It was only when two of its four members were about to retire from the field of amateur music, however, that the APO, then known as the Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, finally had a city-wide 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.
Why a talented young man of 21 would want to go to Turkey, every young man in the early seventies would probably understand. But what the APO could not understand was their fourth member's decision to leave the irresponsibility of being unemployed to join the ranks of the corporate world.
The trip to Turkey did not materialize and the APO, now a tentative trio, pushed on steadily towards fame and fortune.
Looking back, the APO members Danny Javier, Boboy Garrovillo, and Jim Paredes 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.
In the three decades since that "farewell" concert, the APO has made 22 record albums; hosted several television shows including their own noontime Sunday show "Sa 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, in Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Japan to bring Original Pilipino Music to Filipinos the world over.
In October of 1987, during their annual US tour, the APO became the first Filipino pop artists 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, as well as the other shows held during that particular concert tour, were sold out. The APO were also the first Filipino artists to perform in a public concert in the Kingdom of 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.
The APO also earned international recognition for Jim Paredes' anthem on the bloodless Philippine revolution in 1986. "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 lyrics of the song are embedded on a wall of Our Lady of Edsa Shrine, the center of the revolution.
Minamahal Kong Pilipinas
Apo Hiking Society Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pilipinas Kong Mahal
Ang puso ko at buhay man
Sa iyo'y ibibigay
Tungkulin kong gagampanan
Na lagi kang paglingkuran
Ang laya mo'y babantayan
The song "Minamahal Kong Pilipinas" by Apo Hiking Society is a patriotic tribute to the Philippines, expressed through the love and devotion of a citizen for his country. The first verse declares that the only beloved country is the Philippines, which is the heart and soul of the singer. He swears to dedicate his life to his country and to offer his very being to it. The second verse describes the duty of the singer, which is to serve his country always and to protect its freedom as his favorite land. The phrase "Pilipinas kong Hirang" is a reference to the Philippine flag, which features a white triangle with three golden stars, representing the three major island groups in the country. The phrase means "my chosen Philippines."
The song portrays a deep sense of love and respect for the country and reflects the pride of being a Filipino citizen. It also speaks of the responsibility of every Filipino to contribute to the welfare of the nation and to preserve its history and culture. The song's lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the music is stirring and poignant, evoking the listener's emotions and instilling a sense of patriotism and identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Ang bayan ko'y tanging ikaw
You are the only country that I have
Pilipinas Kong Mahal
My beloved Philippines
Ang puso ko at buhay man
My heart and my life
Sa iyo'y ibibigay
I will give to you
Tungkulin kong gagampanan
It is my duty to fulfill
Na lagi kang paglingkuran
To always serve you
Ang laya mo'y babantayan
To protect your freedom
Pilipinas kong Hirang...
My chosen Philippines...
Contributed by Stella W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bernadette Arcena-Jacinto
on Blue Jeans
a sa on sa ondai.