A cool night of jamming
WHAT a blast we had at
50th birthday bash in his resto-bar, Conspiracy (Visayas Ave., Quezon City), on Christmas Day. It was one cool night of jamming.
Noel recalled his struggling days as a musician. “As a folk singer starting out, kaladkarin ako. Kung saan may gig, dun ako. I had to memorize the songs of
and
Noynoy
Cooky Chua
Cesar Montano
Gabriel, What was a lifechanging moment for you?
When my parents gave me a guitar on my 18th birthday. That changed my world. I never knew I was going to be a professional singer or a songwriter. Getting my first guitar led to everything that I have now and what I am.
What did you and PNoy talk about at your party?
It was an honor to have him around. My wife and I were so happy that he came. He is really a very good friend. We just talked about music. That’s one thing we share—we love listening to good music and exchanging views about it. He gave me a simple gift,
Christmas album. The President has a very keen ear for music. He knows how to distinguish a good mix and a good sound recording. I’m so thankful to him and my other friends in the government for finding time to join my simple celebration. I’m also grateful to my good friend, Conrado de Quiros who has been watching my gigs since the 1980s when I was still starting.
Rankin’s
Beng
Kenny What’s your advice to your son Gabriel who’s now a musician, too?
To always get better in what he does. To always have passion. To always listen and be open to criticism and comments. He’s more of a rocker than I am. He also has more of the temperament of an artist. My wife and I are hisworst critics.
What’s your song for yourself as you hit 50?
“Across the Universe” by The Beatles.
Noel Cabangon’s James Taylor, DonMcLean Bob Dylan.”
President [ gamely sang with the birthday boy onstage. Also spotted at the fete were
Aquino]
Conrado de Quiros, Butch Abad, Rene Almendras, Ronald Llamas Etta Rosales
and chair of the Commission on Human Rights. and Noel regaled us with a duet, and
performed onthe-spot numbers. Noel’s son,
is following in his dad’s footsteps. He wowed us with his original compositions, “Cheesy” and “Guwapo Lang ang Pinagbibigyan.”
Though surrounded by VIP guests, Noel’s simplicity and laidback nature remained unaffected. That’s exactly what drew me to him the first time we met. No airs, no pretensions. Just like his songs, the OPM icon gently creeps into your heart.
Excerpts of my post-event tete-à-tete with the Golden Boy:
Francis’
our Filipino saint via the film, “Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir,” starring
Rocco shed his pretty boy image for this film. The heartthrob buckled down to work and took his role to heart.
I kidded him during a nightout: “Has your role as Calungsod made you behave better?” With a wink he said, “I try, because I feel like Calungsod is watching over me now.”
Excerpts of my one-on-one with Rocco.
Rocco Nacino. How did you prepare for your role as Pedro Calungsod?
I couldn’t incorporate any part of Rocco Nacino into the character; it was well-researched and I had to be accurate. So I had to be a sponge, taking in all of Direk
( instructions formy portrayal.
Villacorta) What struck you most about his life story?
How his love for God always came first.
Did Calungsod make his presence felt during shooting?
Yes. We had mass at San Pedro Calungsod’s chapel and when I touched his statue’s feet I suddenly became emotional and cried. It was like he was telling me that he was with me all the way.
What lessons did you learn from Calungsod’s life story?
That if you put God first, more blessings will come to you.
What’s the real score between Lovi Poe and you?
She’s the closest one to me now. I’m so happy when we’re together.