International music icon and Black Eyed Peas co-founder Apl.de.ap has partnered with GMA Music, the official music label of GMA Network, in a landmark distribution deal signed on August 14 at the GMA Network Center.
Under the partnership, GMA Music will oversee the worldwide distribution and release strategy for Apl.de.ap’s upcoming three-track EP, which celebrates national pride, Filipino identity, cultural unity, and the global Pinoy spirit.
Leading the EP is “Why,” a powerful collaboration between Apl.de.ap and OPM rock icon Bamboo. The EP also features “Turn Around” with J. Rey Soul and “Pinoy United” with Datu Khomeini.
“I am incredibly excited about this collaboration with GMA Music. This will really connect me with our kababayans and the Filipino audience, not just here, but around the world,” said Apl.de.ap. He added that the partnership will help highlight OPM and emerging Filipino artists, noting that it is only the beginning of more music, collaborations, and opportunities to recognize Filipino talent.
The signing ceremony was attended by key GMA Network executives, including Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Network Executive Vice President and Chief Finance Officer and EVP and COO for GMA Music; Gigi Santiago-Lara, Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions; Angel Javier-Cruz, Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications; Jojo Aquio, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Communications; Ruth Mariñas, Assistant Vice President for Musical, Variety, Specials, and Alternative Productions; and Rene Salta, Managing Director of GMA Music.
“Apl.de.ap is the first foreign artist signed with GMA Music. I want to make GMA Music a company that will be identified as a home for talented Filipino artists. This is just the start of more collaborations using the full resources of GMA Network,” said Yalong. He also welcomed Apl.de.ap and expressed GMA Music’s commitment to helping bring the project to audiences worldwide.
“We warmly welcome Apl.de.ap to GMA Music. We are honored and excited to be chosen as the distributor for his upcoming EP, a project that will really connect him with his audiences here and around the world,” said Salta.
Also present at the ceremony were members of Apl.de.ap’s team, including Cathy Villarba, Talent Manager, and Dan Vo, Business Manager.
The three-track EP is set for worldwide release on September 25, 2026, across major digital streaming platforms, bringing Apl.de.ap’s celebration of Filipino identity and OPM to audiences around the globe.
