Daily Tribune
One of 2025’s most successful OPM groups — Cup of Joe
Photo by Jefferson Fernando for the DAILY TRIBUNE
For the first time since a recent live-event issue involving multiple artists circulated online, Cup of Joe has chosen to speak—doing so with calm resolve rather than confrontation.
Lead vocalist Gian Bernardino said the band’s decision to stay silent initially was deliberate, rooted in respect, professionalism, and trust in due process rather than impulse.
“Nagsabi naman sila na it should be from their end ang panggagalingan ng statement, and it’s also our choice din po not to say anything about it,” Gian said, explaining why the group opted to step back and allow the proper parties to address the situation.
For Cup of Joe, the response reflects discipline shaped long before sold-out arenas and chart-topping records. Gian emphasized that what matters most is showing up for the music and for their fans, regardless of circumstance.
“Always naman kami magsho-show up, even any circumstance na ibigay sa amin. Simula pa lang, sa mga school kami nagpe-perform. Kung ano ang circumstance na ibigay sa amin, we will make it work. We will do what we love, and we will keep it professional always,” he said. “Number one naman sa amin ang makapag-perform for our fans and our love for the arts and music. Hindi nagma-matter sa amin kung anong oras kami magpe-perform.”
That mindset continues to define the band as it moves forward—focused, grounded, and committed to Original Pilipino Music.
With the issue behind them, Cup of Joe is pressing on with their performances. The band is expanding its Stardust concert across the Philippines in 2026, following three sold-out shows at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in October.
Two early 2026 stops are already confirmed: February 28 at the City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Laguna, and a Tacloban City show at the Tacloban City Convention Center.
The year 2025 marked a watershed moment for the Baguio-based band, which topped Billboard Philippines and Spotify as Top Artist of the Year. Their hit song Multo emerged as Spotify Philippines’ most streamed track of 2025.
Released in January, their debut album Silakbo earned widespread acclaim and won Album of the Year at the inaugural Filipino Music Awards. Fan favorites including “Tingin” featuring Janine Tenoso, “Mananatili,” “Misteryoso,” and “Estranghero” continue to resonate across platforms and live stages.
Formed in November 2018, Cup of Joe is composed of lead vocalists Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao, lead guitarist Gabriel Fernandez, rhythm guitarist CJ Fernandez, and keyboardist Xen Gareza. Former bassist Raphael Severino left the group in June 2024 after five years.
The band has also announced expanded dates for its Stardust World Tour. In January 2026, Cup of Joe returns to the United States for the second leg of the tour, followed by shows in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in February. Asian stops include Singapore in March, Malaysia and Indonesia in May, with additional dates in Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand by June.
Back home, confirmed Philippine dates include Baguio City on February 6, Santa Rosa on February 28, Tacloban City in March, Cebu City on March 28, Iloilo City on May 9, Davao City on May 30, and Cagayan de Oro on June 13.
Recognized as Top Local Artist of the Year by Billboard Philippines, Spotify Philippines, and Apple Music Philippines, Cup of Joe has also been cited by Believe Music for surpassing four billion all-time streams. “Multo,” now with 446.6 million streams, holds records for the longest-running No. 1 song and the highest single-day streams in Spotify Philippines history.
During their historic Araneta run, the Araneta Group honored Cup of Joe as the first Filipino band to achieve five sold-out concert days in a single year at the Big Dome. The band recently marked another milestone with the launch of the vinyl edition of Silakbo.
As Cup of Joe continues to expand its reach worldwide, the group’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, professionalism, and the enduring strength of OPM—backed by Viva Music Group and guided by a philosophy that lets the music speak louder than anything else.
