Gab Cabangon Makes a Case for Forever With New Single “ngayon at kailanman”
Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by Over Here Toronto
The Awit Awards Best New Artist nominee turns an intimate wedding vow into a tender OPM love song about choosing each other through life’s uncertainties
Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon is turning one of the most personal moments of his life into a song about lasting love with his new single, “ngayon at kailanman.”
The intimate track arrives as Cabangon continues to make his mark in the local music scene. The singer-songwriter was recently recognized with a Best New Artist nomination at the Awit Awards, adding another milestone to his growing career as a solo artist.
Known for his introspective approach to songwriting and soulful guitar-driven sound, Cabangon often draws from the complicated realities of being human. His music explores heartbreak, frustration, vulnerability, healing, and the quieter moments of life. With “ngayon at kailanman,” however, he turns his attention toward love and the decision to stay.
A Wedding Vow Turned Into a Love Song
“ngayon at kailanman” was originally written as a gift for Cabangon’s wife. The song eventually became part of their wedding day when it was performed as a surprise bridal march, transforming what began as a deeply personal promise into a song that listeners can now make their own.
At its heart, the track is about finding a relationship that can endure despite life’s uncertainties. Rather than portraying romance as perfect or effortless, Cabangon focuses on the conscious decision to choose someone even when relationships become difficult.
The song takes inspiration from the understated warmth of Filipino love songs such as Johnoy Danao’s “Ikaw at Ako,” Ebe Dancel’s “Cuida,” and TJ Monterde’s “Palagi.” Its stripped-down approach gives the lyrics room to carry the emotional weight.
“I want my listeners to feel like they are in a warm, tight embrace whenever they hear the song,” Cabangon shares. “I also hope my listeners learn through the song that love and relationships are never perfect. We are all people, and we all go through our own stumbles and challenges. But we try to choose each other even when things are difficult.”
For Cabangon, that choice is also part of what makes a relationship meaningful.
“Because I think we also become better individuals when we find love that is assuring and earnest,” he adds.
The result is a tender OPM love song that embraces the imperfect nature of relationships while holding on to the hope that two people can continue growing together.
Keeping “ngayon at kailanman” Intimate
The song’s intimate story also shaped its production.
Cabangon worked with producer David Lina on a deliberate “less is more” approach. Inspired by the vulnerable and soul-baring musicality of Joseph Solomon, the production keeps the instrumentation understated and allows the lyrics to remain at the center.
“I always imagined ngayon at kailanman as a wedding vow being done in a very private, intimate space, so I wanted to preserve that vision by keeping the production very simple with more emphasis on the lyrics,” Cabangon explains.
That simplicity gives the song its emotional character. Instead of relying on an elaborate arrangement, “ngayon at kailanman” leans into warmth, sincerity, and the feeling of someone making a promise directly to the person they love.
Another Chapter in Gab Cabangon’s Musical Journey
“ngayon at kailanman” was not originally intended for public release, much like Cabangon’s earlier single “Pieces.” The song eventually found its place within his forthcoming EP, adding another chapter to a larger story about learning to love again.
The upcoming project follows the emotional progression established by his previous releases. “Pieces” explores vulnerability, while “Kama” offers a quieter reflection on finding beauty and peace amid everyday life. His latest single, “Ikot Ulit,” moves into frustration and unresolved emotions.
Together, the songs point toward a broader narrative of healing, rediscovering passion, and finding one’s way back to the things that matter.
“The upcoming EP is really going to be about going through the process of falling out of love and finding our way back to the things that we were once passionate about,” Cabangon reveals.
“Based on the first couple of songs that my listeners have experienced, I think my audience can expect that introspective singer-songwriter feel that’s very common with a lot of the tracks.”
With “ngayon at kailanman,” that journey takes a softer turn.
Instead of dwelling on heartbreak, the song explores what happens when someone chooses to open their heart again. It is about finding love that encourages growth, accepting imperfections, and understanding that staying can be just as meaningful as falling in love.
Cabangon’s previous singles, including “Pieces,” “Kama,” and “Ikot Ulit,” are currently part of his growing discography.
Fans can also keep up with the latest music and entertainment happenings in Manila as more details surrounding Cabangon’s upcoming releases and performances unfold.
For those discovering his music for the first time, “ngayon at kailanman” offers a fitting introduction to the songwriter’s ability to turn personal experiences into something universal: a song about choosing love, growing together, and believing that some promises are worth keeping.
About Gab Cabangon
Gab Cabangon is a Filipino singer-songwriter and Awit Awards-nominated artist based in Metro Manila. He describes his sound as a “nonchalant millennial sadboi” style of indie pop, combining chill guitar melodies with soulful vocals and introspective songwriting.
His music explores different phases of life, including romantic and non-romantic heartaches, vulnerability, frustration, healing, and personal growth.
As a solo recording artist, Cabangon continues to share his music and stories through intimate shows, music festivals, and performances. He has also brought his music to audiences abroad, including shows in the United States and Australia.
His growing body of work includes “Pieces,” “Kama,” and “Ikot Ulit,” with “ngayon at kailanman” continuing the story of an artist learning to navigate love, loss, healing, and everything in between.
