Despite the heavy rain, the Grammy-winning Black Eyed Peas brought the energy back to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night, electrifying the crowd with a string of their biggest hits starting with “Let’s Get It Started” and “Boom Boom Pow.”

Produced by Wilbros Live, the show marked the group’s long-awaited return to the Philippines, their first performance in the country in six years.

Now composed of Will.i.am, Taboo Nawasha, and Filipino-American Apl.de.Ap—joined by Filipina singer J. Rey Soul—the Black Eyed Peas proved that their music and energy remain as infectious as ever.

"I'm so excited right now, I'm lost for words, but I'm so proud to be back home to the country that I love. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas," Apl.de.Ap declared via a short spiel, earning loud cheers from the crowd.

For me, finally watching the Black Eyed Peas live—after years of only seeing their music videos and hearing their songs on Myx’s daily Top Ten—felt like a core memory in the making. Singing along with them in person was nothing short of exhilarating.

The group’s setlist was packed with fan favorites such as “Rock That Body,” “RITMO,” and “Mamacita.” To top it off, each member also took the spotlight with solo numbers, with Taboo kicking things off through “East LA” and “In The Air.”

Meanwhile, Apl.de.Ap paid tribute to his Pinoy roots with heartfelt performances of “The APL Song” and “Mabuti.”

His solo set became even more special with the appearance of Pambansang Krungy Sandara Park, who joined him for “2 Proud.”

The energy soared higher when he capped it off with “Bebot,” this time alongside Filipino-American rapper Ez Mil.

Will.i.am then took over with his own electrifying solo set, hyping up the crowd through back-to-back hits “This Is Love,” “That Power,” and “Scream & Shout.”

Adding a playful touch, he shared a lighthearted memory of how Apl once taught him a Filipino “dirty word,” which drew laughter and cheers from the audience.

The group reunited onstage to fire up the arena once more with back-to-back hits “Pump It,” “Don’t Stop the Party,” “The Time,” and the timeless anthem “Where Is the Love?” By this point, the crowd’s energy was through the roof—and I wasn’t complaining. Every moment felt worth the wait.

Before bidding farewell, Will.i.am took a heartfelt pause to recall the first time he met Apl, who was just 14 then and already working on a farm in the Philippines. He thanked Apl for being his best friend through the years, even sharing a lighthearted story about how his friendship with the Filipino rapper somehow always guaranteed him the best care from Filipino nurses.

“Thank you so much for being my best friend,” Will said. “You know, when I get sick and go to the hospital, you know what my insurance plan is? When I see Filipino nurses, all I have to say is, I know Apl.de.Ap. I swear to God, you’ll get the best freaking care.”

The night ended on a high with the crowd dancing and singing along to the upbeat closer, “I Gotta Feeling.”