Cover Apl.de.Ap and the Sisters of Mary Schools collaborated to create a Christmas song that uplifts, reflecting the artist’s deep-rooted commitment to giving back
Apl.de.Ap and the Sisters of Mary Schools collaborated to create a Christmas song that uplifts, reflecting the artist’s deep-rooted commitment to giving back
1 / 1
Apl.de.Ap’s journey from a small barrio in Pampanga to international stardom fuels his passion for philanthropy. His latest project—a Christmas song born of hope and collaboration—reflects this commitment
The voices of children filled the room, bright and full of promise. Filipino-American singer and music producer Apl.de.Ap watched as the students of the Sisters of Mary Schools performed during his visit, a moment that transported him back to his own beginnings. Though he went from a small barrio in Pampanga to global fame with the Black Eyed Peas, Apl.de.Ap’s journey has never taken him too far away from his roots.
Born Allan Pineda Lindo, the musician grew up in Barrio Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga. At the age of 14, he was adopted by the Hudgens family and moved to Los Angeles, California—but he stayed deeply connected to his Filipino heritage. “I was a sponsored kid given an opportunity, and I became a Black Eyed Pea,” he reflects. “It’s important for me to pay it forward and give back, to reciprocate the opportunity that was given to me.” He wrote about his story in the autobiographical The APL Song, on the Black Eyed Peas’ 2004 album, Elephunk. In the song, he writes about how life in the margins of the Philippines might sound like “hell, but to me it was heaven”, and how “everyone helping each other whenever they can / we making it happen, from nothing to something” was a way of life.
More from Tatler: How these tycoons are steering the Philippine economy forward
Above “The kids are very motivated… everything just flowed naturally,” Apl.de.Ap recalls about the seamless process of working with the students of the Sisters of Mary Schools
“The kids are very motivated… everything just flowed naturally,” Apl.de.Ap recalls about the seamless process of working with the students of the Sisters of Mary Schools
1 / 1
This theme of giving back to his homeland, by helping the disadvantaged, has led him to the Sisters of Mary Schools, where he was struck by the students’ talent and dedication. “Since we’ve been advocating for education, we started meeting new people,” Apl explains. “Mr Carlos ‘Charlie’ Rufino invited us to visit Sisters of Mary Schools, and that’s how it all started.”
The school serves some of the poorest families in the Philippines. For 10 months out of the year, they receive board and education, making Christmas—and the chance to see their families again—all the more meaningful.
Moved by the students’ determination and talent, Apl.de.Ap felt compelled to do more. “They were prepared,” he recalls, speaking of their choir’s performance. “They just have this amazing energy, and I love the whole mission there. It’s about giving kids a safe haven, providing education.” The visit sparked an idea: to create a Christmas song that could become a unifying anthem for the festive season.
Above The Sisters of Mary School Choir and Bellringers
The Sisters of Mary School Choir and Bellringers
1 / 1
The project, It’s That Time of Year, is a collaborative effort involving a Grammy-winning team of artists, including Keith Harris, DQ, and John Black. Charlie Rufino says Apl.de.Ap’s creative vision was clear from their first meeting: “He said, ‘I’d like to do something more with you.’ And in just a matter of weeks, the Christmas song was born.”
Apl.de.Ap explains, “We wanted to create something catchy, simple, and timeless that could resurface annually. The idea was to create something everyone could sing together—very festive and uplifting.”
Above Apl.de.Ap and Charlie Rufino with the students of the Sisters of Mary Schools at Alabang Town Center
Apl.de.Ap and Charlie Rufino with the students of the Sisters of Mary Schools at Alabang Town Center
1 / 1
The students’ energy made the process seamless. “The kids are very motivated,” Apl.de.Ap says. “When the team got there, they were already ready, so everything just flowed naturally.”
As Apl.de.Ap has sung before, working together for the common good seems to be in the blood. “It’s just part of our nature—to help each other,” he says. “Filipinos are very creative, very talented. Sometimes they just need a chance, so it’s great to provide that and see them thrive.”
Above This Christmas, the Sisters of Mary Schools in the Philippines, in partnership with Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas, Keith Harris, David “DQ” Quinones, Johnny Black, and Edgar “Artek” Sinio, present “It’s That Time of Year”—a heartfelt song featuring the voices of over 3,000 students. Every stream of this song helps fund housing, meals, and education for students at the Sisters of Mary Schools, which have empowered over 60,000 graduates for more than 30 years.
Christmas, he says, is the perfect time for such initiatives. “It’s the most festive time of the year. Christmas brings everyone together, so it’s the perfect time to do something meaningful and inspiring.”
Everyone helping each other whenever they can / We making it happen, from nothing to something / That’s how we be surviving back in my homeland
Reflecting on his journey with the Black Eyed Peas, Apl.de.Ap draws on lessons of perseverance and collaboration for his philanthropic work. “Just the journey and dedication we experienced throughout our career—working hard, pushing each other, and helping each other,” he says. “Music-wise, Black Eyed Peas are known for catchy, festive songs, and I think we captured that spirit here as well.”
Above “I’m the same person as yesterday,” says Apl.de.Ap, remaining grounded and committed to his roots as he continues to give back to his community
“I’m the same person as yesterday,” says Apl.de.Ap, remaining grounded and committed to his roots as he continues to give back to his community
1 / 1
For many, Apl.de.Ap is more than just an artist; he’s a role model who inspires and uplifts. “I’m the same person as yesterday,” he says, “but now I have the tools and support to give back, inspire, and help kids like me. I was one of the lucky ones who got an opportunity, so it’s important to pay it forward.”
‘It’s That Time of Year’ is now streaming on Spotify, YouTube, and other platforms. Give your support by listening to the song or donating to the Sisters of Mary Schools at thesistersofmaryschools.org/donate.
NOW READ
Living in the Now: David Leechiu’s take on today’s real estate market and where to invest
Le Bal des Débutantes 2024: Inside the 30th anniversary of the world’s most exclusive debutante ball
Credits
Photography: Johncel Valeza
Production: Michelle Soriano
Interview: Angela Nicole Guiral
Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
