CHARMING band Cup of Joe sells out not just one but both shows at the Araneta Coliseum.
Quite a feat for five guys in their early twenties who started singing for a school project during Buwan ng Wika and have now built a massive following. Cup of Joe, whose rise to fame has been nothing short of meteoric, sold out both nights of their “Silakbo” concert at the Big Dome on February 8 and 9 in just four hours. The event, produced by Viva Live and the Viva Music Group, is set to be an unforgettable celebration of their music and their journey.
For the members — Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao (vocals), Xen Gareza (keyboard), Gab Fernandez (guitar), and CJ Fernandez (drums) — the response has been overwhelming. They are immensely grateful for the love and support they’ve received in their barely seven years in the music industry.
“It’s overwhelming because we didn’t really expect it, especially since it’s at Araneta, such a huge venue. We’re really thankful for the support from our fans,” the members shared, noting that the demand for tickets was so high that even some of their closest friends couldn’t secure their own. This only highlights the immense support they’ve garnered.
The concert’s title comes from their latest album, “Silakbo,” which also serves as the central theme of the show. Released under Viva Records, “Silakbo” features original tracks like “Bubog,” “Multo,” “Kanelang Mata,” and “Silakbo,” and dives deep into the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
However, the band emphasizes that the concert will not be a somber experience. While these themes are emotionally intense, Cup of Joe intends to create a performance that resonates with their fans, whom they fondly call “Joewahs.”
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be about love life because we experience grief in many forms. It’s a very human experience that everyone can relate to,” they explained.
During the concert, the band plans to perform both new songs from “Silakbo” and reimagined arrangements of their earlier hits. “We’ll maintain the energy of the crowd, even with emotional songs,” they assured. The concert will run for about two to two and a half hours, showcasing their growth as musicians and their commitment to delivering an unforgettable show.
Beyond the Araneta Coliseum, Cup of Joe’s regional tour will take them to Davao, Cebu, and Baguio, where they will continue to share their music with fans across the country. “We want to explore more emotions and experiences through our music,” they said, looking ahead to the future of their evolving sound.
Cup of Joe’s journey began in late 2018, when they first came together as a band during their senior year in high school. They initially performed covers at school events but eventually decided to write their own songs. Gian and Raphaell took on songwriting duties, and their first single, “Nag Iisang Muli,” unexpectedly gained traction on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
Since then, the band has released hit after hit, including fan favorites like “Sagada,” “Mananatili,” “Tingin,” “Misteryoso,” “Tataya,” “Patutunguhan,” and “Lahat ng Bukas.” At the Araneta show, fans can expect a mix of these beloved tracks, as well as a few surprise numbers.