This tribute to the iconic APO Hiking Society is a sure collector’s item with no less than 16 songs: Yakap sa Dilim, Kabilugan ng Buwan, Awit ng Barkada (the carrier single with Ogie Alcasid and Dingdong Avanzado as guests), Lumang Tugtugin/Salawikain Medley, Ewan, Wala Nang Hahanapin Pa, Pumapatak ang Ulan, Batang-Bata Ka Pa (duet with his own 22-year old son Gabriel), Kaibigan, Pag-ibig, medley of Tuloy ang Ikot ng Mundo, American Junk and Bawat Bata, Panalangin, Paano, Kumot at Unan and Tuyo Nang Damdamin.
“I’ve always been an APO fan,” says Noel. “I really look up to them kasi mga artista sila ng bayan na lumaban sa dictatorship. Pareho kaming mga aktibista noon. I was singing protest songs at star struck ako nang una ko silang makasama. I never thought I will be doing a tribute album like this for them. Jim Paredes and I are together sa Filscap (Noel is Filscap president and also VP for external affairs of Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit) and when I told him about it, he got excited. I did my own interpretation and adaptation. Sabi niya, parinig naman daw ng mga na-record ko nang kanta nila. I made him listen to ‘Batang-Bata’ which I sang with my son Gabriel. Nagustuhan niya yung naiiba kong take kasi mas banayad daw, mas malambot, hindi nangangaral. It’s really so nice to sing the songs of APO because they are not only romantic, nationalistic kundi may halong novelty din and laden with good values.”
Noel’s tribute album to APO is now available in all record bars nationwide and also online. You can follow Noel on Facebook, @noelcabangon on Twitter and Instagram for updates.
