Key Points
- From our grandparent’s generation to their grandchildren to Millennials, to Gen Zs the music of the Apo Hiking Society lives on.
- Apo Hiking Society is one of the pillars and icons of Filipino music.
- The group celebrated their 50th year in the Philippine music industry in 2023.
From generation to generation
“From our countless concerts, you will see various generations come together, you will see grandparents, parents and their children watch our shows,” Jim Paredes, a member of the Apo Hiking Society trio, shares.
The group’s music has transcended many generations and continues to flourish.
The Apo Hiking Society began as a high school band in 1969.
“Of course, we’re happy that this has come to fruition because that’s what we intended when we were making our songs,” member Boboy Garrovillo admits.
“It makes our hearts full that even Millennials, Gen Z, still know our songs and sing them,” Garrovillo adds.
Danny Javier, Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo Credit: Apo Hiking Society (Instagram)
The group has been making music for over 50 years.
“Our music spans so many years, they make you reminisce about your first love, think of your friends and parents, among others,” Paredes says.
In their five decades, they have produced over 27 albums so far.
‘Apo’
From their high school band’s name in 1969 and in reference to one of the Philippine heroes, ‘Apo’ was first known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society.
“Since we came from Ateneo De Manila High School, AMHS, we tried to find a name with the initials AMHS.”
“It has nothing to do with any fraternity group or the famous Philippine mountain, Mt Apo,” Paredes clarifies.
A total of 12 members were part of the group when they were in high school with Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo among the originals.
Danny Javier joined during the group their college days.
Their name eventually became Apo Hiking Society which they have kept until today.
What lies ahead
With the passing of Danny Javier in late 2022, members Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo decided to continue their band and make music.
“We were supposed to retire but we decided to continue making music, especially after learning that many younger generations love and support our artistry,” Garrovillio reveals.
Ever since last year, the duo, Jim and Boboy, along with their band have been touring overseas, including the US and Asia, doing their concerts.
This February, the Apo Hiking Society starts its 2024 with a series of concerts in Australia, including Perth (February 2), Adelaide (February 3), Sydney (February 9) Melbourne (February 10) and Darwin (February 11).
“There will be songs of friendship, songs of love, breakup, funny and happy songs, as well as classics,” as Paredes shares of what the Australian audience can expect.
Aside from their series of concerts, the duo will release a book about the Apo Hiking Society this year.
“Apart from Apo’s history, pictures from our tours, anecdotes, and the crowds we performed for, we also talked about what every song means to us and lessons to share,” Paredes shares.
