apl.de.ap collaborates with Sisters of Mary School for Christmas song 'It's That Time of Year'
This Christmas, apl.de.ap of the Black Eyed Peas fame has put the heavy bass, pulsating synthesizers, and smooth rapping on the back burner.
apl.de.ap, or Allen Pineda Lando in real life, has opted for jingle bells, glockenspiels, a piano, an acoustic guitar, and a choir in producing a song for the holiday. But more importantly, Apl, who hails from Pampanga, has never forgotten his Filipino roots and his love of children.
Through his Apl.De.Ap Foundation International (APLFI), Apl has collaborated with thousands of students from the Sisters of Mary School for It's That Time of Year. The song reminds listeners that Christmas is when families and friends come together, spreading joy among everyone.
For the song, Apl also worked with his longtime producer Keith Harris, who has collaborated with Usher, Robin Thicke, and Estelle, and songwriter David "DC" Quiñones, who has penned lyrics for Beyoncé, Jason Derülo, and the Pussycat Dolls.
The APLFI called It's That Time of Year a "seamless collaboration between world-class talent and aspiring young voices."
"By blending voices from the Philippines with Filipino American talent, the project connects communities across oceans,” it added.
Last Dec. 7 and 8, the Sisters of Mary School held a debut live performance of It's That Time of Year during the Home for the Holidays fair at the Alabang Town Center Activity Center in Muntinlupa. It's set to release its music video on Dec. 12.
The school, which has campuses in Silang, Cavite, and Metro Cebu, is known for catering to some of the poorest families in the country.
Christmas song idea
In an interview with PhilSTAR L!fe, Apl recalled visiting the school in April 2023 as part of APLFI's efforts in empowering and supporting the youth.
"I got to hang out with the kids and perform with them," he said. "I noticed that they sounded really good. They have amazing voices."
That gave Apl the idea to create a Christmas song with them.
"We wanted to create something very catchy and timeless," he said. "We always wanted to do a Christmas song. When we've seen the kids, it kind of gave us the vision of a big choir."
Apl said It's That Time of Year was a "very exciting" and "festive" project. He was also all praises for the children who were involved in every step of the production process.
"You can see their enthusiasm. They're really motivated and musically inclined," he said, adding that the production was "smooth sailing."
Collaborations with more Filipino artists
Following his collaboration with P-pop sensation SB19 for the club anthem Ready last June, the Black Eyed Peas member said he wishes to contribute more to the P-pop movement.
"That's just the beginning," he teased.
He also expressed the intention to collaborate with Flow G and Anne Curtis, among other Filipino artists.
"I'm proud of our culture, our creativeness, the trait of always having each other's backs, and being hardworking and very joyful and friendly," he said.
Without going into detail, Apl told fans that he has a side project coming in January 2025. He also mentioned having a collaboration with J. Rey Soul, the Filipino-American rapper who sang the Philippine national anthem during Manny Pacquiao's fight versus Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
"Abangan 'nyo po 'yon," he said.
In the meantime, Apl urged everyone to listen to It's That Time of Year on major streaming platforms.
All of the song's proceeds will go to the performers of the Sisters of Mary School. (with reports from Jasmine Baga)
