Apl.de.ap, Black Eyed Peas to stage special production at 2019 SEA Games closing ceremony

Music icon apl.de.ap signs contract to perform at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Music icon apl.de.ap, Allan Pineda Lindo in real life, is once again returning to his Filipino roots as he signed Tuesday the contract for his performance at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games to be hosted by the Philippines in November.

Lindo, who hails from Angeles City, Pampanga said the 2019 SEA Games would be the “most important” sports event that he would be headlining.

“Simply because I’m from Angeles City, Pampanga and I wouldn’t miss it for the world, I wanted to be part of this historical moment… I’m really proud of my country and I just really wanted to share my talent and what I could provide for this event,” Lindo said during a press conference after the contract signing held at Batasang Pambansa Complex.

The Filipino-American rapper, singer and record producer also promised a special production with his groupmates from the award-winning hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas during the closing ceremonies of the SEA Games. In an earlier interview, he said will.i.am and Taboo would be joining him.

Lindo also said like other Filipinos, he would be rooting for Filipino athletes.

“Filipinos are known in sporting competitions… and you got my support and your kababayans so we’re rooting for you guys, so good luck!” he said.

Philippine Southeast Asian Games Committee (Phisgoc) Foundation Inc. chair and House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, said they would bring together the best talents of all 11 Southeast Asian nations during the opening of the SEA Games on Nov. 30.

The 30th Southeast Asian Games will be held on Nov 30. to Dec. 11. The opening ceremony will be at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan while the closing ceremony will be held at the New Clark City in Pampanga.