apl.de.ap performs on stage crowded by people as well as relief goods. Also in photo are (from left) Fr. Eric Velandria, Rafael Lopa, Jeffrey Tarayao, Sheryl Yao and Esther Santos.

MANILA, Philippines — From the pigeonhole: Unlike their horrific experience at the height of Tropical Storm “Sendong,” an unexpected surprise in the form of free concert from Filipino-American hip-hop artist and Smart brand ambassador apl.de.ap of The Black Eyed Peas (BEP) entertained survivors staying at the West City Central School in Barangay Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City.

apl.de.ap, who is in the country for his annual Christmas visit, willingly participated in efforts to cheer up the survivors and boost the efforts of volunteers helping in relief efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Sendong.

He energized the crowd with songs like “Bebot” and “The Apl Song” and gave his audience an inspiring message with “We Can Be Anything,” the song he composed for the “Bayanihang Pampaaralan” campaign to promote education and build 10,000 classrooms for poor Filipino children in 10 months. He ended with the hit song “Where Is The Love?,” saying “because that’s what we need right now!”

apl.de.ap later greeted volunteers at the Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, where he also gave in to requests to render some songs.

His trip to Cagayan was made possible through the efforts of the Philippine Business for Social Progress in coordination with Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, TV5, One Meralco Foundation, the PLDT-Smart Foundation, PLDT and Smart Communications, Inc.

BPInoy Awardee

Incidentally while here, apl.de.ap. (Allan Pineda in real life) also received a BPInoy Award from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) during an intimate gathering held at the BPI Head Office along Ayala Ave., Makati City. Welcoming him were officers of BPI led by its president, Aurelio R. Montinola III.

Montinola said, “BPI pays tribute to our kababayans whose extraordinary achievements have caught the world’s attention. In doing so, we are also celebrating a tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark of BPI for the past 160 years.”

The 2011 BPInoy Awardees also include the highest ranking and only Asian Female General Manager in the Procter and Gamble’s Global Hq. located in Ohio, USA, Fatima de Vera-Francisco and world-boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

This year, apl.de.ap also introduced his latest music and campaign, “We Can Be Anything (WCBA).”

Iya Villania clinches endorsement job

ABS-CBN talent and one of the hosts of the popular TV show, “Us Girls,” Iya Villania is the latest endorser of Redoxfat Slimming Capsules, a dietary supplement.

“ATC chose Iya Villania as RedoxFat’s endorser because she embodies the lifestyle of our target consumers. Despite her demanding schedule, she manages to stay in tip-top shape,” ATC Healthcare Marketing Manager, Kathleen De los Santos shares.

“Our dietary supplements are all 100 percent natural and passed the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) quality control standards,” adds De los Santos.

For more information about ATC Healthcare products, visit www.atchealthcare.com.ph.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 4. go to Justice Ricardo Puno, MB’s Vice President Mrs. Paciencia M. Pineda, Rep. Mitos Habana Magsaysay, Col. Mat Luga. Isaac Belmonte, Barbara Perez, Christian Espiritu, Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Marlene de la Peña, Offie Recto, Celia Tiu, Richard Teo, Ferdie Ramos, Babette Aquino-Benoit, Cora Vizconde, Louie Guarin, Ines D.C. Alegre, Eduardo “Wendy” Antoni, Lourdes Carino-Fabian, Jesselyn dela Cruz, Gemma Garceniego, Rufo Angelo “Gio” M. Mauricio, Priscilla Reyes-Pacheco, Chloe Nelsson, Carmen Mosica, and GMA-7’s Katrina Halili… Belated b-day greetings to Arlino Mark V. Belen of California, USA…