The APO Hiking marks 50 years of shaping Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and Philippine culture through timeless hits.
An the dynamic and vibrant tapestry of Philippine arts and culture, few groups have woven threads as colorful, enduring and impactful as the APO Hiking Society.
As they prepare to release their book ably edited by acclaimed journalist Paulynn Sicam, “Limang Dekada nAPO Kami,” commemorating 50 remarkable years in the Philippine music industry; it’s a fitting moment to reflect on their profound significance. Over five decades, APO Hiking Society has not only charted a course through the peaks and valleys of Philippine music but has also left an indelible mark on the nation’s cultural landscape.
APO Hiking Society — composed of Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier — is synonymous with the rise and celebration of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). In an era when Western music dominated local airwaves, APO Hiking Society boldly championed songs sang in Filipino, telling stories that resonated deeply with the everyday experiences of Filipinos. Hits like “Ewan,” “Panalangin,” “Pumapatak ang Ulan,” “Batang-Bata,” “Doo Bi Doo” and a whole lot more became anthems that captured hearts, transcending mere entertainment to become part of the nation’s cultural lexicon. By nurturing OPM, they paved the way for generations of Filipino musicians to find pride and voice in their native language and narratives.
APO Hiking Society’s influence in the Philippine music industry and beyond is marked by numerous breakthroughs and impactful contributions.
Other hits specifically “Kabilugan ng Buwan, “ “Bawat Bata,” “Blue Jeans,” “When I Met You,” “Awit ng Barkada,” “Kaibigan,” “Pag-Ibig,” “Tuyo ng Damdamin,” “Show Ma a Smile,” “Anna,” “Salawikain,” “Tuyo ng Damdamin,” among many others became massive hits, defining the sound of OPM and resonating deeply with Filipino audiences.
APO Hiking Society’s concerts were often sold out, showcasing their popularity and the strong connection they had with fans across the Philippines. Most significant of which were the protest concerts which precipitated the EDSA People Power revolution which were well attended and the hallmarks of Filipino nationalism in music performance.
APO Hiking Society was one of the prominent musical acts featured on ABS-CBN, one of the major television networks in the Philippines. They had their own TV shows specifically the weekly show “Sa Linggo nAPO Sila” which later became a daily show called “‘Sang Linggo nAPO Sila.” They were also frequently guests on popular music and variety shows, helping to cement their status as icons in Philippine entertainment.
APO Hiking Society contributed theme songs to movies, further extending their influence into Philippine cinema. Their music added emotional depth and resonance to the films they were associated with. They even acted on significant movies like “Si Popeye, atbp,” “Kung Mangarap Ka’t Magising,” “Kakaba Kaba Ka Ba?” and “Blue Jeans.”
Then there was “I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila!”: a musical movie featuring the songs of Apo Hiking Society, starring Eugene Domingo, Ogie Alcasid, ZsaZsa Padilla, Gary Valenciano, Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos, the movie highlighted their music in a cinematic format, appealing to both old and new fans.
Their songs have been featured in stage musicals, specifically “Eto Na! Musikal nAPO!,” a jukebox musical based on the songs of the APO Hiking Society celebrating their music’s enduring appeal and contribution to Philippine performing arts.
Through hit singles, sold-out concerts, TV appearances, movie theme songs, a musical movie and stage musicals, APO Hiking Society has demonstrated a wide-reaching impact on Philippine arts and culture. Their music continues to be celebrated, underscoring their legacy as pillars of OPM and influential figures in the country’s entertainment landscape.
Beyond their melodic contributions, APO Hiking Society played a pivotal role in using music as a peaceful force for social change. During the tumultuous years leading to the end of martial law in the Philippines in the 1980s, their music subtly yet powerfully echoed themes of freedom, hope and unity. Their songs often carried messages that connected with the aspirations of a people yearning for democracy and justice. In this way, Apo Hiking Society helped trigger a movement — a peaceful revolution through music — where art became a unifying force for societal reflection and transformation.
The APO‘s impact extends beyond music into realms of social responsibility. Throughout their career, they have supported various causes, using their platform to raise awareness and advocate for issues close to their hearts. Their involvement in charitable endeavors and benefit concerts has underscored their commitment to using their influence for the greater good. This blend of artistry and activism has made them enduring figures of integrity in Philippine culture.
As APO Hiking Society celebrates 50 years with the release of “Limang Dekada nAPO Kami,” their book promises to be more than a retrospective of hits and highlights. It is a testament to their journey — a narrative of passion, perseverance, and the power of music to touch lives and shape history. Through their story, readers will glimpse the evolution of Philippine music, the struggles and triumphs of artists committed to their craft and the ways in which APO Hiking Society has mirrored and molded the spirit of their times.
The APO ‘s five decades of contributions to OPM, their role in fostering peaceful movements for social change and their support for meaningful causes underscore their lasting significance. “Limang Dekada nAPO Kami” the anthology to be launched at the Arete, Ateneo de Manila University on Friday, July 25 is not just a celebration of their longevity but a tribute to the enduring power of music to inspire, unite and narrate the story of a nation. As the APO marks this milestone, they remind us all of the profound impact artists can have when they blend talent with purpose.
