Old Songs, New Vibes: Filipino Folk Band Goes Viral with ABBA Cover
There’s nothing quite like old-school music played in a fresh, fun way! A Filipino folk band named Candungao Rondalya became an internet hit after playing a beautiful acoustic version of ABBA’s classic song “Fernando”—right in their own backyard!
This eight-member group, based in the quiet town of San Isidro on Bohol island, used traditional string instruments like banjos, guitars, and even a huge guitarrón bass to bring the song to life. As birds chirped in the background and the peaceful countryside surrounded them, the band played an incredible version that really captured the soul of the original tune.
Instead of singing the lyrics, Candungao Rondalya played the voices of ABBA singers Agnetha Fältskog and Frida Lyngstad using 12-string instruments that looked and sounded like banjos. Their version of “Fernando” had a smooth rhythm that showed just how amazing ABBA’s melodies truly are.
People watching the video couldn’t help but smile, especially seeing the band members enjoying themselves, grinning, and even dancing a little as they played. It was clear they were having a blast. One fan commented, “This video just popped up on my feed. I listened and am so engrossed. One of my old time favorites!” Another viewer wrote, “Lovely to see a bunch of people just enjoying each other’s company and music together.”
Their ABBA cover was uploaded on April 15, 2023, and since then, it’s been watched over one million times! That’s right—Candungao Rondalya went viral just by doing what they love.
But this wasn’t their first time getting so much attention online. Back on July 24, 2023, the group uploaded a living room performance of “Rivers of Babylon” by disco legends Boney M. That six-member performance was just as creative and catchy, and it pulled in 1.3 million views! Once again, the band showed off their talent by reimagining the tune in their own special way.
Candungao Rondalya call themselves barrio musicians, which means they’re community or neighborhood musicians. They’ve been posting their music on YouTube since 2021, sharing their love of classic pop hits from the past. The first video that really caught people’s attention was their cover of “Sad Movies (Make Me Cry)” by Sue Thompson, uploaded on October 17, 2021. That sweet and emotional version was the beginning of their viral journey.
It’s clear that Candungao Rondalya loves giving new life to old favorites, and they’re incredibly good at it. Their unique style, warm energy, and love for music have made them stand out. As the music blog Notes Like These says, we’re excited to see what they do next. Hopefully, more viral hits are just around the corner for this amazing folk band!
