Like most of us, we grew up to the music of Danny Javier and the Apo Hiking Society, the legendary vocal trio who dominated the airwaves in the 70s and 80s and even at the turn of the century.
The group has released 27 albums in a span of four decades, including two tribute albums featuring young bands reinterpreting Apo's extensive repertoire.

Danny was the lead vocal of the group although Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo had their share of lead vocal duties during their magical run that ended in 2010 when the three decided to call it a career and disbanded.

October 31, a Monday, when Danny's daughter announced in a Facebook post that the acclaimed singer-songwriter has passed on to the Great Beyond as a result of complications from his prolonged illnesses. He was 75.

The news must have taken his fans aback. Danny has been credited with coining the term Original Pilipino Music or OPM which eventually became a rallying point for local composers. Together with Boboy and Jim, their music touched the hearts of several generations of music fans.

As everyone must have known, the trio's musical odyssey started during their college years at Ateneo when they joined the AMHS (Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society). It was originally made up of 16 members but broke up after college when most members went on to different pursuits, leaving Danny, Jim, and Boboy to continue their legacy.

Although originally known for love songs that formed part of the so-called Manila Sound in the 70s, the Apo later gravitated to more socially-conscious themes by the mid-80s. It was during this time that the trio released their monster hit "American Junk" which emphasized nationalism over colonial mentality. The song, reportedly, has become the staple of Apo's live shows during the pre and post-EDSA years.

You can't talk about Apo without mentioning Danny who has been credited for big hits like "Tuyo nang Damdamin," "When I Met You" and "Wala nang Hahanapin Pa", among others. And then, of course, they also did "Pag-ibig," among our favorites as well as of Poch Concepcion's, Tribune columnist and online editor.

It was not only in singing that Danny and Apo excelled. The group also became involved in record production, talent management, and furthering the careers of new OPM artists in the Philippines. The Apo also dabbled in hosting television and events shows including gigs on Discorama, Student Canteen, and later their own weekly TV program, Sa Linggo NAPO sila.