The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as APO Hiking Society, or simply APO, are a Filipino musical group, that comprised Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo.[2] Today, the group consists of only Paredes and Garrovillo as a duo.
APO Hiking Society are regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The group was formed and had its fledgling beginnings in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila High School, with 12 members:[2] Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito Kintanar, Kenny Borton, Bruce Brown, Butch Dans, Doden Besa, Ric Segreto Macaraeg, Jim Paredes, Boboy Garrovillo, and the 13th member, Danny Javier, who joined in college. The group's name was created from the acronym AMHS representing their school with a witty twist having an irreverent reference to the Philippine revolutionary intellectual and hero, Apolinario Mabini, and later shortened to "Apo", an Ilocano term for a wise man or a Tagalog term for grandchildren, and later re-branded to "APO" (all caps). Contrary to popular belief, the "Apo" name was not a reference to the Philippines's highest peak, the potentially-activestratovolcanoMount Apo. The group's name and meaning was a joke for the fact that Mabini has been paralyzed by polio during the Philippine revolution and cannot use his feet for walking nor hiking, hence the name.
As the students advanced into college, their lead vocalist, Danny Javier joined the group. After graduation, the majority of its members left to pursue individual careers, with only three members remaining,[3] made up of Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo.[4]
In the span of their professional career, APO emerged as a principal adherent of the musical movement termed Original Pilipino Music (OPM), a term coined by Javier,[5] a milieu in which their original musical contributions and cultural influence became essential.[3][6][7] APO became involved in record production, talent management and organizing artists under the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (O.P.M., acronym translation: "Organization of Philippine Singers/musicians"). The group expanded its activities into establishing and furthering the careers of new OPM artists in the Philippines.[7]
To date, the group has released 27 albums in the five decades of their career.[8] Two successful tribute albums were produced in 2006 and 2007 by their management group, featuring numerous young bands reinterpreting APO's expansive repertoire.
The group frequently utilized their brand name, "APO", as a clever component for Tagalogpuns in titles for television shows such as their own noon-time variety shows, Sa Linggo nAPO Sila and 'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila, live programs and marketing materials, for example, as in nA PO, which transliterates as "already" (polite/formal usage).
In 2010, APO Hiking Society performed a series of concerts and the inauguration of Benigno Aquino III from February to June 30, 2010.[9] Paredes and Garrovillo still remained active in show business and perform occasionally as a duo. In 2022, the group lost one of its members upon the death of lead singer, Danny Javier, due to a prolonged illness at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute on October 31, 2022, at the age of 75, as confirmed by his daughter Justine.[10]
Danny Javier - lead vocals, composer (1969–2022; died 2022)
History
The name "Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society" was meant to be deliberately ironic since the historical figure, Apolinario Mabini, famously lost the use of his legs to polio.[11]
It was only when two of its four members were about to retire from the field of amateur music, however, that APO Hiking Society, then known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, finally had a citywide audience. One of them was scheduled to leave for Turkey as an exchange student. The other had a position waiting for him in his father's advertising firm.
The trip to Turkey did not materialize and APO, now a tentative trio, pushed on steadily towards fame and fortune.
In late 1978, APO Hiking Society nearly disbanded after Jim Paredes stormed out of a songwriting session. While asking Danny Javier for a 3 syllable word to fill in a line, he was provided the word "katapusan"; a four syllable word. The error went unnoticed until post-recording, where an irate Paredes noticed that the word had indeed one extra syllable more than what he had originally intended.
Looking back, APO members Danny Javier and Boboy Garrovillo do not regret never having been regular wage earners. Their farewell concert, which had SRO audiences for two stormy nights, not unexpectedly became a hit record the following year.
Achievements
In the three decades since that "farewell" concert, APO has made 22 record albums; hosted several television shows, including their own noontime Sunday show "Sa Linggo nAPO Sila" and noontime show from Monday to Saturday "'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila"; and launched hugely successful major solo concerts and countless provincial, dinner, and corporate shows. They have performed in over 50 cities in the United States, Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Japan to bring Original Pilipino Music to Filipinos.
In 1978, APO won 2nd Place winner in the Metro Manila Popular Song Festival (now MetroPop Song Festival from 1996 to 2003) for their runner-up song Ewan. The song was composed by Louie Ocampo.
In October 1987, during their annual US tour, APO became the first Filipino pop artists with Marco Sison to perform at the Main Hall of New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall. They also performed at the equally prestigious Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada's music capital. Both concerts and the other shows held during that particular concert tour were sold out. APO were also the first Filipino artists to perform in a public concert in Saudi Arabia. In 1987, they were one of the first Filipino artists to be recorded on compact disc. And in 1994, they were awarded the first Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino by Awit Awards - the Filipino equivalent of the Grammy. They have also been conferred the Tanglaw Ng Lahi Award, the highest accolade given by Jesuits in the field of culture and arts.
APO also earned international recognition for "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" was recorded by 15 Filipino artists in April 1986. A few months later, the English version "A New and Better Way" was launched in Australia. In February 1987, the first anniversary of the Philippines' People Power revolution, the song was released in London, England. The song's lyrics are embedded on Our Lady of Edsa Shrine's wall, the center of the revolution.
In 1998, APO and the now-defunct band Eraserheads teamed up for their first "San Miguel Beer" TV commercial, "Homeboys." The concept of reviving and modernizing their originals by rock/alternative bands in the 1990s paved the way to two tribute albums by various bands entitled Kami nAPO Muna in 2006 and Kami nAPO Muna Ulit in 2007.
In 1999, APO was also a finalist at MetroPop Song Festival for their song finalist Dito Sa Kanto. The song was composed by Noel Cabangon, then Cabangon covered his version in 1999, then re-recorded a duet with Parokya Ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda in 2013 again.
In 2007, Jacee with the group was awarded as "MYX Magna Award 2007" in the MYX Music Awards 2007, achieving the best OPM pop music and his music and recording achievements in OPM history.
In 2009, APO was inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk of Fame, contributing their singing, hosting, and acting skills.
Acoustic balladeer Noel Cabangon also had a tribute album to the Pinoy pop musical group, Throwback: Ang Songbook Ng APO. Released in 2014 through Universal Records, it features his cover versions of popular various APO songs.[12]
2008–present: Reunions and occasional performances
On September 20, 2008, APO Hiking Society had a reunion concert called "Apo of the Philippines" which was held at the Araneta Coliseum to celebrate their 39th Anniversary. They sang all of the APO favorites and all songs from their past releases.
On February 7, 2009, APO performed in the Open Air FTI Complex in Taguig. The free concert was sponsored in cooperation with Taguig City Hall. One month later, the Eraserheads had their Final Set Concert.
On November 17, 2009, APO Hiking Society marked their 40th anniversary with a big concert at the SM North EDSA Skydome. It was called "APO Kayang-Kaya Pa". This was originally scheduled on September 26 but was rescheduled due to the Typhoon "Ondoy" ("Ketsana").
APO Hiking Society remained active nowadays, with Jim Paredes is still active in singing and also a photography hobbyist and political activist, while Boboy Garovillo has a career acting in both movie and television.
Danny Javier created the Pidro: Ang Saplot Ng Bayan T-shirt line that would be chosen as the official shirt of the Philippine Centennial celebrations in 1998.[14] He starred in Bangis on TV5 in 2010 and appeared in Season 3 of ASOP: A Song Of Praise Music Festival in 2014 as a guest judge. Javier later retired from both singing and acting. He died on October 31, 2022, due to his lingering illness.
Musical film
In 2012, a movie musical based on APO songs was released. Titled I Doo Bidoobidoo, it was released on August 29. The film was inspired by Mamma Mia, a musical that was based on and used ABBA songs, which later became a movie.
"American Junk" (covered by Kamikazee feat. Parokya Ni Edgar)
"Anna" (covered by Top Suzara)
"Ang Nobya Kong Sexy" (original composed by Jose Mari Chan & also the same theme song of a comedy movie film title, 1975)
"Awit ng Barkada" (covered by Itchyworms, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
"Bakit ang Babae" (1976, re released in 1991 for The Best Of APO Compilation Album, covered by Sandwich)
"Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo" (original by Yano)
"Batang-Bata Ka Pa" (covered by Sugarfree, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
"Bawat Bata" (covered by The Dawn, also used by Sugarfree as a jingle ad for AlactaGrow)
"Blue Jeans" (covered by Wise Guys, then Eraserheads, and then by Rocksteddy)
"Dito Sa Kanto" (a song finalists at the 1999 Metropop Song Festival, originally composed by Noel Cabangon, covered by Noel Cabangon & re-recorded by Noel Cabangon Feat. Chito Miranda)
"Di Na Natuto" (1987) (original by Gary Valenciano, originally composed by Danny Javier & covered by APO, then Sound, and then by Noel Cabangon)
"Doo Bidoo" (covered by Kamikazee, now covered by Ogie Alcasid was used in a soundtrack I Doo Bidoo Bidoo)
"Ewan" (a song won as 2nd place at the 1978 Metropop Song Festival, covered by Imago, now covered by Daniel Padilla)
"Mamang Kutsero" (Original by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab)
"Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba" (covered by Hilera, then by KZ Tandingan now covered by Yeng Constantino)
"Minamahal Kong Pilipinas"
"Nakapagtataka" (original by Hadji Alejandro, then covered by Susan Fuentes, then by Rachel Alejandro, and then by MYMP and by Sponge Cola, and now covered by Noel Cabangon)
"Paano" (covered by Shamrock, now covered by Gary Valenciano used in a movie soundtrack I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
"Pag-Ibig" (covered by Kitchie Nadal, then by Noel Cabangon, also used by Regine Velasquez as a jingle ad for Nestlé, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
"Paglisan (original by Color It Red)
"Pagsubok" (original by Orient Pearl, now covered by Aiza Seguerra)
"Panalangin" (covered by Moonstar88, then by Richard Poon, then by Daniel Padilla, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
"Pare Ko" (original by Eraserheads, covered by Sponge Cola, now covered by Johnoy Danao)
"Prinsesa" (covered by Itchyworms)
"Pumapatak ang Ulan" (covered by Eraserheads, then by Parokya Ni Edgar, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
"Saan Na Nga Ba'ng Barkada" (covered by Sponge Cola)
"Salawikain" (covered by Mcoy Fundales feat. Spaceflower Show)
"Sasaya Ang Pilipinas" (covered by Various Artists including Edgar Allan Guzman, Vin Abrenica, CJ Reyes and Luigi Yotoko)
"Show Me a Smile" (1976, covered by Imago, now covered by Noel Cabangon, TNT Boys and Sharon Cuneta)
"Softly" (Debut single in 1975, re-released in 1991 for "The Best Of APO Vol. 2)
"Suntok sa Buwan" (covered by Ely Buendia, then by Scrambled Eggs)
"Syotang Pa-Class" (covered by Radioactive Sago Project)
"Tuloy ang Ikot ng Mundo" (covered by Dicta License)
"Tuyo Na'ng Damdamin" (covered by Eraserheads, then by Silent Sanctuary, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
"Wala Nang Hahanapin Pa" (covered by True Faith)
"When I Met You" (covered by Jeffrey Hidalgo, then by Martin Nievera, then by Barbie Almalbis, and then by KC Concepcion for the movie of the same name)
"Yakap Sa Dilim" (covered by Rico J. Puno, then by Orange & Lemons, then by Brownman Revival, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
Original Christmas songs
"12 Days of Pinoy Christmas" (the Filipino version of the Christmas song 12 Days of Christmas)
"Ang Pasko"
"Himig Ng Pasko (original by The New Minstrels)
"Lata Ang Aming Tambol"
"Pasko Na Sinta Ko/Miss Kita Kung Christmas (originally song by Gary Valenciano and The Lightnings Band & also covered by the late Susan Fuentes)
Parokya ni Edgar is a Filipino rock band formed in 1993, composed of Chito Miranda, Gab Chee Kee, Buwi Meneses, Darius Semaña, Dindin Moreno, and Vinci Montaner. The band is known for its original rock novelty songs and often satirical covers of popular songs both foreign and local. The band is adept at playing in various musical genres.
The Dawn is a Filipino rock band which first achieved commercial success during the late 1980s in the Philippines. The band broke up in 1995 with lead vocalist Jett Pangan forming another band, the Jett Pangan Group. The Dawn reunited in late 1999. The Dawn is considered the "longest-lived and most prolific rock band in the Philippines".
Sponge Cola is a Filipino rock band formed in 2002. The band is composed of Yael Yuzon on vocals and guitars, Gosh Dilay on bass, Armo Armovit on guitars and drummer Tedmark Cruz.
Kamikazee is a Filipino rock band formed in 2000. The band, originally known all throughout its career as a quintet, is currently composed of Jay Contreras, Jomal Linao, Led Tuyay (guitar), Puto Astete (bass), Bords Burdeos (drums), Jian Lubiano (guitar), and Mikki Jill.
The Itchyworms is a Filipino rock band. The band is composed of Jazz Nicolas on lead vocals, drums and piano, Jugs Jugueta on co-lead vocals, keys and guitars, Kelvin Yu on bass guitars, Chino Singson on lead guitars, Weckl Mercado on guitars, and Mikey Amistoso on guitars and keys. The group made their name in the OPM scene in 2006 with their second album, Noontime Show, with songs such as "Akin Ka Na Lang" and "Beer".
'Sang Linggo nAPO Sila(They Are Now On All Week) is a Philippine television variety show broadcast by ABS-CBN. Hosted by APO Hiking Society, it aired from February 4, 1995, to November 28, 1998, replacing Eat Bulaga! and replaced by Magandang Tanghali Bayan.
Anna Katrina "Kitchie" Dumilon Nadal is a Filipina singer-songwriter who was formerly the lead vocalist for the alternative rock band, Mojofly. Her popularity in the female OPM niche grew after she released a self-titled solo album featuring her chart-topping single, "Huwag na Huwag Mong Sasabihin". Her debut self-titled album Kitchie Nadal debuted at number 4 on the Philippine Albums Chart, and after a year end the album climbed up at number 1 with growing sales the album was certified 7×Platinum by PARI with sales of 214,800 physical CD album copies in the Philippines.
Manila sound is a music genre in the Philippines that began in the mid-1970s in Metro Manila. The genre flourished and peaked in the mid to late-1970s during the Philippine martial law era and has influenced most of the modern genres in the country by being the forerunner to OPM.
Rachel Jingco Alejandro is a Filipino singer and actress.
Enrico de Jesus Puno, better known as Rico J. Puno, was a Filipino singer, television host, actor, comedian and politician. He was considered as a music icon in the Philippines. He started the trend of incorporating Tagalog lyrics in his rendition of the American song "The Way We Were" and other foreign songs. Puno was known as a singer who regularly infused his on-stage performance with tongue-in-cheek comedy and adult humor. He hosted the ABS-CBN noontime variety shows Pilipinas Win na Win and Happy Yipee Yehey!.
Sa Linggo nAPO Sila(they are now on sunday) is a Philippine television variety show broadcast by ABS-CBN. Hosted by APO Hiking Society, it aired from December 3, 1989 to January 29, 1995, replacing Tawag ng Tanghalan and was replaced by ASAP.
Herminio Jose Lualhati "Ogie" Alcasid Jr. is a Filipino actor, singer, songwriter, comedian, director and producer. He is best known for his songwriting and collaboration with other musical artists. He has appeared in films and television shows, notably as a cast member of Tropang Trumpo (1994–1995) and Bubble Gang (1995–2013), and a host and main performer of SOP (1997–2010) and ASAP (2017–present). He is currently married to Regine Velasquez, with whom he has one child.
Jaime Ramon Misa Paredes, better known simply as Jim Paredes, is a Filipino singer, composer, television host, writer and actor. He is known as one of the members of popular musical trio APO Hiking Society along with Danny Javier and Boboy Garovillo. Regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). He is the son of Ester Paredes Jimenez, a staunch martial law activist.
Maria Josefina Albert known as Joey Albert is a Filipino singer, songwriter, and lyricist. An alumna of St. Theresa's College Manila and Assumption College San Lorenzo, she began her professional singing career in 1981. In 1982, she was proclaimed winner of the Dream Girl Filipina contest on The Party, a television program hosted by Ariel Ureta over the now-defunct Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation. Albert became a member of The New Minstrels, a popular Philippine show band during the 1970s and the 1980s. Apart from Albert, The New Minstrels also produced many other outstanding Filipino musical artists.
"Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo", released in English as "A New and Better Way—The People's Anthem," is a 1986 song recorded in Filipino by a supergroup composed of 15 Filipino artists. The song serves to commemorate the bloodless People Power Revolution which ended President Ferdinand Marcos's 20-year rule, as well as a benefit single for the rehabilitation of Radio Veritas, a public affairs radio station instrumental in the revolution. The lyrics of the song are inscribed on a wall of Our Lady of EDSA Shrine, the center of the revolution.
JoseTeves Garrovillo Jr., better known as Boboy Garrovillo, is a Filipino actor and musician. He is known as one of the members of the popular musical trio APO Hiking Society along with Danny Javier and Jim Paredes. He is also regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Daniel Morales Javier, better known simply as Danny Javier, was a Filipino singer, composer, actor, television host and businessman. He was known as one of the members and lead vocalist of the popular musical trio APO Hiking Society along with Boboy Garrovillo and Jim Paredes, wherein he was the oldest of the group. He is regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
Celeste Kalugdan Legaspi-Gallardo is a Filipino singer, actress, film and theatre producer. She is an advocate for the rights of the artists. Her singles and albums reached gold or platinum status during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. She is the daughter of National Artist for Visual Arts César Legaspi. She has been one of the founders of the following artist organizations: Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit (OPM), Culturtain Musicat Theater Productions, Performers' Rights Society of the Philippines, and the OPM Archive. She is married to Nonoy Gallardo, an advertising director and one of the premier Original Pilipino Music composers.
The Pamusikatan: 7th PMPC Star Awards for Music. It was held at the Kia Theatre, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City on November 10, 2015, hosted by Kim Chiu and Enchong Dee with DJ Tom Taus, directed by Bert De Leon. It was aired on ABS-CBN's Sunday's Best on November 29 at 10:45pm.
We Love OPM: The Celebrity Sing-Offs is a Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by ABS-CBN. Hosted by Anne Curtis and Eric Nicolas and mentored by Jay-R, Yeng Constantino, Nyoy Volante, KZ Tandingan, Erik Santos and Richard Poon. It aired on the network's Yes Weekend! line up from May 14 to July 17, 2016, replacing I Love OPM and was replaced by Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7.
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