Apo Hiking Society

The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, later popularly known as Apo Hiking Society, or simply APO, is a Filipino musical group, composed of Danny Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo. Javier died in 2022, leaving Paredes and Garrovillo as a duo.
Apo Hiking Society is regarded as one of the pillars and icons of Original Pilipino Music. The group was formed and had its beginnings in 1969 at the Ateneo de Manila High School, with 12 members: 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, and having an irreverent reference to the Philippine revolutionary intellectual and hero, Apolinario Mabini. It was later shortened to "Apo", an Ilocano term for a wise man or a Tagalog term for grandchildren, and later re-branded to "APO". Contrary to popular belief, the "Apo" name was not a reference to the Philippines' highest peak, the potentially-active stratovolcano Mount Apo. The group's name and meaning was a joke for the fact that Mabini had been paralyzed by polio during the Philippine revolution and cannot use his feet, 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: Javier, Jim Paredes, and Boboy Garrovillo.
In the span of their professional career, APO emerged as a principal adherent to the musical movement termed Original Pilipino Music, a term coined by Javier, a milieu in which their original musical contributions and cultural influence became essential. APO became involved in record production, talent management and organizing artists under the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit. The group expanded its activities into establishing and furthering the careers of new OPM artists in the Philippines.
To date, the group has released 27 albums in the five decades of its professional existence. 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 Tagalog puns 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".
Paredes and Garrovillo remain active in the industry and perform occasionally as a duo. In 2022, Javier died from a prolonged illness.

WWW apohikingsociety.org

Members

; Current members

Jim Paredes - vocals, composer
Boboy Garrovillo - vocals, composer

; Early member

Danny Javier - lead vocals, composer

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.
The Apo Hiking Society first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a farewell concert at the Meralco Theater in Pasig, Rizal, 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 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 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.

APO Tribute albums

Just a few years after their hiatus, the tribute album Kami nAPO Muna was released in honor of the group. The Filipino musical artists who did their own unique renditions of APO songs 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 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.

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").
From February 14 until the Inauguration of President Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III on June 30, 2010, Apo Hiking Society performed a series of performances.
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. 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.

Discography

Studio albums

Collector's Item Songwriter Pagkatapos ng Palabas Apo Hiking Society Apo Hiking Society True to My Music Feet on the Ground Made in the Philippines Direksyon Mga Kuwento ng Apo Songbuk ng APO PaskonAPO 1-2-3 Barangay Apo Dating Alternatib Mismo! Banda Rito PaskonAPO Repackaged

''The Apo: Jim, Buboy and Danny''

Live albums

In Concert#$%!? The Worst of Apo Hiking Society

''DalawampunAPOsila''

Compilations

The Best of Apo Hiking Society, Vol. 1 The Best of Apo Hiking Society, Vol. 2 Kami nAPO muna: 2-Disc Limited Edition Kami nAPO muna ulit: 2-Disc Limited Edition The Best Of Kami nAPO Muna 2-CD Apo Hiking Society: 18 Greatest Hits

''Kami nAPO Naman Dito Sa Canada Limited Edition''

Collaborations

The 2nd Metro Manila Pop Music Fest Album Pamasko Ng Mga Bituin Salubungin Ang Pasko Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo Ginintuang Diwa ng Pasko 18 Classic OPM Love Songs Sandaan 1898-1998 6th Metropop Song Festival The Album The Love Song Collection Only Selfless Love OPM Gold OPM Superstars Christmas The Best of OPM Love Ballads The Best of OPM Novelty Hits OPM Gold Christmas Album OPM Platinum Christmas Bongga! The Biggest OPM Retro Hits Of The Year No. 1 Signature Hits OPM's Best Senti 18 Pinoy Love Hits Pinoy Sound Trip Vol. 1 Pinoy Sound Trip Vol. 2 Bongga 2: Another Biggest OPM Retro Hits Love Knows No Boundaries No. 1 Signature Hits OPM's Best Vol. 2 Paalam, Maraming Salamat Pres. Aquino: A Memorial Tribute Soundtrack The Best Of Manila Sound Vol. 1 The Best Of Manila Sound Vol. 2

''OPM All-Star Christmas''

Tribute albums

Kami nAPO muna Kami nAPO muna ulit Kami nAPO Naman Dito Sa Canada

Noel Cabangon: ''Throwback: Ang Songbuk ng APO''

Songs

"American Junk"
"Anna"
"Araw"
"Ang Nobya Kong Sexy"
"Awit ng Barkada"
"Ayoko Sana"
"Bakit ang Babae"
"Banal Na Aso, Santong Kabayo"
"Batang-Bata Ka Pa"
"Bawat Bata"
"Blue Jeans"
"Dito Sa Kanto"
"Di Na Natuto"
"Doo Bidoo"
"Ewan"
"Hanggang May Pag-Ibig"
"Harana"
"Heto Na"
"Isang Dangkal"
"Just a Smile Away"
"Kabilugan ng Buwan"
"Kaibigan"
"Kisapmata"
"Kumot at Unan"
"Kung Gusto Mo, Gusto Ko Pa"
"Love Is for Singing"
"Lumang Tugtugin"
"Magasin"
"Magkikita Rin Tayo"
"Mamahalin Kita"
"Mamang Kutsero"
"Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba"
"Minamahal Kong Pilipinas"
"Nakakagigil"
"Nakapagtataka"
"Paano"
"Pag-Ibig"
"Paglisan"
"Pagsubok"
"Panalangin"
"Pare Ko"
"Prinsesa"
"Pumapatak ang Ulan"
"Sa Bawat Umaga"
"Saan Na Nga Ba'ng Barkada"
"Salawikain"
"Sasaya Ang Pilipinas"
"Show Me a Smile"
"Softly"
"Suntok sa Buwan"
"Syotang Pa-Class"
"Tuloy ang Ikot ng Mundo"
"Tuyo Na'ng Damdamin"
"Wala Nang Hahanapin Pa"
"When I Met You"
"Yakap sa Dilim"

Original Christmas songs

"12 Days of Pinoy Krismas"
"Ang Pasko"
"Himig Ng Pasko"
"Lata Ang Aming Tambol"
"Pasko Na Sinta Ko" / "Miss Kita Kung Christmas"
"Tuloy Na Tuloy Pa Rin ang Pasko"
"Pasko Na sa Mundo"

Filmography

Films of APO

"Si Popeye ATBP"
"Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising"
"Kakabakaba Ka Ba?"
"Blue Jeans"
"I Do Bidoo Bidoo"

Television Shows of APO

Noontime Matinee
Ariel Con Tina - guest performers
Okay Lang - Casts
Seeing Stars With Joe Quirino
Penthouse Seven
GMA Supershow "Formerly Germside"
Discorama - Host
Champoy - guest
Student Canteen - Host
Penthouse Live! - guests performers
Superstar - Guest
Saturday Entertainment - guest performer
Lunch Date - guest performer
Vilma On Seven - Guest Performer
Ryan Ryan Musikahan - guest performers
The Sharon Cuneta Show - guest performers
Sa Linggo nAPO Sila - Host
Eat Bulaga! - Guest Performer with Tito, Vic, and Joey
Salo Salo Together
Eezy Dancing
Sang Linggo nAPO Sila - Host
A Little Night Of Music - guest performers
ASAP Natin To "Formerly ASAP" - guest
Home Along Da Riles - guest
Palibhasa Lalake - Guests as aliens from outer space
Sang Linggo nAPO Sila - Host
SOP: Sobrang Okay Pare - guest performers
MYX Live - guest performers
MTB: Ang Saya Saya!
Wowowee - guest performers
Shall We Dance - guest performers
Ang Pinaka - cameo guest footage
Bubble Gang - guests
Wowowillie - guests performers
Party Pilipinas - guest performers
Wiltime Bigtime - guest performers
Its Showtime - guest performers
Tonight With Arnold Clavio - guest
Mars - guest
The Ryza Mae Show - guest
Sunday All Stars - guest performers
Gandang Gabi Vice - guest
Tonight With Boy Abunda
Sabado Badoo - Cameo Footage Featured
Wowowin - guest performers
Sunday PinaSaya - guest performers
Magandang Buhay - guest
Studio 7 - guest performers
MARS Pa More - guest
All Out Sundays - guest performers
Letters & Music - guest performers
Happy Time - guest performers
Sunday Noontime Live - guest performers
Your Face Sounds Familiar Philippines Season 3 - special cameo footage

APO TV Specials

UAAP Opening Ceremonies TV Special
Discorama Anniversary Special
GMA Supershow Anniversary Special
PBA @ 10 Opening Ceremonies
PBA @ 15 Opening Ceremonies
ABS-CBN @ 40: ABS-CBN 2's 40th Anniversary TV Special
PBA @ 20 Opening Ceremonies
50 Golden Years Along da Riles: ABS-CBN's Broadcasting Corporation's 50th Anniversary TV Special
MBA Opening Ceremonies
Homecoming Sa 13: Isang Pasasalamat
PBA @ 25 Opening Ceremonies
GMA Gold: The GMA 7's 50th Anniversary TV Special
ABS-CBN @ 50: The ABS-CBN 2's 50th Anniversary TV Special
PBA @ 30 Opening Ceremonies
Number 1 @ 55: The GMA 7's 55th Anniversary TV Special
ABS-CBN @ 55: The ABS-CBN 2's 55th Anniversary TV Special
GMA @ 60: The Heart Of Television TV Special
PBA @ 40 Opening Ceremonies
Thank You Kapuso: GMA 7 @ 65th Anniversary TV Special
MBPL Season 3 Opening Ceremonies
GMA @ 70: GMA 70th Anniversary Virtual TV Special
Shopee 11 TV Special
Lazada Supershow TV Special
ABS CBN @ 70 TV Special

Awards and nominations

Lifetime Achievement Award, Awit Awards
Finalists, Metro Pop Song Festival 2001
Celebrity Inductee Winner, Eastwood City Walk Of Fame, 2009
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

Year	Award giving body	Category	Nominated work	Results
1991	Jesuits Communications Foundation, Inc	Tanglaw Ng Lahi Award		Won
2000	Awit Awards	Best Folk/Pop Recording	"Dito Sa Kanto"	Won
2000	Awit Awards	Best Novelty Recording	"Telephone Pal"	Won
2007	MYX Music Awards	MYX Magna Award		Won
2007	MYX Music Awards	Favorite MYX Live Performance
2009	Eastwood City Walk Of Fame	Celebrity Music Category Star Inductee		Won
2009	PMPC Star Awards for Music	Lifetime Achievement Award		Won