The Voice Behind the Legends: Sir Noel Urbano’s Journey as Imao of Encantadia and Kokey

 


Sir Noel Urbano, the legendary voice behind Imao & Kokey

Behind every unforgettable character is a powerful voice—and for many Filipinos, that voice belongs to Sir Noel Urbano. Known as the iconic voice of Imao ng Encantadia and Koke, Sir Noel’s journey in the dubbing and voice acting industry is a story of passion, perseverance, and love for the craft.

Sir Noel started his career in the 1990s through radio drama, during a time when shows like Gabi ng Lagim and 24 Oras were at their peak. He auditioned at DZRH along with hundreds of hopefuls from different parts of the Philippines. Out of nearly 300 applicants, only ten were chosen—and Sir Noel proudly became one of them. That moment marked the beginning of his professional journey in voice acting.

His transition from radio to movie dubbing happened when he was noticed by industry veterans, including drama supervisors who saw his potential. Despite being new and nervous, Sir Noel learned quickly by working alongside legendary actors such as Charito Solis and Eddie Garcia. These experiences helped shape his discipline, professionalism, and confidence as a dubber.

One of the most memorable moments in his career was his first individual dubbing role. It was during this time that he discovered how many different voices he could actually do—from old men to vendors and various background characters. This versatility became his strength and opened more doors in the industry.

Sir Noel’s big break came when he auditioned for the role of Imao ng Encantadia. By carefully studying the voice style needed and doing in-depth preparation, he was able to stand out. His voice was eventually chosen, making him the distinct and unforgettable voice behind the beloved character. He later became involved not only in voice acting but also in animatronic puppetry, further showcasing his wide range of skills.

Eventually, Sir Noel also became the voice of Koke, another iconic character. What started as a temporary guide voice turned into a permanent role because of his strong performance and dedication. Over the years, he became one of the most trusted voices behind animatronic puppets in both GMA and ABS-CBN.

For aspiring dubbers, Sir Noel shares one important reminder: don’t enter the industry just for money. According to him, talent fees will follow if you truly love your work. Passion, commitment, and continuous improvement are what keep artists lasting in the industry for decades.

Sir Noel Urbano’s story proves that voice acting is more than just “bosesan.” It is an art, a skill, and a lifelong commitment—one that continues to inspire future generations of voice artists.

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