Filipino-American musician apl.de.ap may have a number of chart-topping songs and Grammy awards to his name as a member of hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas, but life hasn’t always been easy for him. In fact, he grew up poor in a humble barrio in the Philippines, had bad eyesight that made studying and sports a challenge, and he never knew his biological father. 

What’s Ap?: The Life Story of apl.de.ap is a children’s book published by Summit Books’ Dream Big Books imprint that traces the journey of Allan Pineda Lindo from humble beginnings in Angeles, Pampanga to fame and success on an international scale with The Black Eyed Peas. Written by Yvette Fernandez, illustrated by Ray Sunga, and developed with apl.de.ap, What’s Ap? shows children that perseverance, gratitude, and never forgetting one’s roots can go a long way.

What’s Ap? is now available in newsstands, bookstores, convenience stores, and supermarkets nationwide for only P125. The book launch and signing takes place on December 15, 2pm-6pm at National Book Store, Glorietta 1, Makati, with registration at 1pm.

Summit Books will give all proceeds from What’s Ap? to the apl.de.ap foundation, the goals of which are to help build classrooms, send children to school, and provide medical help to children with eye problems. Furthermore, National Book Store will donate 5% of its net sales from the book, while author Yvette Fernandez has donated her professional fee to the foundation as well.

Dream Big Books is an imprint of Summit Books that inspires children to aim for the sky, be their best self, and change the world we live in for the better by sharing the life stories of Filipino role models. Among the books in its roster are Big John, the riches-to-rags-to-riches tale of John Gokongwei, Jr.; Nanay Coring, the success story of National Book Store owner Socorro Ramos; Ninoy, Cory, and Noynoy, which tells of the love for nation of the Aquino family; Simply Jesse, which recounts the life of former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo; and Princess Lea, which reveals how Lea Salonga became the internationally respected performer she is today.

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