A fitting tribute to the APO

Generation X, Y – and even Z bands rocked and continued the spirit of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) when MYX recently presented the musical extravaganza dubbed Kami nApo Muna, The Concert at SM Megamall’s Cinema 9. As the title of the concert suggests, the featured bands also paid tribute to Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Buboy Garovillo of the APO Hiking Society whose musical roots can be traced back to their Ateneo days in the ’70s. The event also signified the local music scene’s changing of the guards.

The concert was a "riot" 16 times over as the same number of well-established and newer bands interpreted the APO hits through lively beats, rhythm and tempo. These are new sounds that suit the younger generation’s musical preferences.

Leading the APO treat were Parokya Ni Edgar performing Pumapatak Ang Ulan; Sandwich (Bakit Ang Babae); Rocksteddy (Blue Jeans); Imago (Ewan); Moonstar88 (Panalangin); Shamrock (Paano); Boldstar (Kumot at Unan); Drip (Kabilugan); Top Suzara (Anna); Barbie Almalbis (When I Met You); Orange & Lemons (Yakap sa Dilim); Sound (Di Na Natuto); Sponge Cola (Nakapagtataka); Sugarfree (Batang-Bata Ka Pa); Itchyworms (Awit ng Barkada) and Kamikazee (Do Bidoo).

Fans and music aficionados missed the acts and songs Bawat Bata by The Dawn and Pag-ibig by Kitchie Nadal.

Though they could have added glitter to the night, the concert was a success and calls for a series or encore. These bands and their songs are also featured in the CD entitled Kami nApo Muna.

Among the performers and interpretations, most – if not all – were impressed with Kamikazee’s head banging and shrieking performance; the heavy guitar playing and drum-hitting renditions of Sandwich, Sugarfree and Sponge Cola; Sound’s thick jazzy take; the soothing voices and feminine touch of the lead vocalists of Drip, Moonstar 88 and Imago; the cool vocals of Macoy of Orange & Lemons and Barbie Almalbis.

MYX VJs Karel, Heart Evangelista and Iya Villania gave a rundown of APO’s history through their repartee and spiels. Nikki Gil and Geoff Eigenmann, the other VJs of the music channel, had their hosting chores in video clips. They shared that APO Hiking Society has set the standards of Pinoy music for upcoming bands and artists.

Nikki and Geoff added that the trio also crossed over to mainstream entertainment like movies and TV. They appeared on First Love, First Kiss and Blue Jeans and had their own noontime musical variety show Sang Linggo nAPO Sila on ABS-CBN. Speaking of VJs, the tribute could have been even more meaningful if former VJ Ala was around to toast her dad Jim. Ala is studying in Australia.

As expected, Jim, Danny and Buboy made a special appearance, singing Awit ng Barkada and Do Bidoo. People couldn’t help but sing along, clapping as hard as they could and rewarding the trio with standing ovations.

Kami nApo Muna proved that pop and rock could be a good fusion of sounds.