Apl.de.Ap honored with Carson’s Key to the City, kicks off Filipino American History Month
Apl.De.App receives Key to the City in Carson/Photo from Fox40
Grammy-winning artist and Black Eyed Peas co-founder Apl.de.Ap has been honored with Carson’s Key to the City as the community kicks off Filipino American History Month.
The Key to the City recognizes the music icon’s service to the Filipino American community in Carson and the work his Apl.de.Ap Foundation International is doing with electronic vehicle retrofitting.
Apl was also honored for his commitment to bettering conditions for Filipinos in the Philippines and in the United States, and people of color throughout the world.
“It is with pride that we present the Key to our City to Apl.de.Ap and the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International. Apl’s journey, marked by innovation and philanthropy, resonates deeply with the spirit of our City,” Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes said during the presentation.
“Today, Carson is not merely presenting a Key, but opening the door to endless possibilities, celebrating greatness and cultural unity.”
In response, Apl said it was an honor to be recognized by the City “because Carson is like my second home.”
“When the Black Eyed Peas first began, we would come to Carson and dance and make music and get to know the people in the community. We started here,” he said.
Apl.de.Ap has headlined many Carson City events, served as a judge at a Carson talent contest and performed with his “The Voice: Philippines” protégé Janice Javier at this year’s Philippine Independence Day Celebration, where he served as the Grand Marshal.
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Filipino American History Month
Apl is set to headline the City’s Filipino American History Month celebration this Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Carson Event Center.
Featuring Filipino food, music and cultural presentations, the event sets the tone for the month-long commemoration of the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States on October 18, 1587.
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Home to more than 100,000 Fil-Ams, the City of Carson also celebrates Philippine Independence Day every year in June.
Star-studded FAHM celebration
Hosted by the 2024 Mr. Philippines USA candidates, the event will feature local talents including Broadway star Debralee Daco, Leo Mercedes, “The Voice” finalist Janice Javier, comedian Rex Navarrete, and rising stars Toni Gica, Hazel Velasco and Jey Bersales.
Food trucks will serve up authentic Filipino dishes while the “Battle of the Best” adobo cook-off spotlights the Philippines’ unofficial national dish.
The event will also feature the first-ever Carson Auto Show, co-produced by the Apl.de.Ap Foundation International.
“I’ll be back in Carson on October 12,” said Apl.de.Ap. “I get to judge the first adobo chicken cook-off! Plus, I’m bringing an entire car show with me…the Foundation wants to show examples of the retrofitting work we are going to be doing in the Philippines by turning gas engines into electric vehicles!”
Car show highlights include Apl.de.Ap’s reimagined 1967 Ford F100, a vintage truck revamped into a 600 HP electric vehicle, a powerful statement on automotive innovation and sustainability.
For more information about the event, you may call the City of Carson Community Services, Recreation and Park Maintenance Department at (310) 830-9991 or visit the City’s social media pages.
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