Black Eyed Peas highlight Filipino pride in Manila concert

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

Black Eyed Peas brought their anthemic hits to Manila at the Mall of Asia Arena on August 27. Members will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, and Taboo, welcomed Filipina singer J. Rey Soul into the lineup, performing hits such as “I Gotta Feeling” and “Where Is The Love?”

Since their 1990s debut, the group has earned multiple accolades, having sold millions worldwide, fusing hip-hop with pop and dance that defines their signature sound that resonates across cultures and generations. Beyond their party anthems, they create music that reflects social issues and global unity.

Rising hip-hop artist Ez Mil opened the night with his sharp lyricism and blend of English and Filipino rap verses, performing “Up Down (Step & Walk)” and “Panalo,” raising the energy before the headliners took the stage.

Anticipation surged as the Black Eyed Peas launched into “Let’s Get It Started,” a no-fail anthem that instantly energized the audience. They kept the momentum with “Boom Boom Pow” and officially introduced J. Rey Soul during a show-stopping bridge performance by the Filipino singer.

Black Eyed Peas — will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap, Taboo, and J. Rey Soul — at their latest concert in Manila. PHOTOS FROM FACEBOOK/WILBROS LIVE

The group kept fans on their feet with “Rock That Body,” which recently went viral through a TikTok dance challenge, then delivered “RITMO (Bad Boys For Life)” with its Latin-infused beats. “Mamacita” sustained the vibes with its infectious rhythm, leading into J. Rey Soul’s stunning rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody.”

Taboo then took the spotlight with his singles “East LA” and “In the Air,” hyping the crowd with commanding energy and hard-hitting rap verses. He later introduced Apl.de.Ap, showering him with praise as the crowd cheered for the artist’s homecoming.

Apl.de.Ap delivered “The APL Song,” vibing with the audience through his English and Filipino rap verses. He thanked the Filipino crowd for supporting the group and expressed how proud he was to return to his country. The set took an exciting turn when global K-pop idol Sandara Park joined him for their collaboration “2 Proud,” delighting fans with the unexpected reunion.

Apl.de.Ap with Sandara Park.

He continued with “Mare” and “Mabuti,” highlighting his playful side, before closing with his iconic “Bebot,” joined once again by Ez Mil to the crowd’s delight.

Next, will.i.am expressed his gratitude to Apl.de.Ap, crediting him for changing his life when they formed the group. He followed with high-energy stages of “Scream & Shout” and “OMG,” keeping everyone bouncing.

The energy soared with “Pump It,” followed by “Don’t Stop The Party” and the iconic “The Time (Dirty Bit).” The arena erupted into a full-blown party as the Filipino choir took the spotlight during the drop, leaving no space for a dull moment.

The group also expressed their appreciation to J. Rey Soul, who joined the group, filling in an essential role as a powerful vocalist, while teasing fans with a snippet of “My Humps.” They later dedicated the global hit “Where Is The Love” to victims of war and struggling farmers, with the crowd singing along and raising flashlights in one of the night’s most emotional highlights.

The group praised Apl.de.Ap for his humility and generosity, noting his support for farmers in his hometown. Their mothers then joined them on stage, where they expressed gratitude for the women who shaped their lives.

They closed with a series of hits, including “Meet Me Halfway,” “Just Can’t Get Enough,” and “Imma Be.”

The finale, “I Gotta Feeling,” turned the arena into a massive celebration before ending with another tribute to Apl.de.Ap, a reminder of the pride he brings to Filipinos worldwide.