Apl.de.Ap. of Black Eyed Peas has joined the red carpet of the first-ever Filipino Music Awards, held on October 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

In an interview with Billboard Philippines, the Filipino-American musician opened up about how his vision for the local music scene comes to life through nights like this.

“I’m here to see the first, initial step of promoting OPM around the world […] This is the moment. This is the time. It’s time for OPM to be recognized around the world. Even in my solo record, I wanted to be OPM coming from the Philippines. Usually, Black Eyed Peas — international. But I want my album to be OPM.”

The first-ever Filipino Music Awards brings together the OPM industry’s biggest artists and influential figures, honoring their contributions to the wider industry at large, presenting a total 20 honors across five major categories and is organized by Modern Media Group Inc. — home to renowned global titles such as Billboard Philippines, Rolling Stone Philippines, Nylon Manila, and Robb Report Philippines — and produced by AGC Power Holdings Corp