Cup of Joe (band)

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Cup of Joe is a Filipino pop/rock band based in Baguio, Philippines, formed in November 2018. They gained widespread recognition for their songs "Tingin" (Look), featuring Janine Teñoso, and "Estranghero" (Stranger), from their debut extended play (EP), Patutunguhan (2023). The band's lineup consists of lead vocalists Gian Bernardino and Raphael Ridao, lead guitar Gabriel Fernandez, rhythm guitar CJ Fernandez, keyboards Xen Gareza, and drummer Elian Akia.^{[a][citation needed]}

Since their debut in 2019, Cup of Joe has gained recognition for their pop music.^[2] In 2023, the band topped the Spotify Philippines' Daily Top OPM Groups chart, surpassing Ben&Ben, which had held the position for over a year. They also ranked second on the Daily Top OPM Artists chart and entered the top ten of the Top Artists chart on the platform, reaching number eight.^[3] In June 2024, bassist Raphael Severino departed the band after five years.^[4]

Cup of Joe's single "Tingin", featuring Janine Teñoso, was highlighted by Billboard Philippines as one of the top songs of 2023. Their EP Patutunguhan also received notable recognition.^[5]

The band chose the name "Cup of Joe" spontaneously when they needed a name for an event. Lead guitarist Gabriel Fernandez suggested the name without any specific inspiration. Over time, the name gained meaning, as "Cup of Joe", a slang term for coffee, came to reflect the band's relaxed music style. The name also resonates with their connection to Baguio, a city known for its cool climate and laid-back atmosphere.^[6] The term "Joe" symbolizes an ordinary person, reflecting the band's identity as students who are eager to share their music.^[7]

The band was formed in November 2018 by a group of friends from Saint Louis University Laboratory High School in Baguio, with rhythm guitarist Clint Joules "CJ" Fernandez, lead singers Edgar Gian Bernardino and Raphael Ridao, and lead guitarist Antonio Gabriel "Gab" Fernandez coming from Pangasinan, bassist Raphael "Sevi" Severino from Isabela, and keyboardist Vixen "Xen" Gareza from Abra. The band came together to perform at a local event, with the initial idea being just to play music for fun. Despite starting casually, the band quickly gained attention. By the time they graduated from senior high school.^[6]

In 2019, less than a year after forming, Cup of Joe signed with Viva Records. The band began performing more widely. Originally, they played at community events, school music festivals, and private parties around Baguio, covering popular songs.^[8]

Eventually, they started creating their own music, which led to the release of they success song "Nag-iisang Muli" (Alone Again), which earned them the Best Regional Song trophy at the 2019 MOR Awards and a nomination for Best Recording by a New Group at Awit Awards, with its success on social media platforms like Facebook and Spotify further boosting the band's recognition.^[9][10] The band released the track "Alas Dose" (Twelve O'clock) on November 8, 2019, which became popular during the Christmas season.^[11]

In 2020, the band released the songs "Sagada" (named after a town in Mountain Province), and "Hayaan" (Let It Be). Both tracks are mid-tempo ballads that emphasize the band's alt-pop style. "Sagada", in particular, resonated with listeners due to its soothing quality and themes of emotional release.^[12]

In 2021, they expanded their sound with "Bukod Tangi" (Unique), which features catchy choruses and a new wave style.^[13] The track contrasts with their neo-folk song "Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko" (I Will Still Choose You), which became their biggest single to date.^[12]

In 2022, the band released two singles, "Mananatili" (Remain), and "Estranghero" (Stranger), which further solidified their connection with their expanding fan base. These tracks showcased a more refined sound and style, drawing inspiration from 80s and 90s pop hits.^[14]

In 2023, the band released their debut EP, Patutunguhan (Direction), which was featured on Billboard Philippines' list of top albums and EPs of 2023. The song "Tingin" (Look) debuted on the Billboard's Philippines Songs Chart at number 25. By December 11, it had reached its peak position at number six.^[15][5] Cup of Joe and Janine Teñoso’s performance of "Tingin" on the Wish 107.5 Bus was uploaded on July 17 to YouTube, where it garnered over one million views.^[16]

In February 2024, Cup of Joe held their first solo concert, titled "Cup of Joe: Seatbelts On!", at the New Frontier Theater on February 9 and 10. The event was presented by Viva Live Inc.^[17] On March 22, Cup of Joe announced their participation at the grand debut album concert of their fellow OPM rock band, Lola Amour, which took place on April 13.^[18]

On June 26, the band announced on X that Sevi was amicably leaving the band after five years^[19] without providing a reason for his departure.^[20]

On August 2, Cup of Joe released the music video for their hit song "Misteryoso" (Mysterious), featuring Jhoanna, a member of P-pop group Bini as an actress and Justin of SB19 as its music video director.^[21]

On September 6, Cup of Joe announced a special four-part project titled "DOS: The Sixth JOEnniversary Special" to celebrate their sixth anniversary. The announcement was made through the band's social media platforms, unveiling a series of events that would take place throughout September.^[22]

"Misteryoso"

A sample of the chorus of "Misteryoso", an upbeat love song about someone hoping for their love interest to notice them. Producer, Shadiel Chan shared in a press statement that the song was created to fuse classic OPM with modern pop, featuring "ear-tickling elements in unexpected parts of the song" along with a "fairytale-like atmosphere".^[23]

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Cup Of Joe defines their sound as experimental pop, blending various genres including acoustic pop, retro, and alternative pop ballads. They also incorporate elements of retro-wave and neo-folk into their music. Additionally, the band embraces a unique aesthetic that challenges traditional gender norms, which they describe as "gender-bending".^[14] The band are deeply influenced by their environment in Baguio. Bernardino noted that their single, "Nag-iisang Muli", was inspired by the scenic surroundings where they began writing the song. Ridao initiated the songwriting process with the line "Kay lamig ng simoy ng hangin" ("The breeze is so cold"), reflecting the cool breeze of Baguio. From this starting point, Bernardino crafted the guitar accompaniment, creating imagery rooted in their environment.^[6]

Described as anthemic, their sound is characterized by swelling synths, mesmerizing harmonies, heart-thumping drums, and hooks that transform raw emotions into unforgettable melodies. However, it is their songwriting that truly sets them apart. The band crafts vivid imagery within their lyrics, using sceneries as metaphors to convey the messages they want their audience to grasp, and has mastered the art of transforming poetry into music that resonates with universal experiences as they explore themes of heartbreak, love, or hope, continually reinventing familiar narratives in fresh and compelling ways. This unique blend of sound and storytelling has established them as a distinctive voice in the contemporary music scene.^[24]

Gian Bernardino cites Eraserheads, Rivermaya, and Apo Hiking Society as key influences from the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) scene. Among international artists, he draws inspiration from Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Harry Styles, and Benson Boone. He identifies OPM icon KZ Tandingan as his most significant influence.^[25] Cup of Joe's influences include Ben&Ben, This Band, and Eraserheads. Bernardino expressed the band's desire to collaborate with Ben&Ben, whom Raphael Ridao identified as their main influence within the OPM scene, citing their "unique" and "distinctive sound".^[26]

Cup of Joe expressed pride in seeing fellow bands from Baguio, making a name for themselves. The band dispelled the notion of competition between bands, with CJ Fernandez emphasizing their unity as musicians. He mentioned their pride in representing Baguio as one, highlighting the achievements of bands like Dilaw and their mutual support.^[6] Xen Gareza noted that Baguio's music scene has "always been rich", attributing its recent exposure to social media and word of mouth, and cited bands like Dilaw and SunKissed Lola as examples. Bernardino also shared that the atmosphere in Baguio has been a source of inspiration for their songwriting and compositions.^[6]

• Edgar Gian Bernardino – lead vocals
• Raphael Ridao – lead vocals
• Vixen "Xen" Gareza – keyboards
• Antonio Gabriel "Gab" Fernandez – lead guitar
• Clint Joules "CJ" Fernandez – rhythm guitar
• Jose Elian Akia^[a] – drums

• Raphael "Sevi" Severino – bass guitar (until 2024)^[19]

• Cup of Joe on YouTube