From performing in school gigs to headlining major concerts, Cup of Joe has carved out their own space in the OPM scene with their heartfelt music.
With their latest album "Silakbo," the band is ready to take fans on an emotional journey through the five stages of grief — a concept they carefully crafted to resonate deeply with their listeners.
Cup of Joe, composed of Gian, Rafa, Gab, CJ, and Zen, made waves on March 22, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang in Davao, marking the first stop of their "Silakbo" concert tour.
Ahead of their Davao concert, the group shared what fans could expect from their performances across the Philippines, along with the meaning behind the concert’s title, which is inspired by their latest album.
A sudden burst of emotion
The group explained that the word “Silakbo” refers to a sudden burst of emotion that demands to be felt, which perfectly encapsulates the essence of their album. Guitarist CJ emphasized the importance of embracing emotions, stating that they should be felt and not hidden.
The album is deeply personal, with each song reflecting the band members’ real-life experiences.
From heartbreak to loss, they poured their emotions into every track. One of the earliest songs they wrote for the album, "Di Maaari," was created in 2019 and touches on the grief of losing a loved one.
"It’s about the passing of a close family member. We wanted to convey the pain and let people know it’s okay to feel that grief. Para sa amin, mahalaga na maramdaman mo ang lungkot at hindi mo ito itago," Zen explained.
A journey of growth
More than just a collection of songs, Silakbo represents Cup of Joe’s growth — both as musicians and individuals.
“If our early songs were two-dimensional — just happy or sad — this album explores a wider range of emotions. We’ve matured not just in sound but also in storytelling. Ngayon, hindi lang basta masaya o malungkot ang tunog namin. Mas malalim na ang kwento ng bawat kanta,” Gian shared.
This maturity comes from years of balancing their studies and music. Until late 2024, most of the members were still working students, juggling their academic pursuits with their music careers.
“For five years, we had to make sacrifices to finish both our degrees and our music. Dalawang members namin — si CJ at si Gav — naka-graduate na, pero ‘yung iba, lumalaban pa rin. Pero ngayon, mas nagpo-focus kami sa music dahil ayaw naming sayangin ang pagkakataon,” Rafa shared.
Challenge of creating ‘Silakbo’
Writing an album as personal as Silakbo was not an easy task for the band. They admitted that some songs were emotionally draining to complete.
"The song ‘Bubong’ was tough to write because it deals with self-blame. ‘Di Maaari’ was also difficult because it reflects on life’s tragedies. And ‘Pahina’ — it took me a long time to find the right words to express what I was feeling. Mahirap ilabas ‘yung ganung klaseng emosyon, lalo na kung personal talaga sa’yo,” Gab shared.
Despite the challenges, they remained committed to making an album that stayed true to their emotions and experiences.
A connection beyond music
More than gaining fame, Cup of Joe values their connection with fans. The realization of their growing success comes when they hear their audience passionately singing along to their songs.
"We don’t really talk about ‘making it big’ — pero kapag naririnig namin ‘yung mga tao na kinakanta ‘yung songs namin, dun namin nare-realize na, ‘Wow, andito na pala tayo,’" Rafa shared.
The band also finds joy in seeing their songs used in social media content, especially on TikTok.
“Nakakagulat at nakaka-touch kasi hindi naman namin in-expect na magiging trend ‘yung mga kanta namin. Pero kapag nakikita namin na ginagamit ng tao sa content nila, mas nararamdaman namin na may koneksyon talaga kami sa audience namin," Zen added.
A special dedication to fans
Cup of Joe shared that if there’s one song in Silakbo that they’d like to dedicate to their fans, it’s the title track itself.
"Silakbo is about not turning away from your emotions. It reminds us that everything we go through is part of who we are. Wag mong talikuran ang nararamdaman mo, kasi parte ‘yan ng kwento mo,” Gian said.
As they take the Silakbo Tour to different cities, the band is excited to perform the album live and create unforgettable moments with their fans.
"Dabawenyos are always a solid crowd. Sobrang excited kami marinig silang kantahin ‘yung bagong songs namin," CJ said excitedly.
After Davao and Cebu, Cup of Joe will be heading to other regions, ensuring that Silakbo’s message reaches every corner of the country.
For those who have ever felt pain, loss, or overwhelming emotions, Silakbo is an album that reminds you: your feelings are valid, and they deserve to be heard.
The Cup of Joe concert in Davao City was produced and presented by Viva Live and EKG Productions. AJA