APO Hiking Society

The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as APO Hiking Society, or simply APO, was a Filipino musical group.^[2] The group had its fledgling beginnings in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila high school, with 15 members:^[2] John Paul Micayabas, Lito de Joya, Sonny Santiago, Gus Cosio, Renato Garcia, Chito Kintanar, Kenny Barton, Bruce Brown, Butch Dans, Kinjo Sawada, Ric Segreto, Goff Macaraeg, Doden Besa, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garovillo. The group's name was created from the acronym AMHS representing their school with a witty twist having an irreverent reference to the paralyzed Philippine revolutionary intellectual and hero, Apolinario Mabini, and later shortened to "Apo", an Ilocano term for a wise man or a Tagalog term of 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-active stratovolcano Mount Apo.

As the students advanced into college, 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 Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier.^[4]

In the span of their professional career, Apo emerged as a principal adherent of the musical movement termed Original Pilipino Music (a.k.a. OPM), a milieu in which their original musical contributions and cultural influence became essential.^[3][5][6] The 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.^[6]

To date, the group has released 27 albums in four decades of its career.^[7] Two hugely successful tribute albums were produced in 2006 and 2007 by its management group, featuring numerous young bands freshly reinterpreting Apo's expansive repertoire.

The group frequently utilized their brand name, "Apo," as a clever component for Tagalog puns in titles for television shows, live programs and marketing materials, for example, as in nA PO, which transliterates as "already" (polite/formal usage), and also as apó (meaning, "grandchild"). The puns have been minimally extended into English, as in (APOcalyptic).

History

The Name "Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society" is actually a play on words: since Apolinario Mabini was paralyzed, it is ironic to put "Hiking Society" next to his name.^[8]

The Apo Hiking Society first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a farewell concert at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Just out of college, the group was the talk of the Ateneo de Manila University and adjoining campuses for their music and humor.

It was only when two of its four members were about to retire from the field of amateur music, however, that the APO, then known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, finally had a city-wide 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.

Why a talented young man of 21 would want to go to Turkey, every young man in the early 1970s would probably understand. But what the APO could not understand was their fourth member's decision to leave the irresponsibility of being unemployed to join the ranks of the corporate world.

The trip to Turkey did not materialize and the 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 a songwriting session. While asking Danny Javier for a 3 syllable word to fill in a line, he was provided the word "katapusan"; a 4 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, the APO members Danny Javier, Boboy Garrovillo, and Jim Paredes 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, the 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, in Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Japan to bring Original Pilipino Music to Filipinos the world over.

In 1978, APO won 2nd Place winner in the Metro Manila Popular Song Festival (now MetroPop Song Festival in 1996 to 2003) for their runner-up song Ewan, the song was composed by Louie Ocampo.

In October 1987, during their annual US tour, the 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, as well as the other shows held during that particular concert tour, were sold out. The APO were also the first Filipino artists to perform in a public concert in the Kingdom of 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.

The APO also earned international recognition for Jim Paredes' anthem on the bloodless Philippine revolution in 1986, the People Power Revolution. "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 lyrics of the song are embedded on a wall of Our Lady of Edsa Shrine, the center of the revolution.

In 1998, Legendary OPM group APO and 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 again a duet with Parokya Ni Edgar vocalist Chito Miranda in 2013.

In 2007, Jacee with the group was awarded as "MYX Magna Award 2007" in the MYX Music Awards 2007 achieving the best of opm pop music and also has an achievements in music and recording in the OPM history.

In 2009, APO was finally inducted to the Philippines Eastwood City Walk Of Fame, contributing their skills in both singing, hosting and acting.

APO Tribute Albums

Just a few years after their hiatus, the tribute album Kami nAPO Muna!: The Music Of APO Hiking Society was released in honor of the group. The Filipino musical artists who did their own unique renditions of The APO classics includes: Imago, Orange and Lemons, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Sandwich, Sugarfree, Itchyworms, Sponge Cola, Boldstar, Sound, Drip, Rocksteddy, Top Suzara, Barbie Almalbis, Kitchie Nadal, Shamrock, and The Dawn. Their second volume, Kami nAPO muna Ulit has also included their new members in the compilation album are True Faith, Silent Sanctuary, Concrete Sam, Up Dharma Down, Chilitees, The Bloomfields, Scrambled Eggs, The Spaceflower Show, and Hilera.

Acoustic Balladeer Noel Cabangon also had a new tribute album to the pinoy pop musical group, Throwback: Ang Songbook Ng APO was launched in 2014 with features with his cover versions of popular various APO songs in his new album released by Universal Records.

2008-2009 Reunion

On 20 September 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, The Apo performed in the Open Air FTI Complex in Taguig. The free concert was sponsored in cooperation with the Taguig City hall. One month later, the Eraserheads had their Final Set Concert.

On November 17, 2009, the 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").

2010 Retirement

Last December 16, 2009, the APO Hiking Society announced that they are already retiring as a group due to "diminishing creative process." They performed a series of shows that started on February 14, 2010 and ended on May, just in time for the elections.^[9] They also reunited for the last time to perform in the Inauguration of President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III last June 30, 2010.

Post APO Hiking Society

After APO were retirement from singing, the group still active in showbizness & still performing as follows:

Jim Paredes still works as a photographer, and also ventured into acting mostly in teleseryes on TV.

Buboy Garovillo is now on both movie & television acting careers.

Danny Javier still owns Pidro: Ang Saplot Ng Bayan T-shirts and recently acted also in Bangis on TV5 in 2010, and also recently as a guest judge on ASOP: A Song Of Praise Music Festival Season 3 in 2014.

Film Musical

In 2012, a movie musical based on APO songs was released. Titled I Do Bidoobidoo, it was released on August 29. The movie was inspired by Mamma Mia, a musical that was based on and used ABBA songs, which later became a movie.

Discography

Studio Albums

• Collector's Item (1975)
• Songwriter (1976)
• Pagkatapos ng Palabas (1978)
• Ten Years Together (1980)
• Twelve Years Together (1982)
• True To My Music (1983)
• Feet On The Ground (1984)
• Direksyon (1986)
• Made in the Philippines (1987)
• Mga Kuwento ng Apo (1990)
• Songbuk ng APO (1991)
• PaskonAPO (1991)
• 1-2-3 (1992)
• Barangay Apo (1994)
• Dating Alternatib (1996)
• Mismo! (1999)
• Banda Rito (2001)
• PaskonAPO Repackaged (Repackaged 2006)
• The Apo: Jim, Buboy and Danny (Their 26th APO Album after 8 years, 2009)

Live Albums

• In Concert#$%!? (Live Album) (1974)
• The Worst of Apo Hiking Society (Live Album) (1985)
• DalawampunAPOsila (Live Album) (1989)

Compilations

• The Best of Apo Hiking Society (1982)
• The Best of Apo Hiking Society, Vol. 2 (1991)
• Kami nAPO muna: 2-Disc Limited Edition (2006)
• Kami nAPO muna ulit: 2-Disc Limited Edition (2007)
• The Best Of Kami nAPO Muna 2-CD (2008)
• APO Hiking Society: 18 Greatest Hits (2009)
• Kami nAPO Naman Dito Sa Canada Limited Edition (2009) "RST Productions". 

Collaborations

• The 2nd Metro Manila Pop Music Fest Album (Vicor Music Corp., 1978)
• Pamasko Ng Mga Bituin (Universal Records, 1981)
• Salubungin Ang Pasko (Universal Records, 1986)
• Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo (Universal Records, 1986)
• Ginintuang Diwa ng Pasko (Universal Records, 1989)
• 18 Classic OPM Love Songs (PolyEast Records, 1995)
• Sandaan 1898-1998 (Universal Records, 1998)
• 6th Metropop Song Festival The Album (GMA Records, 2001)
• The Love Song Collection (Universal Records, 2003)
• Only Selfless Love (Universal Records, 2003)
• OPM Gold (Universal Records, 2005)
• OPM Superstars Christmas (Universal Records, 2005)
• The Best of OPM Love Ballads (Universal Records, 2005)
• The Best of OPM Novelty Hits (Universal Records, 2005)
• OPM Gold Christmas Album (Universal Records, 2006)
• OPM Platinum Christmas (Universal Records, 2007)
• Bongga! The Biggest OPM Retro Hits Of The Year (Universal Records, 2008)
• No. 1 Signature Hits OPM's Best (Vicor Music Corp., 2008)
• Senti 18 Pinoy Love Hits (Vicor Music Corp. & Viva Records, Corp., 2008)
• Pinoy Sound Trip Vol. 1 (Vicor Music Corp. & Viva Records, Corp., 2008)
• Pinoy Sound Trip Vol. 2 (Vicor Music Corp. & Viva Records, Corp., 2008)
• Bongga 2: Another Biggest OPM Retro Hits (Universal Records, 2009)
• Love Knows No Boundaries (Vicor Music Corp. & Viva Records, Corp., 2009)
• No. 1 Signature Hits OPM's Best Vol. 2 (Vicor Music Corp. & Viva Records Corp., 2009)
• Paalam, Maraming Salamat Pres. Aquino: A Memorial Tribute Soundtrack (Star Music, 2009)
• The Best Of Manila Sound Vol. 1 (Vicor Music Corp., 2010)
• The Best Of Manila Sound Vol. 2 (Vicor Music Corp., 2010)
• OPM All-Star Christmas (Universal Records, 2010)

Tribute Albums

• Kami nAPO muna (2006)
• Kami nAPO muna ulit (2007)
• Kami nAPO Naman Dito Sa Canada (2009)
• Noel Cabangon "Throwback: Ang Songbuk ng APO" (2014)

Songs

• "American Junk" (covered by Kamikazee feat. Parokya Ni Edgar)
• "Anna" (covered by Top Suzara)
• "Awit ng Barkada" (covered by Itchyworms, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• "Bakit ang Babae" (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, original composed by Noel Cabangon, covered by Noel Cabangon & re-recorded by Noel Cabangon Feat. Chito Miranda)
• "Di na Natuto" (original by Gary Valenciano, originally composed by Danny Javier & covered by APO, then Sound, and then by Noel Cabangon)
• "Doo Bi Doo" (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)
• "Hanggang May Pag-Ibig" (covered by Chilitees)
• "Harana" (written by Eric Yaptangco, originally done by Tony Lambino, covered by Parokya Ni Edgar, also covered by Regine Velasquez, and now covered by The Company)
• "Heto Na" (covered by Concrete Sam)
• "Isang Dangkal" (covered by Paramita)
• "Just a Smile Away" (original by Jaime Gatchitorena, originally composed by Danny Javier & covered by APO, and then by Shamrock, now covered by MYMP)
• "Kabilugan ng Buwan" (covered by Drip, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• "Kaibigan" (covered by Up Dharma Down, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• "Kisapmata" (original by Rivermaya)
• "Kumot at Unan" (covered by Boldstar Band, and then by Richard Poon, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• "Love Is for Singing" (covered by The Bloomfields)
• "Lumang Tugtugin" (now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• "Magasin" (original by Eraserheads, covered by Paolo Santos, now covered by Chicosci)
• "Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba" (covered by Hilera)
• "Nakapagtataka" (covered by Hadji Alejandro, 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, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• "Pare Ko" (original by Eraserheads, covered by Sponge Cola)
• "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)
• "Show Me a Smile" (covered by Imago, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• "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 Orange & Lemons, then by Brownman Revival, now covered by Noel Cabangon)

Filmography

Films of APO

• "Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising" (LVN Pictures, 1977; Digitally Restored & Re-released by Star Cinema in 2016)
• "Kakabakaba Ka Ba?" (LVN Pictures, 1980; Digitally Restored & Re-released by Star Cinema in 2015)
• "Blue Jeans" (Regal Entertainment, 1981)
• "I Do Bidoo Bidoo" (Studio 5 Productions, 2012)

Television Shows of APO

• Okay Lang (IBC 13, 1973- ?) - Cast
• Discorama (GMA 7, 1980 – 1986)- Host
• Superstar (RPN 9, 1984-1995) - Guest
• Student Canteen (GMA 7, 1981 – 1986)- Host
• Sa Linggo nAPO Sila (ABS-CBN, 1990–1995) - Host
• Palibhasa Lalake (ABS-CBN, 1995) - Guests as aliens from outer space
• Sang Linggo nAPO Sila (ABS-CBN, 1995–1998) - Host
• Sabado Badoo (GMA 7, 2015) - Cameo Footage Featured

Awards

• Celebrity Inductees, Eastwood City Walk Of Fame Philippines December 2009
• Myx Magna Award, 2nd Myx Music Awards 2007
• Tanglaw Ng Lahi Award, Jesuits Communications Foundation, Inc. 1994
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Awit Awards
• Lifetime Achievement Award, 1st PMPC Star Awards for Music 2009
• Finalists, Metro Pop Song Festival 2001
• 2nd Place Winner, Metro Manila Popular Song Festival 1979
• Nominated, Best Male TV Hosts "Sa Linggo NAPO Sila," PMPC Star Awards For TV 1989-1995
• Nominated, Best Male TV Hosts "Sang Linggo NAPO Sila," PMPC Star Awards For TV 1995-1998

Trivia

• APO and Eraserheads were in a San Miguel Beer TV commercial, "Homeboys."
• The group won as "Myx Magna Award" in the Myx Music Awards 2007, with achievements in music and recording in the OPM history.
• Danny Javier has a T-shirt business called "Pidro" Shirts.
• Jim Paredes's hobby is photography.
• Danny Javier is the oldest member of APO, while Boboy Garovillo is the youngest member of the group.
• The group performed for the first time at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in 1969 with Patti Page.
• Danny Javier composed "Di Na Natuto" for Filipino artist Gary Valenciano, with the group performing their own rendition of the song later.
• Danny Javier also composed "Just A Smile Away" a former Close Up Commercial for Jaime Gatchitorena, with also the group performing their own version song later.
• Danny Javier also composed "Kumot At Unan" which was recently covered by Filipino crooner Richard Poon.
• Danny Javier's 1st English composition was "Show Me a Smile."
• Jim Paredes' wrote the theme of the 1986 EDSA revolution called 'Handog Ng Pilipino sa Mundo.' Part of its lyrics are placed at the Our Lady of EDSA church.
• APO's momentous farewell concert in 1973 at the Meralco Theater was actually a prelude to a 38-year professional career.
• Boboy Garrovillo loves to act in movies, television and stage.
• Apo was part of the longest ever Balikbayan Roadshow in '75. US, Canada, Hawaii (57 city shows in 94 days)
• Only Jim Paredes has a Twitter account so far.
• Jim was born in Luzon, Danny in the Visayas and Boboy in Mindanao, representing the three major islands of the Philippines.
• The APO was the first Filipino pop Main Act at the Carnegie Hall in NY city in 1987. It was officially sold out.
• The Apo was the first act ever to have a concert in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah 1986.
• The first Filipino movie-oke (musical film), I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! is a special tribute to the APO for being one of the greatest OPM Artists of all time. The movie was released in theaters on August 29, 2012.

References

External links

• Jim Paredes's Blog
• Apo Hiking Society- Main Chat Transcript (Sep 21, 1999)