Homegrown Filipino folk-pop band Cup of Joe completed their two-day, sold-out concert titled “SILAKBO” on February 8 and 9, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The quintet, made up of Gian, Rapha, CJ, Gab, and Xen, has also recently launched their album sharing the same name as their concert tour. Their album, SILAKBO, explores and delves into the five stages of grief, allowing their fans, known as JOEWAHS, as well as casual listeners, to engage with and comprehend the journey through these various emotions.

Cup of Joe started their adventure in 2018, originating from Baguio City, the City of Pines. The band achieved great success and produced popular hits like “Misteryoso,” “Estranghero,” and “Patutunguhan.” Cup of Joe ascended to prominence and became one of the most in-demand artists in the Philippines, even receiving awards for their musical contributions. Indeed, the group has demonstrated tremendous dedication and top-notch talent.

During Cup of Joe’s SILAKBO Concert Tour, the band showcased songs from their eponymous album and intricately narrated the journey of how an individual experiences the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—and skillfully connected the narrative for the audience to resonate with. Performing songs such as “Kanelang Mata,” “Pahina,” “Bagyo,” “‘Di Maaari,” “Silakbo,” “Wine,” and many others provided JOEWAHS with an immersive experience as they joined in singing the band’s latest tracks.

Their Manila stop of their concert tour was also highlighted by remarkable artists like Keanna Mag, KZ Tandingan, Moira Dela Torre, Maki, and Janine Tenoso joining the band on stage, who have significantly influenced the lives of the Cup of Joe members. Cup of Joe’s lead vocalist Gian, who shared the stage with Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan on Day 1, experienced a full-circle moment as he reminisced about his memories of performing alongside his idol KZ during her concert in 2018 when he held a banner asking to duet with her. “That’s the attitude that brought you here tonight,” KZ Tandingan commended Gian’s resolve and persistence as an artist after their joint performance.

The band remains grounded regarding their origins and beginnings, even taking time to look back at their former bands. Rapha and Gab were part of the duo Pink Soda, while Gab, Xen, and CJ formed what they called Pink Penoy Club, inspired by the international sensation Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club. The band’s subunits each took turns on stage, giving their fans a glimpse of their initial days as a band. “Tonight is about celebrating our aspirations, both individually and collectively,” Gab stated, as their performances invoked nostalgia among the members, reminding them of their early band experiences in Baguio.

Cup of Joe has undoubtedly left us eager for more, and the band has just launched their concert tour here in Manila! They are also scheduled to perform next in key locations such as Baguio on March 6 and 7, 2025, at the Baguio Convention Center, Davao on March 22, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center Davao, and Cebu on March 29, 2025, at the IC3 Convention Center. Be sure to secure your tickets and experience a unique journey with the music of Cup of Joe! This concert tour is brought to you by VAA Live.

Words and photos by Vinny Real