A delightfully intimate night was spent for the fundraising of APL Foundation, which was held at the ultra-lounge bohemian inspired Magnolia on Lake at Pasadena last Monday, January 26. The principal guest for the evening was none other than Apl.De.Ap of the group Black Eyed Peas, and founder of the APL foundation.

Adding to the occasion, guests were also treated to a trunk fashion show by Apl and Will Iam’s personal stylists, Anna Kim and Lor-e Phillips showcasing their personal clothing lines and signature accessories. Designer Anna Kim brought her elegant line of dresses while Lor-e featured her signature line of hats and belts. Her clothing recently, has been conscripted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

The gathering grooved to the masterful spinning of Celebrity DJ Mia inspired by Black Eyed Peas and Apl tunes. Supporting the successful event were passion movers from the Filipino-American Community, Bakitwhy.com, Pnoyapparel.com, Haliya Wines, Transthread, Elite Media and 3MC+. Talented Fil-Am artists Joy Bisco, Michael Copon, Francis dela Torre was also seen supporting the event.

APL Foundation was born from Apl.De.Ap’s desire to give back and share the good fortune that he has been bestowed with. APL Foundation aims to raise funds to support projects that benefit communities and children within the Philippines and throughout Asia. Furthermore, with the funds raised, a portion will be segregated for emergencies in the event of natural or man-made disasters involving the Philippine and other Asian areas.

Growing up in an impoverished locale in the Philippines, Allan Pineda also known as Apl de Ap, like everyone else, aspired to succeed in life. He travelled to the US, with the aid of the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, with hopes of fulfilling his dreams. In time, with hard work, perseverance, and fortitude his dreams came to fruition.

Yet despite being able to live his dream and enjoying the fruits of his labor, Allan Pineda aka Apl de Ap never forgot where his journey began. No matter how much he has accomplished or how far he has gone, his heart will always be in the Philippines. With that, he longed to help others in however way he can. His want to help others through the APL Foundation is another goal he will certainly achieve.

This event was organized by Boehm Communications as a special part of Touché’s 26 Days of Caring series at Touché Salon & Spa, a Pasadena destination for high-style, and beauty. The Apl Foundation is one of the 26 charities receiving their support throughout the month of January. With every charitable ticket purchase, Touché provided a $25 gift certificate as a gift for attendants’ philanthropy. Their partnering brand of Swarovski Crystal bracelets BoobooSheek by designer Ovsanna was also featured on models and as one of the style lounge sponsors. Other sponsors included TransThread Clothing, the National Association of Recording Industry Professionals, and PAVE Amsterdam.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published on February 4, 2009 in MDWK Magazine p. 6 )