Try as he may to avoid performing in public, however, music and his love for it inevitably drew him to the stage. In 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 theatre, as musical director, composer, or actor. He also teaches at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), imparting his years of experience in workshops aimed at educating the younger generations on the importance of theatre.
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 mesmerise 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.
Ang Buhay Nga Naman
Noel Cabangon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Di mo maintindihan
Di mo alam kung saan ang hangganan
Ang buhay ng tao
Sadyang misteryoso
Di mo alam kung kailan ang katapusan
Ngunit ika'y maaalala
At hindi malilimutan
Ang iyong mga kalokohan
At ika'y pag-uusapan at pagtatawanan
Ngunit mangungulila sa iyong paglisan
Ang buhay nga naman
Kay lalim ng kahulugan
Di mo alam kung ano ang kapalaran
Ang buhay ng tao
Sa ibabaw ng mundo
Di mo batid kung ano ang iyong daratnan
Ngunit ika'y maaalala
Sa mga kwento mong madrama
At hindi malilimutan
Ang iyong mga kalokohan
At ika'y pag-uusapan at pagtatawanan
Ngunit mangungulila sa iyong paglisan
Ang buhay ng tao
Sa ibabaw ng mundo
Paikot-ikot at sadyang mapaglaro
Ngunit ika'y maaalala
Sa mga kwento mong madrama
At hindi malilimutan
Ang iyong mga kalokohan
At ika'y pag-uusapan at pagtatawanan
Ngunit mangungulila sa iyong paglisan
Ngunit mangungulila sa iyong paglisan
The song "Ang Buhay Nga Naman" by Noel Cabangon talks about the complexities and mysteries of human life. It highlights the fact that life is unpredictable and uncertain, and we never truly understand where it will lead us. The lyrics suggest that people are vulnerable to the whims of fate, and they never really know when their time may come to an end.
The song emphasizes the importance of memories, and how they keep a person alive. The singer believes that even after someone is gone, stories of their life will always be remembered, even the silly and foolish things they did. The song suggests that a person's life is not just about the beginning and the end, but the journey in between. It encourages people to live their lives fully and embrace every moment, even the ups and downs, as they contribute to who we are and who we will become.
Overall, "Ang Buhay Nga Naman" is a poignant depiction of the human condition, and the fragility, beauty, and unpredictability of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Ang buhay nga naman
Life, what a strange thing it is
Di mo maintindihan
You can't really grasp it
Di mo alam kung saan ang hangganan
You don't know where it ends
Ang buhay ng tao
The life of a person
Sadyang misteryoso
Is truly mysterious
Di mo alam kung kailan ang katapusan
You never know when it will all end
Ngunit ika'y maaalala
But you will be remembered
Sa mga kwento mong madrama
For your dramatic stories
At hindi malilimutan
And never forgotten
Ang iyong mga kalokohan
Your foolishness
At ika'y pag-uusapan at pagtatawanan
And people will talk and laugh about you
Ngunit mangungulila sa iyong paglisan
But they will also miss you when you're gone
Kay lalim ng kahulugan
It has such deep meaning
Di mo alam kung ano ang kapalaran
You don't know what fate has in store for you
Sa ibabaw ng mundo
On the surface of the world
Di mo batid kung ano ang iyong daratnan
You don't know what your destination will be
Paikot-ikot at sadyang mapaglaro
It can be a never-ending game of twists and turns
Ngunit mangungulila sa iyong paglisan
But they will also miss you when you're gone
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
charlee delavin
one of my favorite filipino singer and song writer. his songs are just great. i'm a proud Filipino. hands down master noel cabangon!
Calixta Isabelle Sedano
I lost my father last november 3, 2021, this song is dedicated to you Dad. I love you so much., We know your at peace now. 🙏😇❤️
JoshDee
This song always makes me cry... so touching and let’s you think about life.❤️
Em Jae Baccay
This song is dedicated to my father.. always makes me cry whenever I hear this song.. Miss you so much Papa. We love you...
noli cruz
ang ganda talaga nitong kantang to.sarap sarap pakinggan. ang galing talaga ni ka noel. the best sya talaga.
Bahay Kubo
this song reminds me of my tito and my father...this can really touch your heart..I love it!!!
Benne dela Rosa
Life is magical and death is beautiful 🌹
Audrey Lalap
jusko naman
Keene Saludares
This will be my funeral song. :)
Sakura Fairy
Me too, this was my uncle's funeral song.