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Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Brewing success: Cup of Joe hits the Big Dome with ‘Silakbo’

When I first came across Cup of Joe in July 2023, they were collaborating with Janine Teñoso for the single “Tingin.” The track quickly gained traction, becoming a staple on social media and Spotify. 

A few months later, Viva formally introduced the band to the press, giving us a chance to learn more about their story and music. I learned that the band signed with Viva Records just a year after forming in November 2018 in Baguio. And that’s just such an amazing feat for these young students at that time. 

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Fast forward to today, they boast nearly six million monthly listeners on Spotify, with their top five hits amassing over 100 million streams.

Last week felt like a déjà vu moment when I saw them again during an intimate press conference for their upcoming concert, Silakbo. This represents another achievement for the band following their first solo concert, Cup of Joe: Seatbelts On! at the New Frontier Theater last February. A year later, they’re set to perform a two-night show at the Araneta Coliseum on Feb. 8 and 9—a concert that sold out in just four hours.

For members Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao (vocals), Xen Gareza (keyboard), Gab Fernandez (guitar), and CJ Fernandez (drums), the response has been overwhelming. 

“It’s so overwhelming because we didn’t expect this. Of course, it feels like we’ve reached another level. That’s why it’s still so surprising, even though we know we’ve already built a big following, especially from the foreign fans. They continue to amaze us with their support every time,” Gian shared.

The six-member band is known for hit tracks ‘Tingin,’ ‘Misteryoso,’ and ‘Estranghero’

The band’s concert promises a mix of new tracks from Silakbo and reimagined arrangements of earlier hits. 

“We’ll maintain the energy of the crowd, even with emotional songs,” they assured.

Clocking in at around two to two and a half hours, the performance will highlight their evolution as artists and their dedication to delivering an unforgettable experience.

When I noted how much they’ve changed since we first met, the band reflected on their growth. 

“Physically and in how we deal with people, not much has changed,” Gian said. “But in terms of sound, a lot has evolved. Maybe we’re still figuring out who we really are. Right now, we’re still searching, but at least we’re getting closer to the sound, the feelings, and the image we want to have. There’s been growth individually and collectively as a group.”

Beyond their Araneta concerts, Cup of Joe is heading on a regional tour, with stops in Davao, Cebu, and Baguio. 

“We want to explore more emotions and experiences through our music,” they said, hinting at an exciting future for their evolving sound.

Cup of Joe’s journey began in their senior year of high school in 2018, initially performing covers at school events before venturing into songwriting. Gian and Raphaell’s first single, “Nag-Iisang Muli,” unexpectedly resonated on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Since then, the band has consistently released hits, including fan favorites like “Sagada,” “Mananatili,” “Tingin,” “Misteryoso,” “Tataya,” “Patutunguhan,” and “Lahat ng Bukas.”

As fans gather at the Araneta Coliseum, they can expect a mix of these beloved tracks alongside surprise numbers, showcasing the band’s continued passion and creativity. For Cup of Joe, the journey is just beginning, and the Big Dome is another step toward their growing legacy in the music scene.

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