Gary V, Apl.de.Ap to headline Carson’s PH Independence Day event

Front row from left: Carson City Council member Arleen Bocatija-Rojas, Apl.de.Ap, Philippine Independence Day Foundation (PIDF) Chairman Alex Cainglet. Back row from left: Ted Benito of LXV Enterprises and PIDF President Fred Docdocil. Photo by Joe Cobilla

A day of music and culture awaits as the City of Carson gears up for its 126th Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 8. 

The city will be buzzing with excitement as two Filipino music icons, Apl.de.Ap and Gary Valenciano, take center stage to mark this special occasion.

The Black Eyed Peas founding member will also serve as the parade grand marshal.

Presented in collaboration with the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, the festivities will commence at 7:30 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, located at 22400 Moneta Avenue. And here’s the best part — admission to this cultural extravaganza is absolutely free, inviting everyone to join in the fun.

Organizers emphasized the significance of including Apl.de.Ap and “Mr. Pure Energy” in the lineup, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees celebrating the spirit of freedom and unity that defines the Filipino people.

“The Philippine Independence Day Foundation is extremely proud to once again partner with the City of Carson, California, in planning and presenting one of the largest and longest running annual celebrations of Philippine Independence Day in the state and the entire US,” Philippine Independence Day Foundation (PIDF) President Fred Docdocil told Inquirer.net USA.

Docdocil said they are thrilled to have Gary V and Apl.de.Ap headlining the celebration. “Their talent and passion for music, along with the rest of the PIDC Carson 2024 performers, embody the essence of our cultural heritage and the resilience of our nation,” he said.

“We’re glad we have someone with Apl’s caliber as grand marshal of the parade.”

Hosting the event press conference were Ted Benito of LXV Enterprises (leftmost), Carson City Council member Arleen Bocatija-Rojas (2nd from left) and the Philippine Independence Day Foundation Board of Trustees. Photo by Joe Cobilla

Docdocil told a press conference he was proud that the event was taking place in the city of Carson, where 20 percent of the population are of Filipino descent.

“If you factor in the Filipinos in the rest of the South Bay and in the LA area, that’s huge,” he said.

There are more than half a million Filipino Americans in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, according to the latest census.

“As Apl mentioned, this is Filipinotown. We may not have that historic designation, but we definitely have that representation in this community,” Docdocil added.

Joining the star-studded lineup are numerous Filipino artists, including Junior New System, Annie Nepomuceno, Jules Graeser, Irene Cruz, Alexis and Jojo Riguerra, Jason Lustina, Jaime Barcelon, Jo Awayan, Kayamanan ng Lahi, Lea Auditor, Hoku Mae’Ole Polynesian Dancers, Chris Chatman, Janice Javier, Kindreds and 4th Impact.

Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes extended her appreciation to the Philippine Independence Day Foundation for their tireless efforts in highlighting the diversity and richness of Filipino culture in Carson. 

“Thank you for giving the community the opportunity to see and experience the richness of Philippine history and culture, and for making a wonderful contribution to the ethnic diversity that makes Carson great,” the mayor added.

Docdocil encouraged Fil-Ams to attend the event, saying, “this is the only way our story gets told – if we show up and represent ourselves.”

In other news, The Voice of the Philippines former coach Apl.de.Ap recently visited schools in Cavite to underscore the significance of education in the realm of electrification and electric vehicles, showcasing how it could benefit the country. Additionally, he collaborated with K-pop icon and Filipina actress Sandara Park.

Addressing retirement rumors, Valenciano clarified that he has no plans to step away from the industry, as evidenced by his concert titled “Pure Energy, One Last Time.”

(With Inquirer.net USA Contributor Joe Cobilla in Los Angeles)