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.
Emmanuel
Noel Cabangon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tatawagin siyang Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Isang dalaga'y maglilihi batang lalake ang sanggol
Tatawagin siyang Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Magalak isinilang ang Poon
Sa sabsaban siya'y nakahimlay
Luwalhati sa Dios
Isang dalaga'y maglilihi batang lalake ang sanggol
Tatawagin siyang Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Nagpahayag ang mga anghel
Luwalhati sa Dios
Magalak isinilang ang Poon
Sa sabsaban siya'y nakahimlay
Nagpahayag ang mga anghel
Luwalhati sa Dios
Isang dalaga'y maglilihi batang lalake ang sanggol
Tatawagin siyang Emmanuel, Emmanuel
The song "Emmanuel" by Noel Cabangon is a retelling of the story of Jesus' birth. The first two lines of the song describe a young woman who is pregnant with a baby boy. The child will be called Emmanuel, which means "God is with us." The repetition of the name Emmanuel throughout the song emphasizes the importance of the message that God is present with us.
The next lines describe the birth of Jesus with references to the manger and the angels praising God. The song highlights the joy and wonder of this momentous occasion, which brings hope and light to the world.
Overall, "Emmanuel" is a celebration of the miracle of Christmas and the arrival of a savior who brings love and salvation. It is also a reminder that God is always with us and that we can find comfort and strength in his presence.
Line by Line Meaning
Isang dalaga'y maglilihi batang lalake ang sanggol
A maiden will conceive and give birth to a boy
Tatawagin siyang Emmanuel, Emmanuel
He will be called Emmanuel, Emmanuel
Magalak isinilang ang Poon
Rejoice, for the Lord is born
Sa sabsaban siya'y nakahimlay
He lies in a manger
Nagpahayag ang mga anghel
The angels proclaimed
Luwalhati sa Dios
Glory to God
Writer(s): George Gozum
Contributed by Benjamin I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Josefa Meikle
on Paano
'Bought your CD the last time I was in Manila, Your rendition of Paano is so jazzy, just magic!