apl.de.ap is newest Smart ambassador

MANILA, Philippines - With millions of records sold worldwide, several music awards plus countless sold-out concerts, what’s next for Filipino pride apl.de.ap of the international hip-hop sensation The Black Eyed Peas?

The Fil-Am singer is now part of the roster of Smart Communications ambassadors and he’s ready to achieve more and make a difference in his home country.

apl.de.ap is expected to enhance Smart’s presence in the domestic and global arena as he brings to the brand his unique mix of pure talent and generous heart. Born in the Philippines, the artist has been in the country several times to help the tourism department promote the Philippines, and very recently, to push for advocacy programs that aim to help the Filipino youth.

“Smart is proud to have apl.de.ap on board — a Filipino with international reach and influence who is making a difference for the youth everywhere,” said Orlando Vea, Smart’s chief wireless advisor. “His works as an artist cut across various markets around the world. He has gained recognition in the global popular culture scene, but he never forgets to give back to his home country and acknowledge his Philippine roots.”

During the recent Manila leg of Black Eyed Peas’ concert tour, apl.de.ap launched his We Can Do Anything campaign to promote education and build 10,000 classrooms for poor Filipino students in 10 months.

Smart, through the PLDT-Smart Foundation (PSF), is among the companies supporting apl.de.ap’s campaign. This includes the production of his advocacy single and music video We Can Be Anything that hopes to inspire the Filipino youth and gather support from individuals and groups willing to back the cause.

Born Allan Pineda Lindo, Jr. in Angeles City, Pampanga, apl.de.ap spent much of his childhood in the city’s Bgy. Sapang Bato.

As one of the founding members behind Black Eyed Peas, he is instrumental in having the group achieve its superstar status in the music scene. His incorporation of Filipino lyrics, instruments and messages (socio-economic concerns, plight of war veterans, etc.) in the Peas’ music and videos contributed in the awareness of Filipino culture and conditions in the international mainstream media.

His success led him to start his own music company called Jeepney Music that provides opportunities to aspiring Filipino musicians in the US. He also founded the Apl Foundation to give back to communities and children within the Philippines and throughout Asia.