apl.de.ap wants to work with YouTube Aeta boy
Along with his mission to help his countrymen and discover talented Filipinos, Black Eyed Peas' Allan Pineda, better known as apl.de.ap, wants to work with Arjohn Gilbert, an Aeta boy from Mabalacat, Pampanga.
apl.de.ap was in town recently to fulfill his mission of helping his hometown in Angeles, Pampanga. In partnership with Hewlett Packard Philippines and Ayala Foundation, Inc., apl.de.ap donated computers, a music library and computer facilities to the schools he attended before migrating to the U.S., which were the Sapang Bato National High School and Holy Angel University.
He hoped the donations would help students gain better access to information and education, and allow them to enhance their talents, particularly in music.
Such projects will also help apl.de.ap discover Filipino talents.
Mutual love for a fellow Cabalen
As for Arjohn Gilbert, who became a YouTube hit following a video showing him singing while selling flutes in the streets, apl.de.ap said, "I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I wanna produce for you.' I actually have a song for him and I can't wait to work with him."
Arjohn has been featured in the TV shows "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho" and "Gandang Gabi Vice."
In addition to apl.de.ap's interest in working with him, Arjohn has also been invited by international singer Charice to guest in her concert.
"I really wanna collaborate with him. He's from my neighborhood," said the singer of his fellow Cabalen. "I wanna really meet the guy and work with him first. I'm gonna be jealous if (someone gets to work with him first), but ayos lang, I wish him the best. If he needs help, I'm just here for him."
He thinks Arjohn is going to be a star and advises him to keep doing what he's doing and surround himself with good and great friends.
Not breaking up
He also dispelled rumors that the Black Eyed Peas were breaking up.
The group is just on break, he explained, as individual members work on their own projects.
"We'll never break up," he said. "Black Eyed Peas is a friendship that can never be broken."
In fact, the group is set to hold a concert in the Philippines in October.
"I don't know the venue yet and we'll take a break after November. And we're not breaking up and I'm gonna pursue my solo projects," he added.
Love, KC and being an uncle
The singer also gamely replied to random questions.
On his love life: "You just gotta wait for love. Right now, I'm just focusing on my career and improving education especially in the provinces. I'm just focusing on working."
On wooing host and actress KC Concepcion: "Actually, I just wrote a song for her, not about her, but for her singing. We're just friends. She's focused and I'm focused on what I'm doing with my solo stuff."
On the prospect of the Black Eyed Peas' Fergie becoming pregnant with her husband, "Transformers" star Josh Duhamel: "Yes, the clock is ticking especially for ladies. You know, I'm gonna be an uncle (someday) and I can't wait for that."
