27 FEBRUARY 2004
Formidable APO Strikes Again!

(taken from Atin Ito! Philippine NewsFeature -- Feb 2004)

APO Hiking Society is still together in giving us pure fun and entertainment. That's been 35 long years ago. Now considered as pillars of what is known today as OPM (Original Pilipino Music), the APO Hiking Society will go down in history as the most durable and formidable group of artists that helped change the landscape of Philippine Music by bringing it to new heights.

Astralias Productions is committed to deliver the most captivating and out-of-the-seat entertainment for all of our valued guests. We have our eyes set on establishing the gold standard for entertainment our valued guests most definitely deserve. Our artists are the fulcrum of this entertainment odyssey that will literally bring tears of excitement and anticipation to our guests. Picture if you will, a Filipino version of the Beatles and you will begin to see how great these artists are.

On April 17, 2004, Danny, Jim, Boboy will be in Toronto, Canada to stage their much-awaited concert in 17 years at the International Centre, Hall 4 (located at 6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga, Ontario) starting at 7:30 p.m. Due to unfortunate circumstances beyond our control, the APO Strikes Again concert was move to a new date and a new venue. Our sincere thanks to our respected and honored sponsors for their support and understanding. To our valued guests, the wait is over, call to order you tickets now!

Presented by ASTRALIAS PRODUCTIONS INC., the high-powered, fun-filled concert, APO STRIKES AGAIN! will also feature Ms. Geneva Cruz & Ms. Michelle Cuyugan as special guest artists.

In a recent interview, the APO Hiking Society talks about the trio's staying power and their contributions not only to music, but to the Philippine Society as well.

Here an excerpt of the interview:

You've been together for over 30 years now. What's your secret of staying together as trio?

Jim: We enjoy each other's company. We have respect for each other. We enjoy the music. And we don't have sex.

Boboy: (laughs)

Danny: I'm still trying to find out. Must be really some secret.

With so many singers and bands around, what make you stand out from the rest?

Jim: Nobody writes songs and sings the way we do. Nobody expresses themselves politically and makes social commentary the way we do.

Boboy: Nobody as old as us!

Combining singing with comedy is the trademark of APO. Was is intentionally or did it happen accidentally?

Danny: It was intentional. We needed to capture the audience attention so they would listen to our serious compositions.

Boboy: Laughter has always been the key.

Jim: We were rebels and we wanted to express opinions but in a funny way. Besides, it made us more endearing to our audience and it made them more open to our original songs, which in the early 70's was a no-no for a group to do. We were expected to sing popular songs from U.S. to be original then was considered "mayabang" (boastful)

Your trio has been known for its social and political influence, particularly during EDSA I and EDSA 2.

Jim: In EDSA I, we were among the few artists who spoke up against the dictatorship and risked our careers. We did concerts and recording that defied the existing order. In EDSA 2, we together with many other artists, held audience together keeping them entertained and interested, and I would like to think enlightened about the issue.

Danny: We were minstrels of EDSA I all over the country. We had key strategic and vital roles in civil society in EDSA 2.

With the current trend of artists joining the political bandwagon, do any of you have plans to enter politics?

Danny: Greed and ambition have always been great motivations. Unfortunately, I don't have either.

Boboy: No!

Jim: if we had to run, it would have been the three of us. The qualification kasi are 1) Good moral character (Jim) 2) of legal age (Danny) 3) natural born Filipino (Boboy). Danny and I were born Cesarian.

Many people don't know this but APO has been involve din many charitable organizations. Can you name your favorite charities and why?

Jim: I for environmental charities because I believe it's important to protect the environment for our future. I also support scholarship programs by directly donating to Ateneo Scholarships. I believe the best way to change a person's life is through education.

Danny: For al the blessings received much is asked of the recipient. We must share the bounty of prosperity and hard labor.

Boboy: Charities promoting education and youth welfare.

How much longer do you think APO will be performing together?

Boboy: For as long as it is fun.

Danny: I live for the moment and count my blessings.

The large Filipino community in Toronto has been anticipating your concert in 17 years. How would you invite them to your show?

Danny: There is only one APO Hiking Society. Thirty five years in existence. Share these with family and friends. We may never pass this way again.

Boboy: Enjoy a night in the Philippines with out spending for a plane ticket and going through immigration. APO will bring you back home with songs, laughter, tears, nostalgia, and load of fun.

Jim: Music, laughter, politics, drama, the bad, the ugly abound. But please understand that we draw line on frontal nudity. You've seen everyone else. Now watch the APO!