Six years after its last Manila performance, the Black Eyed Peas makes a triumphant return to the Philippines on August 27, 2025, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
But this isn’t just another international concert stop.
It is a night where Filipino identity, talent, and pride take center stage, woven into the songs, stories, and surprises that make thousands of fans erupt with joy.
The Grammy-winning group—made up of will.i.am, Taboo, Apl.de.ap, and J. Rey Soul—turns their Manila show into more than just a nostalgic trip through their greatest hits.
It becomes a love letter to the Philippines, led by Apl.de.ap, and puts the spotlight on other Filipino artists who remind the crowd that local roots remain at the heart of the group’s global success.
Read: J. Rey Soul carves her own path with Black Eyed Peas
A FILIPINO ENCORE THAT SETS THE TONE
Even before the Peas fully takes over the stage, the night already screams Pinoy pride.
Filipino-American rapper Ez Mil electrifies the arena with his performance of his viral anthem “Panalo” (Trap Cariñosa) as part of the encore set.
Then the group officially launches into “Let’s Get It Started,” followed by “Boom Boom Pow” and “Rock That Body.”
The energy inside the MOA Arena instantly soars—with the crowd dancing, singing, and cheering in unison.
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Photo/s: Allyanah Marielle Calinao
Read: Apl.de.ap describes Jessica Reynoso as the “Pinay Beyoncé” and the “Alicia Keys” of the Philippines
J REY SOUL’S HOMECOMING
The setlist is packed with hits, but one of the most heartfelt moments of the night comes from J. Rey Soul, the Filipino singer who joined the group as its newest member in recent years.
After “Rock That Body,” J. Rey proudly introduces herself, “Once again, ako po si J. Rey, and I am from San Pedro, Laguna!” she tells the roaring crowd, her voice brimming with emotion.
The singer, whose real name is Jessica Reynoso, looks back on how her journey began.
“This is a full circle moment, this is where my journey started. I started from The Voice Philippines, and the moment that changed my life is when this man right here [pointing to Apl.de.ap] discovered me from San Pedro, Laguna, to now touring all over the world with the Black Eyed Peas.”
Her fellow Peas don’t let the moment pass without recognition.
will.i.am, visibly proud, offers words that elevate J. Rey’s presence in the group beyond just performance.
“In any family, you are a stepfather or a stepmother, stepbrother or a stepsister. But in a true family, they don’t see ‘step,’ they see a pure family,” he says.
“And J. Rey stepped into the shoes of someone who is already respected, and she did it fearlessly, and owned her position as a Black Eyed Peas sister! I am so proud of J. Rey and I am so thankful that Apl.de.ap turned for J. Rey. Look out for the new J. Rey Soul project coming out this year!”
With those words, the MOA Arena erupts in applause, celebrating J. Rey not only as part of the Peas but also as a Filipina artist standing proudly on the world stage.
Photo/s: Allyanah Marielle Calinao
Read: Apl.de.Ap loves to cook Pinoy dishes for fellow Black Eyed Peas members
APL.DE.AP: THE HEARTBEAT OF THE PHILIPPINES
If J. Rey’s moment is one of nostalgia and pride, Apl.de.ap’s set is nothing short of a cultural homecoming.
Introduced by Taboo as “the one and only Apl.de.ap from Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga,” the crowd roars as the Fil-Am icon steps onto the stage in a Francis Libiran outfit that carries the colors of the Philippine flag.
He opens his set with Asin’s socially conscious anthem “Balita,” grounding the concert in the rich tradition of Filipino music.
When the song ended, his voice carried both gratitude and emotion.
“Maraming maraming salamat for coming tonight, for supporting the Black Eyed Peas,” Apl says, visibly overwhelmed.
“I’m so excited right now, I’m lost for words, but I’m so proud to be back home to the country I love. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
“Thank you to my team for visiting the Philippines.”
He then gives a special shout-out to designer Francis Libiran for his “amazing outfit tonight,” a nod to local artistry on top of his musical tribute.
But the surprises aren’t over.
Before his next number “2 Proud,” Apl teases the crowd: “I’ve got a surprise for you! Check it out!”
That surprise turns out to be none other than Sandara Park, the K-pop star and long-time Pinoy favorite, who joins him on stage to thunderous screams from the audience.
If the crowd isn’t already at its peak, Apl raises it even higher when he performs Bebot with Ez Mil, sparking a chant that reverberates across the arena: “Filipino! Filipino! Filipino!”
It is one of the most electrifying moments of the night—a reminder of how Apl has always championed his heritage through music.
As the show nears its close, a teary-eyed Apl says: “Sa simula hanggang sa dulo, maraming salamat. With all the changes that occurred with the Black Eyed Peas, you guys are still there. I just wanna say thank you so much. Beyond music, my mission is to make a better Philippines.”
His long-time brother-in-music will.i.am also takes time to honor him, reminding fans of Apl’s humility despite his global fame.
“After all that success, Apl still lives in the same house in Angeles City. His heart was not tainted by the success. He’s still that kuya. He’s still your pare. He’s Apl.de.ap from Angeles, Pampanga. None of these dreams would be true if not because of your support. So, thank you guys so much for supporting the farmer Apl.de.ap from Angeles City, Pampanga!”
Photo/s: Allyanah Marielle Calinao
Read: It was definitely a good night with the Black Eyed Peas
A NIGHT THAT ENDs WITH “MABUHAY”
Taboo closes with the promise, “I can’t wait to come back to the Philippines.”
Apl.de.ap, emotional until the end, sings out, “Ang bayan kong Pilipinas! Once again, maraming maraming salamat.”
J. Rey Soul follows, echoing, “Maraming maraming salamat po ulit.”
Finally, will.i.am gives the last word: “Thank you, Philippines! We are the Black Eyed Peas.”
The group then bows together, sealing the night with respect and love for the fans who welcome them home.
The Manila stop of the Black Eyed Peas’ tour is more than just a concert—it is proof that global music can be proudly local, and that no matter how big the stage gets, the heart of the Peas will always beat Filipino.
