Cup of Joe Returns at the Big Dome With Sold-out Concert ‘Silakbo’
Leading Filipino alternative pop band Cup of Joe conquered the Big Dome with a 2-day sold-out concert–‘Silakbo’
Words Patricia Lanzagarita
Photos courtesy of VAA Live
February 19, 2025
That night was a dream come true for both Cup of Joe and their fans.
When we stepped into the coliseum, the whole venue was full of red lights that lit up the entire stadium. Different murmurs can be heard when you pass the audience, sometimes about their concert experience, their favorite song, or sometimes their most-awaited time of the night–when the band starts to play on the stage.
The night is alive and so are the fans of the OPM band–Cup of Joe, formed by its exceptional members: Gian Bernardino, Raphael Ridao, Xen Gareza, and Gab Fernandez.
Vibing until the night ends
When the band started to play ‘Bagyo’ while entering the stage, you could not hear anything other than the screams of the fans–it was truly exhilarating. Fans cannot stop themselves from singing along with the band members. Known as a choir country where fans can sing almost the whole song, the talent of Filipinos in singing was evident that night.
From the first song in the setlist of the band up to their last song, fans passed the vibe check. During their song ‘Tingin,’ the band members stopped singing to let the audience continue the song–it was goosebumps when the whole stadium sang the climax. It was truly a magical night for both Cup of Joe and their fans.
From Baguio to nationwide popularity
Cup of Joe originally came from Baguio City. The band was deeply influenced by Baguio City and its beautiful scenery, even inspiring their songs. Their first song ‘Nag-iisang Muli’ was inspired by the scenic surroundings of Baguio.
From being a senior high school band, Cup of Joe is now the leading alternative pop band in the Philippines. With their love and fondness for music, they are bound to conquer the world with their international tour in the US and Canada.
The band’s passion for music and their exceptional talent reached a new and higher heights that the then students only dreamed of, yet now, it has become their whole reality–a dream come true, indeed.
OPM rise!
With the band’s incredible and exceptional talent, that night is a testimony that OPM is not dead. Another proof of that is the Filipino singers who are present during the concert such as BINI members Jhoanna and Maloi, Maki, Robi Deniel, Janine Teñoso, Moira Dela Torre, and more.
Initially, Cup of Joe performed at the Big Dome in 2019 but only as a guest performer. After 6 years, the band was back and came prepared as they conquered Araneta.
‘Silakbo’ is a night worth remembering not only for the fans but also for the members of Cup of Joe—definitely, a fever dream. The whole concert made us crave more and made us anticipate what comes after for the band. Yet, one thing is clear, Cup of Joe is bound to conquer more.
