APO Hiking Society

Apo Hiking Society
Origin	Quezon City, Philippines
Genres	Manila sound OPM
Years active	1969 - 2010
Labels	Vicor Music Universal Records Thirdline Incorporated
Associated acts	Parokya Ni Edgar Eraserheads Sandwich Itchyworms Sugarfree Sponge Cola The Dawn Rivermaya Brownman Revival Concrete Sam Richard Poon
Website	Official Website
Members
Jim Paredes Danny Javier Boboy Garovillo
Past members
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

The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as Apo Hiking Society or, simply, Apo, was a Filipino musical group. The group had its fledgling beginnings in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila high school, with thirteen members: 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 Garrovillo. The group's name was created from the acronym AMHS representing their school with a witty twist having an irreverent reference to the paralytic 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 Philippine volcano, 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, made up of Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier.

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. 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.

Thus far, Apo Hiking Society had released 27 albums in four decades of its career and continues to remain active. 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).^{[citation needed]}

History

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 seventies 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.

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 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. "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, Legandary OPM group APO and defunct band The 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 90's paved the way to two tribute albums by various bands entitled Kami nAPO Muna in 2006 and Kami nAPO Muna Ulit in 2007.

In 2007, 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.

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.

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 has recently performing live in FTI Complex Open Air in Taguig. The free concert was sponsored in cooperation with the Taguig City hall. The said of a concert is free. Just before the Eraserheads Final Set Concert one month later.

Apo Hiking Society is back as the group marks its 40th anniversary with a big concert at SM North EDSA Skydome dubbed as "APO Kayang-Kaya Pa. The APO, which comprises Jim Paredes, Buboy Garrovillo and Danny Javier, is set to stage a reunion & anniversary concert November 17 (Originally scheduled on September 26 it was cancelled due to Typhoon "Ondoy").

"It's going be really special for us. It's our 40th year and a lot of people have not seen us for quite a while. So, this is the reason to be there," Paredes told ABS-CBN News.

"From the 1st year to the 40th year, walang nagbago sa APO . We always provide entertainment that you will remember for a long, long time. The formula is the same. We are an original group, with original concepts and original songs that will provide you the best entertainment ever," he added.

Garrovillo shared that the concert is also a celebration of their decades old friendship. Their songs will tell a story of how Apo started, according to him.

Javier, meantime, promised that the three of them will sing songs that are close to the hearts of their fans.

"APO Kayang-Kaya Pa" was produced by Viva Concerts & Events.

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. They also reunited for the last time to perform in the Inauguration of President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III last June 30, 2010.

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 (1988)
• 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". http://www.rstproductions.com. 

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, 1982)
• 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., 2009)
• Paalam, Maraming Salamat Pres. Aquino: A Memorial Tribute Soundtrack (Star Records, 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)

Awards

• 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 1978
• 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

Television Shows of APO

Discorama (GMA 7, 1980-1986)- Host

• Sa Linggo nAPO Sila (ABS-CBN, 1990–1995) - Host
• Sang Linggo nAPO Sila (ABS-CBN, 1995–1998) - Host

Songs

• American Junk (covered by Kamikazee Feat. Parokya Ni Edgar)
• Anna (covered by Top Suzara)
• Awit Ng Barkada (covered by Itchyworms)
• Bakit Ang Babae (covered by Sandwich)
• Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo (Original by Yano)
• Batang-Bata Ka Pa (covered by Sugarfree)
• Bawa't Bata (covered by The Dawn, also used by Sugarfree as a jingle ad for "AlactaGrow")
• Blue Jeans (covered by Wise Guys, then Eraserheads, and now covered by Rocksteddy)
• Di Na Natuto (original by Gary Valenciano, originally composed by Danny Javier & covered by APO, then Sound, now covered by Noel Cabangon)
• Doo Bi Doo (covered by Kamikazee)
• Ewan (covered by Imago)
• Hanggang May Pag-Ibig (revived by Chilitees)
• Harana (Original by Parokya Ni Edgar, now covered by The Company)
• Heto Na (covered by Concrete Sam)
• Isang Dangkal (covered by Paramita)
• Just A Smile Away (original by Jaime Gatchitorena, original composed by Danny Javier & covered by APO, now covered by Shamrock)
• Kabilugan Ng Buwan (covered by Drip)
• Kaibigan (covered by UpDharmaDown)
• Kisapmata (original by Rivermaya)
• Kumot At Unan (covered by Boldstar Band, now covered by Richard Poon)
• Love Is For Singing (covered by The Bloomfields)
• Lumang Tugtugin
• Magasin (Original by The Eraserheads, now covered by Paolo Santos)
• Mahirap Magmahal Ng Syota Ng Iba (covered by Hilera)
• Nakapagtataka (covered by Hadji Alenjandro, then covered by Rachel Alejandro, then MYMP & now Sponge Cola)
• Paano (covered by Shamrock)
• Pag-Ibig (covered by Kitchie Nadal, now covered by Noel Cabangon, also used by Regine Velasquez as a jingle ad for Nestle)
• Pagsubok (Original by Orient Pearl)
• Panalangin (covered by Moonstar88, and now covered by Richard Poon)
• Pare Ko (Original by The Eraserheads, now covered by Sponge Cola)
• Princesa (Princess) (covered by Itchyworms)
• Pumapatak Ang Ulan (covered by Eraserheads, now covered by Parokya Ni Edgar)
• 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)
• Suntok Sa Buwan (covered by Ely Buendia, now covered by Scrambled Eggs)
• Syotang Pa-Class (covered by Radioactive Sago Project)
• Tuloy Ang Ikot Ng Mundo (covered by Dicta License)
• Tuyo Na'ng Damdamin (then Eraserheads, now covered by Silent Sanctuary)
• Wala Nang Hahanapin Pa (covered by True Faith)
• When I Met You (covered by Jeffrey Hidalgo, then Martin Nievera, then Barbie Almalbis & now KC Concepcion for a movie by the same name of the song)
• Yakap Sa Dilim (covered by Orange & Lemons, now covered by Brownman Revival)

Trivia

• APO and The 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 Garrovillo is the youngest member of the group.
• The group performed for the first time at the 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 "Kumot At Unan" which was recently revived 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.

External links

• http://www.newsflash.org/chat/apochat02b.htm
• Jim Paredes' Blog