Cup of Joe’s ‘Silakbo’ concert at the Smart Araneta Coliseum was a sold-out, full-circle moment that showcased their journey—from being a high school band in Baguio to becoming a powerhouse in OPM. The two-night event featured a thematic setlist reflecting the five stages of grief, nostalgic throwbacks to their early days, and collaborations with Janine Teñoso, Maki, and Keanna Mag.
For Cup of Joe and its ever-growing fanbase, February 8 and 9, 2025, were nights to remember.
The band, which started as a high-school group in Baguio in 2018, returned to the Smart Araneta Coliseum, not as guest performers, but as headliners of its own major concert Silakbo.
Its small gigs in school events and charity performances in a humble café along Session Road had culminated in a grand spectacle at the Big Dome, a celebration of the members' musical journey.
FROM BAGUIO TO THE BIG DOME
Stepping into the coliseum, the venue was bathed in red lights, mirroring the passion and intensity that "silakbo," which means an outbburst of emotions, represents.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation as fans discussed their favorite songs and their most-awaited moments of the night.
The high-pitched screams from the audience signaled the beginning of what would turn out to be a memorable evening.
Cup of Joe members Gian Bernardino, Rapha Ridao, Xen Gareza, CJ Fernandez, and Gabriel Fernandez walked onto the stage, greeted by the deafening cheers of their supporters.
“To be able to scream, ‘What’s up, Araneta?’ feels like a fever dream,” Gian said, overwhelmed by the gravity of the moment.
Symbolizing the band's roots, the stage design featuring little pine trees was a nod to their roots in Baguio.
It was a touching tribute, emphasizing that no matter how far they go, they will always carry a piece of home with them.
A STORY WOVEN THROUGH MUSIC
Silakbo was more than just a concert—it was a carefully crafted narrative of emotions, embodying the five stages of grief.
The band seamlessly arranged its songs to reflect these stages, making the night not only musically enthralling but also deeply meaningful.
The set list began with the denial stage, featuring “Bagyo” and “Wine,” as the band entered the stage amidst deafening screams.
The anger stage followed with “Kanelang Mata” and “Bubog,” capturing the intensity of raw emotions.
As the mood shifted to the bargaining stage, “Pahina” and “Siping” evoked feelings of longing and hope.
A special interlude brought a nostalgic touch.
The band split into two groups—Pink Penoy Club (Gian, Xen, and CJ) and Pink Soda (Rapha and Gab).
Pink Penoy Club performed OPM classics such as Eraserheads’ “Alapaap,” “Pare Ko,” and “Huling El Bimbo,” paying homage to the songs that inspired their musical journey.
Meanwhile, Pink Soda delighted fans with “Heartbreak Girl” by 5 Seconds of Summer before bringing out OPM soloist Maki for a powerful performance of “She Looks So Perfect” and his hit song “Namumula.”
Cup of Joe’s collaborations added more excitement to the night.
Janine Teñoso joined them in their hit song “Tingin,” making the crowd erupt in unison as they sang along.
Singer-songwriter Keanna Mag also graced the stage to perform its 2024 hit “Lahat Ng Bukas,” marking exactly a year since the song’s release.
Moving into the depression stage, the band performed “Multo,” “Nag-iisang Muli,” and “‘Di Maari” as a bonfire was lit on stage.
Then, as the final stage—acceptance—unfolded, Cup of Joe played some of its most beloved songs, including “Sagada,” “Hinga,” and “Silakbo.”
The encore featured “Mananatili,” a fitting conclusion that emphasized embracing the present moment.
A CELEBRATION OF OPM’S STRENGTH
Cup of Joe’s rise is a testament to the resilience of OPM.
Once an emerging band from Baguio, it has now risen to the forefront of the Philippines' alternative pop scene, proving that local talent can compete with international acts.
Aside from Maki and Janine Teñoso, also present were BINI’s Jhoanna and Maloi.
Reflecting on their journey, the members expressed their gratitude to their families, friends, and supporters.
“This is all because of you,” they shared with their fans, acknowledging the unwavering love that has propelled them to new heights.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CUP OF JOE?
As the Silakbo concert ended, fans were left yearning for more.
But this was just the beginning of a larger journey for Cup of Joe.
The band is set to take their music beyond Philippine shores with an upcoming tour in the United States and Canada, carrying the spirit of OPM to an even wider audience.
Indeed, Silakbo was also a dream come true, a celebration of passion, and a promise of even greater things to come.
Cup of Joe is on a trajectory to conquer the world, and this is only the start of its global journey.