Apl.de.Ap (Black Eyed Peas)

Rapper, songwriter, producer, DJ and proud of his country. Apl.de.ap is a man that no matter where he goes always carries the Philippine flag in his heart, and an unwavering focus on helping people in need. He was born in Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga, in the Philippines. His taste for music started in 1989 when he was 14 years old and moved to Los Angeles, California to finish his studies. Apl.de.ap dreamed about becoming either an engineer, or nurse. However, he was suffering from a disease called nystagmus, which causes an uncontrollable vibration in the eyes. He also endured blurry vision.

Apl’s seven records have sold over 60 million copies to date, he’s been on massive tours around the world, and been nominated for six Grammy awards. Apl was adopted by an American family through an adoption program that provide young Filipinos with education in America. In high school he realized his musical hearing was excellent. Apl met with Will.i.am in class and they later formed Black Eyed Peas. They became popular in Glendale with their dance group Tribal Nation.

They were signed to Interscope Records in 1997. Jaime Gomez, known as Taboo, joined and that´s how the band Black Eyed Peas was born. The Filipino American Library gave the Role Model award to Apl.de.ap in 2006 for his extensive work with the less fortunate. Apl was named Peace Ambassador in Philippines in 2012, and he also received the Presidential Award, The Outstanding Young Men Award and a recognition from the Philippine Arts and Culture.

Apl has made a huge impact in the Philippines through various campaigns, and that’s why he became tourism ambassador in 2009. In the past four years, Apl.de.ap has engaged in helping poor children from Philippines through “The Apl.de.ap Foundation”. He launched his campaign “We can be anything” in 2011 which aims to build 10,000 classrooms.