Cup of Joe

Quick Facts

Photo: Cup of Joe YouTube

About Cup of Joe

Early Years

Cup of Joe is a Filipino pop band that was established in Baguio, Philippines, in November 2018. Initially formed by senior high friends from Saint Louis University Laboratory High School, the group came together to perform at a local event. What started casually quickly gained momentum.

The band’s name was chosen spontaneously for an upcoming event when a name was urgently needed. Lead guitarist Gabriel Fernandez suggested the name without prior inspiration. While coffee isn’t a focal point for any of the members, the name stuck and has since taken on a greater significance, symbolizing their sonic diversity. As an alternative term for coffee, their name also reflects their chill music style and connection to Baguio’s cool, easy going environment. “Joe” also represents an ordinary person, which fits perfectly with their identity as students sharing their music.

When they first started performing, they did covers at community events, school festivals, and private gatherings in Baguio. They then began writing their own music. Their first single, “Nag-iisang Muli,” was uploaded to Spotify and Facebook for fun and to mark their high school graduation. The track unexpectedly gained traction, particularly with listeners in Metro Manila, and charted on Spotify Philippines. “Nag-iisang Muli” also won Best Regional Song at the MOR Awards in 2019. Less than a year after forming, Cup of Joe signed with Viva Records in 2019. 

Inspired by Baguio

The band’s current lineup features Gian Bernardino and Raphaell Ridao on vocals, Gabriel Fernandez on lead guitar, CJ Fernandez on rhythm guitar, and Xen Gareza on keyboards. Raphael “Sevi” Severino was the bassist until his departure in June 2024. The members hail from various provinces, including Pangasinan, Isabela, and Abra, though they were based and studied in Baguio. Despite their musical pursuits and some coming from families with musical backgrounds, members pursued different university degrees like Electrical Engineering, Dentistry, and Medical Technology.

Baguio City is an important source of inspiration for their music. The band shared that the environment and the emotions associated with Baguio heavily influence their songwriting. For instance, the cool Baguio breeze inspired a line in “Nag-iisang Muli”.

Musical Style

Cup of Joe’s musical style falls into the category of experimental pop, containing a blend of  acoustic, retro, alternative and ballads, with hints of retro-wave and neo-folk. They are known for catchy pop expansive alternative anthems and a sophisticated sound. 

Their songwriting is particularly noteworthy for its eloquent imagery and use of metaphors that are strangely relatable. They aim for a sound that provides comfort and reflection, much like a cup of coffee. Influences cited by the band include the Eraserheads, Rivermaya, Apo Hiking Society, Ben&Ben, Olivia Rodrigo and Harry Styles.

Up and Coming Hitmakers

The band has released several notable songs, including “Alas Dose,” “Sagada,” “Hayaan,” “Bukod Tangi,” “Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko,” “Mananatili,” “Estranghero,” and “Tataya”. “Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko” became their biggest single at one point. “Estranghero” and “Tingin” were featured on their debut extended play (EP), “Patutunguhan,” released in 2023. “Patutunguhan” received recognition on Billboard Philippines’ list of top albums and EPs of 2023. In 2025, they released their debut studio album, “Silakbo,” which includes yet again another runaway hit, “Multo”.

Their song “Tingin,” featuring Janine Teñoso, gained significant popularity. It debuted on the Billboard Philippines Songs Chart and reached number six by December 2023. The collaboration won the Wish Song Collaboration of the Year award in 2023. They have also collaborated with Keanna Mag on “Lahat Ng Bukas” and featured Jhoanna of BINI in the music video for their song “Misteryoso,” which was directed by Justin of SB19.

Cup of Joe has achieved notable chart success. In November 2023, they topped the Spotify Philippines Daily Top OPM Groups chart, ending Ben&Ben’s prolonged stay at number one. They also reached number two on the Daily Top OPM Artists chart and entered the top ten of the overall Top Artists chart in the Philippines. Spotify recognized them in December 2024 as the Top 3 Group and Top 3 Local Group in the Philippines. At the Official Philippines Chart, Cup of Joe was recognized as the top four Local Artist of the Year, and “Tingin” was named the top nine Local Song of the Year in 2025. Their song “Multo” entered the Billboard Global 200 chart in April 2025. Cup of Joe has performed in major concerts, including “Seatbelts On!” in February 2024,  “Silakbo” in February 2025, andt the Aurora Music Festival in May 2025.

Videos

Albums

• Patutunguhan (2023)
• Silakbo (2025)

Singles

• Nag-iisang Muli (2019)
• Sinderela (2019)
• Alas Dose (2019)
• Sagada (2020)
• Hayaan (2020)
• Bukod-Tangi (2021)
• Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko (2021)
• Misteryoso (2024)

Song Collaborations

• Tingin (Janine Teñoso – 2023)
• Lahat ng Bukas (Keanna Mag – 2024)

TV

• I Can See Your Voice Philippines (2024)

Awards

MYX Music Awards

• Breakout Group of the Year (2024)

Wish Music Awards

• Wish Song Collaboration of the Year (Tingin with Janine Teñoso – 2023)
• Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year (Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko – 2025)

The New Hue Video Music Awards

• Group Artist of the Year (2024)

Nominations

Awit Awards

• Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2023)
• Favorite Group Artist (2023)
• Favorite Song (Estranghero – 2023)

MYX Music Awards

• Rock Video of the Year (Misteryoso – 2024)

Wish Music Awards

• Wish Group of the Year (2025)

Ppop Music Awards

• Breakthrough Artist of the Year (2024)
• Production Design in a Music Video (Misteryoso – 2024)

Perspective

Listening to their music is like an out of body experience. The ethereal sound and piercing lyrics transport you to an entirely different dimension. 

Praise for the Artist

Check out the songs in the new album also titled “Silakbo” and you will notice that Cup of Joe songwriting has attained a very high level. See how the songs weave together stages in a relationship in a manner that is so well-expressed and relatable.

– Baby A. Gil
Sounds Familiar
philstar Global

The band’s conceptual approach to Silakbo has already garnered early praise, with its tracks traversing a spectrum of emotions, from denial to acceptance, rendered in the signature Cup of Joe sound. Singles such as [Multo] offer a glimpse into the album’s lush, melancholic yet hopeful vibe, a true sonic journey for listeners.

– Cris O. Ramos Jr.
One Music PH
ABS-CBN

Contact

• facebook.com/CupOfJoeRecords
• x.com/cupofjoemusic
• instagram.com/cupofjoemusic_
• youtube.com – Cup of Joe
• tiktok.com/@cupofjoemusic

Bookings

• Artist contact

Listen

• Spotify – Cup of Joe
• Apple Music – Cup of Joe

Apple Music

On Instagram

Trivia

• They are the first Filipino act to break into the Billboard Global 200 with the song “Multo.”
• Their album Silakbo follows the five stages of grief.
• The band debuted even before they graduated from senior high.
• The bands fans are called Joewahs.
• Drummer Elian Akia pitched in on several tracks, including the band’s debut single “Nag-iisang Muli.”

Posted: May 25, 2025