Silakbo: Rediscovering Stages of Grief with Cup of Joe
Cup of Joe’s ‘Silakbo’ emotionally connects with their listeners while rediscovering stages of grief.
Words Yanna Marie Ivy Vanzuela
Photos courtesy of Cup of Joe
February 1, 2025
Rising alternative pop band ‘Cup of Joe’ continues to carve its place in the OPM scene as the band unveils their sophomore album, ‘Silakbo.’ Originally hailing from Baguio City, the band is composed of five talented musicians: vocalists Gian Bernardino and Raphael Ridao, pianist Xen Gareza, and guitarists Gab Fernandez and CJ Fernandez.
Known for their evocative sound and lyrical depth, the band once again released a deeply moving masterpiece exploring and rediscovering the five stages of grief.
‘Silakbo’ guides listeners through grief’s emotional landscape, offering two tracks for each stage: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. With the album, the band’s ability to balance raw emotion with musical innovation, creating a sonic experience that resonates deeply with listeners was highlighted.
The Five Stages of Grief
The journey begins with Stage 1: Denial, represented by the tracks ‘Bagyo’ and ‘Wine.’ ‘Bagyo’ opens the album with turbulent energy, mirroring the initial shock and disbelief that accompanies grief. On the other hand, ‘Wine’ softens the intensity, channeling vulnerability and longing as it captures the fragility of clinging to hope in denial.
Stage 2: Anger arrives with ‘Kanelang Mata’ and ‘Bubog,’ both confronting pain with gripping intensity. ‘Kanelang Mata’ burns with frustration and raw emotion, while ‘Bubog’—dubbed the ‘sister song’ of the band’s earlier track ‘Sagada’—dives into wounds that have yet to heal, reminding listeners of the catharsis found in facing anger head-on.
The narrative then moves to Stage 3: Bargaining, where ‘Siping’ and ‘Pahina’ reflect the human desire to hold on and negotiate with loss. ‘Siping’ encapsulates quiet desperation, while ‘Pahina’ tells a story that unfolds like flipping through the pages of a book—a metaphor for longing to rewrite fate.
In Stage 4: Depression, the haunting introspection of ‘Multo’ and the weight of ‘‘Di Maaari’ bring the album to its emotional depths. ‘Multo’ echoes the ghostly presence of grief, while ‘‘Di Maaari’—one of the band’s earliest compositions—conveys the heaviness of despair, yet also reveals a quiet resilience.
Finally, Stage 5: Acceptance is marked by ‘Hinga’ and the title track ‘Silakbo.’ ‘Hinga’ offers a moment of release, as if taking a deep breath to embrace the inevitable. Closing the album, ‘Silakbo’ is a triumphant catharsis, where the outburst of emotions finds peace, bringing the narrative full circle with hope and closure.
An Outburst of Emotion
In an exclusive media conference, vocalist Gian Bernardino described ‘Silakbo’ as “an outburst of emotion that demands to be felt.” The band shared how the album reflects not only their individual journeys but also their desire to validate the emotions of their listeners.
“This is a healing journey,” Gian added, emphasizing the importance of processing pain and finding ways to move forward.
From Studio to Stage
To celebrate the release of ‘Silakbo,’ Cup of Joe is gearing up for a two-day sold-out concert series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on February 8 and 9. Fans can look forward to an electrifying showcase of the album’s emotionally charged tracks, brought to life by the band’s signature performances.
Following the Manila concerts, the band will embark on a regional tour, bringing ‘Silakbo’ to fans in Baguio on March 6 and 7, Davao on March 22, and Cebu on March 29. These performances promise to connect with audiences across the country, creating a shared experience of healing and reflection through music.
With ‘Silakbo,’ Cup of Joe has crafted more than just an album—it’s a soundtrack to the universal experience of grief, offering a reminder that emotions, no matter how difficult, are meant to be felt and understood.
As they prepare to bring ‘Silakbo’ on the stage, Cup of Joe invites fans and newcomers alike to join them on this emotional journey. Whether you’re grieving, healing, or simply finding comfort in music, ‘Silakbo’ serves as a testament to the band’s ability to connect through their artistry—beautifully human, heartbreakingly real.
