Take a deep breath, because Cup of Joe just became the first local act to grace the stage of the massive Philippine Sports Stadium.
The stadium has long been dominated by international artists, especially K-pop concerts, making Cup of Joe’s “Sandali” concert on May 23 historic for the Filipino music scene.
The five-member band, composed of Gian Bernardino (lead vocalist), Gab Fernandez (lead guitar), Rapha Ridao (lead vocals), CJ Fernandez (rhythm guitar) and Xen Gareza (keyboards) headlined in Bulacan with their “Sandali: The Cup of Joe Fest”.
Concert turns into ‘Basaan Festival’
The band, however, faced a setback during the pivotal night. Shortly after soundcheck, an unexpected downpour soaked the outside grounds as spectators started to fill the stadium.
However, the rain did not weaken the atmosphere; rather, it became an integral part of the event, perfectly aligning with the “Basaan Festival” (Water-splash Festival) idea of the concert.
The crowd did not mind the rain at all. In fact, they sang to the band’s every lyric while their clothes were soaked.
It echoed Bernardino’s earlier remark: “Hope the audience is ready to get soaked.”
A night of gratitude, celebration
Unlike a usual concert, where the performances are more structured, Fernandez described “Sandali” as more free-flowing, like a music festival, which he said was for fun and gratitude.
“‘Sandali’ is very much a music fest in terms of vibe,” he said in Filipino, as reported by Manila Bulletin.
“Unlike our previous shows, which followed a clear structure, theme, and storyline, this one is centred on celebration. It’s more of a fun, laid-back music festival experience.”
The band performed the public favourite and one of their most successful songs: “Multo” and “Tingin”.
They also sang their new tracks from the “Sandali” EP: “Pamahiin”, “Kung Payagan”, “Lalayo”, “Isang Daan” and the title track “Sandali”.
The concert also had another surprise: the guest appearances and performances of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) legends, namely Bamboo, Kamikazee frontman Jay Contreras, and Ely Buendia.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Palmira Ruiz becomes Mexico’s first Miss Eco International winner
From small beginnings to stadium crowds
Before Cup of Joe, only Korean boy bands Seventeen, NCT 127 and Enhypen have been able to perform at the Philippine Sports Stadium.
This isn’t Cup of Joe’s only unprecedented milestone.
Over six years ago, the band, as described by vocalist Bernardino, was basically a group of kids who lacked a proper team and equipment – all they had with them were their talents and dreams.
They won “Best Regional Song” for “Nag-iisang Muli” at MOR (My Only Radio) Pinoy Music Awards back in 2019, when they were just a budding band from Baguio, northern Philippines.
Then in 2025, the band’s song “Multo” (translation: “Ghost”) became part of Araneta Group’s Wall of Fame alongside giant artists such as Taylor Swift and Engelbert Humperdinck.
They also became the first Filipino band to sell out five concerts at the Araneta Coliseum in a single year.
“Imagine, we started playing in cafés, then schools, then bar gigs,” Gareza said, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“And then we found ourselves shouting, ‘What’s up, Araneta!'”
Cup of Joe is the first Filipino band to enter the Billboard Global 200 with their song “Multo”, which peaked at No. 80.
The song also topped the Billboard Philippines Hot 100 for a record-breaking 27 weeks.
READ NEXT: Cannes Film Festival news: Child abuse drama ‘Fjord’ wins Palme d’Or
Shameeka Voyiya 
Wendellyn Mateo 
Carmela Calling