Cup of Joe (band)

Filipino pop rock band

Cup of Joe

Origin| Baguio, Philippines
Genres|

* Alternative rock
* Indie pop
* pop rock

Years active| 2018–present
Labels|

* Viva Records

Members|

* Gabriel Fernandez
* Gian Bernardino
* Raphael Ridao
* CJ Fernandez
* Xen Gareza

Past members|

* Raphael Severino

Website| vivavicor.com/artists/cup-of-joe/

Cup of Joe is a Filipino pop/rock band based in Baguio, Philippines, formed in November 2018. They gained widespread recognition for their hit songs "Tingin" (Look), featuring Janine Teñoso, and "Estranghero" (Stranger), from his debut EP Patutunguhan in 2023 which both became anthems among the youth. The band's lineup consists of lead vocals Gian Bernardino and Raphael Ridao, lead guitar Gabriel Fernandez, rhythm guitar CJ Fernandez, and keyboards Xen Gareza.

In 2023, Cup of Joe achieved notable success by ranking at the top of the Spotify Philippines Daily Top OPM Groups chart, surpassing Ben&Ben, which had been in the number one position for over one year. The band also rose to number two on the Spotify Philippines Daily Top OPM Artists chart, behind only Hev Abi, and entered the top 10 of the Spotify Philippines Top Artists chart for the first time, reaching number eight.[1] In June 2024, bass guitarist Raphael Severino parted ways in the band after five years.[2]

## Name

[edit]

The band's name was chosen spontaneously when the members needed a name quickly for an event. Lead guitarist Gabriel Fernandez suggested "Cup of Joe" without any particular inspiration behind it. Over time, the name gained meaning for the band. "Cup of Joe", which is a slang term for "coffee", matches the relaxed and chill vibe of their music. This also reflects the band's connection to Baguio, a city known for its cool and laid-back atmosphere. Like coffee with its different blends, the band aims to offer various styles of music with each release, rather than sticking to just one sound.[3]

## History

[edit]

The band was formed in November 2018 by a group of friends from Saint Louis University Laboratory High School in Baguio City, with CJ, Gian, Rapha, and Gabriel coming from Pangasinan, Sevii from Isabela, and Xen 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.[4]

In 2019, less than a year after forming, Cup of Joe was signed by Viva Records.[5] The band, consisting of lead singers Edgar Gian Bernardino and Raphael Ridao, keyboardist Vixen "Xen" Gareza, lead guitarist Antonio Gabriel "Gab" Fernandez, bassist Raphael "Seve" Severino, and rhythm guitarist Clint Joules "CJ" Fernandez, began performing more widely. Originally, they played at community events, school music festivals, and private parties around Baguio, covering popular songs. 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 an Awit Award nomination for Best Recording by a New Group.[6][7] The song's success on social media platforms like Facebook and Spotify helped the band gain further recognition.[8]

In 2020, the band released the songs "Sagada" (named after a town in the Philippines), 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.[9]

In 2021, they expanded their sound with "Bukod Tangi" (Unique), which features catchy choruses and a new wave style.[10] 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.[11]

In 2022, the band released two singles, "Mananatili" (Remain), and "Estranghero", 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. They recently sold out a two-day show at Viva Cafe in Cubao, Quezon City.[12]

Earlier in the year 2023, the band released their debut EP, Patutunguhan, which was featured on Billboard Philippines' list of top albums and EPs of 2023. They song "Tingin" debuted on the Billboard Philippine Songs Chart at number 25. As of December 11, it reached its peak position at number 6.[13][14]

In 2024, the band announced that their bassist, Raphael "Sevi" Severino, would be leaving the band after five years. The band shared this update on X (formerly Twitter), letting fans know that Cup of Joe and Sevi had parted ways. They did not provide a reason for his departure but thanked him for his contributions and wished him well for the future.[15] In March, Cup of Joe performed at the grand debut album concert of their fellow OPM rock band, Lola Amour.[16][17] In August, Cup of Joe released the music video for their hit song "Misteryoso" (Mysterious), featuring Jhoanna member of P-pop group Bini as the muse. Additionally, SB19’s Justin directed the music video.[18]

## Band members

[edit]

### Current members

[edit]

* Edgar Gian Bernardino – lead vocals
* Raphael Ridao – lead vocals
* Vixen "Xen" Gareza – keyboards
* Antonio Gabriel "Gab" Fernandez – lead guitar
* Raphael "Seve" Severino – bass guitar
* Clint Joules "CJ" Fernandez – rhythm guitar

### Former Members

[edit]

* Raphael "Sevi" Severino – bass guitar (until 2024) [citation needed]

## Accolades

[edit]

Cup of Joe was recently nominated for three categories in the 2023 Awit Awards, including Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Favorite Song.[19] Additionally, in 2024, Cup of Joe won Group Artist of the Year at The New Hue's third annual Video Music Awards held at The Astbury.[20]

## Discography

[edit]

### EP

[edit]

List of extended plays, with release date and label shown  Title  | Details

|

Patutunguhan |

* Released: March 29, 2023
* Label: Viva Records
* Format: digital download, streaming

## References

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1. ^ "Cup of Joe become most streamed OPM group on Spotify Philippines among new milestones recorded". Billboard Philippines. Archived from the original on 2023-12-22. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
2. ^ "Cup of Joe bassist Sevi exits band | GMA News Online". www.gmanetwork.com. Archived from the original on 2024-08-03. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
3. ^ "Now brewing: Cup of Joe 'serves different blends of music' from Baguio". www.philstar.com. 2023-09-21. Archived from the original on 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
4. ^ "Now brewing: Cup of Joe 'serves different blends of music' from Baguio". www.philstar.com. 2023-09-21. Archived from the original on 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
5. ^ Vibas, Danny (2023-12-09). "Meet Baguio pride Cup of Joe". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on 2024-08-26. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
6. ^ Wang, Nickie (2024-01-03). "A phenomenal year for Cup of Joe". Manila Standard. Archived from the original on 2024-08-26. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
7. ^ "Cup of Joe scores with Tingin". www.philstar.com. 2023-11-10. Archived from the original on 2023-11-14. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
8. ^ "8 Fun Facts About Baguio-Based Band Cup of Joe – Pilipinas Popcorn". pilipinaspopcorn.com. Archived from the original on 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
9. ^ "AUDIOJUNKIE: Cup of Joe - The band you didn't know you need". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
10. ^ Laurena, Kobe Adam Joshua. "Cup of Joe brews up new single "Bukod-Tangi" | Pikapika | Philippine Showbiz News Portal". www.pikapika.ph. Archived from the original on 2024-08-26. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
11. ^ "AUDIOJUNKIE: Cup of Joe - The band you didn't know you need". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
12. ^ "Baguio's musical brew: The Cup Of Joe story". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
13. ^ "Cup Of Joe Share More Details On February 2024 Concert". billboardphilippines.com. 2023-12-15. Archived from the original on 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
14. ^ "Readers' Choice Of The Best Releases Of 2023: SB19, And More". billboardphilippines.com. 2023-12-03. Archived from the original on 2024-05-22. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
15. ^ Gatchalian, Ched Rick (2024-06-26). "Cup of Joe parts ways with bassist Sevi". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
16. ^ "Cup of Joe, Any Name's Okay, and PLAYERTWO to perform at Lola Amour's album launch in Makati this April". Cup of Joe, Any Name's Okay, and PLAYERTWO to perform at Lola Amour's album launch in Makati this April | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
17. ^ "Cup of Joe bassist Sevi exits band | GMA News Online". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
18. ^ "Cup of Joe casts BINI's Jhoanna in "Misteryoso" music video". MYX Global. Archived from the original on 2024-08-09. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
19. ^ "4 Acts From Baguio Dilaw Want You To Listen To". billboardphilippines.com. 2023-10-20. Archived from the original on 2024-07-09. Retrieved 2024-08-26.
20. ^ "The New Hue Hosts Third Annual Video Music Awards at The Astbury". Adobo Magazine. Archived from the original on 2024-08-27. Retrieved 2024-08-26.

## External links

[edit]

* Cup of Joe on Facebook
* Cup of Joe on YouTube