Paano lumipas ang 50 taon? APO Hiking Society celebrates golden anniversary with new book

For five remarkable decades, the iconic APO Hiking Society has woven itself into the fabric of Filipino culture. Now, their incredible half-century journey is beautifully captured in a new commemorative book titled "Limang Dekada nAPO Kami." This much-anticipated publication promises a deep dive into the lives and careers of the legendary trio.

More than just a historical account, "Limang Dekada nAPO Kami" is a deeply personal narrative. Launched on August 7, the book gathers candid stories and never-before-heard anecdotes from the group's milestones. From their early days as high school and collegiate performers in the late 1960s to their decades of chart-topping albums, popular TV shows, and memorable concerts, readers will gain an intimate perspective.

Boboy Garrovillo shared at the launch that the book offers their genuine thoughts on various situations they navigated. What started as a band of "campus pranksters" with a knack for harmonies soon evolved into a pivotal force in the nascent Original Pilipino Music (OPM) movement by the mid-1970s. The core trio of Garrovillo, Jim Paredes, and the late Danny Javier masterfully blended sharp pop sensibilities with a uniquely Filipino humor and sentiment.

Their timeless blend of folk, pop, and novelty songs, including hits like "Ewan," "Panalangin," and "Pumapatak Ang Ulan," not only dominated radio waves and graced international stages but also became a staple of the country's variety show circuit. Their long-running ABS-CBN program, "Sa Linggo nAPO Sila," further cemented their widespread appeal, and tribute projects in the 2000s, such as the "Kami nAPO Muna" duology, introduced their beloved discography to a new generation of fans.

Spanning over 200 pages, richly illustrated with full-color photographs, the book acts as both a memoir and a grand commemoration. Readers will find the members themselves recounting the circumstances, relationships, and industry realities that shaped their beloved songs. It aims to offer listeners a deeper understanding of the creative and professional choices that defined APO's path.

According to Garrovillo, the intention was to provide a "complete experience" for readers. He encouraged fans to listen to the music while delving into the chapters, allowing them to connect the melodies with the fascinating stories behind each composition. The book also reflects on the group's enduring journey, particularly how it has evolved since Danny Javier's passing in 2022. Jim Paredes noted the ongoing adaptation, stating, "You really have to learn a lot of things to survive as three and now we’re learning to survive as two."

APO's music has consistently mirrored the nation's pulse, echoing the hopeful beginnings of OPM, the subtle dissent of the 1980s, the nostalgic rebirth of the 2000s, and even navigating personal loss. This new book doesn't serve as a farewell but rather as another vessel for their enduring voice to continue resonating with the audiences who have championed them for half a century. To acquire your copy of "Limang Dekada nAPO Kami," interested readers can email apohikingsocietyinquiry@gmail.com.