Noel Cabangon began his musical career at the young age of 10. Coming from … Read Full Bio ↴Noel 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 neighbour. 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. 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.

Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal
Noel Cabangon Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Itanong mo sa akin
Kung sino'ng aking mahal
Itanong mo sa akin
Sagot ko'y di magtatagal

Ikaw lang ang aking mahal
Ang pag-ibig mo'y aking kailangan
Pag-ibig na walang hangganan

Ang aking tunay na nararamdaman

Isa lang ang damdamin
Ikaw ang aking mahal
Maniwala ka sana
Sa akin ay walang iba

Ikaw lang ang aking mahal
Ang pag-ibig mo'y aking kailangan
Pag-ibig na walang hangganan
Ang aking tunay na nararamdaman

Ang nais ko sana'y inyong malaman
Sa hilaga o sa timog o kanluran
At kahit sa'n pa man
Ang laging isisigaw

Ang nais ko sana'y inyong malaman
Sa hilaga o sa timog o kanluran
At kahit sa'n pa man
Ang laging isisigaw

Ikaw ang aking mahal...

Ikaw ang aking mahal...
Ikaw ang aking mahal...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Noel Cabangon's song "Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal" speak of a deep and pure love for someone, as the singer proclaims that only one person holds the key to their heart. The opening lines invite the listener to question who the singer loves, and promises a prompt response that will not take long to arrive. The repetition of the phrase "ikaw lang ang aking mahal" (you are the only one I love) emphasizes the singer's conviction and commitment, while the line "pag-ibig na walang hangganan" (love without end) highlights the timeless and enduring nature of their love.

The second verse further emphasizes the singer's unwavering and exclusive love for their chosen one, and implores them to believe that there is no one else for them. The third verse takes on a more declarative tone, as the singer wishes for everyone to know about their love, regardless of where they are. The song ends on a triumphant note, with the refrain repeating the simple yet powerful declaration of love that forms the heart of the song.

Overall, Noel Cabangon's "Ikaw Lang Ang Aking Mahal" is a heartfelt expression of love that celebrates the power and beauty of a deep connection with another person, and how that love can transcend time and space.

Line by Line Meaning

Itanong mo sa akin
Ask me

Kung sino'ng aking mahal
Who I love

Sagot ko'y di magtatagal
I'll answer right away

Ikaw lang ang aking mahal
You are the only one I love

Ang pag-ibig mo'y aking kailangan
I need your love

Pag-ibig na walang hangganan
Love without end

Ang aking tunay na nararamdaman
My true feelings

Isa lang ang damdamin
Only one emotion

Ikaw ang aking mahal
You are the one I love

Maniwala ka sana
Please believe me

Sa akin ay walang iba
There's no one else for me