The APO HIKING SOCIETY first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a fa… Read Full Bio ↴The APO HIKING SOCIETY first gained recognition in 1973 when they gave a farewell concert at the plush Meralco Auditorium in Metro Manila. Just out of college, the group was the talk of the Ateneo University and adjoining campuses for their music and humor.

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.

Tag-ulan
Apo Hiking Society Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Minsan ika'y nag-iisa, walang makasama
Di malaman saan tutungo
Naghahanap, nag- iisip kung saan babaling
Dito sa mundong mapaglaro

At tuwing ika'y nalulumbay, di maka kita
Nais mo na may makasama
Sa iyong lungkot akala mo ika'y nag- iisa

Narito ako't kapiling ka

Kung nais mong ika'y lumuha
Ako'y makikinig sa bawat salita

Kapag umuulan bumuhos ang langit sa 'yong mga mata
Kapag mayroon unos ay aagos ang luha
Ngunit 'di ka mag- iisa, kaibigan

Kay rami nang mga tanong sa iyong isipan
Nais mo lamang ay malaman
Bakit nagka ganoon and nangyari sa 'yong buhay
Tanong mo man sa akin, di ko alam

Handa akong maging tanggulan
Sa tuwing sasapit sa'yo ang tag-ulan

Kapag umuulan bumubuhos ang langit sa'yong maga mata
Kapag mayroon unos ay aagos ang luha ngunit di ka mag-iisa

Ako'y naririto, naghihintay lamang sa'yo
Tumawag ka't ako ay tatakbo sa piling mo, kaibigan!

Overall Meaning

The Apo Hiking Society's song "Tag-ulan" is about being there for a friend during tough times. The song opens with the idea of feeling lost and alone, with nowhere to go and no one to turn to. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who is searching for direction and seeking a companion to share their journey with. In the chorus, the songwriter reminds the listener that even in the midst of rain or problems, they are not alone.

The second verse speaks to the many questions and challenges that arise in life, and how friends can support each other through these times. The singer emphasises that they don't have all the answers but they will always be there to provide comfort and support. The chorus is an affirmation of friendship and companionship, reminding the listener that there is always someone they can turn to.

Overall, "Tag-ulan" is a powerful song about the importance of friendship and support during difficult times. The song offers a message of hope and reassurance, reminding listeners that they are not alone and that there is always a friend they can rely on.

Line by Line Meaning

Minsan ika'y nag-iisa, walang makasama
Sometimes, you are alone, with no one to be with you

Di malaman saan tutungo
Don't know where to go

Naghahanap, nag- iisip kung saan babaling
Searching, thinking where to turn

Dito sa mundong mapaglaro
Here in this world that can be playful

At tuwing ika'y nalulumbay, di maka kita
And every time you feel sad, you can't see

Nais mo na may makasama
You want someone to be with you

Sa iyong lungkot akala mo ika'y nag- iisa
In your misery, you think you're alone

Narito ako't kapiling ka
I'm here and I'm with you

Kung nais mong ika'y lumuha
If you want to cry

Ako'y makikinig sa bawat salita
I will listen to every word

Kapag umuulan bumuhos ang langit sa 'yong mga mata
When it's raining, heaven pours into your eyes