"Filipino! Filipino! Bebot, Bebot," The Loft at the Hollywood and Highland complex roared with famous lines from the Black Eyed Peas’ pure Tagalog single, Bebot written by its famous Pinoy member, APL.DE.AP who was also the birthday celebrant of the night.
"I want to be able to help the people in the Philippines. I want to be able to do a benefit, like a center to support the people that are in the squatter areas, stuff like that. I got a company that I hooked up with. They’re going to help me build houses in the Philippines," said the 31-year-old recording artist who was asked about his birthday wish.
APL, Allan Pineda in real life, was born and raised in the Philippines until he was 14 years old when an American adopted him and took him to the States.
"Before the music and before the fame, I loved APL for Allan Pineda, for being a brother that he is and for the inspiration – for him to actually come to the States from the Philippines and make something of his life. That’s inspirational," said Taboo, one of the Black Eyed Peas who added that APL was not only a co-recording artist, but also his best friend.
He revealed that after the launch of Bebot APL is currently working on a Tagalog album. And though he got not an ounce of Filipino blood, Taboo said he was supporting APL all the way because he not only loved APL, but the whole Filipino community, as well.
"We started in the Filipino market, break dancing, pop and breaking against other Filipinos. And we had a black guy, a Mexican, and Filipino which made our group stand out. I’ve always been involved in Filipino culture. My girlfriend is Filipino. And my favorite country to go is the Philippines because of the reception that we get," he added.
Taboo recalled one of the most memorable experiences the group had on their visit to the Philippines. Surprisingly, it was neither on a show nor on any of their publicity gigs. It was one of the personal moments for APL, "If not the highlight of his year," he said. It was when he got reunited with his Filipina mother.
"And all his life his dream was to bring his mom from the Philippines to the States. And he would always tell us about mom’s cooking and being on the farm. It was amazing," Taboo said.
According to APL, his mom is scheduled to arrive in LA in January of next year; and he can’t wait because "now I’ll get to eat Filipino food from breakfast, to lunch, to dinner."
No Filipino food was served at the after-dinner birthday bash for the pride of Pinoys. But a cake, the shape and color of the traditional jeepney was presented by Mandrei Leelin of Goldilocks.
After APL performed Bebot for his friends and fans, the crowd in turn sang the birthday song to him. And birthday wishes abounded. But what do you wish for a successful recording artist who has fame, money, and the limitless love of family and friends?
"APL, I really feel that you are really special. I just want to greet you a happy, happy birthday. I’m just praying that more success will come your way. God bless you! More power and more happiness, of course," said Lani Misalucha, the star who took Las Vegas by storm in her show with the Society of Seven at the Bally’s Hotel.
The group was in town for their Hollywood concert, while taking a break from Sin City. Their next stop is Atlantic City as they tour the Americas with their hit show. For them big plans are in store in 2006 when they are scheduled to make several stops in Europe to promote their show.
On the red carpet, the diva posed for photos with Fil-Am television personality Lalaine Edson from The Lizzie Maguire Show, who joked about her pretty mestiza looks.
"I came out wrong, I know. I don’t look Filipino at all. But my name, Lalaine, was Ms. Philippines how many years ago. And definitely, I don’t do diet ‘cause I love Filipino food. And I love the little things like our family and staying together, no matter what. You always have your family with you. And how we get together for parties and Christmas, it’s awesome," she said.
Lalaine also revealed her thoughts on being one of the few Filipinos who are able to break into Hollywood: "It makes me feel good, hopefully I can open doors for some more Filipino artists. Because there’s definitely more talented artists out there that I know of, friends of mine that are talented, that I think should definitely be shown not just in one place, but everywhere."
Another proud Filipino who walked the red carpet to hangout with APL was comedy sensation Rex Navarette.
"This is just a fun night, on a Monday. But one of the Black Eyed Peas is having a party. And you feel like a relative coming," he said.
The funny guy from Hawaii currently goes back and forth to Manila to prepare for his show with MTV Philippines. "Rex in the City" which is scheduled to premier in January 2006 is a combination of Rex’s famous stand-up with sketch comedy.
"It’s never been done before. And I’m excited about it," added Rex who will also be releasing his second DVD, "Badass Madapaka!" next month.
Asked about his thoughts on the other Filipino mainstream artists who, like him, struggled and made it to fame, the stand-up comic made this bold but nonetheless patriotic statement: "I think we’re all in this master plan of taking over the entertainment world, secretly. If we’re not on stage, or in front of the camera, we’re behind the scenes. I think we’re going to be really, really a force to deal with. I think the industry can’t do without Filipinos. There’s this quality of work that comes out of our people, no matter where we’re at, if you’re here in the States, or the Philippines, or Canada. We just have such great talent."
Teresa Herrera was also there not only to celebrate the birthday of APL, but also the great things about being Pinoy. Food tops her list. Specifically, "tuyo and sinangag."
The Ilocana-Cebuano mix went on to boast that she was very fluent in Tagalog, having been born and raised in Manila until she was eight years-old. She said being a Filipino makes her really proud.
"I can’t even tell you. People ask me when I walk into a casting room. They’re like, ‘What are you? What’s your mix?’ And I say I’m Filipino," said the actress who snagged a part in the buddy cop movie thriller Kiss-Kiss Bang-Bang which stars Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr.
Up and coming Latin/Urban music sensation Issa also came out to mingle with the Fil-Ams. The artist who would like to be known as Miss Issa ("pronounced Ai-saa") is a product of a Filipino father and a Mexican mother. She admitted she’s never been to the Philippines, but hopes to visit one day. She credits her heritage for the depth in her music.
"I think we have a lot of soul. I just think that we’re great and I just wish they would discover a lot more. I just hope in the future, us Filipinos get to come up," said the sexy recording artist who’s currently working on her debut album which is scheduled for release in January 2006.
Fil-Am boxing sensation Brian Viloria also attended the bash alongside his father, Ben.
"I love APL’s music. That’s why I came out. I haven’t met him. But I’m hoping to do that tonight," he said.
"I can’t make predictions but I’ll try to come out with a win. Hopefully, it’s going to be as spectacular. But I’m just going to do my best," he said.
Before that, however, the LA-based pugilist will fly back home to Hawaii to participate in a marathon for the Ronald McDonald Foundation for which he is the spokesperson.
"I’m proud. I’m proud of the Filipinos, we’re coming out here. We’re making waves in the music industry. People back home in the Philippines are listening to us, watching us fight," he said.