Filipino Folk Band Warms Hearts Online With Their Soulful Cover of ABBA’s “Fernando”

There’s something truly heartwarming about music played with joy, and that’s exactly what Candungao Rondalya brings to the table. This charming Filipino folk band from San Isidro, Bohol recently went viral after sharing a simple but stunning backyard performance of ABBA’s classic Fernando. The group’s acoustic cover, played with traditional string instruments, has touched audiences around the world, and it's easy to see why.

Surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature, the band used banjos, guitars, and a deep, rich guitarrón bass to reimagine the iconic 1970s ballad. Instead of vocals, they let their instruments sing, faithfully recreating the harmonies originally performed by ABBA’s Agnetha and Frida using 12-string banjo-style guitars. Their smiles and small dance moves while performing added an extra layer of charm that made viewers feel like they were right there enjoying the moment with them.

Uploaded on April 15, 2024, the video has since reached over one million views. The reaction online was overwhelming, with thousands of fans commenting on the band’s joy, creativity, and how the arrangement brought a fresh feel to a well-loved song. But the real magic? The way this group of friends just seemed to be having fun, with music at the heart of it all.

Candungao Rondalya calls themselves “barrio musicians”. And it fits, they play like people who know each other well and love making music together. Since 2021, they’ve been consistently uploading videos to YouTube, slowly building a following with their unique takes on classic pop hits.

Their cover of Fernando isn’t their only viral success either. In July 2023, they gained over 1.3 million views with their living room rendition of Boney M.’s Rivers of Babylon. And even before that, their cover of Sue Thompson’s 1961 song Sad Movies (Make Me Cry) in October 2021 marked their first breakout moment.

Whether it’s disco, folk, or pop, Candungao Rondalya seems to have a special talent for taking old favorites and making them feel new again. Their music isn’t just a performance; it’s a celebration of community, tradition, and pure enjoyment. With each video they post, they're showing the world that you don’t need a fancy stage or high-tech studio to make beautiful music, you just need heart.