The Cup of Joe Band, the pop rock band composed of five twenty-somethings — Gian Bernardino, Raphael Ridao, Gabriel Fernandez, CJ Fernandez, Xen Gareza — not only filled Araneta Coliseum for one night, but for two, delivering an unforgettable “Silakbo” experience. On February 9, Sunday, the venue was packed, and the energy from the performers and the audience was electric. The atmosphere was joyful, vibrant and fun.
“Silakbo” explores the stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — through songs. However, the youthful exuberance that filled the venue was contagious, turning even the most heart-wrenching tracks into moments of celebration. From the mosh pit to the bleachers, everyone from teens and older, “Silakbo” had everyone humming, singing, swaying, and dancing to “Estranghero,” “Kanela,” “Tingin,” “Patutunguhan” and “Silakbo.” While the vocals weren’t always flawless, Raphael and Gian proved they were true rockstars who can hold their own against their ates and kuyas in the music industry.
More than just Cup of Joe’s introduction to the big leagues, Silakbo is a testament to the thriving spirit of OPM. The night wasn’t just a performance; it was a celebration of Filipino talent. It was especially beautiful to see Maki and Janine Togonon performing alongside the band, greeted with wild applause. Equally remarkable was the sight of OPM heavyweights like Arthur Nery, Rob Deniel, Arthur Miguel, Ben & Ben, and BINI’s Jhoanna and Maloi in the crowd, cheering on the band — proof that OPM is a united community.
The stage design evoked the beauty of the mountains. Real pine trees dotted the stage, with teepees (or were they tents?) adding to the charm. This mountainous theme seemed to pay homage to Baguio, the place where the band members met, studied, and where Cup of Joe was born. The attention to detail didn’t end there — the look of the members and costumes were colorful and lively, perfectly matching the youthful energy of the band.
Every moment of the show was crafted to ensure a seamless, engaging experience, thanks to the expert direction of Paolo Valenciano. There were no dull moments, just a constant flow of excitement and wonderful Original Pilipino Music.
