apl.de.ap has been staying longer in the Philippines not just to fulfil professional commitments but also to pursue socio-civic projects.
Recently, he opened a franchise of a popular local fast food chain to create job opportunities for his friends in Pampanga, a province just outside the capital city, Manila. He also been widely praised for helping out victims of natural disasters that have struck the country and has provided scholarships for young school-leavers .
Despite his busy schedule, he still finds time for his showbiz commitments, including a coaching role in the local version of The Voice and a new single that will be available online.
The Pinoy member of the Grammy-winning group Black Eyed Peas, whose real name is Allan Pineda Lindo, sees his longer stints at home as an eye-opening and enriching experience, one that he hopes to continue doing for an extended period of time, or possibly even on a permanent basis. As he says in a recent interview, home is where the heart is.
You opened a fast food franchise in Pampanga. Is this another sign that you could be permanently residing in the Philippines?
I love it in the Philippines and I do hope someday I can stay here permanently. I do have other commitments abroad which prevent me from doing so at the moment, which is why I try to make my stay worthwhile. This new fast food restaurant franchise, more than a business opportunity, is really a way for me to help create jobs for my townmates. I told the franchise owner I couldn’t afford to go his place when I was a little kid, so this is also a dream come true for me. If it does well, we plan on setting up another one in Sapang Palay also in Pampanga, this is the exact place where I was born. There is also a possibility of having a franchise in the US, where there are large communities of Filipinos in different states.
And hopefully, I can help support my charity work through this business.
You have done quite a lot of socio-civic projects. What inspires you to help?
I’m just returning back what I generously received in the past. I had someone sponsor my education before and was eventually adopted; that led to my migration to the US. I owe a lot of who I am and what I have to the generosity of people who helped me in the past, and so I strongly believe it is my duty to help now and share my blessings with others.
When you left the Philippines at the age of 14, did you think you would ever come back?
I had that longing ever since, but I was not so sure how. Even becoming a Black Eyed Peas member was unexpected, a total surprise. In school, I wanted to be an architect, but could not pursue it because I had vision problems, which meant I couldn’t possibly make floor plans and other stuff that architects do. Then I got into breakdance and music, which led to my being a part of Black Eyed Peas, which meant I could return home and make a difference.
So, are you staying for good?
At the moment, there is where my passion is. And as they say, home is where the heart is. There are so many things that need to be done, and while I know I cannot do everything, I strongly believe I can do something.
