Cup of Joe is a Filipino pop rock band based in Baguio, Philippines, formed in November 2018. The band's lineup consists of lead vocalists Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao, lead guitarist Gabriel Fernandez, rhythm guitarist CJ Fernandez, and keyboardist Xen Gareza, while bassist Raphael Severino, departed in June 2024 after five years with the band. They released the song "Tingin" (lit.'Look') with Janine Teñoso, as part of their debut extended play (EP), Patutunguhan (transl.Destination) (2023). The group entered the BillboardPhilippines Songs chart with the track.
Since their debut in 2019, Cup of Joe has gained recognition for their songs.[1] In 2023, the band topped the Spotify Philippines' Daily Top OPM Groups chart, surpassing Ben&Ben, which had held the position for over a year. They also ranked second on the Daily Top OPM Artists chart and entered the top ten of the Top Artists chart on the platform, reaching number eight.[2]
Cup of Joe's single "Multo" (lit.'Ghost') became the first song by a Filipino act to enter the Billboard Global 200, peaking at No. 80. Released on September 14, 2024, as the lead single from their debut album, Silakbo (lit.'Outburst') (2025).[3] The song topped the Billboard PhilippinesHot 100 for ten weeks, making it the longest song to remain at No. 1, surpassing Dionela's "Marilag" (transl.Majesty), which held the position for eight consecutive weeks.[4] In 2025, the band also entered the Spotify Global Top Artists chart at No. 182.[5]
Name
Logo of the band since 2023.
The band chose the name "Cup of Joe" spontaneously when they needed a name for an event. Lead guitarist Gabriel Fernandez suggested the name without any specific inspiration. Over time, the name gained meaning, as "Cup of Joe", a slang term for coffee, came to reflect the band's relaxed music style. The name also resonates with their connection to Baguio, a city known for its cool climate and laid-back atmosphere.[6] The term "Joe" symbolizes an ordinary person, reflecting the band's identity as students who are eager to share their music.[7]
History
2018–2019: Early years and signing under Viva Records
Cup of Joe was formed in November 2018 during their senior year at Saint Louis University Laboratory High School in Baguio.[8] The group began in August 2018 when Gian Bernardino and Raphael Ridao, after being invited to perform at their school's Buwan ng Wika (National Language Month) celebration, they decided to form a band and began looking for other members.[9] One of the first to join was Gabriel Fernandez from Pangasinan,[10] who had previously played in a band called Pink Soda with Ridao when they were in 11th grade.[11] They met their future bandmates CJ Fernandez (also from Pangasinan), Raphael Severino from Isabela,[10] and Xen Gareza from Abra[10] in the lobby of their school building, where Bernardino introduced himself and helped bring the group together. Their first proper rehearsal took place at the house of their original drummer, Elian Akia.[9]
In 2019, less than a year after forming, Cup of Joe signed with Viva Records. The band began performing more widely. Originally, they played at community events, school music festivals, and private parties around Baguio, covering popular songs.[12] Eventually, they started creating their own music, which led to the released of their song "Nag-iisang Muli" (Alone Again), which earned them the Best Regional Song trophy at the 2019 MOR Awards and a nomination for Best Recording by a New Group at the Awit Awards.[13][14] The band released the track "Alas Dose" (Twelve O'clock) on November 8, 2019, which became popular during the Christmas season.[15]
2020–2024: Patutunguhan and Severino's departure
In 2020, the band released the songs "Sagada" and "Hayaan" (Let It Be). Punch Liwanag, a music critic from Manila Bulletin, praised both tracks as mid-tempo ballads that emphasize the band's alt-pop style. "Sagada" in particular, resonated with listeners due to its "lilting" quality and themes of catharsis.[16]
In 2021, they released "Bukod Tangi" (Unique), a jazzy, new wave-flavored single that drew comparisons to the sound of Truefaith.[17] Originally intended for the 2019 film Unforgettable starring Sarah Geronimo. Although it was not included in the film's official soundtrack, the band cited Geronimo's character, Jasmine, as the inspiration behind the song.[18] They described the song as having catchy choruses and a new wave-inspired sound.[19] This was followed by "Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko" (I Will Still Choose You), a folk-pop version that marked the band's shift toward a neo-folk sound.[16] Originally written and released by Marion Aunor in 2018, Cup of Joe reinterpreted the song by shifting its arrangement from a dark, piano-driven ballad featuring upbeat drums and violin riffs.[20]
In 2022, the band released two singles, "Mananatili" (Remain), and "Estranghero" (Stranger), which further solidified their connection with their expanding fan base. These tracks showcased a more refined sound and style, drawing inspiration from 1980s and 1990s pop music.[21]
In 2023, the band released their debut EP, Patutunguhan (Direction), which was featured on Billboard Philippines' list of top albums and EPs of 2023. The song "Tingin" (Look) debuted on the Billboard's Philippines Songs Chart at number 25. By December 11, it had reached its peak position at number six.[22][23] Cup of Joe and Janine Teñoso's performance of "Tingin" on the Wish 107.5 Bus was uploaded on July 17 to YouTube, where it garnered over one million views.[24]
In February 2024, Cup of Joe held their first solo concert, titled "Cup of Joe: Seatbelts On!", at the New Frontier Theater on February 9 and 10. The event was presented by Viva Live Inc.[25] On March 22, Cup of Joe announced their participation at the grand debut album concert of their fellow OPM rock band, Lola Amour, which took place on April 13.[26]
On June 26, the band announced on X that Sevi was amicably leaving the band after five years[27] without providing a reason for his departure.[28] On August 2, Cup of Joe released the music video for their hit song "Misteryoso" (Mysterious), starring Jhoanna from Bini and directed by Justin of SB19.[29]
On September 6, Cup of Joe announced a special four-part project titled "DOS: The Sixth JOEnniversary Special" to celebrate their sixth anniversary. The announcement was made through the band's social media platforms, unveiling a series of events that would take place throughout September.[30] In December, Cup of Joe was recognized by Spotify as its Top 3 Group and Top 3 Local Group in the Philippines for 2024.[31]
2025–present: Silakbo
On January 17, Cup of Joe released their debut studio album Silakbo (lit.'Outburst'), which explores the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.[32] One of the album's tracks, "Multo" (Ghost), had previously been released as a single on September 14, 2024.[33]
The band began their second major concert, also titled Silakbo, in February, with a performance at the Araneta Coliseum. The concert paid tribute to their roots in Baguio, featuring stage visuals of pine trees and throwback sets under their alter egos Pink Penoy Club and Pink Soda.[11] During the concert, the band briefly split into two groups for special performances: Gian Bernardino, Xen Gareza, and CJ Fernandez performed as Pink Penoy Club, covering Eraserheads songs such as "Alapaap", "Pare Ko," and "Ang Huling El Bimbo," in tribute to classic OPM. Bernardino, Gareza, and Fernandez, apart from being college roommates, were also the last members to complete the band lineup.[11] Meanwhile, Ridao and Fernandez reunited as Pink Soda, performing songs by Australian band 5 Seconds of Summer, including "Heartbreak Girl" and "She Looks So Perfect", the latter featuring guest singer Maki. They concluded their set with Maki's own track, "Namumula". Other guest performers included Keanna Mag and Janine Teñoso.[34]
The band also performed at the REV Music Festival during UP Fair, a student-led event advocating against gender-related violence, discrimination, and promoting LGBTQ+ rights, where they headlined alongside Ben&Ben, Yeng Constantino, and Morissette.[35] The band returned to the Aurora Music Festival in Clark, Pampanga for the third time on May 3 and 4, delivering an emotional and well-received set. They were among the headliners on the second day of the festival, performing alongside girl group Bini.[36]
At the inauguration of The Official Philippines Chart on February 19, Cup of Joe was recognized as its top four Local Artist of the Year, while "Tingin" was recognized as its top nine Local Song of the Year.[37] In April 2025, "Multo" entered the Billboard Global 200 chart, placing at 181st place.[38] According to Elijah Pareño of Rolling Stone Philippines, "Multo" established Cup of Joe as "serious pop storytellers".[39]
In July, Cup of Joe announced that they would hold their third major concert, titled Stardust, at the Araneta Coliseum on October 10-11, 2025.[40] Tickets for the concert were sold out within a day of their release.[41] An overseas tour, also titled Stardust was later announced, spanning multiple cities in the United States and Canada from October to November 2025.[42] Later that month, they were listed as performers at the Aurora Music Festival Cebu scheduled on November 22, 2025.[43]
A sample of the chorus of "Misteryoso", an upbeat love song about someone hoping for their love interest to notice them. Producer, Shadiel Chan shared in a press statement that the song was created to fuse classic OPM with modern pop, featuring "ear-tickling elements in unexpected parts of the song" along with a "fairytale-like atmosphere".[44]
Cup of Joe defines their sound as "experimental", blending various genres including acoustic pop, retro, and alternative pop ballads. They also incorporate elements of retro-wave and neo-folk into their music. Additionally, the band embraces a unique style which they describe as "gender norms".[21] The band are deeply influenced by their environment in Baguio. Gian Bernardino noted that their single, "Nag-iisang Muli", was inspired by the scenic surroundings where they began writing the song. Raphaell Ridao initiated the songwriting process with the line "Kay lamig ng simoy ng hangin" ("The breeze is so cold"), reflecting the cool breeze of Baguio. Bernardino stated that the creative atmosphere in Baguio has inspired the band, as well as other artists, to write and compose songs.[6]
According to Bernardino, the themes of their songs differ from current trends, as the band took a creative risk by focusing mostly on a positive direction in love. Departing from the usual heartbreak narratives, they aimed to create love songs with a more uplifting and hopeful tone.[45] Carissa Alcantara of Billboard Philippines wrote that Cup of Joe have found a way to turn poetry into music that speaks to universal experiences, noting that whether it's about heartbreak, falling in love, or hope, the six-piece act continues to reinvent familiar stories.[46]
Influences
Gian Bernardino cites Eraserheads, Rivermaya, and Apo Hiking Society as key influences from the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) scene. Among international artists, he draws inspiration from Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Harry Styles, and Benson Boone. He identifies OPM icon KZ Tandingan as his most significant influence.[47] Cup of Joe's influences include Ben&Ben, This Band, and Eraserheads. Bernardino expressed the band's desire to collaborate with Ben&Ben, whom Raphael Ridao identified as their main influence within the OPM scene, citing their "unique" and "distinctive sound".[48]
Cup of Joe expressed pride in seeing fellow bands from Baguio, making a name for themselves. The band denied the notion of competition between bands, with CJ Fernandez emphasizing their unity as musicians. Also Fernandez mentioned their pride in representing Baguio, highlighting the achievements of bands like Dilaw and their mutual support.[6] Xen Gareza noted that Baguio's music scene has "always been rich", attributing its recent exposure to social media and word of mouth, and cited bands like Dilaw and SunKissed Lola as examples. Bernardino also shared that the atmosphere in Baguio has been a source of inspiration for their songwriting and compositions.[6]
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