7 Songs to Listen to Remember Apo Hiking Society’s Danny Javier
Singer and songwriter Danny Javier, known as 1/3 of the Apo Hiking Society, died on October 31 at age of 75.
The Philippine music scene recently lost another great artist. Danny Javier, known as 1/3 of the group Apo Hiking Society, which has contributed to Original Pilipino Music, died last October 31. His daughter Justine Javier Long confirmed the news.
Several Filipino artists mourned his passing including icons Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, and Gary Valenciano, who shared on Instagram that the song “Di Na Natuto” was written by Javier.
Danny’s friends and co-members Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo also posted their tributes to their friend.
Some of the Apo Hiking Society classics
In a Facebook post, Celeste Legaspi recalled how Danny pushed for the start of the organization of singers which is known as the Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit or OPM after EDSA I.
“Danny J called me up to say he has this great idea that we singers can get together and work together. I thought it was a neat idea and I said: ‘Sure! I will call them.’”, Celeste wrote.
“In a week’s time, we were about 20 singers meeting in a small place in what used to be Channel 4. In another week we were almost 40 singers meeting in a venue in Makati and we were electing a Board calling ourselves Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit or OPM. Heady, exciting times when we were confident we could achieve a lot because we were together with common goals. It was Danny’s beautiful idea.”
In celebration of Danny’s life, here are seven of the many hits he performed with Apo Hiking Society which has become a classic despite the group’s retirement in 2010.
Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo
A song that the Apo Hiking Society took part in singing with other artists. It has become one of the most famous songs after People Power in 1986. It was once again sung during the funeral of the late President Cory Aquino.
Batang Bata Ka Pa
A song about a child’s journey and the experiences he or she will go through.
Bawat Bata
“Bawat Bata” is another song—this time telling everyone that every child has the right to live in the world and have the childhood he or she should experience including being loved.
Awit ng Barkada
A song about lasting friendship.
Blue Jeans
A song Danny co-wrote with Jim Paredes about a teen’s life in school and love.
Pumapatak Na Naman ng Ulan
Another classic song Danny wrote for the group.
Kabilugan ng Buwan
A love song Danny wrote for one of Apo’s albums.