MANILA – Amid his international success, Black Eyed Peas Filipino member Apl.de.Ap does not forget looking back to his roots as he continues reaching out to Filipino kids through his foundation’s charity works.
“I think beyond the success and accolades that I’ve received, this is what brings me joy… This is what motivates me because I was one of those kids that was helped out, was sponsored and brought to the U.S., and became a Black Eyed Peas,” he said, referring to Apl.de.Ap Foundation.
“So, I’m just following the footsteps of my adoptive father, Joe Ben Hudgens, and his foundation that helped me get sponsored… I’m one of those kids that used to run around with my tsinelas (slippers) and play basketball,” he added.
Remembering how blessed he is, Apd.de.Ap desires to give other Filipino kids ‘an opportunity to become somebody’ like him.
“And I think, me being adopted and having the success in life, I think I’m supposed to give back and follow dad’s footsteps,” he said in the press launch of BMBX Entertainment, his artist development and brand marketing company.
“It’s so joyful to see that now we have 14 scholars in Angeles… And these kids, they’re like valedictorian, summa cum laude,” he added.
For Apl.de.Ap, beyond anything else, helping others makes him feel most fulfilled.
“It’s very fulfilling. It’s beyond anything… That’s what keeps me going, that’s what gives me a smile on my face… And then you think back, ‘Wow, these kids, they’re actually doing it!’ And now they’re doing their own outreach programs,” he said enthusiastically.