Apo songs inspire film
CHRIS Martinez
In 2006, the music of the Apo Hiking Society took center stage in “Kami nAPO Muna”—a chart-topping compilation album of the pop trio’s biggest hits, covered by the country’s hottest contemporary bands.
This year, another tribute to the enduring music of Danny Javier, Boboy Garovillo and Jim Paredes is in the works—a two-hour musical film, “I Doo Bi Doo, Bi Doo,” to be bankrolled by Unitel Productions.
Dream project
“I Doo” is a dream project for Unitel president and CEO Tony Gloria; he’s been toying with the idea for years.
“Apo’s music is timeless and has crossed generations,” Gloria, whose past projects include “La Visa Loca” and “Crying Ladies,” told the Inquirer in a recent story conference.
Article continues after this advertisementParedes, who was present at the conference, admitted that he was anxious before the film’s musical director, Vincent de Jesus, presented his arrangements of the songs. “I was worried that I might not be able to hide my disappointment if I didn’t like what I heard,” Paredes said.
Article continues after this advertisementInstead, Paredes shed a few tears upon hearing De Jesus’ take on “Panalangin,” especially when the cast started singing along. “It was beautiful,” Paredes said. “I loved it.”
About time
Chris Martinez, who wrote the script and will direct “I Doo,” said he had carefully studied the 17 Apo songs to be used in the film. He told the Inquirer: “Love is the biggest driving force of Apo’s music, be it about romance or friendship. I realized I shouldn’t veer away from that, so I wrote a story that reflects the songs’ sentiments.”
“I Doo,” which revolves around two bickering families, will star Gary Valenciano, Zsazsa Padilla, Ogie Alcasid, Eugene Domingo, Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos. It is set for release in mid-2012.
Asked how the songs would propel the plot, Martinez explained that the treatment would be similar to recent hit musicals like “Mamma Mia!”—in which the characters break into song during moments of heightened emotion. “It’s about time we did our own musical film that is contemporary and fun,” said Martinez.
