Apart from being a co-founder and member of the hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, Filipino-American artist Apl.de.Ap has helped bring Filipino culture to the international stage through his music. His songs like “Bebot” and “The Apl Song” pay tribute to his Filipino roots, and they have remained fan favorites ever since.
From hyping up the international stage to electrifying the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage, these Apl.de.Ap transformations brought his signature energy and turned the night into full-on party mode through these performances.
Nyoy Volante (YFSF Season 1, 2015) - “Bebot”
We did not see the ballad crooner in him as Nyoy Volante went full rapper mode in singing the anthem “Bebot.” It wasn’t just his vocals that resembled Apl, even his transformation made him look like the rap icon himself.
Judge Jed Madela turned the name Apl into an acronym to describe Nyoy’s number, “Always Performance Level.” He highlighted how Nyoy challenges himself every week, noting that he always steps onstage as if it were his last chance ever.
Building on Jed’s acronym, Judge Sharon Cuneta rephrased it as “Ang Perfect Lang,” remarking that Nyoy definitely nailed it. Judge Boy Abunda, who has always been in awe of Nyoy, admitted he was surprised to see a different side of him. “The possibilities are infinite when you watch a performer like Nyoy,” he exclaimed.
Nyoy placed 2nd at the end of the season.
Xia Vigor (YFSF Kids Season 1, 2017) - “Bebot”
Even the “YFSF Kids” edition had their mini version of Apl.de.Ap, this time through Xia Vigor, who stepped away from her bubbly persona to unleash her inner swag with the song “Bebot.” Xia even had mini interactions with the audience, bringing out the energy in the studio.
According to Judge Ogie Alcasid, Xia had already set the standard. He appreciated how she delivered well despite the struggles of wearing prosthetics. Following this, Judge Gary Valenciano gave a short remark that wrapped up his thoughts, “I loved what you did.”
Finally, amazed by how she can do everything at such a young age, Judge Sharon Cuneta was charmed by Xia. “Congratulations on your performance,” she said.
Xia placed 5th at the end of the season.
Onyok Pineda (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) - “Bebot”
Another little Apl.de.Ap was on the run, as Onyok Pineda offered his own rendition of “Bebot.” As soon as he went out of the ‘iconator,' everyone was already jamming with him, even chanting the lyrics along. Onyok later conveyed that he has been interested in rapping ever since.
Judge Sharon Cuneta was delighted watching him. “Napaka-cute mo talaga. Talagang tuwing lalabas ka, lahat ng tao natutuwa sa’yo,” she mentioned, appreciating his efforts to always give his best. Using the millennial term, Judge Ogie Alcasid shared that he was “shooked,” praising Onyok for incorporating comedy into his presentation.
“Lahat ng mga tao ay sobrang sabik at inaabangan nila palagi kung anong gagawin mo,” Judge Gary Valenciano added, describing Onyok as cute, lovable, energetic, and special, and noting that he truly enjoyed everything.
Onyok placed 2nd at the end of the season.
Jhong Hilario (YFSF Season 3, 2021) - “Bebot”
Jhong hyped up the crowd by performing the iconic hit “Bebot,” showcasing just how multitalented he is. He nailed Apl’s nuances and ad-libs, and his rapping techniques were on point. Later, Jhong expressed his happiness with the icon he was assigned to embody.
“You are the CEO of dancing. ‘Yung performance mo ngayon, wow, parang mahirap pantayan,” Judge Ogie Alcasid noted, expecting to see more of Jhong as the competition goes on. Meanwhile, Judge Sharon Cuneta has always been confident in what Jhong can do. “Triple threat ka na,” she declared.
Judge Gary Valenciano gave more depth on the essence of rap, “Ang pagiging isang rapper kasi, hindi dinadala sa boses eh. It’s the character and the swag, which you have.” For him, Jhong did not overdo it and delivered exactly what he was looking for.
Jhong placed 8th at the end of the season.
Jarlo Base (YFSF Season 4, 2026) - “The Apl Song”
“YFSF” transformed into an Apl.de.Ap tribute as Jarlo Base gave his own flair in “The Apl Song.” The piece, dedicated to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), carries a powerful message of resilience and love for the homeland, making it a song close to Apl himself.
Judge Sharon Cuneta remarked that Jarlo continued to amaze her, “This is not your genre, pero ‘yung biglang nag-rap ka, it was a good, good job.” For Judge Ogie Alcasid, it was clear how much Jarlo enjoyed becoming Apl.de.Ap.
Judge Erik Santos added, “Para akong nanonood ng regular performance, parang wala ka sa competition, you were comfortable.” He noted that Jarlo seemed at ease impersonating Apl, even though the genre was different from what he usually does.
On April 5, the Grand Showdown officially begins! Catch the finale round of "Your Face Sounds Familiar" on Kapamilya Channel sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL), and iWant.