The Artist: Commissoner Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan
May 11, 2008Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan, or “Nonoy” as he is fondly called, is a not only a public servant, he is also one of the very few self-taught guitar classicists in the country.
Nonoy was born on September 20, 1963 to Atty. Camilo C. Libanan and Pacita C. Libanan.
His love for music started when he was young. At age 7, he played around with his trusty ukulele and learned to strum notes with it. He received his first guitar at age 10 as a gift from his father.
His passion for the guitar intensified when he reached high school at the Seminario de Jesus Nazareno. He joined a choir and honed his guitar skills.
He even participated in the 10th National Music Competition for Young Artists (NMCYA) and won the Classical Gutiar Solo Big Category.
He then graduated, and became a lawyer, but he did not forget his love for music.
With his songs and his guitar, he won the heart of his wife, Elda Ellado, a teacher by profession. They are blessed with five children—Eloisa Salvacion, Sol Angelie, Stella Maris, Marian June, and Brad.
Nonoy was eventually voted as governor of Eastern Samar, and later became a congressman.
He now serves as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration, but continues to serenade everyone with his songs. He already has a CD of love songs entitled “Music from the Heart”. Music is also part of his agenda in the Bureau, as he uses “diplomacy through strums and strings” in his dialogues with foreign embassies and chambers.
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I know Nonoy way back in our college days, in Upsilon Sigma Alpha where he served as grand chancellor. During those years I never saw the musical side of him. By chance, after 25 years, I met him again and I got hold of his CD…I am impressed…To my surprise I liked it. I hope Brod Nonoy will soon release another collections. I do hope he will swing more to jazz, though. Anyway, thanks for the great music, ‘tol…more power
Posted by ray tenefrancia at June 20, 2008, 3:28 pm