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.

Kailan
Noel Cabangon Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Bakit kaya nangangamba
Sa tuwing ika'y nakikita
Sana naman ay makilala

Ilang ulit nang nagkabangga
Gamit mong dala'y pinulot ko pa
Ngunit 'di ka man lang nakilala

Bawat araw sinusundan
Umaasa sa 'yong tingin
Anong aking dapat gawin

Bakit kaya iniiwas
Suot ko ba'y luma't butas
Ibig kitang makilala

Pagka't mayroon sa puso ko
Munting puwang laan sa 'yo
Maaari na ba kitang makilala

Bawat araw sinusundan
Umaasa sa 'yong tingin
Anong aking dapat gawin

Kailan kailan mo ba mapapansin ang aking lihim (kailan)
Kahit anong aking gawin 'di mo pinapansin
Kailan kailan hahaplusin ang pusong bitin na bitin (kailan)
Kahit anong gawing lambing 'di mo pa rin pansin
Oh hmm oh

Bakit kaya umiiwas
Suot ko ba'y luma't butas
Nais ko lang magpakilala

Bawat araw sinusundan
Umaasa sa 'yong tingin
Anong aking dapat gawin

Kailan kailan mo ba mapapansin ang aking lihim (kailan)
Kahit anong aking gawin 'di mo pinapansin
Kailan kailan hahaplusin ang pusong bitin na bitin

Kahit anong gawing lambing 'di mo pa rin pansin
Oh oh hmm

Overall Meaning

The song "Kailan" by Noel Cabangon talks about a person's yearning to be noticed and known by someone they admire. The lyrics express frustration and confusion about the other person's lack of interest and attention, despite the singer's efforts to get closer to them. The first verse suggests that the person is afraid of being rejected or unknown, while the second verse shows that the singer is willing to try anything to make the other person notice and know them. The chorus repeats the questions and appeals for attention, as the singer wonders when their unrequited love will be reciprocated.

The song's meaning can be applied to many situations, from romantic relationships to friendships, where one person feels like they are not seen or heard, despite their attempts to reach out. The lyrics capture the vulnerability, insecurity, and hope that come with wanting to connect with someone who seems out of reach or uninterested.

Overall, "Kailan" is a beautiful and relatable song that speaks to the universal longing for connection and understanding.

Line by Line Meaning

Bakit kaya nangangamba
I wonder why I feel anxious every time I see you

Sa tuwing ika'y nakikita
Whenever I catch sight of you

Sana naman ay makilala
Hoping to know you better

Ilang ulit nang nagkabangga
Though we've had some collisions before

Gamit mong dala'y pinulot ko pa
I picked up the things you dropped

Ngunit 'di ka man lang nakilala
But you didn't even notice me

Bawat araw sinusundan
I follow you every day

Umaasa sa 'yong tingin
Hoping for a glance from you

Anong aking dapat gawin
What should I do?

Bakit kaya iniiwas
I wonder why you're avoiding me