By Valerie Tort
If it is not Julian Felipe, it is Noel Cabangon. As the composer of the modern Philippine National Anthems, Noel Cabangon can surpass the nationalistic and patriotic fervor reflected in Julian Felipe’s composition titled Lupang Hinirang.
The spell of Noel Cabangon started to captivate every TV viewer a few years ago as his song Kanlungan became the theme music in the commercial of one of the largest American fast food chains in the country. Every time the commercial was played, teens, yuppies, and adults all over the country sung together with the mysterious voice that hooked their attention.
Noel Cabangon is the mysterious voice behind the well-known song Kanlungan. His much-awaited break in the Philippine music industry suddenly knocked his door. As soon as his song made a break into the mainstream pop alternative music, Noel Cabangon grabbed the opportunity to motivate our Filipino countrymen for a change in the political and social upheaval prevailing in the country.
Noel Cabangon became one of the most popular alternative rock artists in the Philippines for his advocacy campaigns reflecting the hearts and minds of every Filipino.
“It was my intention to bring the song down from the heavens,” Noel Cabangon said in a chat with Cris Ramos.
Entertaining, persuasive, and enlightening—the singer and songwriter used his talent to reflect on the issues that continued to reign in the past decades such as poverty, the need for justice, freedom, and various struggles that confine the Filipinos inside a box. The subjects of his songs are the marginalized sectors of the community like the farmers, fishermen, and others.
Music is the language no one can ignore. As the tune Kanlungan is played back inside our head, it brought a fresh delight and insight on how to improve the Philippines to a better country for a brighter future.
“I attempted to make this song more grounded, to give this song that a lot of people have loved and related to and convert it into something for the people and nation to listen and hopefully derive inspiration from,” Noel Cabangon said.
“For a good deal of time I’ve been writing a lot of socio-political material,” the singer and composer added.
The nationalistic Filipino artist in actions, in words, and in deeds worked with several tunes for the local video documentaries. As a commercial artist, he composed and sung numerous tunes suited for TV and radio advertisements. As a mainstream pop alternative rock artist, he fascinated movie viewers with heartfelt theme songs.
Noel Cabangon continued to dedicate all his songs for the Filipinos as he fulfilled his wish to inspire and promote Filipino empowerment.
About Valerie Tort: .
February 26th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
magaling ba talaga composer ito??
March 19th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
He is a good song writer. A good guitar player too.
November 15th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
He’s also a member of an activist group - Nationalist Alliance for Justice, Freedom and Democracy and a musicians’ collective called BUKLOD (Bukluran ng mga Musikero Para Sa Bayan).