Have you ever heard a song that instantly hits you right in the feels? One that perfectly captures love, heartbreak, and everything in between? If you have, chances are Nobita is already on your playlist.
From their viral hits to their emotionally charged lyrics, Nobita has quickly become one of the most talked-about bands in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) today. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering their music, this is the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about Nobita—their story, their sound, and why they’re dominating the OPM scene.
Who is Nobita?
As an alternative, pop-rock band, Nobita is known for their heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and relatable storytelling. Their music is the perfect blend of OPM, pop, and alternative rock, making them a go-to band for anyone who loves songs about love, longing, and life’s ups and downs.
Meet the Band
Nobita is made up of five talented musicians who bring their own unique flavor to the band’s signature sound:
- Jaeson "Jae" Felismino – vocals, rhythm guitar
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Samuel "Sam" Aquino II – lead guitar
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Mark Anthony Quintero – bass
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Richmond Christian Bancolita – keyboards
- Jonathan "Nath" Lim Agbanlog, Jr. – drums
Together, they create a sound that’s fresh, nostalgic,
and deeply emotional—everything great OPM music should be.
The Rise of Nobita: From Underdogs to OPM Stars
Nobita's journey began in 2018, when Mark Quintero, Sam Aquino, and Jonathan Agbanlog left their previous ethnic band, Kultura, due to creative differences and a shared desire to create original music.
Needing a vocalist, Quintero suggested Jaeson Felismino, whose performance at a cancer fundraising event left a strong impression. Like many aspiring OPM acts, Nobita started by playing gigs in Metro Manila bars, slowly building a small but dedicated fanbase.
In early 2019, Agbanlog left the band for personal reasons and was replaced by Lester Moñegas. That same year, Nobita released their debut single “Yakap” on May 16, 2019—a song about longing and long-distance relationships written by Aquino.
Their second single, “Vie (Sabihin Mo Kung)”, was released on October 18, 2019—inspired by a conversation Felismino overheard while traveling to Cavite. The band then joined the Red Horse Beer Pambansang Muziklaban competition under Rakista Radio, reaching the semi-finals while competing for the Aklas trophy in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija.
Through the event, they met Joel Ellorin, who signed them under the independent label IndieTV PH. On December 7, 2019, Nobita released their first official music video for "Vie," directed by Kevin Hermosada.
Their big break came in 2021, when their song “Ikaw Lang” blew up on streaming platforms, quickly racking up millions of views and listens. The track became a favorite for weddings, romantic dedications, and “kilig” moments—solidifying Nobita as one of OPM’s most promising new bands.
Since then, they’ve followed up with more chart-topping hits, proving that they’re not just a one-hit wonder. Their songs continue to dominate playlists, capturing the emotions of every listener.
What’s With the Name?
The band name Nobita comes from the Katakana word meaning "to grow up strong and clear." It’s a fitting name, considering how they started small and steadily built their way to success.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—yes, many people think they named themselves after Nobita Nobi, the beloved but notoriously clumsy character from Doraemon.
While the band hasn’t made any official statement about this, we’d like to think that if Nobita (the cartoon character) had a soundtrack to his rollercoaster of a life, he’d probably have this band on repeat. Imagine Ikaw Lang playing every time Shizuka rejects him—talk about the ultimate heartbreak anthem!
What Makes Nobita’s Music So Special?
You might be wondering—what sets Nobita apart from other OPM bands? Here’s why their music hits different:
- Raw Emotion in Every Song – Nobita’s lyrics
speak directly to the heart, whether it’s about
love, heartbreak, or longing.
-
Catchy Yet Soulful Melodies – Their songs are
easy to sing along to but still have a deep emotional pull.
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Modern OPM with a Nostalgic Feel – They blend
classic OPM influences with fresh, contemporary production.
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Relatable Storytelling – Their music feels like
it was written just for you, reflecting your own experiences in love
and life.
- Perfect for Any Mood – Whether you’re in love, moving on, or just enjoying the moment, Nobita has a song for you.
Nobita’s Biggest Hits You Need to Hear
As a streaming-era band, Nobita hasn’t released a full-length album yet, opting instead, to release their tracks single-per-single. If you’re new to Nobita, here are some must-listen tracks that showcase their signature sound:
1. Ikaw Lang
The song that put Nobita on the map! A love song that speaks of deep commitment and devotion, making it one of the most-requested wedding songs in recent years.
2. Unang Sayaw
A track that perfectly captures the magic of first love and young romance. It’s nostalgic, sweet, and full of “butterflies in your stomach” vibes.
3. Di Na Mag-iisa
A comforting song that speaks about finding the right person who makes you feel whole and never alone.
4. Kalangitan
A beautifully arranged song that takes listeners on a journey through emotions, combining poetic lyrics with a soaring melody.
5. Sa Ulan
A melancholic yet hopeful track that uses rain as a metaphor for life’s challenges and how love can help weather the storm.
Each of these songs showcases Nobita’s ability to capture real emotions through music, making them one of the most relatable OPM bands today.
Taking Creative Risks: Nobita’s Musical Evolution
While Nobita started as an alternative rock band, they have never been afraid to experiment outside their comfort zone. They have taken creative risks by incorporating hip-hop and rap influences into their music, proving their versatility and willingness to evolve.
A perfect example of this is their collaboration with Flow G on the track “PNYT” in 2025, which blends their signature heartfelt melodies with the sharp lyricism and rhythm of hip-hop. This bold move showcased their ability to merge genres while staying true to their emotional and relatable storytelling.
Beyond genre experimentation, Nobita also expanded their musical influence by composing a special track for Cong TV and Viy Cortez’s wedding in 2024. The song, which was a heartfelt tribute to the couple’s love story, further proved that Nobita’s songwriting can transcend different styles and purposes, making them not just a band for heartbreak anthems but also for life’s happiest moments.
With these ventures, Nobita is proving that they are more than just an alternative rock band—they are modern OPM artists unafraid to explore new musical landscapes.
Final Thoughts: Why Nobita Deserves Our Attention
Like that popular Doraemon character, Nobita ensnared the hearts of Filipino listeners with their authentic storytelling, soulful melodies, and relatable themes.
With every song they release, they prove that OPM is alive and thriving, and they’re leading the charge into the next generation of great Filipino music.
So if you haven’t already, hit play on a Nobita song
today—for sure, you won’t regret it.
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