Danny Javier, the lead vocalist and composer of APO Hiking Society, has died. A member of the musical group for over 40 years, joining the group during their college years, Javier was 75 years old. Together with Jim Paredes and Buboy Garovillo, Javier was a member of arguably one of the most famous trios in Filipino pop music.
"In life, as in his death, our Pop never stopped fighting for what he loved, what he believed in and what he was passionate about," a post by his daughter Justine Javier Long reads. "He left this world with his passion and his strength of will intact and we know he would not have it any other way."
She continues, "The Javier family is asking for respect and privacy as they arrange details of his wake. They are also full of gratitude towards everyone for the "outpouring love, prayers, and condolences at this difficult time."
Just a few days ago, Garrovillo confirmed in a digital media conference for Unica Hija that Javier was sick when asked about the possibility of the group's reunion. "Danny is not well. He's medyo may kahinaan, may karamdaman, so he is recovering," he said. "Pero yung reunion, mukhang malabo yun because hindi na possible."
Born in Abuyog, Leyte, Javier attended Ateneo de Manila University. He joined the group composed initially of 15 members. Later that number was whittled down to just three, and the APO Hiking Society became one of the country's best-known musical groups. Javier himself was involved in writing some of the group's best-known hits, including "Show Me A Smile," "Pumapatak ang Ulan," "Kaibigan," "Doo bidoo," "Kabilugan ng Buwan," "Di Na Natuto," and "Awit ng Barkada."
The group eventually disbanded after going on a series of farewell shows in 2010. Since then, all three members have done occasional film and TV projects, although both Garovillo and Paredes were more active than Javier, who chose to remain more low-key.
In later years, it was reported that Javier was suffering from multiple health issues, including kidney failure, pneumonia, emphysema, heart failure, hepatitis and sepsis.
