This may be their most memorable song—especially for Filipinos.
Many people sang along to this song because its lyrics resonate with the simple life and true identity of a Filipino. But what made the song even more loved was the fact that it was performed by one of the true gems of the Philippine music industry—someone who made it big not only in our country but around the world. Aside from Charice Pempengco, Lea Salonga, and Arnel Pineda, another “Pineda” also stepped onto the international stage to show the world the talent and greatness of the Filipino people.

Who doesn’t know Apple De Ap?
He is the lead vocalist of the American hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas. But before he became “Apple,” he was baptized Alan Pineda Lindo from Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City, in the province of Pampanga. Alan was one of thousands of Filipino children who were lucky enough to be given a better life by foreigners who served as their second parents or foster parents.

The big question now is—where is Apple De Ap?
Is it true that he’s now living in hardship?

Alan Pineda Lindo, better known by his stage name Apple De Ap, was born on November 28, 1974, in Sapang Bato, Pampanga. His mother was Cristina Pineda, and his father was an African-American U.S. serviceman stationed at Clark Air Base. “Lindo” was the last name of his grandmother, to whom he was very close. His father abandoned the family before Apple was born, and his mother raised him alone along with his six siblings in the Philippines.

To help with their daily expenses, Apple worked in the fields from a young age while also attending school. He had to travel one hour by jeepney just to attend classes. Through a foundation that helped orphaned children, Apple was adopted by an American lawyer named Joe Ben Hudgens and moved to Los Angeles, California, at the age of 14.

When Apple arrived in the U.S. in 1989, he didn’t know a single word of English.
“I went to the States in the year 1989. I was 14 years old, and I didn’t know any word in English,” he said in an interview with the Asian Journal Press.

Like many Asian-American kids in Angeles City, Alan was abandoned by his father. His mother, Cristina, raised him and his four brothers and two sisters alone. At 14, Alan was adopted by a family in the U.S. and brought to Los Angeles. The afternoon he boarded the plane to leave his mother behind was one of the saddest moments of his life. As a child, he worried what kind of life awaited him with his new parents. But those fears were soon replaced with joy thanks to the love and care of his adoptive family.

Apple was introduced to hip-hop at a young age through breakdancing.
In an interview, he shared:
“I would take the jeepney all the way to Angeles City, and that’s how I got introduced to breakdancing. I would see kids on the corner breakdancing and I was like, ‘I want to do that.’”

Breakdancing was also what brought him closer to William Adams, or will.i.am, who became his classmate at John Marshall High School. Apple and will.i.am became the founding members of the hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas. Later, Taboo and a female singer joined to complete the group.

From there, the rise of The Black Eyed Peas was unstoppable.
Over the years, the group won several Grammy Awards and topped charts with songs like Boom Boom Pow, I Gotta Feeling, Shut Up, and Where Is the Love, a song that tackled police brutality, racism, and terrorism.

But despite all the fame, Apple never forgot where he came from.
“I’m proud of who I am, where I came from, what I was born into, and I will represent that till I die,” he said in an interview. “As much as I could put into this music business, I want to involve who I am and my culture,” he added.

And that’s exactly what he did. He wrote songs in Filipino like “Bebot” (The Apple Song) and “Balikbayan.”
In addition to honoring Filipino culture in his music, Apple also founded the Apple De Ap Foundation, which supports Filipino youth by giving them opportunities in the fields of art, technology, and healthcare.

In another interview, he said:
“It is very important for me to give forward in helping out every Filipino.”

Alan overcame sadness, fear, and uncertainty through his talent in music and dance. Now, he is a pillar of the American music industry. Despite his success, he has never forgotten his homeland.

Bittersweet childhood.
It wasn’t long ago that stories circulated online about 11 young Filipino orphans—children longing for care, even from foreigners wanting to adopt. One was abandoned at age 2, became a street child by age 7, and was taught by their own mother to steal just to survive—all while waiting for their imprisoned father to be released.

Despite the darkness in many of these children’s pasts, there is still light in their talents—some know how to play the violin, others are gifted in singing or radio and TV performance.

The group that manages the children’s adoptions is a non-profit called Hand in Hand Adoption Center, based in the Philippines with offices in Colorado, Arizona, Minnesota, Indiana, and Florida in the U.S.

Aside from his support for orphans, one of Apple’s ultimate dreams is to help Filipino farmers.
Apple De Ap’s success with The Black Eyed Peas continues in the international music scene. He is deeply grateful to all his supporters—especially his fellow Filipinos.

In an episode of TFC News Conversations, Apple shared his plans to help uplift the lives of Filipino farmers in various parts of the country. He recalled his own life as a farmer, saying:
“I used to be a farmer growing up along with my grandfather. I was the designated carabao watcher.”

As for his music career, he also shared exciting projects where he will collaborate with Filipino artists.
He also offered advice to aspiring singers who dream of making a name in the entertainment industry:

“For songwriters: don’t be scared to write something original. Challenge yourselves and surround yourselves with great company—people who believe in you, who will help you achieve your goals and lead you in the right direction.”

Last year, Apple had a chance to reconnect with Korean superstar Sandara Park—who is also loved by Filipinos.
Today, Apple De Ap lives happily with his loved ones. Despite his fame, he has helped countless organizations, especially for the youth—such as donating over 20 laptops to students at his alma mater, Sapang Bato National High School in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Apple De Ap is living proof that no matter how far you go in life, you must always learn to be grateful and humble.
Never forget where you came from—and always stay grounded with the blessings you receive.
You are Filipino. Filipino. Pinoy. 🇵🇭