Grammy-winning Filipino-American artist Apl.de.Ap is turning his love for the Philippines into a powerful musical statement, urging the country’s leaders to put the welfare of Filipinos ahead of personal interests.
The Black Eyed Peas founding member is highlighting this message through his latest solo extended play (EP), “PPP (Power to the Pilipino People),” a three-track project celebrating Filipino identity while confronting the challenges facing the nation.
In a report published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Apl.de.Ap explained that the project is more than a musical release. It is also a call for those in positions of power to care for the country and its people. Related coverage from GMA News and The Philippine STAR likewise highlights the artist’s desire to use music to encourage civic engagement, promote Filipino culture, and inspire positive change.
For Apl.de.Ap, whose international career has brought Filipino influences to audiences worldwide, the message is deeply personal: loving the Philippines also means confronting its problems and encouraging people to work toward a better future.
Why Apl.de.Ap’s New EP Is More Than Just Music
At the heart of the EP is “Why,” a collaboration with Filipino rock icon Bamboo. The song reflects the emotional connection between loving one’s country and feeling disappointed by the problems affecting its people.
Apl.de.Ap described the track as a love letter to the Philippines, saying he wants leaders and public officials to act in the best interests of the country rather than pursue personal gain. He also encouraged Filipinos not to simply accept the situation but to stand up for their rights.
The collaboration brings together two artists with different musical backgrounds but a shared concern for the Philippines. Apl.de.Ap and Bamboo previously worked together as coaches on The Voice of the Philippines, helping establish a friendship that eventually led to their musical partnership.
The message is particularly relevant to a country where public concerns about flooding, community welfare, and governance frequently shape national conversations. In an earlier report, GMA News Online noted that Apl.de.Ap wanted his music to draw attention to flooding and encourage action, while also discussing agricultural initiatives and tree-planting projects.
Rather than presenting patriotism as simple national pride, the artist’s message suggests that caring for the Philippines also means demanding better leadership and taking responsibility for the country’s future.
Three Songs, One Message for the Philippines
1. “Why” — featuring Bamboo
Theme: Love and accountability
The EP’s lead collaboration focuses on love for the Philippines while challenging leaders and citizens to pursue integrity, speak up, and work for positive change.
2. “Turn Around” — featuring J. Rey Soul
Theme: Hope and resilience
This track encourages listeners to keep moving forward through difficult circumstances, drawing a connection between personal struggles and the challenges facing the nation.
3. “Pinoy United” — featuring Datu Khomeini
Theme: Peace and cultural unity
The song highlights Mindanao’s cultural heritage and peace efforts, bringing Moro musical influences and regional representation into the project.
GMA Entertainment confirmed the three-track lineup and described the EP as a project built around love, hope, and peace. The release is available worldwide through major music-streaming platforms.
Apl.de.Ap’s Filipino Roots Remain at the Center of His Career
Born Allan Pineda Lindo in Pampanga, Apl.de.Ap built an international career as a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. Yet his connection to Filipino culture has remained a recurring part of his music.
In an August 2026 interview with The Philippine STAR, he discussed the growing visibility of Filipino identity internationally and his desire to introduce more Filipino artists and cultural traditions to audiences around the world. He also expressed interest in preserving underrepresented cultural traditions, including music connected to the Aeta community.
His partnership with GMA Music gives the project an international distribution platform while creating opportunities to collaborate with Filipino musicians. The EP’s combination of mainstream pop, rock, and regional influences reflects his broader ambition to promote Original Pilipino Music (OPM) beyond the local market.
The Bigger Message: Patriotism Means Speaking Up
Apl.de.Ap’s latest release makes a distinction between simply celebrating the Philippines and actively working toward its improvement.
Through “Why,” he directs attention to the responsibility of those entrusted with public office. Through “Turn Around,” he offers encouragement amid adversity. And through “Pinoy United,” he emphasizes peace and the importance of recognizing the country’s diverse cultural identities.
Together, the tracks frame national pride as something that requires action, cooperation, and concern for fellow Filipinos.
The EP does not resolve the country’s political or social problems, but it offers a musical platform for discussing them. Its central question is whether love for the Philippines can translate into a stronger commitment to accountability, unity, and meaningful change.
For Apl.de.Ap, the answer begins with using his voice—and encouraging others to use theirs.
