Filipino International music star rapper Apl de ap and multi-award-winning American group Black Eyed Peas will headline the opening and closing ceremonies of the 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games to be held in the Philippines in the last quarter of the year.
Apl de Ap, a.k.a. Allan Pineda Lindo, was confirmed on August 20 to top bill the SEA Games Opening ceremonies on November 30, 2019 at the 55,000-capacity Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Apl de Ap will then be joined by his Black Eyed Peas bandmates will.i.am, Taboo, and singer Jessica Reynoso at the SEA Games Closing ceremonies on December 11 at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
In a media presentation, after he signed the contract to perform and support the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th SEA Games, Apl de Ap talked about his pride in performing for the country.
“I’m always proud of representing my country so you know, it was unconditional. To be a part of it so I’m really proud and excited about it,” shared Pineda.
The Filipino musician, who grew up in Angeles, Pampanga, has a rags-to-riches backstory of success in America. The Black Eyed Peas founder regularly comes back to the Philippines on missions for charity works. He says he hopes his participation in the 2019 SEA Games will help inspire athletes.
“I grew up in Sapang Bato, and I remember when it wasn’t pavement yet, now, it’s like a stadium in my hometown. And I hope that this will inspire athletes, the next generation of athletes,” said Lindo a.k.a. Apl de Ap.
Apl de Ap also shared to media how he asked his Black Eyed Peas bandmates if they wanted to perform with him at the biennial sports meet in the Philippines.
“They’re very excited (saying) I can’t wait to go to the Philippines. Especially my bandmate Taboo. He’s married to a Filipina girl. And he has half-Filipino kids and he can’t wait to introduce half of their culture. It’s been a topic. We’ll end our year, big,” said the world-renowned Filipino rap artist.
Apl de Ap also revealed that he is collaborating with National Artist Ryan Cayabyab for the show. The Filipino-inspired performance will mix the music of Black Eyed Peas with traditional Filipino instruments and orchestral music.
“I wanna make it massive. I wanna make it have an orchestra, strings, kulintangs and traditional Filipino dancing. Dancing, remixing the apl’s song with traditional form,” the Filipino pride icon added.
Apl de Ap says he will try to catch most of the games that feature 56 sports events spread in various venues across Luzon island. He encouraged Filipinos to come out and show support to the national athletes.
“To all our Filipino athletes, I just wanna wish you good luck and I’m proud of you guys in representing the country. Everyone should attend the events. The [Athletics Stadium] holds 20,000 so let’s fill it up,” said Apl de Ap.
Apl de Ap has been traveling back and forth to the Philippines on various missions to give back to his native country, helping in the prevention of infant blindness, a condition he suffered before we went to the United States for treatment, and to provide scholarships to creative Filipinos.
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