The Black Eyed Peas brought the house down at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night as they returned to the Philippines after six years, treating fans to an electrifying mix of nostalgia, fresh energy, and heartfelt Filipino pride.
The night opened with a fiery set from Filipino-American rapper EZ Mil, who hyped the crowd with “Up Down (Step & Walk)” and his viral anthem “Panalo (Trap Cariñosa).” The stage then belonged to the Peas—Apl.de.ap, will.i.am, Taboo, and J. Rey Soul—who launched into their global chart-toppers “Let’s Get It Started,” “Boom Boom Pow,” “Rock That Body,” and “RITMO,” instantly turning the arena into a massive dance floor.
For Apl.de.ap and J. Rey Soul, both proudly Filipino, the night doubled as a homecoming. Wearing a modern barong designed by Francis Libiran, Apl greeted fans with an emotional “Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” while J. Rey Soul dedicated her performance to him, crediting the Peas’ founding member for lifting her from her humble roots in Laguna to the world stage.
Each member had their shining moment: Taboo commanded the stage with “EAST LA” and “IN THE AIR,” while will.i.am delighted the crowd with solo favorites “Scream & Shout” and “OMG.” But the loudest cheers erupted when Apl.de.ap welcomed a surprise guest—K-pop star Sandara Park. Dressed in a sparkling gold-and-silver mini dress, the former 2NE1 member joined him for their 2024 collaboration “2 Proud,” complete with an explosive dance break. “Maraming salamat! Thank you, Apl.de.Ap,” Sandara said before exiting to thunderous applause.
The celebration of Filipino pride continued when Apl and EZ Mil teamed up for “Bebot,” a fan favorite that fused hip-hop beats with local flavor. The group then powered through more hits including “Pump It,” “Don’t Stop the Party,” and “The Time (Dirty Bit),” before slowing it down for the socially conscious anthem “Where Is the Love?” which Apl dedicated to Filipino farmers. He went further by sharing his vision of planting 100 million coconut trees in the country, calling the farmers “the true rock stars of the nation.”
The evening reached its emotional peak when Apl invited both of their mothers, Cristina and Debra, onstage in a touching moment of gratitude and love. To cap off the night, the Black Eyed Peas delivered a euphoric finale with “I Gotta Feeling,” “Just Can’t Get Enough,” and “Imma Be,” leaving the crowd singing, dancing, and reminiscing all the way out of the arena.
The concert was more than just a reunion—it was a celebration of music, culture, and identity. With global hits, heartfelt tributes, and an unforgettable surprise from Sandara Park, the Black Eyed Peas once again proved why their sound continues to resonate across generations.
