Apl.de.Ap trades mic for spatula as he joins ‘Celebrity MasterChef UK’
Photo from Apl.de.Ap/Instagram
Multi-hyphenates. They’ve always been a thing in the entertainment scene. From singers who paint and box (cough, Jungkook) to actors who write and direct, the show business mostly thrives on creative folks who refuse to be confined to a single label.
Case in point: Apl.de.Ap, a.k.a. the Filipino-American co-founding member of the six-time Grammy Award-winning group Black Eyed Peas.
Throughout his whole career, the Fil-Am rapper has already performed on various international stages, produced multiple chart-topping hits, managed businesses, done humanitarian work, and even mentored aspiring singers in the Philippines.
But just when we thought he had finally run out of hats to wear, Apl.de.Ap adds another one to his eclectic collection—a toque. Yup, the 48-year-old multi-hyphenate is temporarily leaving his studio for the kitchen as he joins the newest season of “Celebrity MasterChef UK.”
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A battle among 20 celebrities
Premiering on Aug. 2 via BBC One and BBC iPlayer, 20 celebs—including “Drag Race UK” star Cheryl Hole, R&B singer Jamelia, and actor James Buckley—will battle it out in the kitchen for the culinary title.
We’re mainly focused on Apl.de.Ap, though. While we all know that he’s no stranger to the spotlight, “Celebrity MasterChef” is an entirely different ball game. Can he whip up dishes as effortlessly as he spit rap verses?
The reality cooking competition show promises to be a gastronomic delight with 18 episodes of culinary showdowns and flavor-packed drama. (Should we expect “The Kardashians” level of drama? Probably not, but we’re all eyes nonetheless.)
The Kapampangan edge
If you’re thinking that Apl.de.Ap’s Kapampangan background can give him an edge, you might be right.
Born in Angeles City, the Black Eyed Peas frontman has undoubtedly been exposed to some of the most flavorful dishes in the world. He must have grown up with the taste of sisig, pancit palabok, and tocino—three dishes that Filipinos take pride in and drool over.
Plus, Kapampangans are known for their meticulous cooking techniques. But does this mean Apl.de.Ap has some homegrown culinary tricks up his sleeve? We’ll have to wait and see.
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What’s cooking, Apl.De.Ap?
As we await the premiere, these questions loom large: Will Apl.de.Ap bring the flavors of the Philippines to the forefront? Or will he surprise us with a fusion of international cuisines that match the diversity of his music?
But considering he’s the man behind “Bebot,” we won’t deny that we’re sort of expecting him to whip up some chicken adobo (definitely not botched) or even surprise us with a balut-infused delicacy on his menu.
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“I’m going to have a hectic summer,” wrote the Fil-Am rapper on Instagram. MasterChef endeavors aside, Apl.de.Ap is currently touring with the Black Eyed Peas. The group also recently dropped a summer mix of their hit single “Guarantee.”
So, in between rocking stages and doing magic in the kitchen, Apl.de.Ap is proving that he’s a time management king.
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