In the lush countryside of the Philippines, where the air was always thick with the scent of ripe fruit and fresh grass, a small eight-piece folk band had just created something magical. The band, called Candungao Rondalya, had been playing together for years, honing their craft in the peaceful seclusion of their backyard. But it wasn’t until one sunny afternoon in April that they would achieve something they never thought possible: they went viral.
The group had decided to take a break from their usual practice routine and experiment with something a little different. They wanted to pay tribute to the music they loved—ABBA, an iconic group whose timeless melodies had captured hearts around the world. With their unique blend of instruments, they knew they could put a special spin on one of ABBA’s greatest hits: “Fernando.”
Gathering in their usual practice spot, surrounded by the hum of birdsong and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, the band set to work. Their instruments—a mix of guitars, banjos, and an enormous guitarrón bass—were carefully tuned, each string resonating with warmth as they began to play. The sounds of the Philippines blended with ABBA’s Swedish pop in a beautiful fusion that felt both familiar and fresh.
As the first notes of “Fernando” rang out, Candungao Rondalya effortlessly created an arrangement that showcased the graceful melodies of the original while adding their own unique flavor. The vocal melodies of Agnetha Fältskog and Frida Lyngstad were recreated with stunning precision on 12-string instruments, their bright, twangy tones filling the air. The harmonies soared, echoing through the countryside like a chorus of voices carried on the wind.
It wasn’t just the music that captured the hearts of viewers. As they played, the band members couldn’t help but smile at each other, their joy contagious. Every strum of the banjo, every pluck of a guitar string, and every hum of the guitarrón bass was accompanied by their carefree boogie. The sheer happiness of seeing the band work together, enjoying every moment, added an extra layer of charm to the performance.
What happened next was something they hadn’t expected. When they uploaded their rendition to the internet, it caught fire. Within days, the video was shared across social media platforms, receiving thousands of views. People from all over the world commented on how they had never heard “Fernando” sound quite like this before, how the folk instruments added a new depth to the classic hit. Many were enchanted by the band’s infectious energy and the heartfelt joy they radiated, something so pure and genuine that it instantly connected with the audience.
By April 15, 2023, just days after uploading their video, Candungao Rondalya had hit a milestone they could never have imagined—over one million views. The joy of their backyard performance, initially shared among friends and family, had transcended borders, reaching listeners around the world. The band was amazed, humbled, and overjoyed at the love they received.
Their folk cover of “Fernando” became more than just a viral video—it became a symbol of how music, no matter where it’s played, has the power to bring people together. And for Candungao Rondalya, it was a reminder that sometimes, all you need to make something special is the right blend of heart, talent, and a little bit of serendipity.