As part of BusinessMirror’s campaign to promote everyone’s safety and well-being during the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have invited established and independent artists to perform at least one song in their own homes while urging everyone to stay indoors.
Just days before the Enhanced Community Quarantine was declared last March 16, celebrated singer-songwriter and Noel Cabangon graced the Breather Moments segment of BusinessMirror’s Broader Look podcast.
Back then, the indefatigable OPM icon was promoting his single, the Kundiman-inspired “Pipillin Pang Maghintay” and even performed it on the show.
Noel also performed a poignant rendition of his signature song, “Kanlungan” during rhe same podcast.
But as it turned out, Noel is not through releasing new music. Even as the ECQ remains in effect, although now somewhat relaxed and “modified” for certain areas as the MECQ, Noel has just released not just one but two new singles that he is also performing for SoundStrip Live & in Quarantine.
One is a jazz-infused version of the Moira dela Torre hit, “Malaya,” a song that Noel describes as “very heartfelt.” He noted that while the challenge in creating a new version of the popular song was enormous, he thought the new jazz arrangement gives justice and more elegance to the original.
The other song is a brand new original called “Habangbuhay” which he recorded in collaboration with Leanne and Naara, who will also grace SoundStrip Live & in Quarantine in an upcoming session.
Channeling a Filipino folk-pop/country genre into a hopeful, feel-good track about surpassing hardships together with your loved ones, the song takes on a new significance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has radically changed people’s way of life.
“This track is also a tribute to a Filipino value of walang iwanan and bayanihan. Right now we are facing this dreadful challenge, but we have each other’s backs. We see how Filipinos support each other, even the ones who do not really have are extending their support to fellow Filipinos,” he added.
“Habangbuhay,” “Malaya” and “Pipiliin Pang Maghintay” are now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and all digital stores worldwide under Universal Records.