Apl.de.Ap, 3,000 voices, one Christmas miracle
The magic of Christmas has been captured by 3,000 students from the Sisters of Mary School in Silang, Cavite, with their beautiful new single, “It’s That Time Of Year.”
Written for the children by Black Eyed Peas’ Apl.de.Ap, Grammy-winning producer Keith Harris, and songwriter David “DC” Quiñones (Beyoncé’s “Halo,” Rihanna’s “SOS”), “It’s That Time Of Year” is three minutes of pure Christmas joy—but it also has a more serious, long-term purpose.
Students of the Sisters of Mary School come from some of the poorest families in the Philippines. For 10 months out of the year they receive board and education, making Christmas—and the chance to see their families again—all the more special. Their stories so inspired Apl.de.Ap that he became determined to do something to help.
“I’m really thrilled to collaborate with the Sisters of Mary on this track,” Apl.de.Ap said. “I got to spend a time with those kids earlier this year, and was left inspired by them. To be able to collaborate on a project and give the school something back means the world to me.”
Royalties from “It’s That Time Of Year” will be split equally between the track’s producers, Apl.de.Ap’s APLFI foundation, and the Sisters of Mary School, meaning that as long as there’s Christmas—and Christmas songs—It’s That Time Of Year” will keep on raising money for generations of kids to come.
The Sisters of Mary School debuts a live performance of “It’s That Time Of Year,” with the Girlstown Bell Ringers and Boystown Choir, at Alabang Town Center Activity Center today, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.
