Let's dive into the era when the members of the APO HIKING SOCIETY were vocal about their political beliefs, expressing them through their music. A prime example is "PRISONER'S LAMENT", composed by Danny Javier. He entrusted me with arranging and recording it for APO's "Feet On The Ground" album. Music is in 6/8.

The recording session occurred at AD & AD studios, featuring a stellar lineup: Jun Regalado on drums, Roger Herrera Jr. on bass, Menchu Apostol on guitar, Tot’s Tolentino on sax, and yours truly on piano and organ. To capture that classic Hammond organ sound, I rented the instrument with Leslie speakers from Litos Benavides.

Immerse yourself in the full song on PLAYBACK, and discover a piece of music that may have slipped through the cracks.

Songs are like living history books, with each verse narrating tales of triumphs, struggles, and the human experience. Much like the ancient storytellers (Minstrels) who spun their narratives through song, contemporary musicians continue this tradition, encapsulating events and emotions within melodies and lyrics that transcend time. This is one of them.

On August 21, 1983, the Philippines was rocked by the assassination of former Senator Ninoy Aquino on the tarmac of Manila International Airport. This tragic event plunged the nation into a state of political turmoil, leaving the Filipino people gripped by fear and uncertainty. In response to the prevailing sentiments and the unfolding events, Jim Paredes penned the poignant song "DI KA NAG-IISA" ("You Are Not Alone").

Jim asked me to arrange his song and so I orchestrated it for 8 violins, 4 violas, 2 cellos, and 1 oboe. Also joining me in this endeavor at Cinema Audio Studio D were Jun Regalado on drums, Roger Herrera Jr. on bass, and Rudy Lozano on acoustic guitar. We asked Freddie Aguilar to render the vocal track. This was before he sang and performed the iconic anthem "Bayan Ko".

Initially conceived not as a commercial record, the song eventually found its way into one of Ka Freddie's albums, immortalizing the spirit of unity and resilience during a turbulent period in Philippine history.

When creating my music or arrangements, I meticulously select instruments, melodies, and musical lines. It's not merely about writing notes or choosing any instrument; each element serves a purpose and carries meaning. It's essential to convey the intended emotion through the music. Even without lyrics, music tells its own story.

For instance, the 16th notes in the violin lines represent chaos, uncertainty, fear, and darkness, while the oboe's sound evokes loneliness and solitude (nag-iisa). In the chorus, I shift the mood to convey hope, brightness, and the sense of a light at the end of the tunnel. These changes help to carry the song forward, enriching its narrative and emotional impact. I am sharing this with music analysts and maybe some new and upcoming arrangers out there.

Listen to my PLAYBACK - DI KA NAG IISA, recorded in 1983.

(photos from newspaper clippings by various newspaper agencies)