IN THE mid-50s, the late Fernando Poe Jr. hit it big as an action star in the local western, "Markado". The movie had a very popular title song, rendered by Fred Panopio who become famous for his yodeling. FPJ did two other films with Fred doing the theme songs with his yodeling trademark, "Pitong Gatang" and "Tatlong Baraha". Fred was also a hit doing live stage shows at the Clover Theatre and Manila Grand Opera House. His popularity waned when yodeling faded away but he was able to regain some fame with "Ang Kawawang Cowboy" in the 80s. Fred has now gone to the great beyond. He succumbed to cardiac arrest on Thursday, April 22, at age of 71. Our condolences to his family.
