Different voices from different heroes

MANILA, Philippines - Last Wednesday night, we heard different voices from different heroes who have shown the world that there’s still hope amid the most trying situations. A host of great voices and talents descended on the Fashion Walk of Greenbelt 5, Ayala Center, Makati for a dazzling concert event. The show featured Dulce, Gian Magdangal, Zia Quizon, Arjohn Gilbert, the Philippine Opera Company, dancers from Steps Dance Project, with the special participation of Piolo Pascual and Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap.

A favorite venue for concerts and known for bringing in world-class artists, this time, Ayala Malls showcased brilliant Filipino performers as well as the little-known modern-day heroes in our midst. Some of our best local talents shared their own ideas of what a real hero is about and how small voices can help make a big difference in this world.

Without proper education, the young Allan Pineda Lindo (a.k.a. Apl.de.Ap) knew that he would hardly achieve anything in his life, which is why he took every opportunity to be able to go to school and learned everything he thought was necessary in life. He strongly believes that education opens the door to anyone’s dream and this is what drives him to help underprivileged kids achieve a good quality of education.  

Apl.de.Ap tells us, “We can be anything.”

Such is the theme of the most recent campaign of his Apl.de.Ap Foundation in partnership with the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), where they support initiatives of private sectors in a bid to improve the quality of education in some public schools and learning centers in the Philippines.   

Apl.de. Ap adds, “The main focus here is building extra classrooms. Maraming mga bata nagsisiksikan sa isang classroom so we try to raise funds to build extra classrooms for the kids and for the teachers to focus more on the kids and have a space to learn.”

Just this year, Apl and AFI’s Filipinas Heritage Library launched some projects, like the MyLibrary program where they supported the building of a new library, music room, and computer room at Sapang Bato National High School, the school that Apl attended before relocating to the US.  

Apl empathizes with the plight of many young Filipino children and with the continuous outpouring of blessings he’s enjoying, he feels that it’s time for him to reach out and share his love, talent, and blessings with those in need.  

Ayala Corporation chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Corporation chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Land chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala with Apl.de.Ap and talented YouTube sensation Arjohn Gilbert at the “Different Heroes, Different Voices” concert in Greenbelt 5.

Despite stardom, the Grammy Award winner never forgets to look back to where he came from.

Apl composed the song You Can Be Anything for this campaign, with a message that’s simple and clear: Get your education, change your situation.” Amid the many challenges that overwhelm young people these days, Apl suggests, “Surround yourself with good friends, study hard, and don’t take education for granted. We’re here to help and we’re fighting to make things easier.” He adds that being open-minded and trying out something new also helps a person discover what could make him the best that he could be. Apl sees this advocacy as something that will make a huge impact not only on the lives of their beneficiaries but also on the entire society.