Apl.de.Ap: ‘Being Filipino is a flex’
MANILA, Philippines — After decades of representing the Philippines on the global music stage, Black Eyed Peas (BEP) co-founder Apl.de.Ap believes Filipino identity is enjoying a different kind of visibility today.
“I think nowadays, being Filipino is a flex,” the Filipino-American artist told The Philippine STAR in an exclusive interview following the announcement of his new partnership with GMA Music for an upcoming three-track EP.
“We’re not just behind the scenes anymore. We’re really showcasing who we are, culturally, and our music taste as well. We’re creating something unique,” he said.
Apl.de.Ap, who was born Allan Pineda Lindo in Pampanga before moving to the United States as a teenager, has long incorporated his Filipino roots into his music with BEP, through The Apl Song from the album “Elephunk” (2003) and Bebot from “Monkey Business” (2005). The latter resurfaced recently as a TikTok makeup trend where netizens (not just Filipinos) transformed themselves into a bebot. Both of these songs also famously sampled material from the Asin songs he grew up with — Balita and Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan (Cotabato).
Compared to when he started out, he said Filipinos living overseas are now more confident and vocal about taking pride in where they come from.
“I think, especially all the diaspora, they’re discovering themselves. They’re not just assimilating, but really proud of who they are and who we are,” he said.
“And we keep the party alive. We keep that vibe going, yeah. And it’s almost like being Filipino is like all Filipinos can sing, you know. That’s being like the mark, our mark around the world. And yeah, it’s cool to be Filipino now.”
That sense of Pinoy pride is at the center of his upcoming EP, which will be distributed worldwide by GMA Music after a milestone deal was signed on Aug. 14 at the GMA Network Center.
The three-track release, set to arrive on Oct. 2, is led by Why, his collaboration with fellow “The Voice of the Philippines” original coach Bamboo. It also includes Turn Around with J. Rey Soul and Pinoy United with Datu Khomeini.
According to Apl.de.Ap, the project is his way of reconnecting more with Filipino music and culture after building a career that has taken him around the world.
“I think it’s me going back home. I’m extending my resources and my industry and really highlighting so many more amazing, talented Filipino artists,” he said.
“I think it’s me going back home and collaborating. That’ll be one option to promote OPM (Original Pilipino Music) and, with making music around the world, performing, my mind is always to go back home. I love our country and our culture.
“I want to keep helping and promoting and discovering Filipino artists, to cultural music, to food, just our culture,” he added.
Asked which local artists have caught his attention, Apl.de.Ap enumerated names from different generations and genres.
“So many, from Juan Karlos to SunKissed Lola to Lola Amour to Flow G to Sarah G. I mean, there are so many, yeah. I have a whole list on my Spotify,” he said.
He also has his eye on earlier generations of OPM.
“And then, of course, the old school. I still wanna sample a group like Asin. Maybe like do some stuff with (National Artist) Ryan Cayabyab,” he shared.
Apl.de.Ap is looking at Filipino music outside the mainstream scene. He revealed that he’s working on what he calls a “preservation project” involving the Aeta community.
“I want to showcase that cultural part of our history, too,” he said. “And then I’m hearing there’s like Chavacano music (from the Zamboanga peninsula). I’m just scratching the surface right now.”
Now, with growing international attention on Filipino acts, particularly P-pop, he believes OPM has an opportunity to make an even stronger push into the global market.
“Really pushing the envelope, thinking outside the box, and being really unique,” he said when asked what he thinks Filipino music needs to sustain that momentum.
“Creating something original and writing songs not just for the Philippines, but for the world. We listen to many different artists from around the world. It should be that way as well for the Philippines.”
He added, “It’s like, ‘Oh, that’s one song from the Philippines!’ You know, and I think it’s creating music for the world.”
That goal is also part of what attracted him to the partnership with GMA Music, which will handle the worldwide distribution and release strategy of the EP.
“I think that GMA is the right place to be able to express and create content, to do live shows and discover other Filipino artists and collaborate,” Apl.de.Ap said.
“I think it’ll be a great home, especially with the music industry changing. I think this is a unique partnership in releasing music.”
The collaboration, he stressed, could eventually become a platform not only for his own releases but also for introducing more Filipino acts to wider audiences.
“Yes, it’s definitely one of my goals: to highlight Filipino artists, their uniqueness, and so many talents that need to be heard and to be seen around the world.
“I think this partnership will open my eyes to many more upcoming artists, a place to showcase, and really push the envelope and introduce more Filipino artists to the world.”
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