Noel has had a long journey from being the shy boy who used to run from the audience, to the performer who never fails to awe and mesmerize his audience with his soulful voice and heartfelt music.
With almost 20 years of being a performer, and an untold number of years as a lover of music, noel is still doing what he does best – writing music, and singing about the things that matter most to him. years from now there is no doubt that noel will still be doing these, and doing them well.
Discography: |
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Byahe
Label: Universal Records
Released: 2009
Tracklist
- Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko
(originally popularized by Sharon Cuneta)
- Tuloy Pa Rin (originally popularized by Neocolours)
- Binibini (originally popularized by The Rainmakers)
- Ang Aking Awitin (originally popularized by Bong Gabriel)
- Di Na Natuto (originally popularized by Gary Valencian)
- Ang Buhay Nga Naman
- Kanlungan with Aia De Leon of Imago
- Dito Sa Kanto with Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar
- Kung Kailangan Mo Ako
(originally popularized by Rey Valera)
- Ipagpatawad mo
(originally popularized by VST & Company)
- Pag-ibig (originally popularized by APO Hiking Society)
- Pinay (originally popularized by Florante)
- Tao (originally popularized by Sampaguita)
- Pagbabalik (originally popularized by Asin)
- Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika
(originally popularized by Hadji Alejandro)
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Himig Nating Pag-ibig
Label: Ballyhoo Records
Released: 2006
Himig Nating Pag-ibig is an album that showcases one of the most powerful emotions a person can ever experience - love or perhaps its loss. from the patriotic, to the romantic, down to the filial kind, this album explores it all. love as we Pinoys know it, beautifully rendered by Nnoel.
Tracklist
- Ang Himig Natin
- Ang Himig Ng Pag-ibig
- Ang Payo
- Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig
- Sa Pagpatak Ng Ulan
- Nag-iisa, Wala Ka Na
- Diwa
- Kanlungan
- Walang Iba Kundi Ikaw
- Nang Ikaw Ay Dumating
- Awit Kay Gabriel
- Alaala Ka Infanta
- Awit ng Bahaghari
- Uunahin Ko Kayo
- Nariyan Ka Lang Sa Tabi
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Noel
Label: Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.
Released: 2004
Noel is Noel's first christmas album. Tthe album captures the mood of the Filipino christmas, festive and yet sometimes melancholy. Wherever the listener may be, this album gives one a feeling of being home during christmas, celebrating the holidays as only filipinos can. *Best album package, 17th Awit Awards
Tracklist
- The First Noel
- Pasko Na, Pasko Na!
- Pasko Dito Sa Amin
- Pasko Na Sinta Ko
- Huling Hiling
- Nahan Ang Tapat Mong Pagsinta
- Nang Ikaw Ay Dumating
- Naroon Sa Rosas Ang Mahal N'yang Dugo
- Pamaskong Pangarap
- The Christmas Song
- Hey, Happy Holiday
- Natutong Umibig Muli
- Diwa Ng Pasko
- Happy Christmas
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Medyas
Label: Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.
Released: 2004
Medjas or 'Medyo Jazz" shows Noel experimenting with new styles. A bit of jazz, blues, and even a smattering of bossanova. The album however, has maintained a sound that is distinctly noel. The song "Tinamaan Mo" won the award for Best jazz recording in the 17th Awit Awards.
Tracklist
- Awit ng Kagampan
- Loves So Beautiful
- Samut Saring Larawan
- Children of Tomorrow
- Pauwi Na!
- Kalingain ang Mundo
- Hanap-hanap Ka
- Stay
- Tinitiis Ko
- Handang Maghintay
- Ikaw Lamang
- Tinamaan Mo
- Lullaby
- Kapayapaan Para Sa Mga Bata
- Kapayapaan Sa Sanlibutan
- Thank You, Lord
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Huwag Mangamba: Mga Awit ng Pagtatagpo
Label: Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.
Released: 2002
Huwag Mangamba: Mga Awit ng Pagtatagpo is a collection of contemporary retreat songs given a new treatment by Noel. These songs serve as constant reminders that even in times of doubt there is no need to fear.
Tracklist
- Panginoon, Aking Tanglaw
- Ang Panginoon Ang Aking Pastol
- Sa Langit Ay Higit Ang Ganda Sa Ganda
- Ang Kaluluwa Ko'y Nauuhaw
- Emmanuel
- Narito Ako
- Ang Mabuting Pastol
- Huwag Mangamba
- Panalangin Maging Bukas-Palad
- Sa Pag-ibig Ng Panginoon
- Mahal Naming Ina
- Ito Ang Bagong Araw [A Capella]
- Pag-ibig Mo, Ama
- Pagsibol
- Paghahandog
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Pasakalye
Label: Jesuit Communications Foundation, Inc.
Released: 2001
Pasakalye is Noel's first solo album after his former group, Buklod, disbanded. Composed of all original songs, Pasakalye introduced the public to Noel's brand of music, folk music with a lot of heart, infused with soul.
Tracklist
- Kayod Kabayo, Kayod Barya
- Jeepney Driver Blues
- Hari ng Kalye
- Usok, Usok
- Dito sa Kanto
- Dahil Nariyan Ka
- Simpleng Musikero
- Dancing Angels
- Awit ni Cesar (9 na taon)
- Panawenen (Ilocano reggae)
- Liku-likong Landas
- Kayod Kabayo, Kayod Barya (reprise)
- Dalampasigan ng Puso (reprise)
- One World of Peace
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