Danny Javier Biography: Children, Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Cause Of Death, Songs, Movies

Danny Javier was a Filipino singer, composer, actor, television host, and businessman who was best known as one of the members and lead vocalists of the popular musical trio APO Hiking Society.

He was also a pioneer and icon of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), a term that he coined to refer to the music of the Philippines.

His prolific career spanned over five decades, producing numerous hit songs, albums, concerts, shows, and movies.

He was also a respected leader, an advocate of the Filipino music industry, and a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Profile

• Full name: Daniel Javier Castro
• Date of birth: August 6, 1947
• Age: 76 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Abuyog, Leyte, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Profession: Singer, composer, actor, television host, businessman
• Height: 5’8″ (173 cm)
• Parents: Angelo Castro, Jr. (father), Bing Pimentel (mother)
• Siblings: Isabel Rivas (sister)
• Spouse: Bessie Badilla (wife)
• Children: Jobim Javier (son), Ala Javier (daughter)
• Relationship status: Married
• Net worth: $5 million

Early Life & Education

Danny Javier, who clocked at 76 in 2023, was born on August 6, 1947, in Abuyog, Leyte, Philippines.

He was the eldest son of Angelo Castro, Jr., a journalist and broadcaster, and Bing Pimentel, an actress and politician. He had a younger sister named Isabel Rivas, who also became an actress.

He grew up in a well-off and influential family, as his paternal grandfather was a former senator, and his maternal grandfather was a former governor.

He attended the Ateneo de Manila University, where he met his fellow APO Hiking Society members, Boboy Garrovillo and Jim Paredes. He graduated with a degree in Economics in 1969.

Personal Life

Danny Javier married Bessie Badilla, a former model and beauty queen, in 1987. They had two children, Jobim and Ala, who followed their father’s footsteps in music.

Jobim became a singer and guitarist for the band Rivermaya, while Ala became a singer and songwriter for the band Moonstar88.

Danny and Bessie had a happy and lasting marriage despite the challenges and pressures of show business. They were also devoted Catholics and active in various charitable causes.

Danny was a supportive husband and father who always prioritized his family over his fame and fortune.

Career

Danny Javier started his career as a singer and composer in the late 1960s when he formed the APO Hiking Society with his college friends, Boboy Garrovillo and Jim Paredes.

The group was originally a 15-member folk rock band but later became a trio in 1973. They became one of the most successful and influential musical groups in Philippine history, producing over 20 albums, 200 songs, and countless concerts and shows.

Some of their famous compositions include “Show Me A Smile” (1976), “Pag-big” (1978), “Pumapatak ang Ulan” (1978), “Kaibigan” (1978), “Doo Bidoo” (1978), “Kabilugan ng Buwan” (1980), “Princesa” (1980), “Blue Jeans” (1981), “Salawikain” (1982), “Kumot At Unan” (1983), “Di Na Natuto” (1985), “Awit ng Barkada” (1991), “Just A Smile Away” (1992), “Isang Dangkal” (1999), and his last composition, “Lahat Tayo” (2022).

Their songs were known for their catchy melodies, witty lyrics, and social relevance. They also popularized Filipino language and culture in their music, which they called Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

They received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) in 2010, along with their APO mates.

Aside from being a singer and composer, Danny Javier was also an actor, television host, and businessman. He appeared in several movies and television shows, such as “I Do Bidoo Bidoo” (2012), “Sabado Badoo” (2015), and “Home Along Da Riles” (1992-2003), where he played the role of Kevin Kosme, the best friend of Dolphy’s character.

He also hosted several variety and talk shows, such as “Sa Linggo nAPO Sila” (1988-1995), “Sang Linggo nAPO Sila” (1995-1998), and “APO Tanghali Na!” (1998-2001), where he showcased his comedic and hosting skills.

He was also involved in record production, talent management, and organizing artists under the Organisation ng Pilipinong Mang-await (OPM), an organization of Filipino singers and musicians.

He was also a businessman, owning several restaurants and bars, such as Danny’s Grill, APO Bar, and 70s Bistro.

Net Worth

At the time of his life, Danny Javier had an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to some sources.

He earned his wealth from his successful and diverse career in the entertainment industry and his business ventures.

Death

Danny Javier died on October 31, 2022, at the age of 75, due to multiple illnesses.

He had had diabetes, kidney failure, and heart problems for several years. He passed away peacefully at his home in Quezon City, surrounded by his family and friends.

His death was mourned by many fans and fellow artists, who paid tribute to his legacy and contributions to Philippine music and culture.

He was buried at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, where his APO mates and other celebrities attended his funeral.

Controversy

Danny Javier faced some criticism and backlash from some sectors of society, especially the conservative and religious groups, for some of his songs and views that were considered controversial or provocative.

For instance, his song “Blue Jeans” (1981) was banned by some radio stations for its suggestive lyrics and theme. His song “Di Na Natuto” (1985) was criticized for negatively portraying marriage and fidelity.

Some Catholic groups also condemned his song “Isang Dangkal” (1999) for its support of the reproductive health bill.

Despite these controversies, Danny Javier stood by his artistic expression and social advocacy, defending his right to freedom of speech and creativity.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: N/A
• Twitter handle: N/A

Filmography

• I Do Bidoo Bidoo
• Sabado Badoo
• Home Along Da Riles
• Si Ayala at si Zobel
• Pahiram ng Isang Umaga
• Working Girls
• Kumander Alibasbas
• Tatak ng Yakuza
• Pagbabalik ng Panday
• Buhay Artista Ngayon

Discography

• Lahat Tayo
• Danny Javier
• Just A Smile Away
• PaskonAPO
• Ten Years Together
• True To My Music
• Pagkatapos ng Palabas
• Kami nAPO Muna
• Collector’s Item