In 1987 Noel Cabangon formed the group Buklod together with Rene Boncocan and Rom Dongeto. They produced three albums: Bukid at Buhay, Tatsulok, and Sa Kandungan ng Kalikasan. The band wrote and performed songs about the environment, human rights, and politics.
Bukid at Buhay 'This album is extremely pastoral in content and feel. Noel Cabangon's voice is tightly woven into a breath-taking three-part harmony with Rom Dongeto and Susan Magno Fernando. The song 'Buhay ay di Singganda ng Pangarap' is a gem that contrasts colorful melodies with the bitter truth of its lyrics.
Tatsulok 'The duo of Cabangon and Dongeto do rock, blues and reggae with heartfelt gusto. The album is the most militant and didactic of the lot. Leftist harangues of the kind found in teach-ins are turned into in-your-face lyrics. Songs that rant against military bases or nuclear power plants may seem dated but others such as 'Isang Kwento ng Ating Panahon' and 'Tasulok' still ring true. 'Tumindig Ka' is great reggae fun but the heart-wrenching 'Lea' is the most endearing by far.
Sa Kandungan ng Kalikasan 'The environment is the focus of this album. The now often heard 'Kanlungan' comes from this collection. 'Usok' and 'Maynila' also stand out for their great hooks.
Lost Generation and Karapatan Pangtao 'These two compilation albums contain Buklod songs are great for the diversity of artists they contain.
They parted ways for both personal reasons and growing political differences, with Cabangon continuing on the road to become a recording artist, Dongeto remaining firmly involved in the nongovernment sector, and Boncocan joining the advertising world, first as a graphic artist and then later as a junior art director.
ALBUMS
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