Black Eyed Peas member apl.de.ap came back to his alma mater Holy Angel University (HAU) and Sapang Bato National High School (SBNHS) in Angeles City, Pampanga on August 16 to formally inaugurate the music studio, computer room and library that he put up for the benefit of students in his hometown.

HAU, one of the biggest universities in the Philippines, is home to the Apl.de.ap Music Library and Studio. It is now equipped with music books, HP TouchSmart computer units with interactive software programs, and various other materials designed to make learning more dynamic and engaging for students. It is also furnished with microphones, speaker, mixer, equalizer, amplifier, and cymbal set. Apl watched as students of HAU demonstrated the use of the facilities. Apl is also donating musical instruments such as electric guitar, keyboards, amplifiers, and drum set that were used by the Black Eyed Peas in various concerts.  Moreover, music lessons and teacher training and mentoring programs will also be conducted in HAU. An endowment fund was also set up by Apl to send some of the top graduating students of SBNHS to HAU.

The SBNHS Library and Computer Room was also inaugurated the same day.  The Library has been renovated, making it an environment more conducive for learning.  More Filipiniana and reference books were added to the library collection. It is also equipped with computers to facilitate library work and access to the catalog of the library’s collection.  On the other hand, students are now enjoying brand new HP Omni100 computer units for their computer lessons in the school’s newly renovated Computer Room.

SBNHS Library

SBNHS Computer Room

Apl.de.ap has partnered with Ayala Foundation, the Department of Education, Philippine Development Foundation, and two educational institutions—Holy Angel University and Sapang Bato National High School—to help fulfill his personal mission of improving literacy and developing musical abilities of the youth.  Hewlett-Packard (HP) joins the partnership by sponsoring all of the brand new computer units installed in the two schools.  

The acquisition of books and multimedia materials for the SBNHS Library and Music Library in HAU was facilitated through the MyLibrary Program of the Filipinas Heritage Library (FHL), a division of Ayala Foundation.  FHL also conducted librarian training for SBNHS and supervised the renovation of the school’s library and computer room.  The MyLibrary program aims to promote love of reading and learning through the enhancement of library collections, facilities, services and activities in public or school libraries in the country.  The program can be tailored to suit the vision of its project partners or champions.

Apl.de.ap Music Studio & Library at HAU

Also facilitating this endeavor is the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), an organization that bridges US-based organizations and individuals with philanthropic programs in the Philippines.