Filipino American rapper apl.de.ap of Grammy-winning American hip hop group The Black Eyed Peas is ready for his rousing performance at the New Year countdown party to be held in downtown Ho Chi Minh City on New Year’s Eve.

The show, called New Year’s Countdown Lights 2018, will take place at Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in District 1 on Sunday night.

apl.de.ap spent Saturday morning sightseeing around the southern metropolis and trying delectable signature Vietnamese dishes, including com tam (broken rice), jam and sweeties.

He was shown around the city by his long-standing friend, Vietnamese-Australian singer/composer Thanh Bui, who made it to Top 8 of the 2008 Australian Idol, and runs Soul Music Academy in Ho Chi Minh City.

Thanh is also on the organizing board of tonight’s show.

“I’m here at Thanh’s invitation. I’m so excited as it’s my first appearance at a New Year countdown in Vietnam,” apl.de.ap shared in an interview in the same afternoon with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

The rapper added he was accompanied this time by Jessica Reynoso, one of his students at the first season of the Voice Philippines singing contest.

He hoped the trip would be a good opportunity to establish new business partnerships.

In August 2014, apl.de.ap visited Ho Chi Minh City for the launch of his new music product in collaboration with Thanh.

“My songs or my performance at tonight’s show in particular inspires young people’s creativity and efforts in the career of their choice,” he added.

apl.de.ap revealed he would rock the stage with three of his hits, “Be,” “Where Is the Love?” and “I Gotta Feeling” alongside a 40-minute DJ performance prior to the countdown moments.

His Black Eyed Peas band is poised to launch a new album titled “Message of the Sun” in 2018.

apl.de.ap disclosed he would continue his efforts in developing music education programs meant for children in the Philippines and further collaborate with Thanh Bui in the latter’s similar educational projects for Vietnamese children.

The rapper added he will assist Jessica Reynoso in launching her own music projects.

apl.de.ap (middle) buys souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh City's icons, on December 30, 2017. Photo: Amberstone

apl.de.ap (right) enjoys com tam (broken rice) in Ho Chi Minh City on December 30, 2017. Photo: Amberstone

apl.de.ap (middle) talks to Sy Hoang (right), a renowned Vietnamese ao dai (traditional long gown) designer, in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Amberstone

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