Sun-Star: Famous Pinoy rapper promotes roots anew

ANGELES CITY -- Filipino-American musician and songwriter Allan Pineda Lindo of the world famous Grammy winner Black Eyed Peas (BEP) promotes patriotic spirit and humanitarianism with his upcoming solo album and the new album of his group, both expected to come out within this year. In an interview with Sonny Lopez Jr. of Aksyon Central Luzon Special Edition (ACL-Sped), Alan talks about his upcoming solo projects, BEP projects and his activities, which will boost patriotic and generous spirit. "Although each of us BEP member has solo projects, we're not breaking up and we are actually helping each other with our solo stints. Then within the year, we will come up with a new BEP album", Alan said. According to Pineda, his new album features "Mama Pilipina", a beautiful song, which highlights the beauty of the Philippines and another song which depicts economic imbalance between rich and poor. He added that in some of his songs, he is projecting and promoting his roots. His album to be released May 2008, includes "Shake" (featuring Fergie), "Dance With You" (featuring Jeepney Music), "Back Away", "Repeat It Loud" (featuring Madonna and Justin Timberlake) and "Put Your Hands Up". His best friend William James Adams, Jr. (Will.I.Am) is Executive Producer. Allan is son of Christina Pineda of Sapangbato, Angeles City, Philippines who was adopted when he was 14 by an American through Pearl S. Buck Foundation. He took up his high school at the Holy Angel University. He and best friend William started rapping and break dancing all over Los Angeles, California in 1995 but the group signed up first record in 1998. In the one hour interview aired on PEP TV Channel 3 (Alan also mentioned his search engine called Jeepney Music which he created in order to bring and sign up projects in the US and other countries featuring Filipino talents. "I have already signed up one for an R&B project in the US. I will sign up and promote R&B, hip-hop and rock projects. I believe that there are many talented Filipinos and their talent is great and globally competitive, just waiting to be tapped. I don't want such great talent to be wasted", Alan said. According to Allan, BEP already had notable number of followers even when they were just performing in benefit programs, small hometown shows and activities in schools and colleges. Allan also talked about his childhood, his being "grandma and mama's boy", his investments in agriculture, future plans to invest in Clark Freeport, his humanitarian projects and activities for Apple Benefit Foundation and Pearl S. Buck Foundation. In the show, Allan showed his carabaos, fowls and farms, saying his undying love for farming. - Sun-Star