Filipino band Cup of Joe delivered an emotional and electrifying performance at their two-day sold-out Silakbo concert last weekend, treating fans to an early Valentine's Day celebration.

On the second night, February 9, band members Gian Bernardino (vocals), Raphael Ridao (vocals), Gabriel Fernandez (lead guitar), CJ Fernandez (rhythm guitar), and Xen Gareza (keys) captivated the crowd with songs from their newest studio album, Silakbo, and their biggest hits. 

The concert centered around the five stages of grief, which inspired the album’s concept.

“Joewahs! Welcome to Day 2 of Silakbo!” Gian said after their performance of “Bagyo,” “Wag Na Lang” and “Patutunguhan.”

Raphael reflected on their journey, recalling their early days performing on the Araneta Coliseum stage.

“It’s the second night of our concert at hindi pa rin kami makapaniwala na magco-concert kami in the Big Dome,” Gabriel expressed. “When we were in Grade 12, noong na-form kami, pangarap lang namin ito. To be able to scream ‘What’s up, Araneta?’ Grabe! It feels like we are still dreaming.”

He reminisced about their first time at Araneta. It was when they received an award for “Nag-iisang Muli”. 

“Six years ago, nagperform kami rito. Noong time na iyon, nagreceive kami ng award for ‘Nag-iisang Muli’. Pero ang tagal na ng time na iyon and sino ba magaakala na dadalhin niyo kami rito — at two days pa,” he added. “Grabe talaga kayo! Dahil sa inyo, ang dami na naming narating sa buhay kaya very thankful kami sa inyo.”

The band structured their setlist around the five stages of grief, starting with denial. They performed “Wine”  and “Kanelang Mata” with a spoken word poetry segment between sets.

Moving into the anger stage, they played “Bubog” and “Pahina,” explaining, 

“Bawat isa sa atin may kahinaang itinatago. Ngayong gabi, intindihin natin lahat ng mga emosyon. There are five stages of grief. Dumaan na tayo sa denial stage; ngayon nasa anger stage na tayo.”

When they got to the bargaining stage, Raphael and Gian admitted that these songs were particularly personal for the band.

“Dito sa bargaining stage, dito mostly nakarelate ang members ng Cup of Joe, lalo na si CJ. This is the part where you try to make deals to avoid or lessen the pain of loss. Mapapasabi ka na lang dito na sana bumalik siya, kahit isa lang saglit, at kahit di na maulit,” Gian said. 

They then performed “Siping,” and “Estranghero”, and surprised fans with “Lahat ng Bukas” featuring singer Keanna Mag. 

The performance was extra special as it marked the song’s first anniversary.

“Today, one year na ngayon iyong ‘Lahat ng Bukas’. I’m really, really thankful for this song kahit ang dami ko na silang beses nakasama magperform. Everytime is so special and I’m so grateful for the boys. I love you guys!” Keanna said.

To break the emotional intensity, the band introduced their sub-unit stages. Gian, CJ, and Xen — calling themselves Pink Penoy Club — performed The Eraserheads’ hits including “Alapaap,” “Pare Ko,” and “Ang Huling el Bimbo.”

“Kami po ang Pink Penoy Club. Kami po ang tatlong huling kumempleto ng Cup of Joe. Noong college freshmen kami, kami ang roommates kaya madalas kami magcover today. Kaya rin Pink Penoy Club kasi naderive iyon sa song ni Chappell Roan na ‘Pink Pony Club’ and  kasi meryenda rin ’yung kina Raphael kaya sa amin din,” Gian explained.

READ: Cup of Joe announces postponement of Baguio stop of SILAKBO tour: 'We promise the rescheduled show will be worth the wait'

Raphael and Gab took fans on a nostalgic ride with a tribute to the band 5 Seconds of Summer, performing “Heartbreak Girl” and “She Looks So Perfect” where they were joined by another special guest, “Namumula” artist Maki.

“Thank you so much for having me. Maraming salamat sa suporta ninyo sa musikang OPM. Sana patuloy niyo kaming suportahan kahit maging 30 man kami o maging 50 naman,” Maki expressed. “Sobrang golden, para sa akin, ‘yung mga moments na ganito na nagsasama-sama ‘yung mga OPM artists para magtulungan.”

Cup of Joe also gave fans an up close experience during their performances of “Hayaan” and “Tataya,” when they walked closer to the audience. 

A special moment also unfolded when BINI’s Jhoanna Robles, the muse of their “Misteryoso” music video, attended the show. Gian, who played her counterpart in the video, sang the song with her, bringing their story to life.

Another highlight was their collaboration with Janine Teñoso on “Tingin”, which they now performed together in the Big Dome.

“Maraming salamat for saying yes na magkaroon ng idea na magco-collab tayo. This song is one of the turning points of our career. We are very glad na ikaw ‘yung itinadhanang makatrabaho namin sa song na ito. We are very grateful,” Gian expressed.

Janine replied, “Honestly, thank you Cup of Joe for trusting me with the song. I remember na sinulat natin ‘yung song over Facetime tapos 12 AM na noon and tinapos lang natin siya overnight. Sobrang grateful lang ako to be able to sing that song now in your show.”

Reaching the depression stage, the band performed “Multo,” “‘Di Maaari,” and “Nag-iisang Muli.” 

The final stage, acceptance, was marked by emotional renditions of  “Sagada” and “Hinga.”

“Maraming salamat talaga sa inyo guys sa support niyo at pagsabay sa trip namin,” Raphael said.

“This concert will end, but one thing is for sure: this is just the beginning of something more beautiful, something bigger. Hindi lang para sa amin, kung hindi para sa ating lahat, “ Gian added.

The night ended with powerful performances of “Silakbo” and “Mananatili.”

Cup of Joe is now preparing for their regional tour in Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo, as well as international stops in Canada and the US.