APO, HOTDOG IN ONE SHOW

Manila, August 6, 2003 (MALAYA) TWO of the legendary pillars of the Philippine music scene, the Apo Hiking Society and Hotdog, topbill one spectacular back-to-back, one-night-only show "Apo Hiking Society & Hotdog Back2Back" on Aug. 28, 9 p.m. at Onstage, Greenbelt 1, Makati City. Guest will be Ramon "RJ" Jacinto.

The achievements of Apo and Hotdog are unparalleled. For one, they are the only groups in the local music scene that rely solely on their own original compositions and concert material. They have endured the test of time, spanning three decades in the music scene, making them the longest-running pop group the industry has ever produced.

Apo Hiking Society

The Apo Hiking Society is composed of Jim Paredes, Danny Javier and Boboy Garrovillo whose classics and timeless love songs have inspired many people through the years. Who would ever forget their hits like "Mahirap Magmahal ng Syota ng Iba," "Blue Jeans," "Show Me a Smile," "When I Met You," "Doo Bidoo," "Salawikain," "Nakapagtataka," "Princesa," "Ewan," "Kaibigan," "Di Na Natuto," "Awit ng Barkada," "Pag-ibig," "Panalangin," "Batang-bata Ka Pa," "Yakap sa Dilim," and "Pumapatak ang Ulan."

The versatile trio have recorded 27 albums, most of which are certified multi-platinum or gold. Their tunes are catchy; their sentiments forever young and optimistic, timeless even.

They have performed in successful solo concerts in over 50 cities in the United States, and in countries like Canada, Singapore, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Guam, Australia, England, Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Japan to bring their Original Pilipino Music and their brand of entertainment. A group of firsts, the Apo became the first Filipino pop group to perform at the Carnegie Hall in New York; Massey Hall in Toronto, Canada; Saudi Arabia. In 1987, they were the first Filipino artists to record on compact disc.

The trio have received the highest awards and accolade. With their contributions in the Original Pilipino Music (OPM), they were awarded the first Awit Award's Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino Lifetime Award by the Philippine Association of the Recording Industry in 1994 (the Filipino equivalent of the Grammy). The Metro Pop Foundation has bestowed them the Antonio Barreiro Lifetime Achievement Award, the Philippine Movie Press Club's Star Awards for Television-Lifetime Achievement Awards, Katha Awards and the Tanglaw ng Lahi Award, the highest honor given to its alumni by the Jesuit Community (Ateneo de Manila University).

The early '70s marked the birth of the so-called The Manila Sound, a fusion of American-inspired melody and Filipino lyric. It was inspired and created by Hotdog's Rene and Dennis Garcia. The Hotdog's first single "Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko" became a huge hit in the local music scene then dominated by American Top 40 music.

Hotdog also re-invented disco party music with a distinct Pinoy sound such as "Annie Batungbakal" and "Bongga Ka 'Day. "The group is also famous for such hits as "Pers Lab," "Langit na Naman," "O Lumapit." Their songs not only ruled the airwaves but dominated the dance floors of bars and discotheques all over the country.

In 1977, Hotdog again earned top charts with "Manila," Rene's tribute for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) longing for his country and city. Evidently, to the disco-dancing, swing-loving Filipino, Pinoy music was never the same with Hotdog. Their distinct unique music touched the heart of Filipinos through the years.

"Apo Hiking Society & Hotdog Back2Back" tickets-priced at P800 and P1,000-are available at all TicketWorld outlets in major National Bookstore branches, Robinson's Department Store (Malate and Galleria), Tower Records (Makati and Alabang), Ayala Center Glorietta 1 ticket booth cinema lobby, Onstage Greenbelt. Ticket inquiries and reservations through TicketWorld at 891-5610.