APO Hiking Society's Danny Javier dies aged 75
APO Hiking Society member Danny Javier has passed away earlier today, Oct. 31, due to the "complications of his prolonged illnesses," his daughter Justine Javier-Lang confirmed in social media.
In the post, which was first spotted by GMA News, Javier-Lang said that her father "never stopped fighting for what he loved, what he believed in and what he was passionate about. He left this world with his passion and his strength of will intact and we know he would not have it any other way."
The veteran musician, who passed away at the age of 75, was one of the lead vocalists of APO Hiking Society alongside Jim Paredes and Boboy Garavillo. The trio, which debuted in 1982, is best known for OPM classics like Pumpatak ang Ulan, Panalangin, Ewan, and Batang-Bata Ka Pa, among others.
The group retired in 2010 after producing a total of 27 albums throughout their four-decade career and being the pioneers of the Original Pilipino Music movement.
According to a report by The Philippine STAR in 2017, Javier almost died in 2011 from undergoing several illnesses: pneumonia, kidney failure, liver collapse, hepatitis A, emphysema, congestive heart failure, and sepsis.
“The doctor said, the bad news is you have a 10-percent chance of survival. The good news is you still have 24 hours to live so we’ll do something, maybe put you in the ICU. But I said, if I’m going, then let me go this way. They allowed me to check out on July 22,” the musician said.
He survived and maintained his health through a nutritious diet and by playing golf "three times a week."
Just last week, Garavillo gave an update about Javier's condition during the press conference of GMA's upcoming series Unica Hija, which Garavillo is part of.
"Danny is not well," he said. "He's medyo may kahinaan, may karamdam, so he is recovering."
Days later the singer-turned-actor released another update about his long-time friend but this time, announcing his untimely demise.
"Just feeling the loss of an old faithful friend who knew what love is although sometimes it just doesn't show," Garavillo wrote in a Facebook post on Oct. 31."My friend lives on in his music."
Other celebrities continue to pay tribute to the OPM icon, including Lea Salonga who said, "Rest In Peace, Tito Danny Javier. Thank you for all your beautiful music."
Meanwhile, fellow singer Zsa-Zsa Padilla wrote that she's "saddened to hear" about the passing of Javier. "Rest In Peace, Danny," she added.
OPM group The CompanY sent their "deepest and heartfelt condolences" to those left behind by Javier, especially Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo. "The APO help built OPM to what it is now. Your legacies are cemented for the ages. Thank you Danny," the group added.
The CompanY sends their deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Danny Javier. Tight hugs to Jim Paredes and Boboy Garovillo. The APO help built OPM to what it is now. Your legacies are cemented for the ages. Thank you for Danny. pic.twitter.com/rpOMFDshBo
— TheCompanYsingers (@thecompanysing) October 31, 2022
Javier's daughter Justine said that their family is currently arranging the details of her father's memorial and asked the public to respect their family's privacy during this trying time.