The team behind Jump In

MANILA, Philippines - apl.de.ap and Jessica Sanchez have inspired thousands of Filipinos with the release of their Jump In video for Smart last December. But the Filipino global superstars were not the only world-class artists behind the Jump In commercial, which has garnered about a million hits on YouTube.

Canada-based director Marc Andre Debruyne, composer Marcus Davis, and local writers Donna Dimayuga and Jimmo Garcia contributed to the success of the Smart project. They used their own Jump In moments as inspiration.

“I’m an African-American producer living in the Philippines, working in an industry that I didn’t know about, with a language that I don’t speak, in a culture completely opposite from mine — so getting here was a major jump for me,” Davis shared.

“Finding the courage to overcome your fear is the toughest part — and that’s what the song is all about,” Garcia said.

The Jump In commercial shows apl.de.ap and Sanchez encouraging the youth to stop hesitating and just do the things they want to do

“Every day you’re filled with Jump In moments so you really have to make a choice and do something about it,” Dimayuga said.

“We at Smart want to encourage Filipinos, especially the youth, to ‘jump in’ to what will make them live more,” said Emmanuel Lorenzana, Smart EVP and head of wireless consumer division.

Debruyne, for his part, had always wanted to work with apl.de.ap.

“He’s wonderful to work with. He’s really humble, fashionable and on-point,” Debruyne said.

Meanwhile, Davis was impressed with Sanchez’s vocal chops. “Jessica’s a dream to work with as well. She’s only 17 and she brings it. She’s a great vocalist.”

Smart subscribers can view exclusive behind-the-scenes videos featuring apl.de.ap and Sanchez at the official Smart Jump In website (smartjumpin.com). They can also get info on Smart’s Jump In prepaid SIM in the same site.