Rapper, singer, producer, and agroforestry advocate Allan Pineda Lindo, known professionally as Apl.de.ap, was recently spotted dining at Haliná, a Filipino restaurant and bar located in Vancouver's Hastings-Sunrise neighborhood. The Grammy-winning artist, who rose to fame as a member of the Black Eyed Peas, visited the establishment at 2439 E. Hastings St. following his appearance at the Web Summit Vancouver, a major global technology conference that gathers international entrepreneurs, investors, startups, and tech leaders.
The restaurant shared their excitement on Instagram, posting: "Thank you for visiting @halina.yvr." The post quickly garnered attention from fans and locals alike, highlighting the star's appreciation for Filipino cuisine while in the city.
Apl.de.ap was in Vancouver to participate in the Web Summit, where he discussed his transformative work in the Philippines. According to the conference's website, Lindo is "transforming the Philippines via the world's largest reforestation project. Planting 380M+ trees, he's blending agroforestry with carbon credits to fight climate change and empower rural communities." His involvement underscores his commitment to environmental sustainability and social impact beyond his music career.
This recent visit comes just over a year after Apl.de.ap performed at the Lapu-Lapu Festival in Vancouver on April 26, 2025, an event that turned tragic when a vehicle rammed through the cultural celebration, killing 11 people and injuring dozens more. He had shared the stage with fellow musician J-Rey, also a Black Eyed Peas member, for that performance. The two artists had just left the main stage before a black SUV sped through a pedestrian-only area at the Filipino community celebrations in south Vancouver.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Apl.de.ap and J-Rey issued a joint statement on Instagram: "Hearts are broken for the victims, their families, and everyone affected by the tragedy at the Lapu-Lapu Festival." Apl.de.ap added, "J-Rey and I had just finished performing and left the stage minutes before it happened." The statement reflected the shock and sorrow felt by the artists and the broader community.
Despite the somber memories, Apl.de.ap's return to Vancouver for Web Summit and his visit to Haliná demonstrate his ongoing connection to the city and its Filipino community. His presence at the restaurant not only delighted fans but also highlighted the vibrant Filipino culinary scene in Vancouver. The restaurant, known for its authentic dishes and welcoming atmosphere, was a fitting spot for the artist to unwind after his conference duties.
Apl.de.ap's multifaceted career continues to evolve, blending music, entrepreneurship, and environmental activism. His work in agroforestry aims to combat climate change while supporting rural communities in the Philippines, a cause that aligns with his personal heritage and global influence. As he balances his artistic legacy with his philanthropic efforts, sightings like this remind fans of his enduring presence both on and off the stage.
