Apl.de.ap solo album to feature Bruno Mars, Charice

Apl.De.Ap. PHOTO BY RICHARD REYES

MANILA, Philippines–Filipino-American hip-hop artist apl.de.ap of the Grammy-winning group Black Eyed Peas is working on a solo album which will feature collaborations with another Fil-Am and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Bruno Mars, international Pinay pop star Charice, and the young Pinoy YouTube discovery Arjohn Gilbert.

Apl – born Allan Pineda Lindo in Sapang Bato, Pampanga – broke the news during a press conference at the San Miguel Corporation head office in Ortigas Center, where he formally signed an endorsement contract with San Miguel Beer (SMB).

The deal will have apl appearing in an SMB Pale Pilsen TV commercial with TV host/actress Kris Aquino.

Apl.De.Ap and Kris Aquino. PHOTO BY RICHARD REYES

In addition, SMB and San Miguel Foundation will partner with apl in his advocacy project that aims to build 10,000 classrooms for poor Filipino students.

Reading from a prepared speech, apl told SMB officials and the media, in straight Filipino: “Walang katulad ang mainit niyong pagtanggap sa akin.” (Nothing beats the warm reception you are giving me.)

The SMB TV commercial, which advertising agency McCann Erickson is producing, started shooting on Monday, Feb. 20, and winds up in two days. Apl leaves for the United States on Sunday, but is expected to shuttle back and forth to Manila to work on his solo album.