MANILA – Filipino American international singer apl.de.ap of Grammy Award-winning group The Black Eyed Peas has heeded the appeal of the Philippines for international aid.
In a press statement, apl.de.ap, or Allan Pineda Lindo, pledged immediate assistance to the thousands of Filipinos who were displaced after tropical storm Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) unleashed its fury over the weekend.
He also made an appeal to the international community to provide assistance to the victims of the tropical storm.
"My heart is broken to see so many of my Filipino brothers and sisters hurt by this disaster. We must all bond together and move forward to restore the city we hold dear. I'm asking the global community for their support and donations to assist the thousands of Filipinos affected by this tragedy," the singer said.
Those interested in helping the victims can donate through the Apl Foundation relief fund by logging on to www.jeepneymusic.com, he said.
apl.de.ap was only 11 years old whe he flew to the United States under a sponsorship by the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, an organization dedicated to the well-being of Amerasian children. He was officially adopted by an American family at the age of 14.
Later, he and friend William Adams, or popularly known as will.i.am, formed a break-dancing group that began performing regularly in Southern California. They were eventually signed by Eazy-E’s label, Ruthless Records.
apl.de.ap is now a leading hip hop musician and record producer in the US.
