Filipino singer-songwriter Gab Cabangon opens a new chapter in his musical journey with Learn to Love Again, his debut five-track EP released today via Underdog Music. Described as an “open diary,” the collection reflects the struggles, emotional setbacks, and rediscovery that come with navigating life and pursuing one’s passions.
Across five tracks, Cabangon explores what it means to confront disappointment, reconnect with personal dreams, and find his way back to the people and experiences that bring him joy. After years of balancing live performances, supporting fellow artists behind the scenes, and working toward releasing his own music, the Awit Award-nominated artist found himself questioning his direction and passion for songwriting.
Rather than allowing uncertainty to hold him back, Cabangon turned to friends in the music scene, transforming his reflections on life, career, and love into a deeply personal body of work.
“I did realize in the process of developing the songs of Learn to Love Again that I didn’t have to be alone and that I do have my wife, my family, my friends, and a community to lean on when the going gets tough,” Cabangon shares. “I also realized after writing everything that I just needed to show up.”
Learning To Pause And Begin Again
At the heart of the EP is “Love Again,” its focus track and emotional centerpiece. Written after Cabangon took a brief break from music during the pandemic, the song captures his journey toward reassessing his relationship with his craft and rediscovering the reasons he began making music.
The track reflects the process of letting go, healing, and embracing renewed passion at one’s own pace. For Cabangon, stepping away from music became an opportunity to recover without losing sight of his identity as an artist.
“I think it taught me to rest and to pause,” he explains. “That I didn’t have to be impatient and do music non-stop. It didn’t make me less of an artist. It’s okay to step away from time to time so that I don’t get too tired or frustrated with my music.”
Dedicated to anyone who has experienced burnout, heartbreak, disappointment, or the feeling of being left behind, “Love Again” encourages listeners to stop measuring their progress against others and reconnect with the reasons they pursue what they love.
“I also think that learning to love again isn’t necessarily linear,” Cabangon says. “We all go through the highs and lows of life, and I guess the important thing is that we never lose our way or the reason why we took on that journey.”
Five Songs, One Journey Of Rediscovery
The EP’s four accompanying tracks expand on its central message, each exploring a different stage of emotional recovery.
“Ikot Ulit” confronts the anger and frustration that come with false promises, disappointments, and unexpected roadblocks. “Pieces” embraces vulnerability, reminding listeners that it is okay to struggle, grieve, and lean on others while healing. Meanwhile, “Kama” encourages rest in a world that constantly demands productivity. Closing the collection, “ngayon at kailanman” offers a hopeful reflection on finding love that is genuine, reassuring, and honest.
Bringing the songs to life was a collaborative effort rooted in Cabangon’s personal songwriting. He worked with David Lina on arrangement and production, developing the tracks from acoustic demos through collaborative studio sessions. Shadiel Chan and Jan Fuertez of Nine Degrees North handled mixing and mastering, while Cha Martinez contributed lead guitars to “Love Again.”
For “Kama,” Cabangon collaborated with Gab Lazaro of Project Yass, vydd, Kyla Miel, and his wife, Geli, experimenting with different instrumental and vocal textures to shape the track’s sound.
With Learn to Love Again, Cabangon turns the uncertainties of his own journey into songs that acknowledge how difficult starting over can be while leaving room for hope. Rather than promising instant healing or easy answers, the EP highlights the value of slowing down, reflecting, and making space for better decisions.
After all, finding your way back to what you love does not have to happen overnight—and life is not a race.
About Gab Cabangon
Gab Cabangon is a Filipino singer-songwriter and Awit Award-nominated artist based in Metro Manila. He describes his sound as “nonchalant millennial sadboi” indie pop, blending laid-back guitar melodies with soulful vocals. His introspective songwriting explores different phases of life, including romantic and non-romantic heartaches.
As a solo recording artist, Cabangon continues to share his music and stories while championing Filipino music across stages and spaces. Beyond intimate performances and music festivals, he has played shows abroad, particularly in the United States and Australia. He has also performed and worked alongside notable figures in the Philippine music scene, including Nyoy Volante, Ebe Dancel, Johnoy, Rivermaya, and Noel Cabangon.
