TAMPOK SA 30TH SEAG OPENING SINA APL.DE.AP AT BLACK EYED PEAS

PASISIGLAHIN nina Philippine music icon Apl.de.ap, na ang tunay na pangalan ay Allan Pineda Lindo ang pagbubukas at pagsasara ng seremonya ng 2019 Southeast Asian Games sa Nobyembre.

“I grew up in Sapang Bato (in Angeles, Pampanga), and I remember when it wasn’t pavement yet, now it’s like a stadium in my hometown, you know? And I hope that this will inspire athletes, the next generation of athletes,” ayon kay Lindo.

Malapit lang sa dating bahay ni Lindo ang Clark Freeport at Subic Freeport Economic Zone na pagdarausan ng pangunahing venue ng biennial sports meet. Pangungunahan ng 44-anyos na musician at producer ang Bonifacio Day opening ceremony sa may 55,000-seater na Philippine Arena sa Bocaue, Bulacan.

“I was approached by a friend doing the Opening Ceremony, and I’m always proud of representing my country so you know, it was unconditional to be part of it so, I’m really proud and excited about it,” ayon kay Pineda.

Idinagdag niya na tandem sila ni Maestro Ryan Cayabyab para sa isang 12-minute long Filipino-inspired performance, na sasabayan din ng kanta ni Black Eyed Peas kasabay ng pagpapatugtog ng tradisyonal na Filipino instruments at orchestra.

“I wanna make it massive. I wanna make it have an orchestra, strings, kulintangs and traditional Filipino dancing. Dancing, remixing the apl’s song with traditional form,” aniya.

Ito ang kauna-unahang opening ceremony ng SEAG na idaraos sa loob ng arena mula noong 1956. Ang huling opening ng SEAG sa Manila ay sa open air ng Quirino Grandstand sa Luneta. Kasama rin niya sa closing ceremonies ang Pinay singer na si Jessica Reynoso sa Disyembre 11 sa New Clark City Athletics Stadium sa Capas, Tarlac.

Nais ding panoorin ni Pineda ang halos lahat sa 56 sports at umaasang ang lahat ng mga kababayan ay susuporta sa national athletes. “To all our Filipino athletes, I just wanna wish you good luck and I’m proud of you guys in representing the country,” pag-anyaya niya sa lahat. “Everyone should attend the events. The (Athletics Stadium) holds 20,000 so let’s fill it up.” (MC)