MANILA, Philippines, July 27 (UPI) -- Two members of the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am and apl.de.ap, have received the Presidential Medal of Merit of the Philippines for their charitable efforts.
The medal is awarded to those who portray the country in a positive light and for apl.de.ap, whose real name is Allen Pineda Lindo, the award was especially meaningful, allhiphop.com reported.
Born in Angeles City, Lindo was adopted by an American family when he was 14 and left his home country for America. He said it was a perfect homecoming to return in such a positive way.
"It's a great honor to be in the palace," Lindo said after Thursday's ceremony. "I'm grateful to the Filipinos supporting the Black Eyed Peas, this was a big day for me."
As part of their visit, Lindo and his fellow band members performed "The Apl Song" -- a track from the band's "Elephunk," which is partially based on a Filipino rock song entitled "Balita."
The Black Eyed Peas were in the Philippines to play a charity concert to help victims of a recent mudslide. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita presented the medals because President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is hospitalized with the flu, the Web site said.
